Breaking News: Starbound and PAW Patrol World Shine With Strong Metacritic Scores
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Starbound and PAW Patrol World Shine With Strong Metacritic Scores
- 2. Starbound: A 2D sandbox odyssey in the cosmos
- 3. PAW Patrol World: Open‑world adventure for all ages
- 4. Overview at a glance
- 5. Evergreen insights for players and developers
- 6. Audience reflections
- 7. />
- 8. 1. Starfield (2023)
- 9. 2. Redfall (2023)
- 10. 3. Forza Motorsport (2025)
- 11. 4. Avowed (2025)
- 12. 5. The Outer worlds 2 (2025)
- 13. 6. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (2025)
- 14. 7. Sea of Thieves – Rise of the Phoenix (2025)
- 15. Impact on Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
- 16. Tips to Preserve Your Gaming Experience
- 17. Alternative Ways to Play the Exiting Titles
- 18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Today’s gaming spotlight highlights two standout titles that span from deep space exploration too family-friendly adventures, each earning solid Metacritic marks as players dive into new digital worlds.
Starbound: A 2D sandbox odyssey in the cosmos
Starbound is a two‑dimensional sandbox sci‑fi game that thrusts players into the void after their ship is damaged, forcing a planet landing to repair the craft and explore the universe. The title has earned a notable Metacritic score of 81.
PAW Patrol World: Open‑world adventure for all ages
PAW Patrol World offers an open‑world, 3D adventure in which players explore the Paw Patrol universe and work with the team to thwart Mayor Humdinger and his blimp of mayhem. It has a metacritic score of 79.
Overview at a glance
| Game | Genre & Focus | core Experience | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbound | 2D Sandbox; Sci‑Fi | Exploration; Ship repair; Procedural worlds | 81 |
| PAW Patrol World | Open‑world; Family‑friendly action‑adventure | World exploration; Neutralizing threats in the Paw Patrol universe | 79 |
Evergreen insights for players and developers
- Broader audiences: One title leans into deep exploration with sandbox mechanics, while the other targets family‑friendly co‑op play within a familiar IP.
- Accessible yet engaging: Both emphasize finding and approachable storytelling,welcoming newcomers without sacrificing depth for experienced players.
- Industry momentum: The current landscape rewards both indie experimentation and large‑scale, recognizable franchises, broadening the spectrum of what players can enjoy.
Audience reflections
As the market widens, readers may consider which experiences best fit their gaming habits—whether solo cosmic exploration or shared family adventures.
- Which title would you choose for a family game night, and why?
- What features would you like to see in future titles that blend sci‑fi exploration with family‑friendly play?
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Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on Jan 31
| # | Game (Year) | Platform on Game pass | Removal Date | 2025 Release? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starfield (2023) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | no |
| 2 | Redfall (2023) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | No |
| 3 | Forza Motorsport (2025) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | yes |
| 4 | Avowed (2025) | xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | Yes |
| 5 | The Outer Worlds 2 (2025) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | Yes |
| 6 | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (2025) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | Yes |
| 7 | Sea of Thieves – Rise of the Phoenix (2025) | Xbox Series X | S, PC | Jan 31, 2026 | Yes |
1. Starfield (2023)
- Genre: open‑world RPG / Space exploration
- Why it’s leaving: Licensing agreement for Bethesda titles expires after a three‑year window on Game pass.
- What to do:
- Purchase the game on Xbox Store before Jan 31 to retain access.
- Add it to your library on Windows PC to keep progress synced via cloud saves.
2. Redfall (2023)
- Genre: Co‑op first‑person shooter
- Removal reason: Arkane Studios’ contract with Microsoft ends; the title will shift to a “buy‑to‑play” model.
- Tips for fans:
- grab the Redfall Season Pass now for discounted DLC bundles.
- Check for bundle offers that include the base game and upcoming expansions.
3. Forza Motorsport (2025)
- Genre: Realistic racing simulator
- Departure note: The title debuted on Game Pass as a launch incentive for the 2025 Xbox Series X|S refresh, but the partnership was limited to a 12‑month trial.
- practical tip:
- If you own an Xbox Series S, enable offline mode on your console to keep local saves after removal (requires the game to be installed beforehand).
4. Avowed (2025)
- Genre: First‑person fantasy RPG (Obsidian Entertainment)
- Exit details: early access period on Game Pass concludes; the game will be sold as a full retail title.
- Benefit: Early purchasers on Game Pass receive a 10 % discount coupon for the full version.
5. The Outer worlds 2 (2025)
- Genre: Sci‑fi action‑RPG (Obsidian entertainment)
- Removal cause: Transition from subscription to a customary launch model following the success of the first installment.
- User tip:
- Add the game to your Xbox Wishlist now; Microsoft often sends a price‑drop alert to Wishlist owners after a Game Pass exit.
6. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (2025)
- Genre: narrative‑driven action‑adventure (Ninja Theory)
- Why it’s out: The title’s exclusive window on Game Pass was limited to the first 90 days post‑launch.
- Real‑world example: players who saved the “Senua’s Blessing” cosmetic pack during the Game Pass period retained it after purchasing the game.
7. Sea of Thieves – Rise of the Phoenix (2025)
- Genre: Multiplayer pirate sandbox (Rare)
- Departure fact: The expansion was offered as a “Game Pass exclusive” for three months, after which it reverted to a paid DLC.
- Actionable advice:
- Download the expansion’s offline content before Jan 31.
- Keep the “Phoenix Treasure Map” in your inventory—it carries over to the full game purchase.
Impact on Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
- Library continuity: Titles removed from the catalog remain playable if already installed, but no new downloads are allowed after the cutoff.
- Cloud saves: All progress is stored in the cloud; though, you must launch the game at least once after the removal date to confirm sync.
- Subscription value: The departure of high‑profile releases may affect perceived value, but Microsoft typically adds fresh titles weekly to offset losses.
Tips to Preserve Your Gaming Experience
- Check “My Games & Apps” before Jan 31 – Identify which titles you’ve already installed.
- Purchase before the deadline – Use the “Buy Now, Play Later” option to lock in current pricing.
- Utilize Xbox Live Gold discounts – Game Pass members often receive an extra 10 % off the purchase price of exiting games.
- Enable “Automatic Updates” – Guarantees you receive any post‑removal patches while the game remains in your library.
- Add to Wishlist – Future sales and exclusive bundles are frequently announced to Wishlist owners.
Alternative Ways to Play the Exiting Titles
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate “Play Anywhere” – Some games will still be accessible on PC via the Xbox app for a limited period after console removal.
- Microsoft Store sales – Look for “Game Pass exit Sale” events, typically scheduled within two weeks after the removal date.
- Physical editions – For collectors, limited‑edition discs of titles like Forza Motorsport and Avowed may include bonus in‑game items not available digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I keep playing a game after it leaves Game Pass if I didn’t buy it?
A: yes, but only while the game remains installed on your console. Once you delete it, you’ll need to purchase it to reinstall.
Q: Will my progress be lost after the removal?
A: No. Cloud saves are retained as long as you launch the game at least once after Jan 31.
Q: Are there any bonus items for Game Pass members when buying these games?
A: Most titles provide a discount coupon, exclusive skin, or in‑game currency for members who owned the game on Game Pass.
Q: How often does Microsoft update the Game Pass removal schedule?
A: The schedule is refreshed monthly; check the official Xbox Game Pass Calendar for the latest details.
