NHL 21 (Xbox One via Game Pass)

To a casual player like myself, this game has done little to evolve.  You could put NHL 17 in front of me at this point with an updated roster and I'd think it was the newest game.  Some people love the stuff, but for me, this series is in desperate need of a refresh.  The "be a pro" mode was very lacking and couldn't hold my interest, playing only your shifts ruined all flow of a game.  Hard pass.

Guacamelee 1 + 2 (Xbox/PC via Game Pass)

I'm afraid to say it, but I'm a Metroidvania fan now.   I used to be quick to dismiss the series because for the most part I was just looking for a linear left to right platformer, but now I find those a little boring and enjoy the challenge associated with this genre.  Guacamelee focuses heavily on combat (hence the title) and it has some of the most satisfying 2D combat I've played in years.  The second game trumps the first with it's combat, length and moveset.  I played them in reverse order which is something I shouldn't have done, but it wasn't until I was done the 2nd one that I realized how much I liked the game and wanted more.  Great games and great series, and while it falls short of the Ori games, I still highly recommend.

Madden 21 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I hadn't played a Madden game in a few years, the last time I did was 2018 and I had a pretty good time with the story mode and played it through.  With Madden 21 I did the same, and again, I enjoyed my time with the game.  This years story mode differs in that it spans an entire career rather than just a couple seasons.  I made the hall of fame and while the bulk of my career was spent in Miami, I demanded a trade to the Detroit Lions and managed to take that team to the Super Bowl and actually won one!  It was much more difficult in Detroit with the players surrounding me.  As for the game, yup, that's Madden.   Feels like little has changed, but for what it's worth, I had a good time with the game.  Recommend for a Game Pass romp.

Ape Out (PC via Game Pass)

What a game.  Scrolling through endless game pass games this one caught my eye.  Ape out has a very unique minimal art style, two button gameplay, and a jazz soundtrack?  Sounds weird.  Let's see.  I loved it.  I loved every moment of it's short duration.  I'd guess I had 2-3 hours in before I saw credits, but it felt much shorter.  You're an ape escaping a facility that can grab and throw the humans trying to stop you, or just push them across the map.  Strategy comes into play when there are a lot of enemies on screen.  It reminded me of  Pac Man crossed with Robotron.  You can't kill everyone and expect to pass the level, so you need to plan your routes carefully.  All of this crazy gameplay is to what I believe to be an improv jazz soundtrack which matches the gameplay surprisingly well.  I completed the bonus level and look forward to trying the hard mode.  Absolutely worth your time.  Recommend.

Rage 2 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

When a whole bunch of Bethesda games dropped on Xbox Game Pass, the first one that caught my eye was Rage 2.  It looked like an amazing open world action game with the gunplay of Doom, a series I'm very fond of.  Playing it initially, I was impressed, but once the world opens up, it gets quite repetitive and dull.  You spend a lot of time searching for loot crates, which rewards are usually not worth it.  I decided to mainline the story when I started getting bored and finished the game with only half of my abilities in tow.  I could go back and mop up, but I don't really see much point in it.  I had a decent time, at times it looks amazing and other times it can look like and original Xbox game.  Gotta say pass on this one.  Too bad.  It has potential.

Hyper Dot (PC/Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I had intentions to, but never did finish Hyper Dot.  Now seeing it's leaving game pass, I likely won't play it again.  This is a fun, simple, frustrating, "one more try" time sink.  I had a good time with it and would recommend it for short bursts of gaming.  Recommend.

Gears Tactics (PC via Xbox Game Pass)

I'm quite new to tactics games, the only other I've played is Mario + Rabids which was actually an excellent introduction to the genre.  I had a great time with Gears Tactics although I'm certain I must have set a record for time taken between turns.  I'm not very quick at these games, I feel like I'm not very good at them, but for some reason I enjoy the methodical movement and strategy.  I started this on my Xbox Series X but switched to PC as I think it's best played with a keyboard and mouse.  It's a good game to have on the laptop as you can play for literally 5 minutes, make some progress and move on.  Usually I wound up playing for a couple hours once I started.  Great game with a good Gears story.  Highly recommend.