GRID Legends (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

After hundreds of hours in Forza Horizon 5 I decided to expand my horizons (heh) a bit and try out Grid Legends on Game Pass.  I was not disappointed.  I finished off the story mode and the gameplay is good enough in this arcade racer to make me want to keep coming back.  The problem is, there are just too many other games to play, racing or not.  I quite enjoyed this story mode even though I hated my team mate.  I'm out here winning every race and the way the story is put together, she gets all the credit.  It's a game, they can't make unique stories for every outcome, but still, give Driver 22 a little more love.  Recommend.

  

Mario Kart Deluxe Booster Pack 2 (Switch)

I now realize I didn't review the booster pack 1, and I won't.  Fact of the matter is I'm tired of Mario Kart 8 gameplay at this point and even new tracks aren't enough to keep me coming back.  Pass.

Tinykin (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

Pikmin as a 3D platformer is how this game is described by many and I'd have to agree.  Tinykin is an another amazing indie game I finished that far exceeded any expectations...well...I had no expectations, this game came out of nowhere.  I haven't felt this level of exploration in a long time where I was constantly thinking "I wonder what's up there?" "How do I get there" only to be delighted by something hiding.  I feel like too often I compare games to Breath of the Wild, but this gave me those same vibes where there's something hiding around every corner.  The gameplay is fun I found the actual platforming a touch frustrating at times however.  Still, that's not enough to hold this one back from a high recommendation. 

House Flipper (Xbox/PC via Game Pass)

 House flipper is NOT a simulation, I repeat, HOUSE FLIPPER IS NOT A SIMULATION.   I've played a number of the "Simulator" games, and while those are more accurate to the real life activity, it can also make it much more mundane.

House flipper lets you buy houses, paint walls in minutes, clean up a property with a few swipes of the broom.  These activities in the "Simulator" series would take hours and days.  I can clean an entire property, paint the walls, redecorate the entire place in under an hour, where I'd still be on the outside facade trying to do the same in Power Wash Simulator.

The game is great and really has endless possibilities.  I 100% completed it and wish there was more.  Thankfully they've announced a House Flipper 2.  High recommend.

Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels DLC (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

Forza Horizon 5 is my most played game on Xbox by far, I was eagerly awaiting the DLC but ultimately found myself relatively disappointed in the DLC.  It's drastically different from the main game, and while that could be looked at as a plus, to me I found it to be quite disappointing.  Gone is the vast open world in return for what feels like an old school track racer.  It looks pretty, but in my mind, that's all it really has going for it.  Pass.

Sp!ng (Apple Arcade)

Sping at it's core is a chill puzzle platformer.  You spin your way through each level collecting gems and must collect them all to 3 star the level.  I did that.  On all of them.  It controls well and has a very relaxed vibe to it.  Loved it.  High recommend.

Disc Room (PC via Game Pass)

Devolver Digital does it again.  Another indie type game that had me coming back again and again.  This is a simple to pick up, hard to put down game that tries your patience as you try to navigate spinning discs in each room.  You unlock some abilities to make things easier, but the game has you second guessing your strategies as you progress.  You can shelf this game for weeks if you're getting frustrated and pick right up where you left off.  Twitch reflexes from games like Geometry Wars helps.  Recommend.