When it comes to Game Pass releases, there are surprises, and then there are surprises. For those living under a rock, Xbox Game Pass just launched Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Oblivion Remastered on the platform. The former is, right now, the highest-rated game of 2025, and the latter is an almost 20-year-old classic brought to a new light. While we’ve seen many Game Pass day-one releases and shadow drops, this has to be one of the best weeks for the platform, at least this year.
A 20-Year-Old-Classic Reborn
The first notable release is Oblivion Remastered. The OG game launched back in 2006 and was hailed as one of the best RPGs of those years. Even today, a lot of people think it is better than Skyrim due to its narrative, in-depth RPG systems, and the open world. While many leaks and rumors circulated around the web about this remaster, it shadow-dropped this week, bringing a lot of new players into Cyrodiil. Yet, due to the huge graphical overhaul and many QoL additions, the game feels more like a remake than a remaster.
While we all know Microsoft acquired Bethesda a few years ago, we were not expecting an RPG of this magnitude to make it to the platform. It is great, really. Many players can enjoy this 100-hour adventure (just for one playthrough) at an accessible cost. Yet, the true winners are all new players. Those who haven’t played Oblivion are in for the ride of their lives in one of the best Elder Scrolls games ever.
The GOTY is Available For Everyone
It might be too early to call Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the GOTY, but the facts are there. It has the highest rating of all games of 2025, and it might be a while until another game dethrones it. We still have DOOM: The Dark Ages on the way, but this RPG will enjoy a lot of time with its well-deserved crown.
Normally, GOTY titles are usually console-exclusive or a bit niche in some cases, even if it sounds weird. However, the fact that Game Pass had Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a day-one launch is an absolute win for all players, and this might be the case when everyone plays the likely GOTY of 2025. Another plus for this is that Clair Obscur is shorter than Oblivion Remastered, so if you’re on Game Pass, why not try them both?
RPGs Have Become More Accessible Than Ever
Usually, people stay away from RPGs because they are too long, suffer from pacing issues, or cost a lot. The latter is the most common problem gamers suffer, especially since everyone’s backlog just keeps getting bigger. But thanks to Game Pass, we have RPG hits like Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur at a very accessible cost.
Hopefully, these games will stay there for a while so all players can try them. Yet, we also expect to see more role-playing games land on the platform in the future. It might convince more gamers to try this legendary genre.
