The Xbox One library of games wasn’t off to the perfect start the execs were hoping for. There’s no denying it, even if you’re a fanboy. However, contrary to popular belief, the Xbox One has a bunch of games worth playing.
Even if the collective fandom of the opposing PlayStation player base says otherwise, we’re here to prove them wrong. The Xbox One titles are nothing to sneeze at, especially the ones on today’s list. It’s not just one or two series either; there’s a diverse selection of games that we’re sure many will appreciate.
Which Xbox One Games Are the Best Of All Time?
Microsoft’s game-changing preservation of retro titles via backward compatibility is a tremendous feat. Players can access the extensive library of classic Xbox games through this program. You can argue all you want, but it’s sure as heck a lot better than what Sony’s got in the PlayStation Plus. Which is now way more pricier and has tiers now, but you’ll need it to play your PS3 games on PS5.
Anyway, let’s shift back to Xbox One and its games. So, the consoles’ software offerings are not only diverse, but they’re pretty darn fun as well. We’ll spotlight a few hidden gems that we feel deserve better exposure, and some are obvious ones. Alright, enough with the suspense; let’s go through our list of super awesome Xbox One titles.
10. Dead Rising 3
We’re kicking off our list of top-tier Xbox One games with a zombie-fest that is Dead Rising 3. An exclusive launch title for the system, Dead Rising 3 has more than its fair share of quirks. If you remember the previous gen, you’ll know the Xbox 360 zombie games are incredibly diverse and hold up well. Dead Rising 3 follows suit and delivers a fun time for players.
The game takes the bold direction of introducing a new protagonist once again, Nick Ramos. He’s a mechanic who’s surviving zombie hordes, and players get a taste for how he does it during the gameplay. The absurdity is through the roof as Dead Rising 3 allows for combining weapons in ludicrous ways, and you can do it all on the fly. The game rewards creative kills; going ham here is the idea, and it’s super fun.
Dead Rising 3 is one of those Xbox One games having mindless fun with a cheesy narrative and highly addictive gameplay. The incorporation of co-op multiplayer is another innovative idea that’s well executed. We always recommend Dead Rising 3 to anyone who’s trying to dip their toes in the zombie game genre. And if you’re already a fan, then Dead Rising 3 is a must-play anyway.
9. Ori And The Blind Forest
Moving onto the next pick for the list of awesome Xbox One games, we’ve got Ori And The Blind Forest. This little gem is one of the most endearing and adorable platformers you’ll ever play. The game’s focus is on a spirit that’s like a cutesy monkey as he navigates the terrain full of chasms, traps, and puzzles. Along the way, there are enemies and other obstacles that’ll need dealing with; we recommend using the bash.
Ori And The Blind Forest borrows heavily from the Metroidvania formula but puts its twist. For one thing, Ori And The Blind Forest’s visuals are drop-dead gorgeous. Players will love how each area of the forest has a haunting and ethereal vibe to it. The platforming motion is fluid and feels satisfying, and the combat is a delight as well. There’s another spirit, Sein, that players can control for combat purposes mainly.
The game is more accessible than traditional retro platformers. Players can pick their own spot for a checkpoint using Soul Links. To balance things out, they’re rare in the game, so players must use them sparingly. There are also upgrades and skill trees to help players stay invested. Ori And the Blind Forest fits right at home on Xbox One, and its vibe is similar to games like Stray, featuring an animal hero.
8. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is one the most jaw-droppingly eye-catching racing games ever on the Xbox One. The game’s map size is the largest in the series’ history, full of rich and scenic vistas of Mexico. The environments are lush and green, with a dash of realism to them, including an accurate depiction of the weather. The day/night cycle and the transition back and forth is another immersive feature that feels natural.
Forza Horizon 5 is a graphical showcase of the Xbox One’s capability, and its visuals will leave many fans impressed. Aside from the high-octane driving and various racing modes like in all previous racing games on Xbox 360, there’s an open-world map that players can freely explore at their leisure. Did we mention the excellent character customization for the wide selection of cars and the playable character as well? Tweak to your heart’s content.
