New to Xbox Game Pass – June 2023 Wave 2

The first Xbox Game Pass wave for June feels like it happened such a long time ago, thanks to the last two weeks of not-E3 that’s been filled with conferences and showcases. While there were plenty of things to be excited about, it’s time for a new set of titles to come to the Xbox service. Let’s go over what we can look forward to for the remainder of the month.

Kicking it all off on June 22nd is Need for Speed Unbound for cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S through EA Play. Featuring a unique mix of cel-shaded models and graffiti art effects, the latest addition to the racing franchise stands out all the while providing the same thrill of fast races and a ton of cops.

Joining it on the same day is the day-one release of The Bookwalker for console and PC. This narrative adventure has you dive into the various worlds of different books to find legendary weapons. Along the way, you’ll need to use your wits to deceive enemies or simply fight them in turn-based combat.

The next set of games is being added on June 27th. First is Bramble: The Mountain King. Featuring a grim world inspired by Nordic fables, you take control of a child named Olle who’s trying to save his kidnapped sister. The game was released less than two months ago, so this is a great deal for those who have yet to play it.

Next is F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch for cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. If metroidvanias and anthropomorphic animals are your things, you’ll want to check this one out. Play as Rayton, an angry rabbit with a large mechanical fist, as he fights back against the dangerous forces which have inhabited Torch City.

A couple of days later on June 29th will see Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town being added to console and PC. As the third mainline entry under the Story of Seasons title, some will feel some nostalgia for some previous entries when the series went under Harvest Moon. More specifically, this is a remake of the Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town games released on the Game Boy Advance in 2003. If you’re a fan of farming sims and want to know more about this reimagined classic, check out our review here for the Nintendo Switch version.

Heading into the following month we have Arcade Paradise coming onto console and PC on July 3rd. With a dream of creating the best place to play arcade games, you decide to overhaul the family laundromat into a titular arcade paradise. When you’re not handling the management sim side of things, you’re free to play any of the 35+ arcade games, including some with up to four local players. We’ve got a review of the Nintendo Switch version if you’re curious to learn more.

Rounding it out on July 5th is the fantasy action RPG Sword and Fairy: Together Forever for console and PC. This is the English localized version of The Legend of Sword and Fairy 7, which was released back in 2021. A big change for this entry in the series is the change from a turn-based battle system to hack-and-slash gameplay. Those new to the franchise are sure to enjoy the visuals and gameplay while returning fans will notice quite a few returning characters. If you’re interested in a first-hand account, we’ve got a review of the PlayStation 5 version that you can read through.

That just leaves the games that will be leaving the service. Players have until June 30th to check out the following: DJMax Respect V, Empire of Sin, Matchpoint – Tennis Championships, Olija, Omori, and Road 96.