Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems (April 1): Broforce and Dead Cells

It's time for another (kind of) weekly dose of Xbox (and PC) Game Pass Hidden Gems! Every week, we comb through the embarrassment of riches that is the Game Pass library and find you something you might not have looked twice at. And we've got two for you this time around.

Now, let's be real — if you've got a Game Pass subscription, the odds are pretty high that you're busy with Diablo IV right now. And rightfully so! Come on, it's Diablo. However, when you're ready to take a break from Blizzard's latest blockbuster (or if it just ain't your thing), consider these alternatives.

One of the hallmarks of the modern Diablo releases — including this new one — is how they take this classic style of gameplay and crank it up to eleven. Our two picks for this week: Broforce and Dead Cells, have that in common with them.

Both games are 2D-pixel art platformers. That's just about where the similarities end, however.

Broforce, released in 2014 by Devolver Digital (which means you can, at the very least, plan on things at least a little weird), harkens back to titles like Contra — scrolling left to right and shooting anything that moves. That description, however, only scratches the surface when it comes to what Broforce has to offer.

The titular Broforce is a platoon of brave soldiers based on the action heroes of the 1980s and 90s. This is more than cosmetic, too, as which character they represent determines what weapons and skills they have. For example, Rambro (a parody of John Rambo) attacks with a high-powered M60 machine gun, can throw grenades, and hit up close and personal with a combat knife.

There are more than 40 different warriors to unlock and fight as, including a number of intrepid female characters. The lineup boasts