By far, Forza Horizon 5’s most outstanding feature is its Eliminator mode, which it first introduced in its prequel. If you’re into Battle Royale games, you’ll have a blast with Forza Horizon 5 on the Xbox One. The Eliminator mode is sudden death, where the goal is to not only win the race but eliminate as many competitors as you can. Players can bump other racer’s cars off-track to get them out of the race.
7. Killer Instinct
Next up, we’ve got a fighting game that Microsoft dug out from the gaming vault of history and wowed us. Killer Instinct is an exciting Xbox One exclusive fighting game that was actually bare bones initially. However, with multiple seasonal releases, it quickly grabbed our attention. As avid fans of fighting games, we had mixed feelings at the start, mainly because Killer Instinct was severely lacking in characters.
It was around this time Killer Instinct once again recaptured the magic and appeal that made it so special. Sure, it wasn’t the heavy hitter like Mortal Kombat and didn’t have the legacy of Street Fighter or the grounded approach of Tekken, but it carved its own identity. The involvement of ultra combos and combo breakers, as well as loads of cool attacks with flashy animation, give Killer Instinct a distinct vibe.
Each character in Killer Instinct has unique additional properties and traits that can further alter a match’s outcome. Also, the game, while accessible, has a lot of skill-based gameplay; you can make some grand comebacks that’ll dazzle even your opponents. With finishing moves now added to the game, the characters have more animated variety. Long story short, Killer Instinct on the Xbox One is one of the most brilliant fighting games ever.
6. Quantum Break
When we got word of Remedy of Alan Wake fame, working on a new Xbox One game, needless to say, the hype was real. Even when the cinematic trailer was shown off, our enthusiasm turned to curiosity more than anything. Everything about the presentation felt so bizarre. Yet, when we got our hands on the game, we’re glad to say Quantum Break was the show-stealer it was advertised as, living up to the buzz.
Quantum Break is a game combining third-person action, platforming, and puzzle-solving elements with a highly intriguing narrative. The gist of the plot revolves around time travel. There are critical moments where the player’s decisions impact the story. Time abilities are used cleverly to move the action at a steady pace. Each combat scenario makes Quantum Break feel like other grand adventure games.
Players see the game’s events in the accompanying tv show, where the perspective shifts to the antagonist. Quantum Break is a unique style of game on the Xbox One that’s unlike anything else out there. We highly encourage players who love to try truly out-there types of games to give Quantum Break a chance. It’s the one Xbox One exclusive you’ll remember for a long time.
5. Ryse: Son Of Rome
Transitioning from the time travel saga of Quantum Break, we travel to the dark ages of Ryse: Son Of Rome. The game’s time period is from the Roman Empire, set in an alternative history. Players take on the role of a battle-hardened general, Marius Titus, on a quest for vengeance. We’ll give the game props for adding some excellent variety to bolster the Xbox One launch line-up.
In Ryse: Son Of Rome, players will experience a cinematic hack-and-slash style of gameplay. There are loads of quick-time events to pad out and give the combat that visceral feel. The executions are brutal and are not for the squeamish. Ryse: Son Of Rome has incredible visuals, especially the way the sunshine glints off the Roman shields and armor pieces.
There’s enough combat depth that you’ll want to try to unlock all upgrades. There are spears and javelins that players can use for distant encounters. Ryse: Son Of Rome’s story is a strong hook for the players, depicting a man with a fire burning within him. The overall vibe of Ryse: Son Of Rome on the Xbox One makes it similar to the best medieval-themed games.
4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
For the next Xbox One entry on our list, we’re bending the rules a bit as it’s a whole collection of games. Microsoft’s made sure that the best versions of each mainline Halo game are available to their player base thanks to Halo: The Master Chief Collection. With a grand total of 6 games, you’re in for the long haul as you go through the spectacle that is Master Chief’s journey.
