Tag: Xbox Game Passengers Podcast

Xbox Game Passengers 038 – ‘The Forgotten City’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

This month, it’s time for a time-looping mystery with Skyrim mod turned full game The Forgotten City, and for the first time in quite some time, Derek is joined by a brand-new guest!

The Forgotten City is a mystery adventure game of exploration and deduction, and a re-imagining of the critically acclaimed mod that won a national Writers’ Guild award and racked up over 3 million downloads.

Combat is an option, but violence will only get you so far. Only by questioning an intertwined community of colourful characters, cleverly exploiting the time loop, and making difficult moral choices can you hope to solve this epic mystery. Here, your decisions matter. The fate of the city is in your hands.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Xbox Game Passengers 034 – ‘Sea Of Solitude’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

We’re (finally) back to some female representation as Mikaela re-joins the show to chat about 2019’s very pretty sadness simulator, Sea of Solitude. Will Mikaela cry before the end of the episode? You’ll have to listen to find out, but damn this game was depressing.

When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters…

Sea of Solitude takes you on a personal journey of a young woman’s loneliness. Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world, where nothing is quite what it seems. Meet fantastical creatures and monsters, learn their stories, and solve challenges. Explore a flooded city, either by boat, on foot, or by swimming through the water itself. Dare to look what lies beneath the surface, in a haunting struggle of darkness and light, and discover what it truly means to be human.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 028 – ‘Perfect Dark’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) completely at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

This month, Mike Duddy returns to talk about playing the Xbox 360 remake of the lauded N64 classic Perfect Dark. Mike was a big fan of the series growing up, and Derek had never played it before (and was pretty certain that this episode was just going to be a massive argument). Was it? Listen on to find out!

The remaster to the Nintendo 64 classic puts players in the role of Joanna Dark, an agent for Carrington Institute. In Perfect Dark, players battle across 17 action-packed levels, utilizing a range of high-tech weaponry and gadgets to take down the dataDyne corporation. Compete with others in the “Combat Simulator” or take the fight online in a co-operative mode that lets you take on enemies with a friend. Relive a classic with updated graphics in this high-definition take on Perfect Dark for Xbox 360.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 027 – ‘Titanfall 2’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) completely at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

This time around, John joins Derek to break down Respawn Entertainment’s lauded robot-centric FPS… and to see whether or not John has played Flight Simulator yet (he hasn’t… but has watched hours and hours of additional videos since our special E3 episode).

Call down your Titan and get ready for an exhilarating first-person shooter experience in Titanfall® 2! The sequel introduces a new single player campaign that explores the bond between Pilot and Titan. Or blast your way through an even more innovative and intense multiplayer experience – featuring 6 new Titans, deadly new Pilot abilities, expanded customization, new maps, modes, and much more. 

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers: The Microsoft / Bethesda E3 2021 Special!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Holy crap.

Since Microsoft’s last E3 outing, a lot has happened. The company launched two spectacular new consoles, acquired companies like freakin’ Bethesda, and doubled down on the future with huge (finally released) moves in cloud streaming.

A couple of days back, Satya Nadella and Phil Spencer sat down to discuss why Microsoft is all-in on gaming, and also revealed that the the company is working on dedicated Xbox streaming sticks, and that soon you’ll be able to stream Xbox games directly to your smart TV.

https://youtu.be/1YnVzOA2wNs

With reveals like that trickling in prior to their actual presentation, we were pretty sure that the show was going to be a big one. From Starfield‘s release date to Halo Infinite multiplayer going free to play, to Forza Horizon 5‘s insane cacti, to Jack Sparrow in Sea of Thieves, previous guest John returns to Xbox Game Passengers host Derek to break down all the news.

Listen to find out what the pair thought of the presentation, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 026 – ‘Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) completely at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

Derek downloaded Yakuza 6 thinking it would be an open world GTA clone. He’s possibly never been more wrong. Join Derek and returning guest Shane as they for some reason start with the sixth mainline entry into the series, and don’t really understand what’s going on! A huge apology to Geekscape Games’ Josh and Carlos as we butcher discussing a series that they love.

