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.

Atomfall, A Post-Nuclear British Adventure

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.

Balatro, It's Candy Crush for Real Gamers

AI is stepping off the sidelines and into your controller.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into Microsoft’s new Xbox Copilot for Gaming, a groundbreaking accessibility tool that uses AI to assist players in real-time. Whether you're tackling tricky sections, learning mechanics, or just exploring a game world, Copilot offers a second set of hands — or brains.

But what does this mean for the future of AI in gaming?

We explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping:

Game accessibility

NPC behavior and dialogue

Procedural content generation

Personalized gameplay experiences

From tools like Xbox Copilot to next-gen AI companions and story engines, we discuss how developers are leveraging machine learning to create smarter, more adaptive games.

🎙️ Is AI the next evolution in gaming — or a step too far? Hit play and find out.

Xbox Co-Pilot for Gaming, Lets Talk About It

Get ready for neon-soaked chaos, synth-heavy gunfights, and pure retro-future adrenaline — this week we’re diving headfirst into Mullet Mad Jack. This over-the-top, roguelite FPS throws you into a 90s anime-inspired hellscape where your life literally depends on how many likes you get.

With a ticking time bomb of dopamine addiction, every kill buys you seconds. Every missed shot? A step closer to digital doom. But does the frenetic gameplay loop keep you coming back, or does the madness wear off fast?

We talk pacing, weapon variety, style vs. substance, and whether Mullet Mad Jack earns a place in your Game Pass library — or if it should fade into the retro-futuristic void.

Mullet Mad Jack Review, An Assault on Your Senses

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, Cory and Bronson take a deep dive into Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, the full remake of the PlayStation classic. With a fresh coat of paint and modern refinements, does this nostalgic kart racer still hold up, or has time left it in the dust?

Topics covered in this episode:

 * Visual Overhaul: The updated graphics bring new life to classic tracks and characters—does it add to the experience?
 * Gameplay & Mechanics: The signature power-slide boost system sets CTR apart from other kart racers—does it still feel great today?
 * Content & Replayability: With tracks from Crash Nitro Kart, multiple modes, and customization, is there enough to keep players engaged?
 * Challenge & AI: The game is known for its tough AI and high skill ceiling—does it make the game more rewarding or frustrating?
 * Microtransactions & Post-Launch Changes: How do they affect the overall experience, and are they a deal-breaker?

Cory and Bronson break it all down and decide if Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is worth your time or if it’s a pass.

Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled, It's Better Than Mario Kart?

In this episode, we dive into Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. This game promises to offer a unique experience, combining a structured, linear world with immersive combat and a strong emphasis on story. We explore how the weighty combat mechanics and the game’s more focused, structured world differ from the sprawling open-world experiences many RPGs offer.

One of the most exciting aspects of Avowed is its combat. The game leans into a real sense of weight and impact with every attack. The combat feels deliberate and strategic, with each strike and spell having a tangible effect on enemies. There’s a heavy emphasis on tactical decision-making, with real-time action combined with elements that require players to pause and consider their next move. This blend of fluid combat and thoughtful strategy gives the game a sense of depth that is missing in many other RPGs.

Unlike many modern RPGs that lean heavily into massive open worlds, Avowed presents a more linear, structured environment. The world is expansive but intentionally designed to guide players through rich environments with a strong narrative backbone. Instead of sprawling expanses with endless side missions, the game offers more focused exploration, which means every area has a purpose in the overall story. This design approach allows for more detailed, handcrafted locations and a deeper, more engaging experience where each moment feels important.

Additionally, Avowed is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which means players can expect stunning visuals and cutting-edge technology. The engine’s capabilities allow for realistic lighting, detailed textures, and a world that feels alive and immersive. With UE5, the game promises to deliver smooth animations, lifelike environments, and impressive effects that will bring the world of Eora to life in ways we've never seen before.

If you’re a fan of RPGs with tactical combat, a structured world that doesn’t overwhelm you, and cutting-edge visuals, Avowed could be your next big adventure. Tune in to see if it’s a Game Pass or Pass!

