10 Awesome Retro Games to Check Out on Microsoft’s Game Pass Service

We have taken a look at various retro games on the Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus subscription services, so what about the original service that started it all: Microsoft’s Game Pass for PC and Xbox?

The first of its kind to offer a Netflix-style service but with interactive media, Game Pass has since become a powerhouse in the industry. It offers not only new triple-A games at launch, but also must-play indie games.

When it comes to the retro games on offer, one will be pleasantly surprised how diverse Game Pass can be, especially since it can offer old-school PC games, unlike its console contemporaries. Here are ten retro games that we highly recommend.

Black

Often regarded as one of the best first-person shooters of its era, many are still hoping for a true follow-up to Black someday. The level of cinematic flair that Black had when it debuted is still remarkable to see today.

Banjo-Kazooie

While originally released on the Nintendo 64, Banjo-Kazooie is now a Microsoft property and belongs on the Xbox Series X|S. Even its two sequels are available and offer a whole range of different game styles.

Fable Anniversary

The original Fable is still quite a unique experience and this anniversary update keeps the old-school fun while bringing in modern upgrades. Fable’s take on might and magic is simplistic but very fun once you get into the thick of it.

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

One of the original Xbox exclusives when Microsoft released their very first console, this anthropomorphic cat had players bend time itself to complete objectives. It was definitely a quirky alternative to the more standard 3D platformers of the early 2000s.

Doom 64

Another game that ironically came from the Nintendo 64, Doom 64 perfectly encapsulates what the series was all about before the recent reboots. Either way, Doom 64 is still a rocking good time for fans old and new.

Fuzion Frenzy

Xbox’s answer to the party genre, Fuzion Frenzy eschewed the more cartoony presentation of its contemporaries for a more Y2K-style of futuristic aesthetics. Otherwise, it featured a ton of zany minigames for four players to compete in.

Command And Conquer: Remastered Collection

An iconic real-time strategy franchise, the Command And Conquer: Remastered Collection is readily available for those subscribed to Game Pass on PC. It is still a worthwhile experience that has not been replicated in the modern age.

Pac-Man Museum+

A bit of a cop-out as this collection was released in 2022, but it otherwise features all the mainline Pac-Man games. Pac-Man’s arcade history is one that every gamer should explore at least once in their lifetime.

Grim Fandango Remastered

Another one of Tim Schafer’s classic adventure games, this spooky adventure features a morbid sense of humour and imaginative gameplay. Grim Fandango is so uniquely its own thing that no other game comes close.

Jade Empire: Special Edition

Bioware’s take on kung fu and wuxia is a hidden gem within their massive catalogue of games. Those who enjoy the studio’s trademark role-playing mechanics will love how Eastern martial art systems are woven into Jade Empire.