The original Xbox console is officially old enough to drink, launching 21 years ago. Microsoft has been making games for even longer. If we’re going to compile a list of the best Microsoft games, we might need a little help. Enter Metacritic, as we’ll list some of the greatest games Microsoft has created based on their Metascore.
This list will include games developed by first-party Microsoft games, as well as other titles that Microsoft published from outside developers.
From Halo to Forza, Fable to Gears of War, and everything in between, we’re going to discuss the best Microsoft has had to offer.
Halo: Combat Evolved Is Widely Regarded as the Best Microsoft Game
Metascore: 97
Without Halo, there arguably is no Xbox. The game put the console on the gaming map thanks to a compelling single-player campaign, addictive multiplayer, and memorable characters.
Halo: Combat Evolved changed the world of first-person shooters forever. Before its release, the PC was the preferred platform for the FPS genre. Console shooters couldn’t keep up, mostly due to the control setup. Mouse and keyboard were, and still are for some, the preferred control scheme for shooters. Halo proved that not only were console shooters able to hold their own but also could deliver one of the best experiences in the genre.
While the Halo franchise has since struggled to regain its glory, Combat Evolved still holds its own today. It’s aged like a fine glass of wine that you want to break out for special occasions.
Halo 2 Is a Sequel That Met Nearly All of Its Expectations
Metascore: 95
Given the praise above for the original Halo, the sequel had much to live up to. While some may argue whether or not the ending works, there’s no denying that Halo 2 is one of the best Microsoft games.
Believe it or not, there was once a time when Xbox Live was a fledgling online service. While the ability to play online multiplayer with friends and strangers alike was novel, it lacked a true killer app to keep gamers up at night. Enter Halo 2; marathon multiplayer sessions no longer require everyone to be in the same room.
It’s not just about Xbox Live. Halo 2 changed the gameplay formula, introducing the ability to dual-wield and use Energy Swords. Its multiplayer map design is in a league of its own as well. Many of the best Halo multiplayer maps come from Halo 2.
Gears of War Is the Killer App for Xbox 360
Metascore: 94
The original Xbox had Halo. The Xbox 360 had Gears of Wars. The brainchild of Cliff Bleszinski and the team at Epic Games delivered a brutal third-person cover-based shooter that kick-started a trend where every third-person shooter had to feature cover mechanics.
Gears of War shines for more than just its covered-based gameplay. As a third-person shooter, it’s one of the best, thanks to solid gameplay, intelligent enemy design, and an incredibly satisfying multiplayer experience.
While some of the original visual beauty has faded, there’s no denying this was the gold standard for video game graphics in 2006.
Halo 3 Ends the Original Halo Trilogy on a High Note
Metascore: 94
The first Halo title on Xbox 360 is one of the best Microsoft games ever released. In addition to a satisfying conclusion of the original Halo trilogy, the game’s multiplayer is as good as ever.
There’s a reason why so many people were hyped for Master Chief Collection; playing Halo 3 on Xbox Live until the sun comes up is a core memory for many Xbox gamers, myself included.
Bungie understood their assignment and delivered an experience fitting of a game to cap off one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. This is Halo through and through, complete with years of perfecting the level design, character development, and gameplay mechanics. The addition of Forge is the icing on the cake.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Is One of the Best Microsft Games To Appear on a Non-Xbox Console
Metascore: 93
Ori and the Will of the Wisps will take your breath away with its beautiful visual style and precise platforming. It’s an absolute gem of a must-play game for anyone on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Wait, what?
That’s right; Ori is one of a handful of Microsoft-published games to appear on Nintendo’s most recent console. With Ori, Iam8bit handles the Switch publishing duties, but make no mistake: people acknowledge this as a Microsoft Game.
The second title in the Ori franchise, Will of the Wisps, is the rare occasion of a sequel surpassing the original release. It rises above the medium of video games, becoming a true work of art that will emotionally move the player in ways once thought unimaginable.
Gears of War 2 Is Another Hit Sequel for Microsoft Games
Metascore: 93
The original Gears of War helped establish the Xbox 360 as a premiere gaming console. Gears of War 2 proves that the franchise is here to stay.
If the only addition to Gears of War 2 head was the new Horde Mode, that alone would be more than enough. The introduction of a new style of gameplay results in setting a new standard for the shooter genre. Who would have known that mowing down an endless onslaught of enemies was so much fun?
