The hidden gems of Game Pass(Image credit: Microsoft)We’re checking out the hidden gems of Game Pass over the next few weeks, digging up all the obscure and esoteric games secreted away in our subscription and seeing how they play.
The hidden gems of Game Pass
(Image credit: Microsoft)We’re checking out the hidden gems of Game Pass over the next few weeks, digging up all the obscure and esoteric games secreted away in our subscription and seeing how they play.
(Image credit: Microsoft)

We’re checking out the hidden gems of Game Pass over the next few weeks, digging up all the obscure and esoteric games secreted away in our subscription and seeing how they play.
Once again, we’re taking a look at some of the hidden gems to be found in the PC Game Pass library. Sure, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle just arrived—it’svery good—but maybe you’re looking for something a bit more lo-fi. A bit more grimdark. A bit morethis gun feels like a nuclear blast with a trigger. Maybe you’re looking for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, one ofour favourite boomer shootersof last year.
It’s all about the titular Boltgun, and of the power fantasy armed with some of the most powerful weapons to grace the PC. Every single weapon here feels good, and all are meaty enough to tackle the hordes of Chaos that you’ll face. Special shout out, as always, to the chainsword too—the linchpin of a fantastic melee system that lets you dash quickly between acts of violence.
Despite the low poly aesthetic, Boltgun is also a treat for Warhammer fans—its attention to detail at home against the game’s nostalgic ’90s vibe. Pack in some great level design—adding some verticality to the Doom-style mazes—and you’ve got a game that can stand proudly among the best of the retro shooter revival.
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PC Gamer created this content as part of a paid partnership with Microsoft and PC Game Pass. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of PC Gamer.
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