Each game has received a nice coat of paint and upgrades to the multiplayer aspect of the individual titles. Halo: The Master Chief Collection will have players dashing past enemy lines, either solo or in a co-op campaign. Shooting an assortment of weapons from Master Chief’s arsenal as he drives back invading forces and saves the Earth.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One is well worth the price, especially if you’ve never played a Halo game before. It’s hands down one of the pillar games within the First-person shooters. If sci-fi is your jam, then Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be right up your alley. For more games within the same ballpark, you should check out Mass Effect Legendary Edition and its class rankings.
3. Gears 5
Alright, so this next choice for the best Xbox One games list is a no-brainer, really, Gears 5. If Halo was the game to champion first-person shooters, then Gears Of War is almost the equivalent of third-person shooters. By the time of Gears 5, the franchise needed something different, as the games were feeling more of the same. Mind you; we weren’t complaining, as the games are top-tier.
Gears 5 marks the first time in the series that the focus shifts to Kate Diaz in the lead role. A welcome change, and if you’re in the market for games with ladies in the lead role, we recommend our list of games for girls. Anyway, in Gears 5, players will notice the graphical improvements and the gameplay is much more rapid-paced than in previous entries. The enemy A.I. is a lot tougher and clever, forcing players out of cover.
Gears 5 also has rock-solid co-op implementation. Players can team up into squads of 3 to play the campaign and have a great time. Alternatively, Gears 5 is an Xbox One game with highly engaging and competitive multiplayer modes. The character classes and weapon variety in Gears 5 make it worth checking out, so don’t sleep on this top-notch Xbox-exclusive third-person shooter.
2. ReCore
For the runner-up position of entertaining Xbox One games, we have a criminally underrated title, ReCore. Believe us, this game was ahead of its time, borrowing timeless platforming elements with an entirely original world with intriguing lore and stellar graphics. ReCore is a brilliant amalgamation of creativity and the peak example of video games as an art form.
ReCore puts players in a majestic world despite it having a desolate aesthetic. The lead character Joule braves the desert alongside her robotic companions, who assist her in navigating, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game’s simplicity is its greatest charm, and the influence of Metroid Prime and Mega Man inspirations are apparent. Though we argue it’s not at all a bad thing, quite the opposite.
With ReCore, players will remember a simpler time when games encouraged players to experiment and explore. It’s a joy and an absolute pleasure to play through the game. The traversal and enemy encounters are surprisingly tense, requiring a fair bit of precision to master dodging. If you enjoy single-player adventure games, you’ll love playing ReCore on the Xbox One.
1. Sunset Overdrive
For the final pick, and our absolute favorite game on the Xbox One, is one the greatest action-adventure games of all time, Sunset Overdrive. If you’re wondering why we’re fanboying over Sunset Overdrive, it’s because the developers are Insomniac Games. Their track record of making memorable adventure platform games is unparalleled; whether it’s Spyro, Ratchet & Clank, or the more recent Marvel’s Spiderman game, they always deliver.
Sunset Overdrive is the Xbox-exclusive game that immediately turned heads and got us hooked. The wacky and humorous tone, straight out of the pages of the funniest games ever, blends well with the game’s 4th wall-breaking. The gameplay of Sunset Overdrive is where it truly shines; its over-the-top and addictive traversal and shooting are phenomenal.
There is a boatload of customization options with wonky looks to tweak appearance and abilities with. Sunset Overdrive exemplifies fun on the Xbox One and is our absolute favorite game on the system. No other game comes close to marching it in fun and enjoyability. We guarantee you’ll have a rollicking good time.
Final Thoughts On the Best Xbox One Games Ever
Well, that’s the end of our list of excellent Xbox One games. The games we mentioned are top-tier, and each has something new to offer for players. We highly encourage everyone to check them out; we have a feeling you won’t feel disappointed. So, let us know in the comments below your thoughts on our picks for today’s list. How many have you played for yourself, and would you agree with our take on them?
We always look forward to all the feedback we get from our readers. Also, if you’re in the mood for more OG Xbox gaming goodness, check out 6 more classic Xbox games. We’re pretty sure you’ll have your hands full with the games on there. Anyway, that’s it for today; we’re signing off. We hope you all stay safe and until next time! Happy gaming, everybody!