Gears of War 2 also ups the ante in the narrative department, expanding on the franchise’s story to deliver a more emotional, character-driven story.
Forza Horizon 4 Is the Best in the Franchise and Easily One of the Best Microsoft Games
Metascore: 92
While the Forza Motorsport series stumbled, developer Playground Games repeatedly raised the bar with the Forza Horizon franchise. Its pinnacle is Forza Horizon 4, released in 2018 for Xbox One and Windows PC.
Horizon 4 catapults itself as one of the best Xbox games thanks to an impressive amount of content. The game focuses on the varied landscapes and environments of Great Britain, highlighted by a campaign that takes you through all four seasons. While you’ll encounter some repeat locations and tracks, the changing of the seasons adds an impressive amount of replayability. Just because you remember racing through a particular course in the Spring doesn’t mean it handles the same way in the Winter.
Forza Horizon 4 is the top-rated Forza game for a reason: it delivers an impressive amount of content that’s a joy to experience. It appeals to car enthusiasts, racing fans, and those that enjoy exploring open worlds.
Forza Motorsport Helped to Kick off a Premiere Racing Franchise for Xbox
Metascore: 92
Sometimes there’s no beating the original. That’s the case with Forza Motorsport, released in 2005 for the original Xbox.
While later releases have passed it by, don’t count out the OG. Consider the time of its release and the gaming landscape nearly twenty years ago. The fact that Forza Motorsport delivers a well-connected racer complete with communities and customization is incredibly impressive.
Here’s hoping the next Motorsport release can recapture the original’s magic. Or, perhaps, the next game on our list of best Microsoft games according to Metacritic.
Forza Motorsport 3 Proved That There Is a New King in Town for Simulation Racers
Metascore: 92
2007 saw the debut of Forza Motorsport on Xbox 360 with Forza Motorsport. It’s a good game, but ultimately, it didn’t do much to differentiate itself from the original. Forza Motorsport 3, on the other hand, blew the doors open.
Released in 2009, Forza Motorsport 3 proved that the Forza franchise wasn’t just a strong Xbox franchise but also a genre-defining series. Developer Turn 10 Studios finds the right balance between accessibility and authenticity. There’s something for everyone to love, whether they’re a gigantic car fanatic or don’t even know how to check their oil.
In many cases, this would be the best game in the franchise. We’ll talk about why its successor is better in just a little bit, so stay tuned for that.
Age of Empires II: Age of Kings Is Not Just One of the Best Microsoft Games But Also One of the Greatest RTS Titles
Metascore: 92
Few games can say they helped shape the genre. Age of Empires II is one of those games. Released in 1999, one year after the equally influential StarCraft, Age of Empires delivers a realistic look and feel that the genre had not yet often seen.
As someone who played Age of Empires II without any RTS experience, the game does well to ease you into the genre while allowing seasoned veterans and experts to get the most out of their games. I was hooked immediately; Age of Kings grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
There’s a reason 2019’s Definitive Edition kept the game’s core DNA untouched. Why mess with perfection? Age of Empires II is one of the greatest Microsoft games and one of the most influential and important titles ever released.
Halo 3: ODST Is Surely a Surprise to Many to Appear On Our List of Best Microsoft Games
Metascore: 91
One of the biggest critiques of Halo 3: ODST had nothing to do with the game itself. Many wondered whether or not they were getting enough bang for their buck. ODST infamously launched as a fully priced $60 game. While its change of pace from the mainline Halo games was welcomed, many wondered whether this truly deserved that price tag.
Well, it turns out that when you include ODST in The Master Chief Collection, there’s no questioning its value.
The PC version of ODST is the true, definitive way to play the shooter. Its graphics are better than its console counterparts (Xbox 360 and Xbox One), and the game surprisingly still holds its own today. It’s not necessarily a game we needed, but it’s still a must-play for any Halo fan.
Forza Horizon 3 Is Another Example of the Franchise’s Place Among the Greatest Microsoft Games
Metascore: 91
Another entry on our list of the best Microsft games, yet another Forza title. Forza Horizon 3 is where the series turns things up to eleven with its location. We trade in the traditional environments from the first two games for Australia’s exotic and wild landscape.
The series’ previous entries made it feel like off-road racing, or carving your own path, was possible, albeit unintended. Horizon 3 encourages you to go over the top and forge your own way. This is where the series truly begins to embrace the open-world arcade feel that continues to grow with subsequent releases.
