Xbox implemented significant adjustments to Xbox Game Pass last month, opting to reduce subscription costs while simultaneously clarifying that forthcoming Call of Duty installments would not be available on the platform upon release. Naturally, this fueled speculation about whether a lower price point might signal a decline in content quality. Fortunately, that is not the case; the latest wave of additions for May is remarkably robust, anchored by a fresh Forza title and an array of indie gems making their debut on the service.
<p>We have been diving into several titles on Xbox Game Pass this weekend. Our top picks include a visceral, hard-hitting fighter, a deeply evocative narrative journey, and a visually stunning cinematic puzzle platformer that is scheduled to rotate out of the catalog soon.</p>
<h2 id="mortal-kombat-1">
<span class="item-num">1 </span>
<span>Mortal Kombat 1</span>
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<p><em>Mortal Kombat 2</em> hits theaters this weekend, though initial critical reception has been polarized, currently hovering around a 48 on <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/movie/mortal-kombat-ii/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Metacritic</a> and 68% on <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mortal_kombat_ii" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Rotten Tomatoes</a>. Polygon’s Jake Kleinman described the film as largely forgettable, noting that it "feels more like a series of well-choreographed fight scenes set against meticulously crafted backdrops, then strung together with a plot and dialogue that recreates the experience of watching a video game cutscene."</p>
<p>Combat remains the series' defining feature, and it is undoubtedly the highlight of the new film. If you find yourself craving more high-octane, blood-spattered action after your theater visit, <em>Mortal Kombat 1</em> is available on Xbox Game Pass. Serving as a franchise reboot, it artfully reimagines established backstories while introducing fresh arcs for familiar faces. The signature combo-driven gameplay feels as fluid as ever, and the introduction of Kameo Fighters adds a refreshing tactical layer to every encounter.</p>
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<span class="item-num">2 </span>
<span>Mixtape</span>
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<p><em>Mixtape</em> is a narrative-forward experience steeped in profound nostalgia for the 1980s and '90s. The game centers on three teenage friends in California during their final evening together before one member of the group departs for New York to chase her musical aspirations. She is inseparable from her headphones, constantly spinning a curated mixtape packed with classics from artists like Devo, Joy Division, and Iggy Pop. The story artfully traverses key formative moments in their friendship, including a daring excursion into a defunct dinosaur-themed park. You can even <a href="https://www.makeyourownmixtape.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">create your own custom mixtape on the game's website</a>, a feature that Polygon’s Giovanni Colantonio utilized to enrich his own playthrough.</p>
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<span class="item-num">3 </span>
<span>Planet of Lana</span>
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<p>With <em>Planet of Lana</em> departing from Xbox Game Pass on Friday, May 15, this weekend is your final opportunity to experience this indie gem. It is perfectly suited for a weekend binge, as it offers a concise, satisfying campaign that can be finished in roughly four to five hours. This adventure centers on a heartfelt bond between Lana and her new companion, Mui, a creature reminiscent of an alien feline. Together, they venture into the unknown to rescue Lana's neighbors from a mysterious robotic threat. The gameplay blends environmental puzzle-solving with stealth, requiring clever teamwork to bypass dangerous predators. Since the sequel, <em>Planet of Lana 2</em>, is also included in the Game Pass library, you can transition directly into the next chapter once the credits roll.</p>
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<img width="440" height="248" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="Melinoe and Schelemeus in Hades 2" src="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hades-2-story.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=220&h=124&dpr=2">
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<h5 class="display-card-title">The 25 best games on Game Pass</h5>
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</div>Source: Polygon
