It’s hard to argue that of the three major console makers, Microsoft has done the best job of preserving classic games over the last 20 years. This can be readily seen in the Xbox Game Pass lineup, with a slew of classic games gracing the Game Pass library both on console and PC. Here are some of the best classic titles you can play on Game Pass right now, and bear in mind that this is in no way a comprehensive list of classic games on Game Pass – rather, this is just a brief list of standouts.
Xbox Game Pass
Black
This FPS has rightly been called one of the most underrated of the sixth console generation.
Blinx: The Time Sweeper
This platformer had a unique time-controller mechanic, and has gone on to become a cult-classic of the OG Xbox era.
Crimson Skies
Another Xbox classic. No one who has tried Crimson Skies can deny that it is an absolute blast to play.
Banjo Kazooie
With Microsoft’s acquisition of Rare all those years ago came this beloved platformer franchise. And now Game Pass member get to reap the rewards of that purchase.
Doom 64
Xbox Game Pass members can enjoy this shooter classic all over again or, if they are lucky, play it for the first time.
Fable Anniversary
The update to Lionhead Studio’s original Fable, one of the best roleplaying games of all time.
Fusion Frenzy
If you didn’t get to try this classic party game on the original Xbox, now you get another chance with Xbox Game Pass
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
With six games in this collection, this just might be more Halo than you can handle. Or maybe not.
Perfect Dark Zero
The follow up to the N64 FPS classic introduced Joanna Dark to a new generation of gamers as an Xbox 360 launch title.
Pyschonauts
Fans were overjoyed when this game finally got its overdue sequel last year. Game Pass subscribers can now find out why when they check out the original.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Anyone who was lucky enough to find themselves in Vvardenfell will never forget it. And those who’ve yet to visit can do so with Xbox Game Pass.
PC Game Pass
PC Game Pass also has some exclusive classics of its own that you won’t find on its console counterpart. Cause PC gamers know how to keep it old school too.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
It is safe to say the strategy genre would not be what it is today without Age of Empires. If you love strategy games you owe it to yourself to play this classic.
Arx Fatalis
A lesser-known roleplaying contemporary of Morrowind, Arx Fatalis may finally get the attention it deserves on PC Game Pass.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
The remastered version of this chaotic arcade-style racer will thrill a new generation of gamers with its inclusion in PC Game Pass.
Command and Conquer: Remastered Collection
“The RTS that redefined the genre.” What more do you need to convince you to give this collection a shot? If you dig classic strategy and have PC Game Pass, then this is a no-brainer.
Fallout
The classic Fallout is alive and well on Game Pass with the original that started it all, as well as Fallout 2 (and 3, and 4, and…well, you get the idea).
Grim Fandango Remastered
Another remastered PC gaming classic, Double Fine’s (the same creators behind the Psychonauts series) Grim Fandango Remastered will make you fall in love with it all over again.
Jade Empire: Special Edition
This unique action-RPG classic, set in a mythologized ancient China, is one of the games that made the original Xbox such a memorable console.
Quake
An updated version of the influential 1996 shooter that helped shape the FPS genre for years to come.
We hope you have enjoyed this rundown of some of the best classic games on game pass right now, as of June 2022. There are many more classics on both Xbox and PC Game Pass waiting to be discovered and re-discovered. Did we leave out any classic games on Game Pass that deserved a place alongside the 19 games we featured? Let us know in the comments below. Also let us know what classic games on Game Pass are your favorites.
Featured image courtesy of Comicbook.com.