How far would you go for family? Step into Japan’s criminal underworld with fists swinging in this explosive action brawler starring legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu, who is hellbent on uncovering the truth behind a tragic accident that left his daughter comatose.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 025 – ‘Call Of The Sea’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) completely at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

It was clear from its very first trailer that the debut title from developer Out of the Blue games, Call of the Sea, would be beautiful to look at (and with cast members like Cissy Jones and Yuri Lowenthal, listen to) — but can it tell a tale worthy of its beautiful presentation? Mikaela returns to the show to share her thoughts.

Call of the Sea is a first-person adventure puzzle game set in the 1930s that tells the story of Norah, a woman on the trail of her missing husband’s expedition. The search takes place on a strange but beautiful island in the South Pacific, filled with secrets waiting to be unearthed. It is an otherworldly tale of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 024 – ‘The Medium’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Once a month, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them (usually) completely at random.

Whether the game is a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

Bloober Team’s Silent Hill-esque The Medium has been on Derek’s radar since it was first announced — but did the game turn out to be more Shattered Memories (good) or Homecoming (very bad)? Previous guest Dougie returns to the show to discuss!

Discover a dark mystery only a medium can solve. Travel to an old communist resort and use your unique psychic abilities to uncover its disturbing secrets, solve dual-reality puzzles, survive encounters with sinister spirits, and explore two realities at the same time.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Thanks for joining us for another episode! We took a long (long) break as the world fell apart, but we’re glad to be back playing games and making new content. We really hope that you enjoy the episode — if you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 023 – ‘Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare / Warzone’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Typically, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

But these are atypical times, and with the added stress of some certain doom and a sensory overload of bad news, Xbox Game Passengers has found itself in a bit of a hiatus.

Host Derek has spent the past few weeks playing some games that he wanted to play, instead of games that he had to play, and he and guest (and Let’s Play Arcade! cohost John are here to give their thoughts on Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare. Yep, we know — it’s not even on Xbox Game Pass!

John has spent a lot of money to play this game (more than you’d guess), and Derek ended up with an Elite Controller, plus some initial thoughts on Fallout 76: Wastelanders, and more!

The stakes have never been higher as players take on the role of lethal Tier One operators in a heart-racing saga that will affect the global balance of power. Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® engulfs fans in an incredibly raw, gritty, provocative narrative that brings unrivaled intensity and shines a light on the changing nature of modern war. Developed by the studio that started it all, Infinity Ward delivers an epic reimagining of the iconic Modern Warfare® series from the ground up.

In the visceral and dramatic single-player story campaign, COD: Modern Warfare pushes boundaries and breaks rules the way only Modern Warfare® 2019 can. Players will engage in breathtaking covert operations alongside a diverse cast of international special forces throughout iconic European cities and volatile expanses of the Middle East.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 021 – ‘World War Z’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

This time around, Mike returns for his second episode in a row to discuss the derivative but compelling multiplayer adventure, World War Z. The pair make far too many comparisons to Left 4 Dead… but what are you going to do about it?

World War Z is a heart-pounding four-player cooperative third-person shooter featuring massive swarms of zombies that recklessly rush their living prey. Focused on fast-paced gameplay — and inspired by the incredibly popular Paramount Pictures property of the same name — World War Z explores new storylines and characters from around the world in tense, overwhelming, and gruesomely exciting missions.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 020 – ‘Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

In this episode, Mike returns to break down 2017’s lauded adventure title, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. It’s a much different experience than either host expected and… they spend far too much time wondering if the world will ever see a sequel as they recorded this episode just days before Senua’s Saga was revealed.

From the makers of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and DmC: Devil May Cry, comes a warrior’s brutal journey into myth and madness. Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover. Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 019 – ‘The Outer Worlds’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

Dougie returns to chat about one of Derek’s most anticipated (and surprise — favourite) games of 2019, The Outer Worlds. It’s pretty much the best Fallout game that we’ve had in years, and brings some cool and original ideas to the table as well.

Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edge of the galaxy, you awake decades later only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the Halcyon colony. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter various factions, all vying for power, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable. 

https://youtu.be/Oxlflrh_Pzw

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 018 – ‘Oxenfree’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

Mikaela returns after a long hiatus to chat about the quirky, spooky, and gorgeous adventure game, Oxenfree. Spoiler: she very clearly doesn’t like it and Derek spends the entire episode defending it.

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift. Play as Alex, a bright, rebellious teenager who brings her new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight party on an old military island. The night takes a terrifying turn when you unwittingly open a ghostly gate spawned from the island’s cryptic past. How you deal with these events, your peers, and the ominous creatures you’ve unleashed is up to you.

YOU determine every aspect of Alex’s story while exploring Edwards Island, uncovering the base’s dark past, and changing the course of your friends’ lives.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 016 – ‘Blair Witch’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show, so you always know what’s coming up on the next adventure.

After John’s disappointing reaction (read: not being that scared) to Alien: Isolation in Episode 14, with the release of Bloober Team’s Blair Witch we simply had to break the rules, actually choose a game for the very first time, and bring him back to hopefully scare the shit out of him.

We think that breaking the rules was worth it. Listen below to find out how things went.

It’s 1996. A young boy disappears in the Black Hills Forest near Burkittsville, Maryland. As Ellis, a former police officer with a troubled past, you join the search. What starts as an ordinary investigation soon turns into an endless nightmare as you confront your fears and the Blair Witch, a mysterious force that haunts the woods…

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Xbox Game Passengers 015 – ‘Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, Geekscape Games alumni Courtney joins Derek to chat about lauded Metroidvania title, Hollow Knight. This is pretty much the episode that didn’t want to happen, as Courntey’s keyboard broke, then Derek lost his voice, then Courtney got sick, and we had to push this thing so many freaking times… but here it is!

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 014 – ‘Alien Isolation’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This time around, John is back (yes, again) to discuss survival horror gem, Alien Isolation. John hates horror, and Derek has been trying to get him to play or watch numerous scary IPs over the near-decade that they’ve known each other. This is the first time that he’s said yes.

How did he react? Well, you know how to find out.

Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger. Fifteen years after the events of Alien™, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda enters a desperate battle for survival, on a mission to unravel the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.

As Amanda, you will navigate through an increasingly volatile world as you find yourself confronted on all sides by a panicked, desperate population and an unpredictable, ruthless Alien.

Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive. 

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Xbox Game Passengers 013 – ‘Innerspace’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, Evan returns to talk about one of the most peculiar games that the show has featured yet, Innerspace. The game is kind of like being inside a giant beachball, there isn’t really any up or down, and… well, as you’ll hear, things get pretty confusing.

Soar through virgin skies and dive into lost oceans as you hunt for the ancient gods of the Inverse, a forsaken realm of inside-out planets. Created by a small team of seven developers and originally funded on Kickstarter, InnerSpace is a bright, colorful exploration flying game with no horizons.

https://youtu.be/ZxqziYl2giE

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Xbox Game Passengers 012 – ‘The Gardens Between’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, Mikaela returns to talk about a calming and completely unique puzzle experience in The Gardens Between. The game was one of Mikaela’s top three games of PAX West 2018, so naturally she had to come back to the show to chat about it.

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Xbox Game Passengers 011 – ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, John returns to chat with Derek about The Elder Scrolls Online. Neither has played an MMO in years, and both were surprised to learn just how fresh (and just how familiar) an MMO today could feel. The pair detail their favourite quests, how playing a game like this with a controller feels, some silly bugs, and much more!

Join over 13 million players in the award-winning online multiplayer RPG and experience limitless adventure in a persistent Elder Scrolls world. Battle, craft, steal, or explore, and combine different types of equipment and abilities to create your own style of play. No game subscription required.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers – The PAX West 2019 Developer Interviews!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to another very special edition of the Xbox Game Passengers podcast.