Avowed, It's NOT Skyrim

In this episode, we talk about Metal Slug Tactics, a tactical strategy game that brings the Metal Slug franchise into a new genre. We dive into the grind, difficulty, and whether it’s more of a puzzle game than you’d expect.

Metal Slug Tactics isn’t a game you can rush through. It requires patience, strategy, and time. The difficulty is steep, with enemies coming at you in waves. Tactical decisions need to be calculated, and you’ll spend a lot of time leveling up units and grinding for better equipment.

It’s not just a tactical RPG; it has puzzle-like elements. Each mission forces you to think ahead—positioning units, using cover, and managing resources. One wrong move can cost you, making it feel like solving a puzzle.

The game features grid-based combat with strategic positioning, unit customization, and a challenging difficulty that requires time and effort.

Metal Slug Tactics is a tactical grind with puzzle-like challenges. If you enjoy strategic combat where every move counts, it’s definitely worth checking out—but be prepared for a steep learning curve. Is it a Game Pass or Pass? Tune in to find out!

Metal Slug Tactics, It's Actually A Puzzle Game?

On this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into Eternal Strands, the new open-world action-adventure from Yellow Brick Games. Inspired by giants like Shadow of the Colossus and Breath of the Wild, Eternal Strands aims big with physics-based combat, elemental manipulation, and full climbing mechanics. But does it deliver on that promise?

Well… not exactly.

There’s no denying that Eternal Strands has a lot of great ideas. The ability to interact with the world using fire, ice, and telekinesis makes for some cool moments. The combat is flashy, the creatures are huge, and the world is expansive. But after spending time with it, we couldn’t shake the feeling that Eternal Strands is a game that tries to do everything—but never fully develops anything.

The climbing is there, but lacks the satisfying challenge of Breath of the Wild. The combat looks cool, but never really evolves beyond flashy moves that lack impact. The world is big, but feels empty and aimless. It’s as if the game has all the right ingredients, but the dish just doesn’t come together in the end.

So, is Eternal Strands worth your time, or is it another case of a game being too ambitious for its own good? Tune in to find out if this one is a Game Pass… or a Pass.

Eternal Strands, A Little Bit of Everything, but Not Enough of Anything

Ninja Gaiden Black set the standard for high-speed, brutally challenging action games, but Ninja Gaiden 2 Black aimed to take things even further with more weapons, bigger enemies, and an overhauled combat system. But does this sequel refine the formula, or does it stumble under the weight of its own ambitions?

In this episode, we break down how Ninja Gaiden 2 Black compares to its legendary predecessor. The combat is faster and bloodier than ever, with a limb dismemberment system that changes how fights play out, forcing you to adjust tactics on the fly. The visuals have seen a clear upgrade, with improved animations and larger environments, but at what cost? The game pushes its engine to the limit, and with that comes some performance struggles and occasional janky camera angles that make certain fights more frustrating than they should be.

We also discuss the changes in level design, enemy variety, and difficulty balancing—does Ninja Gaiden 2 Black feel fair, or does it veer into cheap territory? And of course, the biggest question: is this still a must-play today, or does the original Ninja Gaiden Black still reign supreme?

Join us as we slash through the highs and lows of this action-packed sequel and decide—should you pass, or is this still worth a run?

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, 2 Black 2 Furious

This week on Game Pass or Pass, we take a frosty dive into the deck-building, roguelike adventure of Wildfrost! With its charming art style, unique card mechanics, and punishing difficulty, Wildfrost promises to be a refreshing addition to your gaming library. But does it live up to the hype, or will it leave you out in the cold?

Join us as we explore the game's strategy, progression, and replayability to determine if this icy adventure is worth your time—or better left buried under the snow. Tune in to find out if Wildfrost earns its place on Game Pass, or if it’s a hard pass!

Wildfrost, Baby it's RNG

Xbox Game Pass is one of the best values for gamers on Xbox and on PC. But not every game is worth your time. On the Game Pass or Pass Podcast, we tell you which games you should download and which games you should pass on by.