For a console that had a lukewarm (at best) launch, the Xbox One had a lot of great games. So much so that even listing 35 of the best Xbox One games feels like we’re leaving some out!
Whether it was a console exclusive, critically acclaimed third-party hit, indie breakout, or even an older-gen port, the Xbox One delivered a lot of great releases. To celebrate that, we’ve compiled a list of the 35 best Xbox One games of all time.
The list will be presented in random order and is both the opinion of the author, as well as taking into account its post-release reception. You may agree with the list. You’ll probably end up disagreeing. Either way, be sure to sound off in the comments after you read through our selections.
Red Dead Redemption 2
(Metascore: 97)
Red Dead Redemption 2 takes the tried and true formula of successful Rockstar gameplay with an engaging and gripping narrative. This is storytelling at its best, hooking the player from start to finish.
There are a lot of things Red Dead gets right when it comes to its campaign. The characters, twists and turns, and narrative threads are all on-point. Its pacing is what takes it over the top. The skill and finesse by Rockstar to let the players slow down and take in the scenery do well juxtaposed to the high-stakes action sequences.
Allowing the players to breathe after a narrative climax reinforces their importance. You’re not simply moving from one setpiece to another. Instead, the supporting cast is more than just set dressing. They’re actual people, with actual personalities that exist outside just to move the plot forward.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game you want to take your time with. Stop every now and then and take in the scenery, the beauty of its open world, and learn about the people who inhabit it. It’s a genre-defining release that is easily one of the best Xbox One games ever made.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a beautiful and faithful remaster that easily ranks among the best Xbox One games
(Metascore: 88)
A faithful and loving remaster of the beloved originals, Tony Hawk 1+2 is everything we ever wanted it to be.
Booting the game up, listening to the music, and playing through the courses feels like being transported back in time. The only difference is the improved, HD visuals on our 55+ inch TVs and not playing on CRT monitors with clunky graphics.
Tony Hawk 1+2 showcases that there is still plenty of life left in the skateboarding genre; the games just need to deliver.
Controlling your skater feels so smooth and effortless. You can feel the momentum build as you perform trick after trick. Chaining combos has never been easier, either; you can feel when your skater begins to lose balance and the risk starts to outweigh the reward.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the soundtrack. In addition to the timeless classics, Activision and Vicarious Visions went out and found some absolute gems that felt like they were always there from the beginning.
It’s a shame that a sequel was scrapped by Activision, but I’d rather not see 3+4 than have it rushed out the door and be bad.
Inside
(Metascore: 93)
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Limbo, Inside is one of 2016’s best games. Its plot is told through gameplay, the environment, and your in-game experiences. Despite the lack of any dialogue, Limbo offers one of the best stories in video games.
It tells the story of a boy as he carefully navigates past enemy guards, sentries, and other hostile forces. This portion of the game is a great stealth puzzle adventure game. It’s the ending that takes it to a whole other level, though.
The imagery and deep meanings of the game come out as you play through the climactic finale. The impressions and messages that Limbo tries to tell will differ for every person. Its overall meaning depends on the personal lives and experiences of each individual player, profoundly affecting and shaping their inner core.
I’ve tried to remain vague when explaining Inside because it’s a game that deserves to be experienced unspoiled.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
(Metascore: 95)
It’ll never not be weird to me that Metal Gear Solid exists on a non-PlayStation platform. Yet here we are, with one of the best Xbox One games available.
Phantom Pain successfully brings the stealth franchise into the open world, delivering more freedom than anyone thought possible.
The plot is still on par for the franchise, but it doesn’t alienate or confuse. Instead, it lives perfectly alongside the stealth playground created by Kojima. Its twists, turns, and narrative changes compared to past entries will, and indeed have, polarize fans. Still, you can’t deny the game’s true strength in its gameplay.
Open-world games often overdeliver what is possible. Phantom Pain doesn’t have this issue for two reasons. First, it didn’t make any grand overtures on what’s possible in its stealth sandbox playground. Second, and more importantly, the amount of freedom a player has is unparalleled.
If this is truly the last Metal Gear Solid game we’ll ever see, then it’s a wonderful send-off to one of the all-time best franchises in gaming.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
(Metascore: 91)
The Witcher 3 is a game that technically shouldn’t be possible. It pushes the Xbox One hardware to its limits, delivering one of the most beautiful and scenic games of its generation. We don’t play Witcher just for its looks, however. We play it for the Wild Hunt.