One thing that holds the game back is the repetition between races, courses, and objectives. It’s hard for Forza Horizon 3 to shake from the “been there done that” formula, despite the improved environments and map design. Maybe that’s why the sequel emphasizes the importance of seasons during its campaign.
Halo: Reach Is an Emotional Roller Coaster and One of the Best Halo Games Ever
Metascore: 91
My favorite Halo game is Halo: Reach. Its story delivers an emotional impact the way few games can. Considering that you already know how the story ends makes what Reach accomplishes even more impressive.
Everything that made Halo beloved is found here regarding gameplay, level design, and replayability. It’s a beautiful swan song from Bungie, as it was the last Halo game the studio developed.
What’s most impressive is the amount of customization found within Halo: Reach’s multiplayer. Players can tinker and customize their Spartan model as much as they want, whether it’s a traditional armor layout or something completely over the top.
Mass Effect is BioWare’s Best Game and A Classic RPG for Microsoft Game Studios
Metascore: 91
Before Electronic Arts bought BioWare and made Mass Effect a multiplatform release, it was a tentpole exclusive for Microsoft and the Xbox 360.
While certain aspects of Mass Effect’s gameplay have aged like a glass of warm milk (looking at you, Mako), there’s no denying the strength and quality of the game. Where the sequels are pushed further into the action part of this action RPG, the original Mass Effect is a story-driven RPG in the truest form. Yes, it’s technically a third-person cover shooter, but that’s just a vehicle to help keep the plot moving forward.
You don’t fall in love with Mass Effect for its gameplay. You fall in love with Mass Effect for its characters, dialogue, and moments that occur naturally. While BioWare may have lost some of its prestige in recent years, Mass Effect shows why they were once regarded as one of the best developers.
Forza Motorsport 4 Is, For Many, the Best in the Motorsport Series
Metascore: 91
While Forza Motorsport 4 doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it doesn’t have to. Instead, Turn 10 focuses on delivering a perfect racing experience. The decision pays off; not only is Forza Motorsport 4 one of the best Microsoft games, but it’s also one of the best racing games, period.
One key improvement is the game’s handling system. Cars drive like an absolute dream, drawing the player into euphoria. It’s easy to lose track of time; you’ll keep wanting to drive just one more race before you realize you’ve driven ten more races.
When your biggest critique is that it feels a little too similar to the previous title, which in itself was incredible, it feels a bit nitpicky. Forza Motorsport 4 is an incredible racing game and the high mark of the franchise.
Gears of War 3 Ends the Original Trilogy and Is Yet Another Great Microsoft Game for Xbox 360
Metascore: 91
While Gears of War 3 fails to reach the heights of its two predecessors, it’s still one of the best Microsoft games. The team at Epic Games takes everything that worked in the first two titles and puts them together in an incredibly satisfying conclusion to the Gears trilogy.
An absolutely gorgeous game that delivers on its expectations, Gears 3 is a textbook example of how to end a console-defining trilogy.
The one knock on the game was a lack of new and fresh ideas, but you can argue that’s also a fault of the first two games. Between the first perfecting the cover-based shooter system and the second introducing Horde Mode, Gears of War 3 is hard-pressed to deliver a successful new idea. Epic Games did well to focus on perfecting the formula.
Mark of the Ninja Is One of the Best Microsoft Games Released On Xbox Live Arcade
Metascore: 91
Before the Xbox Live Marketplace, there was the Xbox Live Arcade. Formally introduced in 2004, the Xbox Live Arcade took off during the days of Xbox 360. It supported smaller games players could purchase and download onto their hard drives. It featured successful indie titles such as Braid, Bastion, and Castle Crashers. Occasionally, you’d see smaller games from bigger studios, such as Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved and Microsoft’s Mark of the Ninja.
Published by Microsoft Studios and developed by Klei Entertainment, Mark of the Ninja reinvigorates side-scrolling stealth action games. Its beautiful, slick presentation draws you in with incredibly polished, high-quality cutscenes. An equal amount of love went into gameplay; controlling your character is an absolute dream, and it’s easier to live out your biggest ninja fantasies than you realize.
Mark of the Ninja’s greatest accomplishment is how it delivers a core stealth experience while still being an accessible game for those unfamiliar with the stealth action genre.
Project Gotham Racing 2 Calls Back to Microsoft’s Original Racing Series
Metascore: 91
Before Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon, there was Project Gotham Racing.
