If you’re from PlayStation country or just picking up your first game console, there are plenty of worthy Xbox titles to dive into. Microsoft has been more relaxed than Sony when looking for big-budget exclusive products, which is what we knocked the Xbox Series X for in our review. Still, it’s not like there’s nothing to play. And Microsoft has a big advantage Sony does not have: Xbox Game Pass, its subscription service with a changing selection of popular titles.
Remarkably, the Game Pass also gives you access to every first-party Xbox game on the day of launch, and these titles never leave the service. That makes the subscription a much better deal than spending $60 on a new version. For most gamers, start with Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Xbox and PC game support and Xbox Live multiplayer. Alternatively, you can pay $ 10 monthly for the Game Pass on consoles or PCs separately.
Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive, one of the earliest Xbox One titles, is an entertaining shooter that has practically sunk into oblivion over time. Insomniac Games has created a cross between Jet Set Radio, Prince of Persia, and his Ratchet & Clank series. It’s a beautiful game where you grind over power lines and race in the air as if your life depends on it while exploring a dystopian city with an open world. And it has a grenade launcher that shoots dynamite teddy bears – how can you not love this?
The great thing about the Xbox Game Pass is that there are always new games coming, and Microsoft is continuously expanding the service with titles from EA Play and the upcoming acquisition of Bethesda. Be sure to check out Control, which was by far the best game of 2019. Dragon Quest X IS the debut of this long-running series on Xbox and Nier: Automata, a real cult classic. Treat the Game Pass like an all-you-can-eat buffet; I’m sure you’ll find some gems.
State of Decay 2
Zombie survival games are a dozen these days, but the State of Decay series still stands out. This sequel refines the original game setup: you play as a survivor of the zombie apocalypse who has to set up a camp, recruit others and keep the threat of undead at bay. Expect a small narrative. Like the best survival games, State of Decay 2 shines regarding up-and-coming gameplay or the adventures you experience while exploring its complex systems.
Sea of Thieves
The rare pirate simulator is an acquired taste: it is best experienced with friends and has a deep learning curve that can scare off casual gamers. Nevertheless, it’s worth a try. At a time when so many games look like clones of popular franchises, Sea of Thieves sings to his tune. It is the ideal game for anyone who has dreamed of sailing their pirate ship through treacherous waters.
Gears Tactics
Who would have thought that a franchise best known for featuring beefy heroes with chainsaw guns would also make a solid strategy game? Gears Tactics almost feels like a miracle, delivering all the thrills we’ve come to expect from the Gears universe, except that it’s delivered through a traditional turn-based combat system. It’s XCOM Meets Gears without the punishing difficulty the earlier series is known for. If you are more of an RPG fan than shooter Hound, this is the entry point to Gears.
Gears 5
Microsoft’s other big shooter franchise is still worth playing. In particular, Gears 5 builds on the franchise’s strengths, with glorious set pieces and many ways to destroy your enemies (chainsaw guns, giant lasers, make your choice). Thanks to the next-generation update, it’s also one of the best-looking games you can find on the Xbox Series X., And as a bonus, you have silky smooth 120fps multiplayer to look forward to.
Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Motorsport 7
Microsoft’s other big shooter franchise is still worth playing. In particular, Gears 5 builds on the franchise’s strengths, with glorious set pieces and many ways to destroy your enemies (chainsaw guns, giant lasers, make your choice). Thanks to the next-generation update, it’s also one of the best-looking games on the Xbox Series X., And as a bonus, you have silky smooth 120fps multiplayer to look forward to.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
While we have to wait another year for Halo Infinite, you have plenty of time to immerse yourself in Microsoft’s legendary FPS series. The Master Chief Collection includes every Halo entry you want to play — you can ignore the disappointing Halo 5: Guardians — giving you an easy way to experience the development of the franchise. And although it was originally released in 2014, it has been updated to deliver 120 frames per second on the Xbox Series X.
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