Best Xbox games to play right now: Xbox One & Series X/S

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current generation of video games is truly something special. From the stunning graphics and immersive storylines to the innovative gameplay mechanics, there’s never been a better time to be a gamer.

Xbox has undergone huge transformations in 2024.

The massive $multi-billion transaction to purchase Activision was successfully completed, marking the debut of Call of Duty on Game Pass for the very first occasion.

Furthermore, an impressive array of notable games across various genres marked this year as particularly fruitful for Microsoft’s gaming division.

Here, find the best games to pick up on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.

Best Xbox games on Xbox One and Series X/S

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

2024 saw the comeback of Indiana Jones on Xbox platforms and PC via Game Pass. In “The Great Circle,” Indy embarks on yet another thrilling journey, finding himself in numerous perilous predicaments as he pursues valuable artifacts.

Our review describes the Great Circle as a great adventure game with a few tech issues that are easily ignored. If you’re after some whip-cracking fun, this is a great choice.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Due to Activision’s acquisition, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 became available on Game Pass. This newest title from Treyarch offers an engaging single-player campaign, highly addictive multiplayer, and a Zombies mode that promises endless entertainment.

According to our assessment, Black Ops 6 stands out as the top Call of Duty game released over the past five years due to numerous minor advancements, resulting in an exceptionally enjoyable first-person shooting experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3

After a long wait of 23 years, I was eagerly anticipating the third installment in the Baldur’s Gate series, set within the realm of Forgotten Realms. Larian Studios didn’t disappoint; they hit it out of the park with this RPG! Whether it’s the top-notch voice acting or the immersive world that draws you in, everything about it feels like a faithful adaptation of the tabletop game to video games.

Due to its exceptional performance, Baldur’s Gate 3 earned multiple Game of the Year awards, even winning the top honor at The Game Awards in 2023, indicating that it is truly outstanding.

Elden Ring

Microsoft Flight Simulator

The Microsoft Flight Simulator series has consistently stood out as a pioneer within its field, flight simulation. However, the 2020 edition truly elevated this standard by employing Bing Maps and AI for 3D generation, alongside real-time weather and visuals. This makes it one of the most impressive technical feats in gaming, and it continues to improve with add-ons like the Top Gun: Maverick DLC, released to commemorate the Tom Cruise film.

Halo Infinite

Following the somewhat underwhelming release of Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Infinite captivated players once more with its exceptional multiplayer mode, rekindling our affection for Master Chief.

The love for the game intensified as the single-player mode was introduced with a novel open-world feature, rejuvenating the Halo experience. For a comprehensive take on our affection towards its campaign, delve into our review of Halo Infinite.

Hi-Fi Rush

Out of nowhere, Tango Gameworks unexpectedly launched Hi-Fi Rush, an exhilarating rhythm-action game featuring an aspiring rockstar named Chai. This game is incredibly enjoyable, boasting a phenomenal soundtrack reminiscent of the action in a Tony Hawk game and vibrant, eye-catching cartoon visuals that leap to life with every motion. Approximately twelve hours are needed to complete it, making it an ideal choice for a fun-filled weekend gaming session. With Xbox Game Pass, you can start playing it immediately.

Psychonauts 2

The long-awaited sequel to Psychonauts from 2005, Psychonauts 2, was definitely worth the wait! Raz’s latest journey is just as enjoyable as the first, and some might even argue it surpasses the original. This platform game offers breathtaking graphics, imaginative level designs, plenty of humor and unexpected elements, along with mature themes like mental health that are sensitively handled. Don’t miss out on this one!

Read our Psychonauts 2 review to see what we thought about the game in more detail.

Read more on Xbox:

How to charge Xbox Series X controllers
What is Xbox Game Pass? Price and perks explained
How to connect any Xbox controller to Xbox Series X/S

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Cyberpunk 2077

As a die-hard gaming enthusiast, I’ve been anxiously tracking the progress of Cyberpunk 2077, the open-world action-adventure masterpiece from CD Projekt Red set in the vibrant metropolis of Night City. This game has generated an unprecedented level of excitement among gamers in recent times, and I’m certainly not alone in eagerly anticipating its release – though the inclusion of Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves doesn’t hurt!