2003’s Project Gotham Racing 2 for the original Xbox is the pinnacle of the PGR series. It delivers an absolutely gorgeous racing experience, complete with the bells and whistles we take for granted today. Between Xbox Live functionality, an impressive amount of content, and a wide variety of ways to play the game, there’s no shortage of things to see or do.
Project Gotham Racing’s signature feature is the Kudos system. Developer Bizzare Creations rewards players for driving with style and flair. The flashier you race, the more Kudos you’ll earn. In the original Project Gotham Racing, there was a learning curve to master the Kudos system. Project Gotham Racing 2 makes it easier to achieve these Kudos and, in turn, makes it easier to progress through the game.
Trials Evolution Is The Type of Game You Can’t Put Down Once You Start Playing
Metascore: 91
When I say the name “Trials Evolution,” there’s a good chance you first forget what I’m talking about. After spending 30 seconds with the game, it will all flood back.
The formula for Trials Evolution is simple: traverse various obstacle courses on your motorcycle. Of course, it’s always incredibly harder than it sounds with these games. The appeal isn’t just completing each obstacle course but also laughing at how mind-numbingly frustrating it can sometimes be.
Any game that can evoke laughter and joy from failure is a winner, and Trials Evolution is no exception. You’re going to want to throw your controller in frustration at times, but I’d recommend against that, as you’d miss out on one of the greatest Microsoft games to release on Xbox Live Arcade.
Portal Is One of the Greatest Video Games Ever Made
Metascore: 91
Portal, oh wait, I’m sorry, Portal: Still Alive (the official title for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade exclusive edition) is, in many ways, a perfect game.
It’s not too long, nor is it too short. It respects your time, allowing you to progress at your own pace, even if GLaDOS occasionally mock you as you attempt to solve the game’s puzzles.
There’s no denying that Portal took the world by storm when it was released in 2007. It grew to be more than just a video game, instead becoming a pop culture phenomenon where everyone would talk about cake and sign the game’s ending credits song as they proudly show off their Companion Cubes.
The Xbox 360 version adds new achievements and puzzles to solve.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Flew So We Could Fly
Metascore: 90
Microsoft Flight Simulator has enjoyed new success with the release of the most recent franchise released in 2020. The series’ high point is its 2001 release, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002.
Boasting improvements in visuals, as well as the introduction of air traffic control and AI-controlled aircraft, Flight Simulator 2002 is a game that’s arguably ahead of its time.
While its visuals pale in comparison to what’s possible today, there’s no denying that Microsoft was able to maximize the game’s potential. This is one of the few occasions where the tagline does the game justice; this is truly “as real as it gets” for the time.
Forza Motorsport 2 Is Another Example of the Franchise’s Place Among the Best Microsoft Games
Metascore: 90
Oh hey, another entry for the Forza franchise on our list of the greatest Microsoft games.
The follow-up to Forza Motorsport for the original Xbox, Forza Motorsport 2, brings the simulation racer to the Xbox 360. While it delivers more of the same racing experience, moving to new hardware allows for a revamp of the game’s physics. The result is an improvement for the Forza franchise, even if it doesn’t blow people away.
Forza Motorsport 2 is a quality game that helped set the bar for future installments in the series.
Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack Adds a Ton of Value to Halo 2 Multiplayer
Metascore: 89
What’s this? A physical DLC-style release on our list of greatest Microsoft games? Hear me out here.
The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack is the physical version of three Halo 2 post-launch updates. For $19.99, it brings an impressive amount of value within its nine new multiplayer maps.
This is the gold standard of what DLC should be: an insane bang for your buck that makes what’s already one of the best Microsft games even better.
Age of Mythology Gives a New Spin on the Age of Empires Franchise
Metascore: 89
While Age of Empires fans had to wait 14 years between releases, Microsoft and developer Ensemble Studios weren’t quiet for long after 1999’s Age of Empires II.
The 2002 release of Age of Mythology is one of the best-looking RTS games of its time. The beloved foundation and DNA of Age of Empires is still here; Ensemble traded in historical empires for ancient civilizations. One key point against the game is it’s only dealing with three cultures: Greece, Egypt, and Norse. While each culture focuses on three distinct deities, there are still a lot of similarities between them.
It results in gameplay that feels more like a “rock, paper, scissors” style of gameplay versus the impressive variety of playable civilizations from AOE 2. Still, don’t sleep on Age of Mythology. It may feel more like a spin-off than an actual sequel, but it’s still worthy of being one of the best Microsoft games.
