Summary
PerIGN,Microsoft confirmed that Deck13’sAtlas Fallenis coming to Xbox Game Pass on August 22. The action RPG, which earned mixed reviews from critics but has garnered a decent following among players, takes plenty of inspiration from titles likeGod of War(2018) andMonster Hunter, tasking users with exploring a diverse, mysterious desert and slaying all manner of gigantic enemies. While it may not have left an impact in 2023, largely because its launch was dwarfed byBaldur’s Gate 3, it’s a fun game that’s certainly worth a look.
What’s the most exciting Xbox Game Pass title coming in August?
The August line-up for Xbox Game Pass is a surprisingly short list this year, with just a handful of titles being added to the library, including Mafia: Definitive Edition and Creatures of Ava. For me, the most exciting title coming to Xbox Game Pass this month is Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, as it’s sometimes nice to feel the nostalgia of my childhood gaming days with an old-fashioned platformer, and while it may be fairly challenging, it’s still a generally enjoyable time.
What Is Atlas Fallen?
A Very Sandy Adventure
While Deck13 is largely known for developing cult-classic Soulslikes likeLords of the FallenandThe Surge,Atlas Fallenrepresents a major new direction for the studio. While someDark Souls-inspired elements are there,the game is more geared towards fast-paced, flashy combat with a tangible progression systemand unlocks to facilitate bigger, more challenging boss encounters. Users widely agree thattraversal is whereAtlas Fallenexcelssince it’s always fun to skate around massive sand dunes populated by the crumbling remains of an ancient world.
Following criticism that the game’s combat system wasn’t as customizable as many thought it would be,Deck13 released a revamped version of the game that features more quests, deeper character customization, a harder difficulty mode, and improved progression. The developer even went the extra mile by reworking the game’s voice acting after many complained that the originals' characters felt stilted and lifeless. The overall story, which failed to impress, hasn’t been reworked but the effort that’s gone into transforming the game is still impressive.
Aside fromAtlas Fallen,Xbox Game Passhas a few more games up its sleeve for the remained of August.Core Keeper, the indie survival-crafting gamethat’s been a major hit on Steam, lands on the service on August 27. Additionally,those gearing up forCall of Duty: Black Ops 6will also be able to play the open betawhen it launches through the platform on August 30.
