Xbox's latest freebie is a hugely underrated open-world banger

Xbox Game Pass’ latest addition is a stellar open-world title, but it’s not an RPG or action-adventure title.

Those may be the two genres which immediately spring to mind when I use the phrase open-world but in this instance, I’m actually referring to a … sports game.

Stay with me on this, as I know that sports games aren’t for everyone.

It’s certainly not my usual cup of tea but this particular game is one I found surprisingly enjoyable.

I’m talking about Ubisoft’s Riders Republic.

This isn’t your typical sports game that’ll centre around one specific sport.

Here, you can bike, ski, snowboard, or use a wingsuit across an enormous open-world “sports paradise”.

ICYMI: Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft’s latest release, is proving to be pretty divisive.

Once you’ve picked your sport of choice, you can battle it out against 50 other players.

Compete in mass races as you “collide, grind, and fight your way to the finish”.

Of course, you can customise your character - and you can choose from either career mode or multiplayer mode.

I should also add that Riders Republic boasts some stunning scenery with national parks Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon all visitable.

The game boasts a very respectable score of 77 over on Metacritic which despite what the internet might tell you, is nothing to turn your nose up at.

That’s classed as Generally Favourable.

Xbox users are a tad more critical, awarding 3.5 out of a possible five stars but given that Xbox Game Pass users can access the game for free, I’d say it’s most definitely worth giving a go.

If it simply doesn’t appeal to you, plenty more games are on the way.

Train Sim World 5 arrives on 17 September, followed by Frostpunk 2 on 20 September, and Ara: History Untold on 24 September.