Rez HD Is a Beautiful Upgrade to a Beloved Classic
Metascore: 89
Released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2001, Rez is an incredible rail shooter inspired by the music game genre. Rez HD is the 2008 port for Xbox Live Arcade, published by Microsoft.
Rez comes from the mind of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, also known for his work on the musical puzzle game Lumines. While the Dreamcast version was best known for being a sleeper hit, Rez HD unlocks the game’s true potential. Its upgraded visuals and still fantastic gameplay deliver an experience unlike anything else. It doesn’t break the mold from other rail shooters but blends the rail shooter and music rhythm genre perfectly.
Its originality cannot be understated. Rez HD proudly stands out in a sea of games that continue to become more similar.
Fable II Unlocks The Potential of the Original to Become One of the Best Microsoft Games
Metascore: 89
On paper, the original Fable had a chance to be one of the greatest Microsoft games ever and an all-time classic. While it ended up being a very good action RPG, it in no way, shape, or form lived up to the hype.
Fable II, however, does a better job of delivering on expectations. Does it meet the grandiose dreams of Peter Molyneux? No, but then again, nothing ever will. Fable II does, however, expand on the original in every way. In addition to delivering a solid action RPG experience, the world of Fable II finds a way to make me feel remorse and regret for my actions.
You’ll feel great about your actions unless you play a good aligning character.
Jade Empire Delivers An Impressive Narrative Focused Action RPG From BioWare
Metascore: 89
Sadly, Jade Empire is one of the BioWare franchises that has fallen by the wayside. Released in 2005, it’s one of the best Xbox games thanks to solid combat and a great story.
Jade Empire’s most impressive feat is its incredible immersion. Few games, if any, for the original Xbox can match its visual quality, world-building, and gorgeous environments. This is a dream to look at and take in as much as it is to play.
There are few games like Jade Empire. It represented a shift from BioWare away from established RPG settings, such as the fantasy and Star Wars titles they’ve previously worked on, and into a new world worth exploring. Here’s to hoping we see more from Jade Empire in the future.
Rise of Nations Was the Real-time Strategy Game PC Gamers Were Desperately Craving
Metascore: 89
I mentioned earlier that Age of Mythology felt more like a spin-off than a true sequel to Age of Empires. RTS fans were left wanting a more traditional game in the genre. Enter 2003’s Rise of Nations from Microsoft Game Studios and Big Huge Games.
Rise of Nations feels that Age of Empire hole in our RTS hearts. Including a whopping 18 civilizations across nearly all stages of history past, present, and future. It’s incredibly satisfying to begin a game during the dawn of time and end it with futuristic tech.
The best accolade I can give Rise of Nations is that it feels like a real-time version of the Civilization franchise.
Top Spin Is One of the Best Tennis Games Ever Made
Metascore: 89
Top Spin was released in 2003 for the original Xbox, with ports to PC and PlayStation 2 released later. Those ports didn’t fare too well, receiving a Metascore of 69 and 67, respectively. The Xbox version, however, was much different.
Not only is the inclusion of multiplayer over Xbox Live a big thing in the Xbox’s version favor, but so it’s also the gameplay and hardware of the Xbox that helps push it over the edge. It’s clear that the three versions are all entirely different games; the PC and PS2 versions feel like a cluttered mess that doesn’t quite come together. The Xbox version is strong enough to make any sports fans, even those without an interest in Tennis, want to pick up and play.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition Is the Best Way To Play the Acclaimed Platformer
Metascore: 88
Ori and the Blind Forest walked so Ori and the Will of the Wisps could run.
Released in 2015 for the Xbox One, Ori is one of the premier Xbox One games. The platformer is a work of art come to life, offering some of the best gameplay the genre has ever seen.
Where Ori truly shines is its storytelling. It’s a beautiful, moving game with stunning visuals and an impactful message. Few games can say so much while saying so little. Ori is a game that everyone needs to experience, and that’s why it’s one of the greatest Microsoft games.
Wrapping Up
That does it for our list of the best Microsoft games according to Metacritic.
As is always the case with these lists, there are a lot of games that just missed the cut. Yes, there are more Forza Horizon games to talk about, but there are also some beloved Xbox classics. Titles like Ikaruga, MechAssault, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and others deserve mention.
What are your favorite games from Microsoft Game Studios, now known as Xbox Game Studios? Let us know in the comments below.