Typically, every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Today might be Wednesday, but it still isn’t typical. Last week, host Derek and regular guest Mikaela descended on Seattle for the annual PAX West convention. During the show itself, the duo released two special Xbox Game Passengers episodes detailing all of the incredible experiences that they had at the show (episode one here, episode two here). Here’s another (final) PAX special, this time chock full of interviews with game developers on the show floor.

Here are all of the games featured in the interviews, and trailers for each:

Liberated

The Suicide Of Rachel Foster

Wanderlust

https://youtu.be/7ASrKo-yVZ4

Wavebreak

Untitled Goose Game

Dauntless

No Straight Roads

Luna: The Shadow Dust

Stranded Sails

Spiritfarer

Mutazione

Sparklite

Gamedec

If these special episodes aren’t your thing, this will be the last episode for this year’s PAX, and with next Wednesday’s The Elder Scrolls Online episode, we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 010 – ‘Gears Of War: Ultimate Edition’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, Mike returns to chat about one of his favourite series of all time, Gears of War. Specifically, they’re playing Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, the impressive Xbox One remake that sadly (somehow) isn’t Xbox One X Enhanced. The duo dish about their favourite moments, their history with the series, and why Derek has to play every game inverted.

“Experience the game that launched one of the most celebrated sagas in entertainment with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. The shooter that defined the first generation of HD gaming has been painstakingly remastered in 1080P and modernized for Xbox One, and is packed full of new content including five campaign chapters never released on Xbox. The story of “Gears of War” thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the depths of the planet. Players live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. A disgraced former war hero, Marcus seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warriors from below.”

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers – The PAX West 2019 Special #2

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to another very special edition of the Xbox Game Passengers podcast.

Typically, every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

But… today isn’t typical, and today isn’t Wednesday. Host Derek and regular guest Mikaela have descended on Seattle for the annual PAX West convention. Yesterday, the duo detailed all of the amazing games that they had the opportunity to experience during Saturday of PAX West 2019, and with another day in the books, they’re here to chat about what else… but more games.

Today they played games like The Suicide of Rachel Foster (which Derek immediately fell in love with), Wave Break (which feels very Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater-esque, with some insanely cool multiplayer modes), Cardpocalypse, Dauntless on Switch (with full cross-play and cross-progression), Her Story follow-up Telling Lies, the super-fun and addicting action of Windjammers 2, the intense roller-derby action of Roller Champions, Hitchhiker, the weird and wonderful world of Mutazione, the unbelievably beautiful world of Spiritfarer (which is already confirmed for Xbox Game Pass), the Stardew-esque Stranded Sails, Sparklight, the breathtaking style of Sayanara Wild Heart, and much, much more.

If this episode isn’t your thing, the show will be returning to its regularly scheduled programming on Wednesday, September 4th, when Mike returns to the show to chat about Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. But before then, tomorrow you’ll see another PAX episode release, and a PAX developer interview special coming later in the week.

Also, as Derek details pretty early on, he has kind of lost his voice over the past few days, so thanks a ton for bearing with him as he struggles to talk!

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers – The PAX West 2019 Special #1

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to a very special edition of the Xbox Game Passengers podcast.

Typically, every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

But… today isn’t typical, and today isn’t Wednesday. Host Derek and regular guest Mikaela have descended on Seattle for the annual PAX West convention. They’ve spent the day playing a ton of games — some beautiful, some intense, and some featuring impressive hardware, and are simply dying to talk about them.

The duo spent time with titles like Borderlands 3, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Gamedec, Liberated, Mortal Kombat 11 (on Google Stadia), Wanderlust, No Straight Roads, Death Stranding, LUNA The Shadow Dust. Derek also got some hands-on time with Panic Inc.’s upcoming Playdate console, and he needed to talk about that. They also hit up events for Cyberpunk 2077, and The Elder Scrolls Online, and share a few details about what was available at each.

Mostly, they just talk about how freaking cool PAX is, and also how Graveyard Keeper may just have the best booth.

If this episode isn’t your thing, the show will be returning to its regularly scheduled programming on Wednesday, September 4th, when Mike returns to the show to chat about Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. But before then, tomorrow you’ll see another PAX episode release, and a PAX developer interview special coming later in the week.

