Alright, Cine-freaks and controller warriors! It’s that time of the month where we reluctantly (or eagerly, depending on your level of optimism) peek into the Xbox Game Pass vault. This month, the offerings are… well, they’re there. We’re talking about the service that desperately wants to be the Netflix of gaming, but often feels more like a digital garage sale with a revolving door. So, strap in, because we’re about to unleash some unfiltered truth on what’s coming in July 2025!
The Rare Gems (or at least, less dusty rocks)
First, let’s talk about the few titles that actually sparked a flicker of interest in our jaded gamer souls.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (July 1) is making a glorious return! This was an excellent addition to an already amazing franchise, and we’re glad it’s coming back! Lara Croft’s supernatural shenanigans on Yamatai were supposedly covered up by an organization known as Trinity, but we know the truth! The good news? This game delivers an engaging story with compelling characters, an immersive world that’s prettier than a Hollywood red carpet, and expedition modes that actually make you want to keep playing! Welcome back, Lara, we missed your questionable archeological ethics!
Then we have High on Life (July 15 *Thats my Birthday!). This game is a surprising addition and definitely breaks the mold for crazy video game entertainment. Why? Because it’s from the twisted, chaotic mind of the Co-Creator of Rick & Morty and Solar Opposites! Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’ve really got nothing going for you until an alien cartel that wants to get high off humanity invades Earth. Now, you and a team of charismatic talking guns must answer the hero’s call and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, and we’re here for it!
The Other Stuff (Literally)
And now, for the rest of the July lineup. Don’t get too excited, Cine-freaks. This is where Game Pass often feels like it’s scraping the bottom of the digital barrel. We’re not even going to bother with platforms because, honestly, who cares when the games might vanish next month?
- Little Nightmares 2: More creepy kids and unsettling monsters. Perfect for your next existential crisis.
- Legend of Mana: A classic RPG. Dust off your nostalgia goggles, because it’s probably still as confusing as ever.
- Trials of Mana: Another Mana game. Hope you like grinding, because that’s what these do best.
- Ultimate Chicken Horse: Build a platformer, then betray your friends. Sounds like a typical family game night.
- The Ascent: Cyberpunk action-RPG. Looks cool, probably runs like a potato on your old Xbox.
- Minami Lane: Cozy life sim. For when you need a break from the existential dread of real life.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: Skateboarding games that actually matter. Still better than your real-life ollie.
- Abiotic Factor: Sci-fi survival. Hope you like crafting and dying repeatedly.
- Wheel World: Cycling adventure. For those who enjoy digital cardio without the actual sweat.
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers: Souls-like action. Prepare to die. A lot. Like, a lot a lot.
- Grounded 2 – Early Access: Shrink yourself and survive(Didn’t they make a movie about this exact concept..Oh yea!! Honey I shrunk the Kids!). Still waiting for the full release, just like our patience.
The Verdict: Xbox Game Pass – Netflix of Gaming or Digital Disappointment?
Let’s be real, Xbox Game Pass desperately wants to be the Netflix of gaming, but with the constant removal of titles and the different tiers for more or extra content, it’s just plain silly! You can’t get into a game and then have it taken away a month later! It’s infuriating and just mean. We’re looking at you, Microsoft! Stop watering down your product with digital bait-and-switches and nickel-and-diming us for content that should be standard! Give us a stable library and stop pulling the rug out from under our digital feet! Our patience is thinner than a game’s day-one patch!
Call to Action: What do YOU think of Xbox Game Pass’s July lineup? Are you ready to raid some tombs or hunt some aliens? Or are you just infuriated by the revolving door of titles? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your unfiltered opinions on Cinesist! 👇💥🎮
