In the past several months, Xbox has made some serious game studio acquisitions and moves to better position itself in the gaming industry. In November 2020, the Xbox Series X|S launched and has been a smash hit with gamers around the world. And, over the past several years, there have been quite a number of amazing games released on Xbox One.
Furthermore, since launch in November 2020, the Xbox Series X|S has gotten its fair share of great titles. Let’s take a look at the top games on Xbox Series X and Xbox One, as well as a few exciting upcoming games!
Watch Dogs Legion
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Developer(s): Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Set in future London, England, Watch Dogs Legion is one of the more ambitious games to come out of any Ubisoft studio. In Watch Dogs Legion you can play as virtually anyone. You are a member of DedSec and play as operatives vying to take back control of the city from the militant group Albion.
Like so many titles from Ubisoft, there is never just one way to accomplish anything. That is the philosophy that the gameplay in Watch Dogs Legion is built upon. Recruits are the central focus of the game, as you hunt down someone with specific skills to aid in your cause. Each person you can recruit provides different skills and different technologies to your team. All of these different abilities help you achieve your goal of overthrowing Albion.
You can read my full review of Watch Dogs Legion here.
Buy Watch Dogs: Legion for Xbox One and Xbox Series X
Gears 5
Platform(s): Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Developer(s): The Coalition
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Third-person shooter
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Gears 5 is centred around Kait Diaz, an Outsider of Locust descent. In search of answers, Kait is looking to uncover the true origins of her family and the Locust. Along for the ride are JD Fenix, his friend Delmont Walker, Marcus Fenix (JD’s Dad), and Jack, your robotic companion.
The game features an open world that you traverse around via your Skiff—a wind powered, sail driven sled. However, at its core, Gears 5 is still very much the Gears of War we all know and love. It has phenomenal cover-based gameplay, brutal visceral combat, and world-class online multiplayer modes.
Gears 5 has been upgraded and optimized to take advantage of the power of Xbox Series X|S. Some of the new upgrades include reduced load times, support for Quick Resume, variable refresh rates, variable rate shading and 120 FPS in Versus. You can read my full review of Gears 5 here.
Buy Gears 5 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platform(s): Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Developer(s): Moon Studios
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Platform-adventure, Metroidvania
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Ori and the Will of the Wisps tells a beautiful, yet heart wrenching story of two friends who are separated by a treacherous storm and the fight to survive. The game is narrated by the Spirit Tree of the Niwen Forest and takes place after the first game. Gameplay includes intricate platforming, challenging puzzles, and exploration with precisely the exact balance of difficulty and fun.
There is a huge map to explore, with inaccessible areas that require the right ability to advance. Each area of the game has its own distinct look and sound. Moreover, the game’s orchestral soundtrack draws you in and heightens the mood, infusing each and every moment with even more emotion.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps has been upgraded and optimized to take advantage of the power of Xbox Series X|S. Some of the new upgrades include 4K visuals at 120FPS, faster loading times, and a special 6K Supersampled Rendering Mode. You can read my full review of Ori and the Will of the Wisps here.
Buy Ori and the Will of the Wisps Digital Download for Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S
Outriders
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Developer: People Can Fly
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Third-person shooter, role-playing
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Outriders is a story driven RPG-shooter where mankind has set out to colonize an alien planet known as Enoch. However, shortly after landing on Enoch, the group encounters a strange energy storm known as The Anomaly. These storms not only destroy technology but give some, special superpowers.
With the absence of technology, a bitter war erupts amongst the colonization teams fighting for the last remaining resources available. The game features smooth gunplay and can be played by yourself or with friends in drop in/drop out co-op for up to three players.
Buy Outriders for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The Medium
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S
Developer(s): Bloober Team
Publisher(s): Bloober Team SA
Genre: Psychological horror
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
The Medium is a third-person psychological horror game featuring dual-reality gameplay. In the game, you take on the role of Marianne and explore both the real and spirit worlds while uncovering mysteries and discovering answers to questions that have plagued her for her whole life. As a medium, you can see and explore the spirit world, a dark mirror reflection of reality where nightmares take form.
The game’s story isn’t filled with your typical jump scares. Instead, the story presents itself where your perspective changes your perception. It is easily one of if not the best story-driven games for Xbox in recent memory. You can read my full review of The Medium here.
Play The Medium on Xbox Series X|S with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Upcoming games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Now that we have looked at the top games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, let’s take a look at some upcoming games for both systems.
Resident Evil Village
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Genre: Survival horror
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature, 17+)
Over the last 25 years, the Resident Evil series has shipped more than 107 million units. It has introduced some of video games’ most iconic characters and gameplay systems. The next entry in the game series is coming soon with Resident Evil Village. The game takes place a few years after Resident Evil 7 and you re-assume the role of Ethan Winters.
Ethan is living happily with his wife and daughter but is kidnapped by Chris Redfield and taken to a mysterious European village. Ethan must find and rescue his daughter in this strange and unusual village. Additionally, the fan-favourite “The Mercenaries” game mode returns and provides variety and replayability beyond the main gameplay.
Those who purchase Resident Evil Village will also get access to the free multiplayer experience called Resident Evil Re:Verse. Resident Evil Village releases worldwide on May 7, 2021.
Buy Resident Evil Village for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Hood Outlaws & Legends
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Developer(s): Sumo Newcastle
Publisher(s): Focus Home Interactive
Genre: Action
Modes: Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature, 17+)
Hood Outlaws & Legends is a multiplayer PvPvE heist game. In it, you’ll gather your team and attempt to steal treasure from an oppressive government in a dark, medieval world. You can play as four distinct characters: the ranger, hunter, brawler or mystic. By getting riches and collectibles during heists, you’ll uncover the forgotten backstories and secrets behind these legendary characters.
Outsmart your foes and execute the perfect heist with your friends in a gritty medieval world where every action has quick and deadly consequences. Hood Outlaws & Legends releases on May 10, 2021.
Halo Infinite
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Developer(s): 343 Industries
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
The Master Chief returns holiday 2021 when Halo Infinite releases globally on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This next chapter in 343 Industries’ legendary Halo franchise sees the venerable Master Chief on an all-new adventure as he faces new threats and gains new allies on a mysterious Halo ring.
Top games on Xbox Series X and Xbox One
And, that wraps our look at the top games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as well as a few upcoming games. Let me know in the comment section below what your top Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One games are. Also, let me know what upcoming games on these systems that you are looking forward to.
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