Cody Medellin: Rare's big return to gaming comes completely out of left field for them, as they've never done an open-world game before, much less one with a focus on multiplayer. However, they've run a ton of alpha tests on Sea of Thieves, and the response has been rather pleasant thus far. There are only a few months to go before the public gets their hands on it, but it'll be interesting to see if the allure of piracy can take people away from battle royales.

Adam Pavlacka: Pirates. Open world. No rules. Most importantly, it's part of Game Pass on day one. Sea of Thieves has been in development for years, and the various looks we've gotten at it have all been intriguing, if somewhat limited. It's not the story or the action that holds promise here, but the potential for emergent gameplay. To date, only E.V.E. Online has really mastered that market, and console games haven't even gotten close. There's something about Sea of Thieves that makes it look like it could scratch that itch, especially with the guarantee of a high player count thanks to the Game Pass inclusion.

Andreas Salmen: You get to be a pirate with your (actual) mates, and Rare is the developer. I'm optimistic because it's an interesting concept and a fun idea that evokes childhood fantasies. Where was this game when I was 12?

David Silbert: Back before Xbox Avatars and Kinect Sports, Rare was responsible for making some of the most cherished games on the planet. From Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie to Perfect Dark and GoldenEye 007, Rare's games were a symbol of quality and innovation. While the studio has been responsible for a couple of hits under Microsoft's tutelage, its most ambitious game in years is set for release in March. Sea of Thieves is interesting for many reasons, from its focus on multiplayer pirate action to its charming cartoon aesthetic. Perhaps most importantly, Sea of Thieves represents Rare going back to being Rare: fun, silly, and willing to try something boldly new.