Xbox Game Pass: Underrated Games We Wish Had Sequels

Game Pass Gems: Three Titles Worth Diving Into This Weekend

As March unfolds, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have a compelling trio of titles to explore this weekend (March 20-22, 2026). Polygon recently highlighted a selection of games that, despite critical acclaim or innovative concepts, never received sequels – a testament to the industry’s sometimes-unpredictable nature. This weekend’s recommendations lean into that theme, spotlighting experiences that felt unfinished or ahead of their time, and deserve a revisit, or perhaps a first play.

The selections aren’t necessarily the newest additions to the service, but rather games that stand out as unique and memorable experiences within the Game Pass library. They represent studios and ideas that, for various reasons, haven’t been fully explored, offering a chance to appreciate what was, and perhaps ponder what could have been.

Sunset Overdrive: A Blast From the Past

Before Insomniac Games became synonymous with PlayStation exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man, they delivered a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly unique open-world experience with Sunset Overdrive. Released in 2014 for the Xbox One, the game throws players into a city overrun by mutated energy drink addicts, tasking them with surviving – and thriving – through a series of over-the-top, parkour-fueled missions.

Sunset Overdrive wasn’t just about mindless action; it was a surprisingly earnest story about finding your place in a world falling apart. The game’s emphasis on movement and creative combat, combined with its distinctive visual style, set it apart from its contemporaries. Insomniac’s subsequent success with PlayStation’s Marvel properties has cemented their reputation, but Sunset Overdrive remains a standout title in their catalog, a bold and inventive game that deserves recognition. It’s a reminder of a time when Xbox was actively cultivating unique, first-party experiences.

Immortals of Aveum: Magic and Mayhem

The first-person shooter genre is often dominated by guns, but Immortals of Aveum dared to ask: what if you replaced those guns with magic? Developed by Ascendant Studios, this 2023 title offered a fresh take on the FPS formula, allowing players to wield a variety of magical abilities in a visually stunning fantasy world.

Even as the game’s narrative and dialogue weren’t universally praised, the core gameplay loop – swapping between different types of magical “weapons” and utilizing a range of powers – was widely lauded. Austin Manchester of Polygon specifically highlighted the game’s satisfying magic gunplay and intriguing setting. Immortals of Aveum demonstrated the potential for innovation within a well-established genre, and it’s a shame that it didn’t receive the widespread attention it deserved. The game’s unique approach to combat and its captivating world make it a worthwhile addition to any Game Pass subscriber’s library. Ascendant Studios, a relatively new developer, took a significant risk with Aveum, and while it didn’t become a blockbuster, it established them as a studio to watch.

Quantum Break: A Bold Experiment in Storytelling

Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Alan Wake and Control, took a significant gamble with Quantum Break. Released in 2016, this sci-fi action game wasn’t just about shooting enemies; it was about manipulating time itself. The game’s innovative feature was its integration of live-action TV episodes, which were directly influenced by the player’s choices within the game.

Featuring a stellar cast including Aiden Gillen (known for his role in Game of Thrones), Shawn Ashmore (X-Men), and the late Lance Reddick (John Wick), Quantum Break offered a cinematic experience that blurred the lines between gaming and television. The game’s complex narrative and time-bending mechanics were ambitious, and while it wasn’t without its flaws, it remains a unique and memorable title. Ari Notis of Polygon described it as a game that was “truly special and well before its time.” Remedy’s current success with its franchise-focused approach demonstrates their ability to build upon established worlds, but Quantum Break stands as a testament to their willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of interactive storytelling.

These three titles, while distinct in their gameplay and narrative approaches, share a common thread: they represent bold ideas that deserve a second look. They’re reminders that not every great game needs a sequel to leave a lasting impact. Xbox Game Pass provides a convenient and affordable way to experience these underappreciated gems, and this weekend offers the perfect opportunity to dive in.

Looking ahead, Remedy Entertainment continues to expand its connected universe with upcoming projects, while Insomniac Games remains focused on its PlayStation partnerships. The fate of potential sequels to Sunset Overdrive or Immortals of Aveum remains uncertain, but for now, players can enjoy these unique experiences as they are, appreciating the creativity and innovation they brought to the gaming landscape.