Also, as Derek details pretty early on, he has kind of lost his voice over the past few days, so thanks a ton for bearing with him as he struggles to talk!

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

Theme Song: I Adore My C64 by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

Xbox Game Passengers 009 – ‘Observer’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, guest Dougie joins Derek to chat about how many times he’s finished Mass Effect (a lot of times), how upset he was at the lack of split-screen in Halo 5: Guardians, and of course, the cyberpunk survival horror game that stars Rutger Hauer, Observer.

Sounds like a winning combination, doesn’t it?

Also, this episode was recorded well (well) before Rutger’s death (RIP), so please keep that in mind as we make fun of his bad voice acting… Yeah.

“What would you do if your fears were hacked? >observer_ is a cyberpunk horror game from Bloober Team, the creators of Layers of Fear. Play as an Observer, the new front line of neural police, as you hack into the jagged minds of the insane.”

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast!

Game Pass Minute: ‘Inside Xbox’ Reveals Fantastic New Xbox Game Pass Additions For Gamescom!

by Derek Kraneveldt

As always, it’s a really good month to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber.

Microsoft today hosted a special Gamescom episode of Inside Xbox, which featured world premiere footage of Gears of War 5‘s insane new Horde mode additions, a brand new trailer for Bloober Team’s upcoming Blair Witch, new footage (and a very close release date) for the Two Colonels DLC for Metro: Exodus, and so, so much more.

Of course, the company also had some new and exciting announcements for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for PC, nearly all of which remind me that I should probably just never buy a video game ever again.

Here’s what’s coming for the service, and when:

Devil May Cry 5 — Console — August 19th

Stellaris — Console + PC – August 19th (PC coming soon)

Ape Out — Console + PC — August 22nd

Kingdom Come: Deliverance — Console + PC — August 22nd

Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut — Console + PC — August 27th

Blair Witch — Console + PC — August 30th

That’s a lot of content. I’m so excited for more folks to discover Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and I’m even more excited to get my hands on Blair Witch!

The company also detailed some September news, like the fact that Gears 5 is getting some Halo: Reach DLC, which is included with the Ultimate Edition of the game that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers gain access to. The phenomenal-looking Dead Cells will also hit the service on September 5th.

Naturally, as the host of the Xbox Game Passengers podcast, all of these announcements are totally amazing. If you want to hear a guest and I review a randomly-selected Xbox Game Pass game every other week, here’s where you can tune in:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

Which game are you most looking forward to?

Xbox Game Passengers 008 – ‘Super Lucky’s Tale’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

We’re super excited for this episode. Geekscape Games (RIP) alumni Shane O’Hare joins Derek to talk about, well, a lot of things. The duo dish about the old days, tell some inside jokes, the Divergent series, and of course, Xbox Game Studios’ surprisingly entertaining platformer, Super Lucky’s Tale. Shane also tells us about his initial Xbox Game Pass impressions, and naturally this episode was recorded just before Xbox Game Pass for PC was officially announced, so if it sounds a little out of date, it’s because things have changed a lot with Xbox Game Pass in the past couple of months!

“A delightful, playground platformer for all ages that follows Lucky, the ever-optimistic, energetic, and lovable hero, on his quest to find his inner strength and help his sister rescue the Book of Ages from Jinx. Jinx is the scheming and mysterious villain trying to reshape the world, but for what reason?”

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

Xbox Game Passengers 005 – ‘Viva Pinata’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Welcome to Geekscape’s newest gaming podcast, Xbox Game Passengers.

Every other Wednesday, host Derek and a guest will dissect and discuss just one game available on Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which was chosen for them completely at random.

Whether it’s a magical or a horrible experience, they’ll force themselves through it, share their thoughts, and let you know whether or not the game is worth your time! At the end of each episode, they’ll also randomly select the game for the following show.

This episode, longtime Xbox fan Mike joins Derek to chat about Rare’s quirky 2006 gardening / weird animal farming game, Viva Piñata. They also discuss the surprisingly funny animated series that briefly preceded the game, and how much they wished that the game would go mobile or at least get an Xbox One X Enhanced update… then a few weeks later it did, so now you can play it in 4K!

