New to Xbox Game Pass – July 2022 Wave 1

After a small wave of five titles (with one being a trilogy) in June’s second wave, July is starting strong with twelve titles. Three of them are a part of a bigger series and were previously on the service before being taken off in December, but I can attest that they’re pretty great and well worth getting into if you haven’t before. There’s sure to be something for everyone so let’s go over what’s coming over the first half of July.

Starting it all off are four immediate available games. The first is Last Call BBS, a day one release for PC. If you’re a fan of the indie studio Zachtronics and their games such as Infinifactory, TIS-100, and Opus Magnum, then you’ll want to see their latest. Not only is Last Call BBS labeled as their last work, but it also includes eight different games.

Another game available now and is the first in the three returning games I mentioned is Yakuza 0 for cloud, console, and PC. Acting as a prequel to the original series and taking place in the 80s, it follows both the series protagonist Kiryu Kazama and the fan-favorite Goro Majima as they become entoiled in a story that shapes who they will be in later titles. It features style-changing combat and a host of content that serves as a perfect introduction to the series. If I had known it was going to be returning, I certainly would have included it on my recent list of Game Pass favorites that are also cheap during the Steam Summer Sale.

Next and coming out for cloud, console, and PC is Yakuza Kiwami. It’s a remake of the original Yakuza game that adds more story elements and inherits the four-style combat from Yakuza 0. While there are plenty of fun side quests/substories to go through, the main story follows Kiryu after he takes the fall for the murder of a high-ranking Yakuza member within the Tojo Clan organization he’s a part of. After spending some time in prison he returns and soon finds himself in the middle of a plot that aims to shake up the Tojo Clan.

Along with the previous two is Yakuza Kiwami 2 for cloud, console, and PC. This is the best title to play next as it’s a remake of Yakuza 2. The original story is intact and focuses on Kiryu trying to keep peace in the face of imminent war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. Some story additions are present though, with some substories and a brand-new campaign focusing on Goro Majima has ties to Yakuza 0. When it comes to combat and graphics it also feels like the peak for the games situated around Kiryu as it’s the second to use their Dragon engine after Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

Moving on from those and coming on July 7th we have three more games that are each coming to cloud, console, and PC. Available as a day one release is Matchpoint: Tennis Championships. Aiming to provide a realistic take on the sport with real-life athletes and officially branded gear, there is a lot to keep you on your toes as you aim to be the next tennis star.

Those looking to be the next rhythm game star will want to check out DJMax Respect V. Internationally famous artists have contributed with exclusive HD music videos and over 150 tracks. The biggest inclusion and a first for the series are competitive online-multiplayer modes to take the challenge worldwide.

Road 96 is the last game to come out on June 7th with the other two. Procedurally-generated scenarios, interesting characters, and an attempt to escape a torn country through hitchhiking all intertwine for a unique story experience. Your choices dictate whether you’ll find freedom or an early end as you learn more about the various people you come across.

The remaining five games all come out on July 14th. First and coming to PC is Overwhelm. Aptly named, the 2D platformer provides an intense action-horror environment with limited visibility and one hit-deaths. Each boss you defeat meanwhile powers up the common enemies to continually escalate the difficulty of a run.

Anyone with kids or younger family members will be sure to enjoy the next two games. My Friend Peppa Pig allows you to create a character and interact with the world of the popular kid’s TV show Peppa Pig. From interacting with other characters to visiting familiar places, there are plenty of adventures to be had.

Another kid-friendly addition is PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls. Based on the setting of PAW Patrol: The Movie, control is given over the different members of the canine team as they try to stop the ill-scheming Mayor Humdinger. Two-player co-op play lets you tackle every mission and minigame together.

Rounding out this wave are two games that are day one releases, coming to cloud, console, and PC is PowerWash Simulator. You and a friend can clean every speck of grime in the neighborhood with your trusty high-pressure power washers. Up to six people total can then come together to replay jobs in the free play mode.

Escape room lovers can get their fill with Escape Academy. Over a dozen rooms have been designed by room escape experts to provide the ultimate challenge. If you want to share the fun, up to two players can play together in local or online co-op.

As always, some games are on their way out. There’s no telling if any of them will return as some have recently, but it’s best to play the ones you’re interested in now so you don’t regret the opportunity. You have until June 15th to play the likes of Atomicrops, Carrion, Children of Morta, Cris Tales, and Lethal League Blaze.