Three games in three days: Xbox Game Pass gets a major boost this week

For the week between March 23 and 29, Microsoft has a fairly attractive lineup in store for subscribers. Things kick off with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which is not only a full-fledged AAA title, but also part of a popular franchise. To avoid confusion: this is the same series that was known in the West for many years as Yakuza. Sega still uses both names side by side to some extent. Infinite Wealth is the ninth mainline entry in the series and, for the first time, shifts the action to a major overseas setting outside Japan: Hawaii.

In terms of story, the game continues the tale of Ichiban Kasuga, who becomes entangled in a personal as well as criminal conflict alongside Kazuma Kiryu. Gameplay-wise, it sticks to the turn-based RPG formula introduced by its predecessor. On Steam, it has earned 91% positive reviews. The title arrives on March 24 for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard and PC Game Pass.

A roguelike beat-’em-up and a new city builder

Absolum follows on March 25 as an interesting genre blend for fans of beat ’em ups and roguelikes, and currently holds a 94% positive rating on Steam. Set in the fantasy world of Talamh, the game has players fight as one of several exiled heroes against the Sun King Azra, who has seized control of magic. In gameplay terms, the side-scrolling beat ’em up focuses on fast melee combat, repeatable runs, branching paths and permanent upgrades. The result is a mix of arcade-style brawling and roguelike replayability. Absolum will also be available via Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard and PC Game Pass.

Subscribers can also look forward to a brand-new release with Nova Roma, which enters Early Access on March 26 and will be available through Microsoft’s gaming subscription via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. In this new city builder, players construct a new settlement after the decline of the Roman Empire, with the game seemingly placing a strong emphasis on water management through dams, aqueducts and reservoirs. Visually, the title features a stylized diorama look.