As video games grow and diversify, we have increasingly more classifications to frame them according to common characteristics, most of them regarding mechanics.
However, years go by, and now we also categorize them depending on production, which has allowed us to acknowledge the“AA”tag:games with significant budgets(though not as much as AAA titles)and experimental or niche approaches(though not as much as indies).
Because of this, we have a novel type of game that tries to take the best of both worlds, offering unique but sober experiences such as those found in ourranked list of the 10 best AA games on Game Pass.
For the article, the “AA” tag will refer to games with medium-sized budgets and teams that weren’t published by a large, well-known company (such as Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Bethesda, Capcom, EA, Square Enix, etc.).
10Evil West
Become A Wild West Superhero
Evil Westis an action-adventure title that surprised the gaming industry in 2022 thanks to its visceral, dark, and fun interpretation of the Old West, combining it with a more than welcomed paranormal tone.
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Despite having a linear structure that often leads to monotony, its satisfying combat system and captivating visuals feel like a throwback to classic action games, especially when experienced in co-op.
Between upgrading your arsenal, slaying monsters, and enjoying the blood spectacle,Evil West is amazing for straightforward hours of pure entertainment and destruction.
9Remnant: From the Ashes
The Souls-like With Guns
Remnant: From the Ashes
If we talk about thebest souls-likesor thebest genre mashups, it’s almost impossible not to think ofRemnant: From the Ashes, Gunfire Games' approach to Dark Souls with guns.
Being a game that stands out as a Soulsborne heir, as a TPS, and as a co-op experience is definitely a major feat, as it tries many things at the same time and succeeds on every single occasion.
From combat to art, from design to lore, or from difficulty to narrative,the game always keeps its composure, never stopping focusing on entertainment but also never leaving behind the overall experience.
8A Plague Tale: Requiem
Breathtaking Struggle
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Requiemis not only one of thebest stealth games on Game Pass, but also the main reason whyAsobo Studio is a AA team to keep an eye on.
To this day, not many titles have achieved the sense of darkness and despair this sequel achieves, exhibiting a heart-wrenching narrative rich in emotions, messages, and immersion.
Aside from the clunky environments and the gameplay linearity,A Plague Tale: Requiem is one of those ventures that is totally worth trying just for the feelings.
7The Outer Worlds
Obsidian’s Underrated Gem
The Outer Worlds
WhileThe Outer Worldsisn’t Obsidian’s most beloved work, it’s the perfect demonstration of why the company is considered among the best RPG developers of all time.
Its vibrant retro-futuristic universe filled with bizarre personalities and satirical spirit is the optimal scenario for a game that feels compelling in every element;from role-playing to shooting and exploring,its quality is as constant as it can get.
Even though it has a mixed reception from a segment of the gaming community, as it isn’t a game for everyone’s tastes,The Outer Worlds will make you fall in love as long as you let it.
6Wasteland 3
Post-apocalyptic Immersion
Wasteland 3
As one of thebest tactical RPGsin recent times,Wasteland 3is the perfect example of an underrated game, being so good that its lack of recognition almost feels insulting.
The last entry in inXile Entertainment’s franchise is a terrific depiction of a post-apocalyptic setting, immersing you in an unforgiving and reactive world that heavily tests your morality and your tactical skills.
With an extraordinary narrative, gorgeous graphics, and dynamic gameplay,this turn-based gem is everything veterans and newcomers can look for in a true CRPG experience.
5Cities: Skylines
The Ultimate City Building Experience
Cities: Skylines
Acclaimed, challenging, and fascinating are just some of the adjectives that can describeCities: Skylines, one of the most prominent city-building simulation games of all time.
Designing and managing your own metropolis has never been this addictive, as balancing education, healthcare, and transportation while handling the city’s economy is thoroughly pleasing.
The amount of depth, options, and replayability Cities: Skylines offers can make this a journey for a lifetime, especially given thatit’s hard to think of a city builder with this level of detail and polish.
4Psychonauts
Psychic Odyssey
Psychonauts
Although the AA label didn’t exist at the time,Psychonautsis a platformer masterpiece that fully fits the description. And even if it didn’t, there’s always room for showing love to Double Fine’s excellent work.
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Classic gameplay at its finest.
Razputin’s psychic odyssey is one of the most creative and fantastic games of the century, presenting an engaging story, refined humor, and innovative gameplay mechanics that have transcended the test of time.
It may be the oldest entry on the list, but Psychonaut’s quality is a testament to a development era where interactive projects were at their peak in terms of imagination.
3Pillars of Eternity
Isometric Authority
Pillars of Eternity
Obsidian appears once again in this rank throughPillars of Eternity, another instance of the company being so good at creating role-playing games that it’s nearly impossible to comprehend.
When it comes to worldbuilding, deep narratives, authentic character personalization, or even an honest tribute to CRPGs,Pillars of Eternity reaches the heights reserved for the best of the best.
To oppose the game’s greatness is technically to oppose reality, as the title shows an immaculate execution of the core elements of the genre and a sincere dedication to everyone who has ever loved this type of game.
2Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
The Original AA
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificecould easily be considered a turning point in video games, not only for pioneering the “AA” concept but forfocusing on mental healthwhile being a large release.
Despite being more common in indie games, such themes were (and are) an oddity in big launches, more so when considering the experimental and completely unusual mechanics and storytelling of Hellblade.
As such,Senua’s Sacrifice is a stunning experience, a powerful portrayal of mental illness, and a bold attempt to try something new in a predominantly static market where trends are the general horizon of game development.
1Lies of P
An Elegant Masterpiece
Over the last decade, we have witnessed countless tries to recreate FromSoftware’s formula, though only one has actually captured the true Soulsborne essence:Lies of P.
In the worst-case scenario, it’s part of thebest souls-like games. In the best-case scenario, it’s a glorious adaptation of Pinocchio’s tale and the most remarkable heir of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s teachings.In both cases,it’s a masterpiece.
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Regarding boss and level design, combat and progression systems, lore and character development, aesthetics, and soundtrack,Lies of P is just superb, one of the finest titles of 2023 andthe best AA game on Game Pass.
13 AA Games With AAA Appeal
Sometimes it’s about the gameplay, sometimes it’s about the visuals, but it’s always about the quality, so let’s check out some double-A games.
