If you've ever found yourself immersed in the world of PC gaming, you know how quickly the catalog can grow thanks to frequent sales on platforms like Steam. For years, I stuck to this routine, rarely venturing into the realm of subscription services. While Xbox Game Pass occasionally teased with high-profile titles, it never seemed worth the investment—until now.
Yesterday, however, changed everything. Bethesda and Virtuos pulled off a masterstroke by dropping The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered directly onto Game Pass. This news wasn’t exactly a secret, but its execution felt nothing short of spectacular. Adding fuel to the fire, tomorrow brings Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highly anticipated debut from French studio Sandfall Interactive. With its stylish visuals and turn-based combat inspired by classic JRPGs, it’s already earning rave reviews, including a 92 Metacritic score and glowing praise from IGN. As an avid RPG fan, Microsoft had me hooked.
Two Blockbusters on Game Pass in One Week
Released simultaneously on PC, consoles, and Game Pass on April 22, Oblivion Remastered delivers a polished yet nostalgic experience. New character models, enhanced combat mechanics, and remastered visual effects breathe life into this beloved title. Despite enlisting additional voice talent, the developers preserved much of the original’s charm—a nod to its quirky dialogue. Priced at $49.99 for the base version (or $59.99 for the Deluxe Edition), the remaster feels like a steal compared to its standalone counterpart.
Meanwhile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 debuts at the same price point, offering a fresh take on tactical RPG gameplay. Its turn-based system and visually striking UI have drawn comparisons to the Persona series. Early impressions suggest this is one indie gem you won’t want to overlook.
Though Expedition 33 initially took center stage in April’s Game Pass lineup, the surprise arrival of Oblivion Remastered has sparked some debate. Personally, I see it as a win-win scenario. Instead of shelling out $100 for two standalone purchases, I snagged a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for $19.99 and gained access to both titles—and much more.
More blockbusters are joining the mix, including *Blue Prince*, *South of Midnight*, and *Avowed*. Throw in timeless favorites like *GTA V* and the entire *Call of Duty* franchise, and you’ve got a service catering to every taste.Game Pass: The Ultimate Value Proposition
Game Pass Ultimate starts at $19.99/month, granting access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and cloud gaming devices. The PC-exclusive tier drops the price to $9.99/month, making it even harder to resist. Although the service has seen price increases in the past, recent additions make it clear why subscriptions remain popular.
Looking ahead, upcoming releases promise to keep the momentum going. If you haven’t already, consider locking in a longer-term subscription to avoid potential hikes. For gamers exploring other ecosystems, our guides on PS5, PC, and Switch deals remain essential reads. And speaking of exclusives, U.S. preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 go live tonight—another reason to stay tuned.
[ttpp]