Despite its limitations and valid critiques, it’s the story that helps push Witcher 3 to the cream of the crop. Wild Hunt features one of the best RPG narratives of all time, filled with a deep story, memorable characters, and countless player decisions and consequences.
The gameplay only enhances the story, as you discover its secrets as you progress through each quest. It helps to ground the game, humanizing the player instead of making them an overpowered savior. Dialogue, enemy encounters, and exploration all have more meaning and importance because of this.
Witcher 3 may not offer any major innovations or advancements in the RPG genre, but it didn’t need to. It delivers an amazing experience that deserves to be played.
Forza Horizon 4 Is a Great Exclusive Title and One of the Best Xbox One Games Ever Made
(Metascore: 92)
How do you successfully build upon one of the best Xbox 360 games ever made? By continuing to refine and perfect your gameplay. That’s exactly what Forza Horizon 4 (and more recently Forza Horizon 5) does.
Developer Playground Games has always understood what works and doesn’t with the Forza Horizon franchise. Each new release has built upon its predecessor, focusing on expanding what’s good instead of reinventing the wheel. The result is sequels that stay true to themselves while still offering something new and exciting.
The big addition to Forza Horizon 4 is the changing of the seasons. It’s a subtle addition that works wonders, greatly altering tracks you played in prior seasons. The thrill of reaching high speeds in the summer months is just as exhilarating as carefully traversing the same course in the winter while it’s snowing.
Forza Horizon 4 may lack the variety and intensity of a location like 3’s Australia, but the new additions, including the custom course creator, help make it one of the best Xbox One games around.
Overwatch
(Metascore: 91)
It may be hard to believe now, but at one point, Overwatch was seemingly unstoppable. Never mind being one of the best Xbox One games, it was on track to become one of the most popular games ever.
While time hasn’t exactly been kind to Overwatch, the core gameplay remains as enjoyable as ever. Combining objective-based gameplay with hero classes is a match made in heaven. Overwatch’s true strength, however, is the ability to make every role fun and engaging.
Damage dealers always have a good time in an FPS environment. Tanks are great at initiating, controlling, and still dealing out massive damage. The healers truly shine, though, featuring engaging gameplay that, to be honest, doesn’t suck. Its an approach that works well in MOBAs such as Dota 2 and that playability transfers here.
For more on Overwatch, be sure to check out our list of Overwatch maps ranked worst to best, as well as the best Overwatch characters ranked.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
(Metascore: 91)
Unlike other FromSoftware titles, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes a different approach to its action-RPG formula. While the Souls and Souls-esque titles feel like gigantic open playgrounds anchored by challenging yet rewarding combat, Sekiro takes a more linear approach. It was a gamble that paid off in spades.
If you can’t tell, I disagree with its playing on our ranking of FromSoftware ‘Souls’ games.
Sekiro takes a more heavy-handed approach when it comes to its story. Instead of the narrative being pieced together through gameplay, Sekiro offers more dialogue. This helps create boss encounters with more agency given their place in the game’s story.
The biggest “controversy” comes with the gameplay itself. Specifically, the lack of any build variety for player weapons, equipment, or abilities. Instead of the deep RPG customization, the franchise is known for, there’s one play and one way only to play Sekiro.
This lack of build diversity is compensated with a verticality never seen before in the franchise. Even if you’re “limited” to just one playstyle, there’s an obscene amount of freedom available with how you approach enemies.
Psychonauts 2
(Metascore: 91)
The original Psychonauts was released in 2005. The fact that the sequel would finally launch 16 years later is a minor miracle. Psychonauts 2 becoming one of the best Xbox One games ever made? That’s low-key a major miracle.
Double Fine’s experience with non-adventure games in 2005 was limited and it showed in Psychonauts’ gameplay. Tim Schafer and company have improved on this front. While it’s not perfect, it’s just as enjoyable as ever.
At times, Psychonauts 2 admittedly falls under the weight of its own expectations. Despite this, the experience is enjoyable, rewarding, and worthwhile. The characters, dialogue, and setting carry the game, as is expected from a Double Fine game.
Let’s hope that if we visit the Psychonauts franchise again, it doesn’t take 16 years to do so.
Monster Hunter: World
(Metascore: 90)
The Monster Hunter franchise has been churning out hit after hit for years. Despite this, it hasn’t quite broken out with mainstream success. That all changes with Monster Hunter: World.
Core gameplay remains the same as ever: you’re going to investigate, search for, and hunt down enemy Monsters. The “twist” in Monster Hunter: World? The game becomes more accessible than ever without sacrificing what makes the franchise great.
