n this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we put on the gear and hit the streets with two procedural-heavy sims: Firefighting Simulator: The Squad and Police Simulator: Patrol Officers — both from the same publisher, both promising realism and co-op-friendly gameplay.

But what we found was... odd. These games aim for authenticity, but somehow miss the mark in both realism and gameplay depth. They're not exactly arcade, not exactly sim — just somewhere in between.

We break down:

The moment-to-moment gameplay and why it can feel more like following a checklist than fighting fires or solving crimes

The inconsistent tone — realistic job settings mixed with strange AI, clunky animations, and mechanics that don’t quite reflect real-world procedures

Whether there's enough content and progression to keep players engaged past the first few missions

How they compare to other Game Pass co-op or sim-style titles

Are these chill, low-stakes co-op options worth a download — or do they fall flat trying to simulate something they don’t fully commit to?

Rip and tear… but this time with a flail and shield.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down everything we know so far about DOOM: The Dark Ages, the next brutal entry in id Software’s iconic franchise — and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Set in a dark medieval world, this prequel to 2016’s DOOM reinvents the Slayer as a knight-like figure, battling demonic hordes with brutal melee weapons, heavy siege-inspired firearms, and a rideable cybernetic dragon.

We cover:

Gameplay evolution: How id is blending high-speed FPS mechanics with grounded, gritty close-quarters combat — and what that means for longtime fans

New weapons: Including the shield-saw (think Captain America meets chainsaw) and a bone-shattering flail built for crowd control and brutality

Setting and tone: A complete shift from sci-fi Mars to a gothic, hell-torn kingdom that feels part Dark Souls, part DOOM Eternal

The Dragon: Yes, the Slayer rides a biomechanical dragon into battle

Design philosophy: Why id says this is their most cinematic, story-rich DOOM yet, without sacrificing speed or savagery

Xbox just dropped its Summer Showcase 2025, and we’re breaking down what that means for Game Pass players.

In this reaction episode, we cover:

Hardware reveal: Xbox-branded Asus ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds — portable Game Pass everywhere 🎮

Big game drops: The Outer Worlds 2 (Oct 29, day‑one), High on Life 2 (Winter 2025), Super Meat Boy 3D (early 2026), Ninja Gaiden 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 & more

Indie & RPG surprises: Clockwork Revolution, Beast of Reincarnation, Keeper from Double Fine

Remasters & DLC: Gears of War: Reloaded (Aug 26), new Persona 4 Revival, Grounded 2, Fallout 76 DLC, and Sea of Thieves Season 17

We’re unpacking:

What Game Pass subscribers should be most excited about

Whether Xbox delivered more substance than flash

Which announcements define Xbox’s roadmap through 2026

🔥 Was this a showcase that lives up to the hype — or are the real headlines hiding between the trailers? Tune in for our full breakdown.

The train from hell is back — and it’s brought more cards, more chaos, and way more combos.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive deep into Monster Train 2, the sequel to one of the most addictive roguelike deckbuilders in recent memory. With new clans, refined mechanics, and a surprising twist on multiplayer, is this sequel just more of the same — or a worthy evolution?

We cover:

How Monster Train 2 improves (or doesn’t) on the original

New mechanics and clan synergies worth learning

How it stacks up against Slay the Spire and other deckbuilders

Whether it’s friendly to newcomers or strictly for veterans

🚂 Is Monster Train 2 the best roguelike deckbuilder on Xbox Game Pass, or did it miss its stop?

Surprise announcement or long time coming?

In this bonus episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down the recent news that Microsoft is increasing prices on Xbox Series X consoles and first-party games.

We get into:

What’s changing and when

Why Microsoft is making these moves now

How it stacks up against Sony and Nintendo’s pricing strategies

What it means for the value of Game Pass moving forward

Is this the beginning of the end for Game Pass’s “best deal in gaming” reputation — or just the cost of doing business in 2025?

A deadly painter. A cursed number. A world slowly being wiped from existence.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 drops players into one of the most visually striking turn-based RPGs in years — where every brushstroke is a weapon and every year could be your last. Inspired by Final Fantasy and Persona, but drenched in surrealist French art, this is a game that’s not afraid to get weird — or emotional.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into:

The unique mix of turn-based strategy and real-time input mechanics

The stunning visual style and what it brings to the genre

How its worldbuilding and narrative stack up against genre classics

Whether this ambitious title lives up to the hype — or paints itself into a corner

🖌️ Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a true Game Pass gem — or just style over substance? Find out now.

A nuclear disaster, a quarantined countryside, and something lurking beyond the fog — Atomfall drops players into a chilling alt-history Britain, blending survival horror with open-world exploration.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dig into the atmosphere-heavy world of Atomfall:

Does its survival crafting loop feel rewarding or repetitive?

How well does Atomfall’s eerie setting stack up against classics like Fallout or S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?

Is Atomfall’s slow-burn pacing a feature or a flaw?

With a strong emphasis on story, scavenging, and staying alive, Atomfall is aiming for something big — but does it stick the landing?

🛑 Listen in to find out if this post-apocalyptic adventure deserves a spot on your Game Pass download list, or if it’s better left buried.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down why Balatro is far more than a gimmick. With combo-stacking strategy, addictive progression, and just enough chaos to keep every run fresh, this game turns your brain into a bluffing machine.

Whether you’re a poker veteran or a card game rookie, there’s a lot to unpack:

Is Balatro just a trend ride, or does it have real staying power?

How does its roguelike structure stand out from Slay the Spire clones?

Is it worth your time on Xbox Game Pass, or just a passing hand?

Find out if this card-slinging chaos is a Game Pass… or a pass.