Minecraft (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I swore off Minecraft for years claiming I just "don't get it", but Microsoft Rewards points issued me a challenge to kill 5 zombies, so I picked it up for that shiny internet nickel and found myself quite enjoying it.  What I grew to appreciate was the creative mode and playing with my kids.  All 5 of us would queue up on the same screen and build fantasy worlds.  I made a pretty good representation of our house, and look forward to more virtual lego in the cooler weather when we spend more time inside.  Absolutely recommend.

MLB The Show 21 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I got into the show more than any other year, partly because of the hype of a PlayStation game coming to Game Pass, but also because I got in at the start of a new season.  I was chugging along doing my daily challenges, getting better at seeing pitches and seeing my timing improve.  I spent a lot of time with this game but eventually put it down because it all felt so repetitive.  This is a beautiful game and I may "get back in" but the old adage of the series still rears it's ugly head ... it's just too slow.  I'd still rather play Super Mega Baseball.  There's a lot of nostalgia at play here with old players and cards to collect, but part of the beauty of baseball is the long play of 9 innings, and for that, it just takes too long.  I do okay with normies online, but when you climb the ranks, I get CRUSHED and I'm just not good enough to put the time and effort in to "get gud".  I still recommend this game, but it's still something I'll only play here and there and unfortunately this will not be my "go to" for the summer.

Dirt 5 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

This was a launch game which quickly hit Game Pass and I was quick to give it a try as I'd heard it was quite a graphical showcase on the new consoles.  It did not disappoint. There's a lot going on in this game, dirt and confetti flying everywhere, but the gameplay is what kept me back.  This is not an open world never ending game, it's a pretty basic, select a track, play a track game.  Now either I was very good at or it or it's incredibly easy, I'm not sure because I rarely lost, but I kept coming back to it.  It's a fun mindless game that ran exceptionally well on my laptop.  Xbox play anywhere let me pickup right where I left off whether I was on PC or Xbox.  Recommend.

Rain on Your Parade (Xbox One via Game Pass)

I draw some similarities between this game and another small game I quite enjoyed, Donut County.  Where Donut County had an engaging story and dialogue, this game is more about creating havoc, but the gameplay hooks are quite similar.  This game has some need nod to pop culture featuring a level based on "The Office" TV show, and a Zelda inspired level.  I enjoyed my time with the game and revisit it from time to time.  Recommend on game pass, but at $20, that's gonna be a pass.

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.