The power of both the Xbox One and PS4 consoles allowed Capcom to create what is essentially a living, breathing world. Other games in the series, including the recently released Rise, feel more isolated and instanced. World feels like you’re dropping into a seamless open world filled with potential and danger around every corner.
If we manage to ever get a sequel to Monster Hunter: World, I might have to lock myself in a room with the game for a week straight to play uninterrupted.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Is a Beautiful Platform That Doubles as One of the Best Xbox One Games Ever Made
(Metascore: 90)
Ori and the Blind Forest, released in 2015, is a platformer that looks and plays like a literal work of art. The 2020 sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps make Blind Forest look like child’s play.
Developer Moon Studios is at the top of their game, crafting a platforming masterpiece. Controlling Ori is like navigating through a dream. Platforming is executed with absolute precision, like a hot knife through butter.
The gameplay in Will of the Wisps isn’t the total package, though. Like the original, the game’s graphics and character animations are a true work of art. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is more than just a game, it’s an experience that also ranks as one of the best Xbox One games ever released.
Nier: Automata
(Metascore: 90)
The action RPG from PlatinumGames became a cult hit after its 2017 release. Despite a slow start when it came to sales, continued and devoted support from fans helped establish Nier as one of the greatest Xbox One era games ever.
Nier is a game that’s not afraid to be unique or true to itself. Its storytelling and presentation may be off-putting for some, but those who dive in will be handsomely rewarded. Combat and action are delivered in a way we expect from PlatinumGames.
Its combination of unique flair, incredibly satisfying combat and crazy and insane experience all result in an unforgettable game. Nier: Automata is a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. It’s not afraid to stand out against the grain; we’re better off for that.
Fallout 4
(Metascore: 88)
Bethesda took a gamble with Fallout 4, departing from the traditional RPG structure of Fallout 3 and becoming more of an action RPG. The game may have its detractors, but it’s hard to deny that it’s still one of the best Xbox One games.
Taking place in the “Commonwealth” (Massachusetts), Fallout 4 takes players through a beautiful post-apocalyptic world. The gameplay feels better than ever, thanks in part to tighter controls and the always reliable VATS. An impressive amount of freedom is available for the player to explore the world and interact with characters and factions at their leisure.
Storywise, Fallout 4 checks all the boxes from what you expect. The Far Harbor expansion, however, absolutely nails the story, characters, and atmosphere.
It’s impossible to have a definitive Fallout 4 experience without diving into Far Harbor and we hope the next Fallout game leans on these lessons to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Wolfenstein: The New Colossus Is a Great Sequel to the Franchise’s Revival
(Metascore: 88)
After the smashing success of 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order, you knew we’d be getting a sequel. Developer MachineGames is able to deliver a worthy follow-up that still moves the franchise forward.
The New Colossus tells the story of a world where the Nazi forces won the war and have taken over America. While that in itself isn’t necessarily unique, the game leans into the sci-fi and mystical aspects of the Nazi forces that the franchise is known for. This creates a narrative that combines the best parts of Wolfenstein and alternate history.
While the gameplay didn’t do much to expand beyond New Order, level design and firepower help make up for it. Wolfenstein continues to combine the best of old-school and modern FPS design. It may not blow you away, but it’s still a great time.
Dishonored 2
(Metascore: 88)
Dishonored 2 feels like the game the original was supposed to be. Released in 2016 for the Xbox One, it taps into the more powerful hardware to deliver a definitive experience. The environmental storytelling is expanded and better than ever.
Gameplay-wise, there’s very little that the player is unable to do. Pacing, level design, and character abilities all help create a beautiful gameplay loop that is addicting, challenging, and beyond enjoyable. There’s a sense of ownership to how you play the game, whether you’re looking to be quiet but deadly, or just wreak havoc.
The addition of Emily Kaldwin as a playable character alongside Corvo helps keep things fresh and interesting, moving beyond just a refined retread of the original. Its successes and triumphs helped establish Dishonored 2 as not just one of the best Bethesda games, but also one of the best Xbox One games as well.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
(Metascore: 88)
The upcoming Senua’s Sage: Hellblade II is one of the most anticipated Xbox Series X|S games thus far. In order to understand why you need to play through the original.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a psychological horror experience that’s on par with some of the genre’s best. It delivers an immersive experience, not just through its supernatural and psychological aspects, but also through its entire presentation. Environments, characters, voice acting, and everything about the game’s audio and visual design is working in perfect harmony on a level rarely seen in a video game.
