As we previously reviewed the best Xbox games still worth buying despite the existence of Game Pass Part 1, we continue the list in Part 2.
The Absence of Dead Or Alive 4 from Game Pass
The Dead Or Alive franchise is a cornerstone of fighting games, closely tied to the history of the Xbox platform. Developed by Team Ninja, a division of Koei Tecmo – the same team behind the challenging Ninja Gaiden series – Dead Or Alive distinguished itself by focusing on direct character-versus-character combat within diverse arenas. This approach offered a different experience than many of its contemporaries.
Dead Or Alive 4, released exclusively for the Xbox 360, stands out as a pivotal title in the series. The game introduced a fast-paced combat system emphasizing the interplay of strikes and counterattacks, alongside dynamic environments that could change during battles. These elements cemented its position as a key fighting game on the Xbox during that generation. The game’s innovative mechanics helped push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Dead Or Alive 4 wasn’t the only entry in the series associated with the Xbox. Previous installments, including Dead Or Alive Ultimate 1, Dead Or Alive Ultimate 2, and Dead Or Alive 3, debuted on the original Xbox. These releases fostered a strong relationship between the franchise and Microsoft’s console, establishing Dead Or Alive as a recognizable brand for Xbox players.
Currently, these games remain available for purchase through the digital Xbox store, allowing players to revisit these classic experiences. However, they have yet to be added to the Game Pass library, despite the service’s extensive catalog.
Some players believe adding these titles to Game Pass would be a logical step, given the series’ historical connection to the Xbox platform and the potential for latest players to discover these older releases. Inclusion in the service could also revitalize interest in the franchise.
Despite their absence from Game Pass, these games benefit from backward compatibility with newer Xbox consoles. Thanks to the system’s reverse compatibility feature, players can run these titles on modern hardware without needing the original consoles.
This allows fans of the series to experience the classic Dead Or Alive gameplay even years after its initial release. As the Game Pass library continues to expand, the possibility of adding these games in the future remains, particularly given the historical ties between the Dead Or Alive franchise and the Xbox platform.
The Absence of Jade Empire from Game Pass
BioWare established a strong presence on the original Xbox with a series of role-playing games that left a lasting impact on players. Among these, Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic became one of the most celebrated RPGs in industry history. However, alongside this acclaimed title, the studio released another noteworthy game that didn’t achieve the same level of recognition, despite its significant value: Jade Empire.
Jade Empire delivers a role-playing experience set in a fantastical world inspired by Asian mythology and martial arts. The game centers on a story following a protagonist who learns various martial arts styles and confronts a range of enemies and mysterious forces throughout their adventure. Gameplay blends traditional RPG elements with a combat system based on martial arts and special abilities.
Whereas Jade Empire didn’t reach the same level of fame as Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic, it remains considered one of the standout RPGs released during the early 2000s. It presented a richly detailed world and a story driven by player choices that influenced the development of events and characters.
Currently, Jade Empire can be played on modern Xbox consoles thanks to backward compatibility, allowing players to experience games from previous generations on new hardware. The game is also available for purchase through the digital Xbox store and on Steam for PC.
Despite its availability for purchase, its absence from the Game Pass library raises questions among some players, especially considering the service’s large number of RPG titles. Some believe adding Jade Empire to the library could introduce new players to one of BioWare’s classic games.
For RPG fans who haven’t yet experienced Jade Empire, purchasing the game remains a worthwhile option. Despite being released years ago, it continues to offer a compelling narrative experience and a combat system based on martial arts that sets it apart from many other RPGs.
