Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

This game has been around for a while, I'd never heard of it, but when it showed up on Game Pass I thought I'd give it a try.  I really enjoyed it.  This is at it's core a very small Zelda like game.  Not all the jokes hit but I liked the art style, music and puzzle solving.  Never overly difficult, I had a good time with the 3-4 hours it took to complete.  Recommend.

MLB The Show 22 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

Last year I put significant time into this game, Diamond Dynasty had me collecting cards from my youth, doing daily challenges etc.  I couldn't get enough.  This years installment feels strikingly similar and the thought of doing all those challenges to build a virtual team all over again just didn't feel like a good use of time to me.  I unlocked all 1000 achievements, but feel little desire to go back to the game now.  Happens every year with The Show for me, excitement followed by the disappointment of how long it takes to play a 9 inning game.  Pass for me.

Exo One (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I started this game a month or two ago and aimlessly rolled around the environment for a while and quickly dismissed it.  I tried it again this past Monday and by Tuesday, I saw it completed.  I didn't marathon the game, it's just pretty short, but it's going to stick with me for a long long time.  It's fairly common for me to enjoy games that are silent for the most part, and this game is the ultimate example of that.  You are ALONE in this game, there aren't even enemies, your goal is to traverse the environment and find the exit which is usually quite clear.  The graphics and sound are very engrossing, I was captivated the entire way.   I got an achievement for completed the game in under 3 hours, but I wasn't going for it.  Once completed I jumped back in trying to knock out a few achievements, but that's not how I want to experience this game.  I want to remember it fondly, rolling and flying around a vast expanse while a gentle guitar plays as I navigate the universe.  Recommend.

Race with Ryan (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

Where Paw Patrol was a pleasant surprise, Racing with Ryan was exactly what I expected ... a bad kart racer with sloppy controls, poor physics, annoying sounds and lack of tracks.  Pass.

Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

I downloaded this as a joke, started playing it infront of my kids as a joke, then finding myself firing it up on my own time.  No joke.  This is an EXTREMEMLY simple platformer, it's mind numbingly easy with minigames that are similarly simple.  It doesn't control great, Riders voice isn't even close, but I have to admit, it looks pretty nice.  I kept playing as I've been a bit of an achievement hunter lately going for that 1000/1000 when it seems plausible.  I'll admit, I liked it, but I can't recommend it.   Ridiculously easy 1000 but will take a few hours to complete.  Pass.

A Memoir Blue (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

2022 is turning into the year of the indie for me and this is one you should skip unless you want easy achievements.  A story told in 45 minutes or so with very little interaction.  I found the story to be sad and sweet, but told better in other places/mediums. Pass.

Tunic (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

Full disclosure, I turned on some accessibility options at the very end of this game.  

I'd heard this game was inspired by Zelda, and while I can see why there are some comparisons, I don't feel it's as good as those games.  That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy my time with Tunic, it has some really great ideas and I genuinely enjoyed the time I decided to put into the game.  I'd heard how incredibly difficult this game was and coming fresh off of giving up on Elden Ring, I wasn't sure I'd see it through.  Strangely I didn't find the game that difficult (until the end) where I learned I got the "bad ending".  So, 2 options, write this, or keep plugging away trying to get the "good ending".  

I'm going to close the book on Tunic and walk away with fond memories rather than banging my head on the wall repeatedly.   I looked up what I need to do to get the good ending, and in this case it's an argument of time vs. reward.  I don't feel it's worth my time and frustration.  Graphics and art style are top notch, I loved the level design.  I have a hard time recommending this game to anyone, but if you have game pass, why wouldn't you at least give it a try?  Go for it.