Not since the GameCube’s Eternal Darkness has a game been on-point with its psychological horror, but it’s also important to remember what the game is trying to say: Senua is dealing with legitimate mental illness and psychosis.
Thanks to Ninja Theory’s design, we’re able to understand what she deals with in ways never before seen. Hellblade doesn’t trivialize Senua’s suffering; the work done alongside neuroscientists to accurately portray what Senua deals with in an authentic and genuine way pays off.
Titanfall 2
(Metascore: 87)
It’s remarkable that one of the best Xbox One games is the sequel to an enjoyable but disappointing launch title.
Titanfall 2’s actual (when compared to the original) single-player experience is a short and sweet campaign that acts better as a buddy-cop movie than a video game narrative. That’s not a bad thing; we’re not playing Titanfall strictly for its campaign. We’re playing for the multiplayer.
Once again, Respawn delivers in this regard. The core gameplay is as enjoyable as ever, but the sequel adds in more. By not just refining the experience from the original, but also adding in a progression system, Titanfall 2 added some much-needed longevity to the franchise.
If only the powers that be can do the same for a new installment of the game.
Destiny 2
(Metascore: 87)
It’s been a long, strange journey for the Destiny franchise. I was there to look at its first gameplay session at E3 many years ago. I still have the shirt to prove it!
Now, a near-decade later, through all the ups and downs, Destiny 2 has emerged as one of the premier games on the Xbox One (and virtually every other console/system).
Sound and satisfying gameplay has always been an MO of both Destiny and Bungie. Destiny 2 is able to expand things with incredible endgame content, great narrative content, and enjoyable characters.
It hasn’t always been the smoothest ride, but Destiny 2 has been able to deliver great expansions to keep its fans (mostly) happy. Bungie has gotten into a groove when it comes to crafting the future of Destiny 2 and I can’t wait to see what they have in store next.
Control
(Metascore: 84)
Control is another breakout Xbox hit from Remedy Entertainment.
Storytelling is once again on point, delivering a mysterious narrative and world worth exploring. It’s the gameplay that helps the game be so successful.
A wonderful marriage of a Metroidvania and a supernatural shooter leads to an incredible amount of creativity. The tension that builds as you progress through the game helps to make its action-packed set pieces even better.
It’s a game that went under the radar upon release and thankfully received a boon with its ray-tracing support. Give it a go and you won’t regret it.
Cuphead Is a Beautiful and Challenging Experience That Undoubtedly Ranks Amongst the Best Xbox One Games
(Metascore: 86)
A long time coming, Cuphead’s release in 2017 was well worth the wait. Developer Studio MDHR spent their time crafting this game with love you can sense on the screen.
Some people are turned off by the game’s lack of continued cohesion in the stages. Some levels offer nothing but a boss battle while others are all about challenging platforming in combat. If that’s the only blemish on an otherwise amazing game, so be it.
Cuphead is one of the best 2D shooters of all time. Its throwback to the side-scrollers of old brings life into the genre thanks to precise platforming and rewarding difficulty. You will get angry playing Cuphead, but you’ll also keep playing in order to get better.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the greatest RPGs ever made
(Metascore: 92)
One of the greatest RPGs ever made, Divinity: Original Sin 2 blessed the Xbox One in 2018. With it comes one of the greatest examples of tactical combat ever seen in a video game.
Original Sin 2 is a near-perfect game where everything works so darn well. The story, characters, questing, combat, and replayability are all at the top of their class. There’s an emotional investment in everything going on that is often not seen in a video game.
You don’t progress through your quests and adventures to see the story’s end, you do so because you care about what happens. Because of this, the massive time investment needed to progress through the game isn’t so bad. You’re too busy concerned with what’s going on the screen before you realize that you’ve been playing all night.
Tunic
(Metascore: 85)
In our Tunic review, we said the following:
“Tunic is a beautiful game. Its gorgeous visuals, moving soundtrack, and charming environments lure you into a world of mystery and wonder. Exploring each environment is an absolute delight and the challenges that await you are ready to be overcome and defeated.”
It is my favorite game of 2022 thus far and my wife is sick and tired of hearing me talk about it. I can’t stop though; it’s an absolutely beautiful homage to Legend of Zelda games that’s packed with challenging combat, enjoyable puzzles, and adorable charm.
I love this game. Please play it. You won’t regret it.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
(Metascore: 87)
There isn’t much of anything like the Yakuza franchise. The most recent release, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, serves as a semi-reboot for the franchise.
