Microsoft has revealed the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in August, and subscribers have a lot to look forward to.
Available as of today, August 7, is Creatures of Ava. A day one Game Pass title, Creatures of Ava is an action-adventure, creature-saver game. Playing as a 22-year-old nature adventurer, players will explore distinct ecosystems in a world brimming with once-peaceful creatures who have succumbed to an infection that has driven them to behave aggressively. But rather than fight them, you must attempt to save them by first researching and understanding the cause of this infection.
Creatures of Ava is certainly an interesting-looking game, but there's no doubt Game Pass subscribers are going to be looking forward to playing these next two games: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (available August 8) and Mafia: Definitive Edition (August 13).
Coming off Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, it's no surprise that Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy has come to Game Pass. In this collection, fans can experience the three games that started it all — Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped — and relive all the favorite Crash moments in fully remastered graphics.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is a faithful, expanded remake inspired by the iconic 2002 cinematic third-person shooter. Mafia: Definitive Edition tells the story of Tommy Angelo, a hardworking cab driver who becomes embedded in the brutal world of organized crime in 1930s America. As a remake, players can look forward to gorgeous 4K visuals and enhanced gameplay that improve the overall experience from the original.
This first batch of Xbox Game Pass titles does feel a little light compared to usual, but these are some heavy-hitters coming our way. Plus, subscribers still have Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which arrived on the service just a few days ago. Not only does this include the main campaign — a direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2 — but the entire multiplayer suite which includes new core 6v6 maps, new weapons, cosmetic rewards, and more.
In addition to these full games, Game Pass members also receive benefits for the recent console release of Valorant, Riot Games' 5v5 round-based tactical hero shooter. Game Pass members who link their Riot Account can unlock all current agents and also receive day-one access to new agents as they are released. They also get a 20% match XP boost to Battle Pass and Event content.