You Should Play This Underrated Fallout-Like Game Before It Leaves Xbox Game Pass May 15

Summary Don't overlook Norco on Xbox Game Pass - a gripping adventure with Fallout vibes.

Enjoy deep characters and branching stories in Norco, a dark and wonderful experience.

Players should brace for a slow but rewarding narrative journey in Norco before it leaves Game Pass.

While May is proving to be a stacked month for Xbox Game Pass, subscribers should do their best to not let Norco, an excellent adventure game with some major Fallout energy, slip by unnoticed. As a part of the platform's general ebbs and flows, whenever Microsoft adds new games to its streaming service it also tends to remove some of the older titles. While this may be disappointing for those who haven't had the time to play the departing games, it's generally the case that ample warning is provided to ensure everyone gets one final chance.

Per Xbox, one of the games leaving Game Pass on May 15 is Norco, an atmospheric text-based adventure game that's won plenty of awards for its dramatic Southern Gothic narrative that's elevated by captivating writing and world-building. While it may not feature Fallout's action-packed combat or quirky take on the post-apocalypse, the bizarre take on a United States that's been poisoned by corporate greed and the story, which follows Kay as she attempts to track down her missing brother, is very reminiscent of the RPG. Those who enjoy deep characters and branching stories should definitely check it out.

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Norco Is Strange, Dark, And Wonderful

As Grim As It Is Thought-Provoking

Developed by Geography of Robots, Norco began its life as a multimedia documentary about the state of Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina destroyed large portions of the state in 2005. While largely following Kay's search for her brother and the eventual mystery of her mother's disappearance and research, one of the core themes of the game is the destruction of the environment resulting in a twisted reality for the game's characters. The game's dystopian future is perhaps its biggest Fallout connection, especially given the lengths the fictional Shield corporation goes to in order to turn a profit.

Players who may be interested in playing Norco before it leaves Game Pass should be aware that it can be an intentionally slow game as it forces Kay to dwell in situations and locations that are uncomfortable for her. Gameplay largely consists of talking to NPCs, taking down notes of the clues scattered throughout the story, and occasionally engaging in turn-based combat mini-games. It may not be for everyone, but those users who place narrative over gameplay should be more than satisfied with the overall experience.

Aside from Norco, Xbox Game Pass is also losing several other fantastic titles that subscribers may want to carve out some time to check out before they eventually leave. Eastern Exorcist, Eiyudebn Chronicle Risaing, Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2, Ghostlore, Just Cause 4 Reloaded, SD Gundam Battle Alliance, and Supraland: Six Inches Under will all soon depart the service. Fortunately, those who may be interested in playing them but may not have the time to do so can at least pick them up for a decent discount.

Source: Xbox