Introducing a new protagonist and turn-based combat to the series works as a great entry point for newcomers while still delivering something for long-time fans. The changes made don’t result in a stark deviation from what makes the Yakuza franchise so enjoyable.
The game’s main story is what you’d expect. Like always, it’s the side quests and objectives that steal the show. Don’t be afraid to take your time with this one; it’s worth it.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Doesn’t Just Revitalize a Franchise, but Also Is One of the Best Xbox One Games
(Metascore: 86)
The Resident Evil franchise was feeling a little stagnant after whatever Resident Evil 6 was. With Resident Evil 7: biohazard, Capcom reinvented the series and with it, deliver one of the best Xbox One games.
Shifting away from over-the-top action sequences that make no sense, biohazard is a return to the survival horror roots. Transitioning the game to an FPS results in fully immersing players in their environments.
The scares hit harder, the tension builds faster, and the experience is better for it.
Personally, I’m grateful for playing Resident Evil 7 so close to Village’s release because I don’t know how I could have waited that long for a sequel. It’s bad enough waiting for Village DLC.
Mortal Kombat 11
(Metascore: 86)
It’s never been a better time to be a Mortal Kombat fan. The series has enjoyed continued success over the past few releases. Somehow, Mortal Kombat 11 exceeded the expectations it had leading up to its release.
Combat feels not just brutal and visceral, but tactical as well. Strategic fighting goes a long, long way here to achieve victory. And you absolutely want to achieve victory to perform the absolutely brutal fatalities.
The game’s story mode is also a stand-out success, delivering an enjoyable narrative and experience that’s definitely worth the time to dive through.
All in all, Mortal Kombat 11 proves that MK is still one of the premier fighting games in the genre.
Doom Eternal
(Metascore: 88)
I know I already said it on our list of best Bethesda games, but it bears repeating:
DOOM Eternal is just more DOOM.
While other FPS developers are trying to innovate the genre, id Software is showing everyone how it’s done. They made platforming an enjoyable experience in an FPS, for crying out loud!
The way the game encourages you to stay in the melee and keep on shooting deserves rousing applause. There is a constant tension between keeping your ammo reserves full and dealing with a horde of oncoming enemies.
These enemies are no pushovers, either. They’re just as eager to rip and tear as you are.
DOOM Eternal may have only just been released two years ago, but it’s been too long; we’re ready for more of one of the best Xbox one games!
Dark Souls Remastered
(Metascore: 86)
The original Dark Souls already held up extremely well. The Remastered version gives it a little visual touch-up, helping to bring the game to full glory.
Dark Souls Remastered is a rare example of a developer keeping the game’s quirks and imperfections intact. The graphics are overhauled for modern consoles, a very welcome addition, but the core gameplay we all know love (and at times are frustrated by) is still there.
FromSoftware’s decision to stay true to the original results in an uncompromising vision and remaster. Veterans get to re-experience the game they all know and love while newcomers get to see what all the hype is about. Is it still incredibly difficult and challenging? Absolutely, but it’s not impossible.
For the most part, anyway; quirks such as hitting your sword on the terrain in narrow corridors are still a thing that sucks. Don’t let that detract from the overall experience, though.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
(Metascore: 85)
2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition brings the best of both its predecessors together. It is an absolutely beautiful RPG that takes full advantage of the Frostbite engine to deliver the impressive graphics that Frostbite is known for.
The fast-paced tactical combat is a dream come true and delivers an incredibly satisfying experience. It drives you to keep going through when the rest of the game stumbles at times.
Speaking of which, while the plot and story are thoroughly enjoyable, it’s not always smooth sailing. Still, at its worst, Dragon Age: Inquisition’s story falls into typical fantasy tropes.
If that’s the worst thing to say about your game, then that’s a good thing. BioWare nailed it; hopefully, the next Dragon Age can live up to expectations.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
(Metascore: 81)
One of the best single-player Xbox One games available, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order proves that Respawn is more than apt to tackle a single-player experience.
Many dubbed it a “Star Wars Dark Souls.” While it’s not the most accurate description, Fallen Order delivers more of a cinematic action experience. At times, especially on higher difficulties, the difficulty is indeed noticeable. The influence from Dark Souls is definitely felt, particularly in boss battles.
Part of the charm of Fallen Order is the high-stakes action that Respawn games are known for. It’s a beautiful work of art to live out your Jedi dreams within the Star Wars universe. In many ways, this is the Jedi game we have always been waiting for but didn’t receive until now.
