New to Xbox Game Pass – August 2023 Wave 2

After a varied set of Xbox Game Pass titles being added in the first half of August, it’s time for the second half. We know September will be a huge month with games like Starfield and Lies of P to name a couple, so the last two weeks of August will be a smaller offering of titles. That doesn’t mean there is a drop in quality though. There are two day-one releases and two critically acclaimed games. Let’s break down the latest Xbox Game Pass wave.

Starting it off and available now is the return of Firewatch for cloud, console, and PC. This first-person mystery adventure wowed people in 2016 and it’s still a favorite today. It follows a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. With only their supervisor to talk to through a walkie-talkie, they’ll need to explore and get to the bottom of some strange happenings nearby.

Following it up and available today is the day-one release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for cloud, console, and PC. Similar to other asymmetrical multiplayer games like Dead by Daylight and Friday the 13th, (the latter sharing the same publisher) players can take on the mantle of survivors or of the different cannibal killers of the Slaughter family. Mixing things up a bit here is that it isn’t a sole killer to worry about, as the gameplay revolves around three family members trying to kill four of the teenage would-be survivors.

Next and coming up on August 29th is the day-one release of Sea of Stars for cloud, console, and PC. This turn-based RPG primarily follows Zane and Valere, warriors capable of harnessing the power of the sun and moon respectively, in addition to other playable characters. Aside from presenting beautiful 2D pixel art that showcases dynamic lighting, it also looks to stand out from others in the genre with no random encounters and both seamless navigation and battles.

Ending this wave and one of my personal favorite games to come out in the last five years is Gris for cloud, console, and PC. This short platformer takes place in a water-colored inspired setting. If you’re a fan of more artsy platformers with less of a challenge and mitral of a relaxing atmosphere, you can’t go wrong here. I’ve written a Gris review as well in case you’re on the fence.

Unfortunately, such a small wave of titles isn’t being paired with a small wave of games leaving. Players have until August 31st to check out the following titles before they’re gone: Black Desert, Commandos 3 – HD Remaster, Immortality, Nuclear Throne, Surgeon Simulator 2, and Tinykin.