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After Microsoft's latest news of Xbox Game Pass subscription changes, featuring a price increase for the Ultimate Tier to $thirty per month, many subscribers are seeking new methods to get the most from their subscription. For those holding onto their membership or considering joining, here are this week's recommendations.

Our selected games include a beloved Japanese role-playing game, a charming independent adventure, and a brilliant puzzler scheduled to depart from the service shortly.

Persona 4: The Golden Edition

One of the top ways to maximize value from Game Pass is by immersing yourself in a lengthy, engaging RPG — and Persona 4 Golden fits that bill perfectly. Players take on the part of a high school student who has just moved to the quiet countryside of Inaba. During the day, your goals include making friendships, taking on employment, and keeping up with studies. At night, you investigate a chilling serial murder case by exploring unique locations themed around your companions' inner fears.

With a unforgettable cast of characters, tactical turn-based combat, impeccable art design, and a plot full of twists, Persona 4: The Golden Edition is considered a masterpiece for good reason. It also boasts a highly addictive gameplay loop that will keep you up past bedtime, night after night.

Sopa - Tale of the Stolen Potato

Although major titles like Ninja Gaiden IV are a primary selling point for Game Pass, the platform also showcases lesser-known games. A perfect instance of this is Sopa - Tale of the Stolen Potato. Inspired by the animated classic, this enchanting independent game is a magical realist journey rooted in South American culture. You join Miho, who, after assisting his grandma make soup, is pulled into a vibrant world filled with potato-nabbing frogs and other quirky animals.

Sopa plays out similar to an educational computer title from the 90s, as Miho tackles challenges and aids the world's residents by gathering an inventory of objects. Even if it's a little unpolished, Sopa is a sweet little game that proudly showcases its appreciation for the region's culture.

Cocoon: A Puzzle Adventure

Cocoon: A Puzzle Adventure is scheduled to leave the service on Oct. 15, giving you only a short time to experience it via subscription — and you definitely must. Developer the creators crafted one of the best puzzle games of recent years in 2023's Cocoon. Its central gameplay element revolves around moving between worlds within other worlds, and frequently you'll transport those worlds, in the shape of vibrant spheres, with you.

While it lacks direct guidance, everything about Cocoon's challenges is designed in a very natural manner, though they will challenge you as well. The year 2023 proved a big period for video games, so it's no surprise if Cocoon: A Puzzle Adventure was somewhat overlooked by many players. We should correct that while we can.