“Attract and tame your favourite Piñatas. There are more than 60 species that roam wild on Piñata Island. Personalise everything from the grass at your feet to the hat on your Piñata’s head. Welcome to Piñata Island, enjoy your stay!”

Listen to find out how things went, and if you like what you’ve heard, here’s where you can subscribe to the show:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn

You can also follow us on twitter @XGPPodcast

We’ve had a blast making Xbox Game Passengers so far, and we really hope that you’re enjoying it too! If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear it at derek@geekscape.net. Anything you listeners can do to help spread the word about the podcast would be immensely appreciated — from sharing it on social media like Facebook or Twitter, to leaving us five stars (or even a review) on Apple Podcasts, to sending it to a single friend, it can all make a massive difference! Thanks again for coming along on this ride!

Game Pass Minute: Switch To Xbox Game Pass Ultimate And Get A Ton Of Game Pass Time For Free!

by Derek Kraneveldt

If you’ve listened to the Microsoft E3 Press Conference special episode of Xbox Game Passengers, you’re already well aware of this insane deal.

Along with a ton of amazing game reveals, the addition of more than 20 titles to Xbox Game Pass, the first details about Project Scarlett, and more, the company also launched both Xbox Game Pass for PC and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Xbox Game Pass for PC costs a cool $9.99 per month, and at this point included more than 100 titles from a ton of different publishers. It seems like an insane value for PC only players, and I’ve seen a ton of buzz about the quality of the launch games, and how much fun people are having in the few short days since the service’s launch.

The real, real value, and the point of this post, however, is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The regular fee is $14.99 per month, and includes Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for PC. Not bad, right?

https://youtu.be/VbxDn2AZgb8

Well, Microsoft is pushing this service pretty hard to start, and right now you can actually convert your existing Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for an incredibly aggressive rate.

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate website holds all of the details, but the gist of it is that right now you can upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1… and that this turns any banked Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass time into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate time instead, up to a maximum of 36 months (the maximum time that you can have banked, as far as I know).

For example, as detailed in the Xbox Game Passengers special from Sunday, John my guest host went out and bought two 12 Month Xbox Live Gold cards (about $140 in Canada). He redeemed the cards, paid $1 to convert his subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and now essentially has two years of Xbox Live Gold and two years of Xbox Game Pass for $141.

Totally insane.

I did the same (I already had a lot of banked time, but did buy another year of Xbox Live Gold just before converting), and now show that I have Game Pass Ultimate until May of 2022.

It might just be the best gaming deal I’ve ever seen, on an already incredibly valuable service. It’s tough to know just how long this might last, so if you have an Xbox One, you should probably make this happen sooner than later.

Warning: I’ve read a few instances online about people having more than 36 months banked (I believe by turning on auto-renew when redeeming codes) which has lead to them not being able to convert to Game Pass Ultimate. Just watch out, and be sure not to go over that 36 month limit.

Here’s (probably) the most important bit, from that same website:

Note: Purchase Xbox Game Pass Ultimate automatically upgrades your existing Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass membership(s) to Ultimate at a conversion ratio each based on days remaining. Learn how this works at www.xbox.com/gamepass. Future code redemptions are also subject to a conversion ratio. Conversion ratio subject to change. All conversions to Ultimate are final: Once converted, you cannot re-convert your Ultimate membership back to a previous membership. Maximum 36 months of redeemed Ultimate per account at a time, including any converted time from Xbox Live Gold and/or Xbox Game Pass (for PC or console).

Happy gaming!

Want to hear me talk about all of these announcements and more? Or review a randomly-selected Xbox Game Passengers game (with a guest!) every other week? Here’s where you can subscribe to Xbox Game Passengers:

Anchor
Apple Podcasts
Breaker
Castbox
Google Podcasts
Overcast
Pocket Casts
PodBean
RadioPublic
Stitcher
Spotify
TuneIn