Gears 5
(Metascore: 84)
Gears 5 (not Gears of War 5, thank you very much), is a beautiful refinement of what makes the franchise’s gameplay so great. While the story is average and it doesn’t push the genre forward, you can argue that it didn’t have to do.
Returning the franchise to what works best was a solid decision by developer The Coalition. This includes a return of the popular Horde mode as well, offering ample chances for players to dive into the gameplay loop.
Celeste is a beautiful and impactful side-scroller
(Metascore: 94)
On its surface, Celeste is a beautiful 2D indie platformer that challenges genre veterans while still providing an enjoyable experience to novices. As you dig deeper, you learn that there’s a lot more below the surface.
Never mind being one of the best Xbox One games; Celeste is one of the best gaming experiences of the decade. Its storytelling and character development are unmatched. The game’s themes of anxiety, failure, and self-doubt are well represented in both narrative and gameplay.
Celeste is more than just a platforming journey, it’s a journey you feel and relate to. It taps into your inner core as one of the most relatable games to release in recent memory. You cheer for Madeline as you finish your climb and realize that it’s not just her that was capable this entire time, but it was also you.
Resident Evil 2 Is More Than the Remake of a Classic; It’s One of the Best Xbox One Games
(Metascore: 93)
Transitioning Resident Evil 2 from an old-school survival horror game with fixed cameras to a third-person shooter was a risk. Sometimes, though, it’s good to take risks.
Resident Evil 2 is the authentic way to play the classic title. Purists may lament the loss of the original’s charm and added tension from its control scheme and camera, but that design feels incredibly dated today.
Traversing Racoon City is still terrifying. The increased emphasis on the role of Mr. X keeps the survival horror elements running strong. You’re still nervous about what awaits around every corner. Now it’s not due to tank controls, but instead, a legitimate threat that wants to break every bone in your body.
The remake of Resident Evil 2 rightfully earned our top spot of all the main Resident Evil games ranked. Bringing the classic into HD lets the game fully realize its true potential.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
(Metascore: 90)
The entire Mass Effect trilogy is just about perfect.
In our list of Mass Effect Games Ranked from worst to best, we said the following about the Legendary Edition:
“As great as the original Mass Effect is, a much-needed facelift is very welcome. Refined controls make navigating the Mako infinitely better. The improved visuals, however, are a little hit or miss…The biggest issue with the legendary edition is the lack of multiplayer.”
It’s true; Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer was a surprise hit and incredibly fun to replay. Its omission from the Legendary Edition is the game’s only blemish. This is otherwise the definitive way to play through the story of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew. I cannot recommend it enough, regardless of if you played the originals or not.
Dark Souls Iii
(Metascore: 87)
As great as it was to re-discover the original, Dark Souls III is the gold standard in the trilogy.
In our list of Soulslike games ranked, we said that Dark Souls III “ feels more like a greatest hits album than an exciting new work.” If you’re going over the greatest hits of one of the best action-RPG franchises of all time, that’s not a bad thing.
The older titles, despite their greatness, suffer from some aggravating design choices and clunky gameplay. Dark Souls III is a refined approach to what makes the franchise great. Accessibility is approached thanks to gameplay design that makes sense; no more dealing with a bunch of cheap bullcrap and trying to suffer throughout. Now you can immerse yourself into its world and fully prepare to encounter the challenging enemies and bosses that await.
Elden Ring has similarly taken the same approach: no more cheap bullcrap, just satisfying combat and challenging enemies. Thank you, Dark Souls III.
Technically an Xbox 360 game, Grand Theft Auto V is so good that its impossible to leave it off our list of best Xbox One games
(Metascore: 97)
I’m not going to lie; I debated not including one of the best Xbox One games on a list of the best Xbox One games. Grand Theft Auto V is technically an Xbox 360 game that was remastered for Xbox One. In reality, the fact that GTAV even runs on Xbox 360 is miraculous.
The city of Los Santos was clearly meant to live on Xbox One. Gorgeous visuals, a steady frame rate, and amazing scenery and environment are taken to a whole new level. No longer does the game fall victims to tricks or secret coding magic to be able to run on outdated hardware.
While the core gameplay is starting to become dated by modern standards, at the time of its first re-release, this was still the gold standard. Rockstar Games revolutionized the genre with its three-protagonist approach to storytelling and highly addictive gameplay. One day we’ll get Grand Theft Auto VI and that will be a glorious day. Until then, we’ll always have Grand Theft Auto V.
Those are our top 35 picks for the best Xbox One games, did we leave any of your favorites off our list? Drop us a comment and let us know!
