The Best Games to Play for Xbox Users

The Best Games to Play for Xbox Users

Microsoft was in the second position before the Xbox One even launched due to a series of mistakes. Microsoft, on the other hand, is in a strong position to compete with the arrival of the Play for Xbox Series X and S. Both systems are reasonably priced and include a large library of games spanning two decades.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of titles we’d suggest to someone picking up an Xbox today — whether it’s a Series X, a Series S, a One X, or a One S — after a long hiatus from Microsoft’s consoles.

The games in this list are a mix of exclusives for Microsoft’s consoles and cross-platform blockbusters that work best on Play for Xbox. Where applicable, we’ve done our best to illustrate the advantages of Microsoft’s systems. Oh, and although we understand that some people are wary of subscription services, Game Pass Ultimate, which allows you to play several of the games on this list for a monthly charge, is absolutely worth considering.

Control

Control is the result of combining Alan Wake’s strange Twin Peaks story with Quantum Break’s furious abilities and gunplay. As a lady on the hunt for her missing brother, you rapidly realize that the border between reality and the surreal is razor-thin. It’s perfect for fans of The X-Files and the supernatural who grew up watching the show. It’s also an excellent example of a team at the top of its game-making game, improving and extending the open-world model that has dominated games for the past decade.

Last-generation control The Xbox One struggles a little, but the One X is head and shoulders. Above the PS4 Pro in terms of realism and fluidity. With the release of the next-generation consoles, an ‘Ultimate Edition’ was released, bringing ray-tracing and greater frame rates to console gamers. Although you’ll only gain those perks if you possess a next-gen console, it also comes with all of the available DLC and is the edition we suggest getting, even if you don’t plan to update right away.

Cuphead

Cuphead by Studio MDHR is as gorgeous as it is tough – and it’s both. Half bullet hell shooter, half platformer, half boss rush… no, that’s too many halves. Cuphead, on the other hand, drew in almost everyone with its lovely, hand-drawn graphics that appear as they came directly from the 1930s. The game then kept people coming back with tough-as-nails gameplay that never seemed unfair. It includes some of the most memorable boss battles you’ll ever experience – Cala Maria is our favorite — but the thrill of finally conquering the one you’ve been stuck on after 273 deaths will remain with you the most.

Forza Horizon 4

The Forza Horizon games have always been a distant second to the main series. But Playground Games has created our favorite Forza game ever in Forza Horizon 4. Horizon 4 brings the series’ arcade action and open world to the United Kingdom, allowing players to explore. Some of the most magnificent sights in England, Scotland, and Wales. All of the automobiles you’d expect are present, but the seasons are possibly the most intriguing addition. Because the game’s massive landscape changes with the time of year, the manner the cars handle changes as well. There’s a lot of game here, and it’s all a lot of fun.

The gaming headset operates well on both Xbox One and Series consoles, although the One X can choose between 4K/30 and 1080p/60, while the Series S is limited to 1080p/60 and the Series X can go up to 4K/60. The best “next-gen enhancement,” however, is loading times, which may be up to 200 percent quicker than the previous generation.

Gears 5

Gears 5 attempts to be a lot of things and fails miserably at all of them. However, if you’re a Gears of War lover, there’s a lot to like here. The cover-shooter action that the franchise helped pioneer feels fantastic, and the campaign, although not particularly ambitious in terms of plot, is well-paced and has plenty of explosive set pieces to keep you engaged. The multiplayer modes aren’t excellent right now, but Gears 5 is worth buying just for the narrative.

It’s also a genuine visual exhibition, ranking among the best-looking console games available. With high-resolution and ultra-high frame rates (up to 120fps on series consoles), Microsoft performed an excellent job optimizing for all platforms and use-cases.

Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata ultimately released for Xbox One in the summer of 2018, after a lengthy wait. And it was well worth the nearly 18-month wait. Nier takes Platinum Games’ razor-sharp combat and places it in a universe created by everyone’s favorite eccentric, Yoko Taro. Don’t worry, you can largely just run, gun, and slash your way. Through the game, but as you complete it, and finish it, and finish it. You find yourself drawn into a really unique story, one that never done before and unlikely to done again.

Short of a fan-patched PC game, the Play for Xbox One X and Series X essentially have the finest version of Nier: Automata available. On the Series S and One S, not so much, but on the Series S, you do get constant framerates and a respectable experience.

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest was a victory, coming at a time. When “Gears Halo Forza” looked to represent the beginning, middle, and end of Microsoft’s publishing intentions. It’s a confident mash-up of Super Meat Boy’s pixel-perfect platforming with the lush, unfolding environments of Metroidvania titles. You’ll perish hundreds of times while exploring the titular forest and learning new talents. That will allow you to access new sections. It looks and sounds fantastic — Disney-esque fantastic — and the plot, while secondary to the experience, is intriguing. Ori may not accomplish much to push the limits of its genres, but it does everything well.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice isn’t your typical Dark Souls title. FromSoftware’s samurai adventure departs from the well-worn pattern, favoring stealth, grappling hooks. Quick swordplay over the sluggish, heavy battle and gothic sorrow. Oh, and while it’s still a challenging game, it’s far more approachable than the Souls games – you can even pause it! All of these adjustments have resulted in a game. That readily recognized as a From Software release, but it is distinct in its own right, and it is excellent.

Despite the fact that next-gen consoles should easily able to run this game at 60 frames per second. The Series S restricted to an inconsistently paced 30 frames per second. Play for Xbox Series X doesn’t quite hold to 60 frames per second either. With that stated, it’s a lot of fun to play.