A series of missteps put Microsoft in second place before the Xbox One even came out. However, with the launch of the Xbox Series X and S, Microsoft is now in a great position to compete in the gaming market. Both consoles are well-priced and well-specced, and they offer a huge library of games spanning two decades. What sets Microsoft’s console strategy apart is that someone with a 7-year old Xbox One has access to an almost-identical library of games as the owner of a brand-new Xbox Series X. This makes it difficult to maintain meaningfully different lists for its various consoles, at least for now. Despite PS4 outselling Xbox One by a reported two-to-one, there are still many gamers who haven’t experienced much of what Microsoft has had to offer since the mid ’10s. This list aims to recommend games to someone picking up an Xbox today, whether it’s a Series X, Series S, One X, or One S, after an extended break from Microsoft’s consoles.
Deathloop, developed by the studio that brought you the Dishonored series, is an easy enough game to explain. You’re trapped in a day that repeats itself, and if you die, you go back to the morning to repeat the day again. Colt, the protagonist, must “break the loop” by efficiently murdering seven main characters who are inconveniently never in the same place at the same time. The game is stylish, accessible, and fun. As you try to figure out your escape from this time anomaly, you’ll also be hunted down by Julianna, another island resident who, like you, is able to remember everything that happens in each loop. The online multiplayer mode allows you to play as Julianna, hunting down Colt and foiling his plans for murder. Deathloop offers customizability with slabs that add supernatural powers, as well as weapons and trinkets to enhance your combat abilities. The game rewards repeat exploration, with secret guns, hidden conversations with NPCs, and a rich world-building lore to discover.
Overwatch 2 is a team-based shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The goal of the game is simple: stand on or near an objective and keep the other team away long enough to win. Although the game may seem like colorful chaos at first, Overwatch 2 has a steep learning curve that rewards players who stick with it. The game has reduced the number of players on each team from six to five, resulting in faster-paced and more enjoyable gameplay compared to the original Overwatch. With a cast of over 30 heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, you’ll surely find a few characters that resonate with you. The game looks and sounds terrific, thanks to Blizzard’s trademark level of polish.
Elden Ring is an action-RPG developed by FromSoftware, known for their challenging and atmospheric games. What sets Elden Ring apart is its hand-crafted feel, despite its expansive scale. The game features a rich open world with surprising and terrifying encounters at every turn. It’s a game that rewards exploration, and the difficulty can be adjusted to suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer close combat or long-range attacks, Elden Ring offers options to customize your character and make your journey more manageable.
Related Post
Control is a game that combines elements from previous titles by Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Alan Wake and Quantum Break. Playing as a woman searching for her missing brother, you quickly realize that reality and the fantastical are intertwined. It’s a game that draws inspiration from Twin Peaks and The X-Files, making it a must-play for fans of supernatural mysteries. Control offers a refined and evolved open-world formula, and while the last-gen Xbox versions may suffer some performance issues, the upgraded versions on the next-gen consoles include ray-tracing and higher frame rates.
The Dead Space remake brings back the horrific mechanics that made the original game so memorable in 2008. The remake features full voice acting, new puzzles, expanded storylines, and a zero-gravity ability that allows the protagonist, Isaac Clarke, to fly through sections of the game. The core loop of stasis, shoot, and stomp remains intact, with the player feeling constantly in danger and never overpowered. Dead Space popularized the idea that headshots don’t matter, and the remake stays true to this ethos while providing fresh combat experiences.
Halo Infinite is the latest entry in Microsoft’s flagship franchise. While the narrative may not make much sense, the game is incredibly fun to play. After some middling efforts from 343 Industries over the last decade, Halo Infinite successfully breathes new life into the franchise while staying true to its roots. The main campaign offers more open exploration and introduces new freedom of movement with the grappling hook. The multiplayer mode is addictive and features a variety of maps and game modes.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles have come a long way since their missteps with the Xbox One. The launch of the Xbox Series X and S puts Microsoft in a great position to compete in the gaming market. With a vast library of games spanning two decades, including exclusive titles and cross-platform favorites, there’s something for every gamer on Xbox. Games like Deathloop, Overwatch 2, Elden Ring, Control, Dead Space, and Halo Infinite showcase the best of what Xbox has to offer, delivering unique and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a returning Xbox player or new to the platform, there’s never been a better time to pick up an Xbox console and explore a world of gaming possibilities. And don’t forget to consider Game Pass Ultimate, which offers a monthly fee to access many of the games on this list and more.
