Xbox has confirmed a new day one game coming to the Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscription services in January 2023 through the Xbox Game Preview program. While the vast majority of games added to Xbox Game Pass are full releases, there are times when Microsoft adds an early access title to the mix, giving fans the chance to try the games before they are completely done with the development.
The Xbox Game Preview program is the Xbox equivalent of Steam's Early Access. Some notable games have been made available through Xbox Game Preview over the years, with one recent and notable example being Disney Dreamlight Valley. Not only has Disney Dreamlight Valley been available to play through the Xbox Game Preview program, but it's also a part of the Game Pass subscription service.
The same applies to Inkulinati, a new day one Xbox Game Pass game that's hitting the Xbox Game Preview program on January 31, 2023. On that day, subscribers across the cloud, Xbox consoles, and PC will be able to play Inkulinati for themselves. Described as an "ink-based" strategy game, Inkulinati features a unique art style that mimics medieval manuscripts and challenges players to become the "Master of the Living Ink."
Oddly enough, Inkulinati wouldn't be the first day one Xbox Game Pass game to take some inspiration from medieval manuscripts. Obsidian Entertainment's narrative-based Pentiment uses an art style that was also inspired by medieval manuscripts and art. Pentiment joined the Xbox Game Pass lineup as part of the November 2022 new additions, earning high marks from critics and being praised as one of the better new day one Game Pass games of the year.
Time will tell if Inkulinati will live up to Pentiment, but it should be noted that they are really completely different games outside their similar art styles. Whereas Pentiment is a narrative-driven game, Inkulinati is a strategy game. They should appeal to different people, but maybe those who got a kick out of Pentiment's unique art style will still want to give Inkulinati a go, even if they're not usual strategy game fans.
Inkulinati is not the only game coming to Xbox Game Pass in January. There are some heavy hitters confirmed for the service next month, including Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Monster Hunter Rise, so subscribers should have plenty to look forward to in the new year.
Inkulinati will be available in early access for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X beginning January 31.