In recent months, Xbox Game Pass has been on a steady roll, dishing out some top-tier titles. September saw the arrival of award-worthy strategy games like Age of Mythology: Retold and Frostpunk 2, while October delivered the powerhouse Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This momentum surged even further in November with STALKER 2 and Flight Simulator 2024 joining the lineup, though they did face some teething troubles at launch. Nevertheless, Xbox Game Pass seems unstoppable in its quest to keep gamers hooked.
This incredible streak is setting the stage for a stunning close to 2024 for Xbox Game Pass. However, as things stand, just a single game is confirmed for the December roster. But it’s no small fry—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is gearing up for its debut on Game Pass come December 9. While Indiana Jones is a big hitter, it might not suffice to keep players engaged all month. There are numerous other titles that could pitch in to fortify the December lineup.
Turning our attention to the wish list for December, a dream inclusion would be the remastered combo of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2. Slated for release on December 10, these classics have long been on fans’ wish lists for a comeback. This remastered version is set to breathe new life into the old PS1 and PS2 games with upgraded visuals and some modern gameplay tweaks.
What makes Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered exciting are the polished graphics, better textures, enhanced lighting, revamped character models, and even some cool particle effects. The gameplay will boast quality-of-life updates like improved controls, a fresh mapping system, and a photo mode. To top it off, fans will enjoy bonus content such as concept art and a peek at some forgotten levels, marking these games’ 25th anniversary in style. Seeing Soul Reaver’s remastered version on Xbox Game Pass would indeed be a treat.
Another intriguing prospect for December is Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind. Throwing back to the golden era of ’90s arcade games like X-Men and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rita’s Rewind, also releasing on December 10, promises to be a delightful addition. The pixel-art brawler vibes will tug at fans’ nostalgic heartstrings, offering battles against well-loved enemies and piloting iconic robots like the Dinozords and Megazord.
A few years back, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge made waves on Game Pass as a co-op sensation, and there’s no reason Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind can’t do the same, drawing fans old and new.
One can’t mention the wish list for Game Pass in December without considering Balatro. Garnering attention with five nominations at the Game Awards, including Game of the Year, it’s stirring debates on its legitimacy to compete with heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Astro Bot, and Metaphor: ReFantazio. Yet, anyone who’s dabbled with Balatro knows its merit. On the surface, it might seem just another card game, but its addictive roguelike mechanics have won over many. Introducing Balatro to Game Pass in December could enlighten more players to its greatness and silence any remaining critics.
Lastly, let’s talk about Monster Hunter: World as a potential addition in December. Looking forward, 2025 promises an array of highly-anticipated game launches, and significantly, Monster Hunter Wilds drops on February 28, 2025. It’s positioned as a significant sequel in Capcom’s series. While Monster Hunter Rise is acknowledged as a mainline entry, Wilds is poised to be the true heir to 2018’s Monster Hunter: World.
Bringing Monster Hunter: World to Game Pass would be a savvy move, especially with the anticipation around Monster Hunter Wilds. If a new trailer emerges at the Game Awards as expected, it could amp the excitement for fans, giving them a taste of monster-hunting delights and setting the stage for Wilds.
Stay tuned, as December could hold several delightful surprises for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, potentially making it one of the most exciting months yet.
