This Studio Ghibli-esque indie is heaps of fun, and free with Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass has loads of games packed into its various subscription tiers, but to tell the truth, I’ve been debating cancelling my membership… until now, that is.
It’s not that the quality of games has dwindled, as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lets you play the latest and greatest AAAs on day one.
The service has also been a risk-free way of trying out games I’d have otherwise avoided, like the modern Call of Duty games.
It’s a case of timing for me. I’ve got a lot of games on the go and with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus I want to get my money’s worth. If I’m not playing enough titles through them, there’s no point keeping my membership.
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However, the recently released Tanuki: Pon's Summer has changed my mind. It reminded me why these services are of value, as had I cancelled my subscription, I’d have missed out on an adorable indie game that everyone should try for themselves.
Tanuki: Pon's Summer joins a long list of great indie games
Fans of Studio Ghibli are going to get behind this game quickly, but it’s a radical kick to it that you might not expect.
Its synopsis reads: “The Tanuki Festival is just a month away, and the shrine is in disrepair. Follow Pon, a well-meaning, if a bit lazy Tanuki with a part-time job at the Post Office, as he works to restore the shrine before summer ends. Deliver packages, make friends, and get the shrine ready for the big festival!”
Based on that alone, the game sounds pretty chill, and it is. After one whimsical hour of the game though, it’s easily more than meets the eye.
Pon is a precious little tanuki who happily cycles at a moderate pace, but it’s the Tony Hawk-like tricks that make traversal so much fun.
Feel free to stick to the roads as much as you want, though you’ll be missing out on the railing grinds, rooftop hopping and half-pipe manoeuvres.
Whilst doing your deliveries, you’ll also get to help them with various tasks, presented through minigames, and go exploring in your own time. Yes, there’s a fishing minigame.
It’s very, very charming and the kind of indie I’d have probably glossed over had I simply seen it on the Xbox store. Its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass put it on my radar and I’m so thankful that it did.
Those who don’t have an Xbox shouldn’t fret though, as Tanuki: Pon's Summer can also be played on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch 2.
I’d highly recommend you check it out if you like cute and cosy games, and even more so if you like more sporty titles like the Tony Hawk or Skate series.
Topics:Â Xbox Game Pass, Xbox, Indie Games
