Game Pass Pick up – Junkster

One of the best things about Game Pass is stumbling across something you’d probably never have bought otherwise, and Junkster is exactly that sort of game.

Developed by Stormcloud Games, Junkster is a charming little 3D action platformer that puts you in control of UM-13 or Um, a tiny construction bot stranded on a junkyard planet after his cargo ship comes crashing down. Armed with a trusty robo wrench, it’s your job to gather up the galaxy’s rubbish, rebuild what you need and eventually get yourself back off the planet.

The big hook is the building mechanic. Rather than simply jumping from platform to platform, Um can collect pieces of junk scattered throughout each level and use them to build bridges, repair machinery and create new routes through the environment. It’s simple, but it’s effective and fun!

The platforming itself is equally enjoyable. Nothing here is going to test anyone really heavily, but movement feels good, levels are nicely paced and there’s enough variety between platforming, light combat, puzzles and building to keep things moving.

Then there’s the bit that immediately scratches that “I need to 100% this” part of my brain.

Levels are packed with things to collect, including COGs, stickers and artifacts, alongside ship parts and Junkster toys. Stickers are hidden throughout the game’s comic book style “Issues”, while COGs encourage you to properly explore every corner rather than simply heading towards the exit. I got a similar feeling to Spyro, when you’re at the end of the level and missing one gem, it’s the same feeling as missing one cog!

It’s never overwhelming either. Junkster feels like a game that actually wants you to find everything rather than hiding one collectible behind a completely unmarked wall three miles backwards just to annoy you.

Visually, there’s plenty of personality too. The colourful junkyard environments work nicely alongside an 80s American comic book inspired aesthetic, and Um himself is a wonderful little protagonist despite not needing much more than a wrench and some little robot mannerisms to get you on his side.

Most importantly, Junkster knows exactly what it is, it isn’t trying to consume the next 80 hours of your life. It’s a small, cheerful platformer that you can jump into, thoroughly enjoy, mop up the collectibles and move on from feeling satisfied. You’re looking at roughly 8 to 10 hours for the full 1,000 Gamerscore, with 28 achievements in total, making this an especially nice Game Pass pick up for achievement hunters.

There are certainly bigger, prettier and more ambitious games sitting on Game Pass, but that’s exactly why games like Junkster deserve highlighting.

It’s charming. It’s satisfying. The building mechanic is genuinely fun, the collectathon side constantly gives you something to hunt for, and it doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Sometimes you don’t need the next huge blockbuster, sometimes you just need a little robot picking up rubbish for eight hours. And I’m completely fine with that.

Game Pass Pick-Up: Absolutely worth a download! Perfect game for switching off your brain and just having some fun!