Initially, it didn’t turn out quite as anticipated, but with countless updates, a free next-generation upgrade, and a captivating DLC starring Idris Elba, the Polish team has remarkably transformed Cyberpunk into a remarkable success saga. This transformation culminated in its win for Best Ongoing Game at The Game Awards 2023, solidifying its triumph.

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Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Among today’s platform games, Ori and the Will of the Wisps stands out as one with exceptional movement mechanics, becoming even more engaging as you progress. The game’s haunting melodies and striking visuals are memorable enough to inspire countless artworks. It’s user-friendly yet offers a balance between challenge and accessibility, offering a deeper emotional journey than most anticipate.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers an exhilarating journey! It’s utterly zany and ranks among the most humorous JRPGs currently available. The standout feature is its richly developed characters that breathe life into this offbeat narrative, making it unforgettable from beginning to end. Despite Yakuza being in existence since 2005, it’s this installment that catapulted it to international fame, as we accompany our new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuaga, on a deeply personal mission to expose the truth behind his betrayal.

Gears 5

Right alongside Halo, I’d say Gears of War holds a special place among Xbox’s most revered series, and after a minor hiccup in the fourth installment, Gears 5 truly reclaims its glory. As a third-person shooter, it brings Kate Diaz into the limelight, delving deep into her lineage as she embarks on a quest for answers. The campaign is nothing short of impressive, striking a perfect balance between appealing to newcomers and satisfying longtime devotees like myself.

Alan Wake 2

Sequels long awaited by fans have been consistently successful in recent times. The much-anticipated sequel to Remedy’s Alan Wake, titled Alan Wake 2, is no exception, as best-selling author Alan Wake finds himself trapped in an alternate dimension after a decade and three years. However, how does FBI special agent Saga Anderson fit into this? This survival horror game offers a wealth of mystery, suspense, and innovative concepts that challenge the boundaries of what a video game can achieve. To fully appreciate the sequel, it’s recommended to play the original game or catch up with a refresher from Fortnite and Epic Games.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Master Chief Collection is a compilation that includes almost all Halo games, each optimized for the Xbox Series X/S. By purchasing this collection, you’ll be able to play Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4.

Typically priced below £20, this offers an incredibly low price for the quality it delivers. Each installation boasts numerous opportunities for repeat play, along with multiplayer features that have significantly evolved since their initial launch.

Rocket League

Are you a fan of automobiles? Or perhaps football is more your thing? Or maybe you’re captivated by the thrill of rockets? If any (or all) of these pique your interest, then consider downloading Rocket League for some electrifying, fast-paced gameplay that combines elements from these worlds.

Developed by Psyonix, Rocket League stands out as an exceptional embodiment of “I’ll just play one more game.” It boasts a thrilling soundtrack, numerous exciting collaborations ranging from Batman to The Fast and The Furious, and competitive rankings catering to all skill levels. The only potential drawback is the name, which might be simplified in future iterations after its initial Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars.

Forza Horizon 5

In a fresh take on the Forza Horizon franchise, Forza Horizon 5 takes you to Mexico. Previous installments, such as the England-centric fourth edition, left us awestruck, particularly with its Series X enhancement. However, this game is specifically designed for the new consoles, and it shows.

Outstanding aspects encompass the seamless gameplay experience, superior audio quality, stunning graphical accuracy, numerous tasks, and an immersive storyline that offers endless enjoyment. This title was rightfully honored with multiple Game of the Year accolades in 2021.

EA Sports FC 25

In this updated version of the EA Sports FC series, you’ll find numerous enhancements along with another helping of the highly sought-after Ultimate Team feature. Just like any soccer game, EA Sports has refined different aspects to create what’s considered the most authentic football simulation available today.

Revising the strategies significantly and offering a more engaging Career Mode, this game provides ample entertainment for football enthusiasts. Our critique particularly appreciates the exhilarating Rush mode due to its fast-paced action, reintroducing an enjoyable aspect that has been lacking in the series lately.

2024-12-11 23:04