Xbox Games
While Microsoft’s console strategy may be a little different to the PlayStation, it still manages to have an excellent game library and some next-gen exclusives that are worth a look. With backward compatibility on both the Xbox Series X and S, as well as access to Xbox Cloud Gaming via XCloud, there are plenty of great Xbox titles to enjoy even for those who don’t have the latest console.
The current Xbox consoles are also head and shoulders above the PS4. Control feels more precise and a lot more stable than on the base models, while both the Series X and S can do some truly stunning things with games. The ‘Ultimate Edition’ of the One X adds ray-tracing and high frame rates to the mix for those who want the best experience possible – but it’s not necessary for the vast majority of gamers, as the current generation still does an excellent job of running current and popular titles.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a dazzling 2D Metroidvania that’s brimming with life. The adorable cat/marsupial thingy is a joy to control, jumping around and swinging from vines with effortless grace. With cleverly judged new abilities added in drip-fed fashion, there’s plenty to discover on this journey through a colourful world.
Another classic is Grounded, which makes its way onto our Xbox Series X Games list despite a slow start in Early Access. After a couple of years, Obsidian released this survival game in full, rounding out the story and adding more content. The game is strange, inventive and fascinating to play as you explore a back garden turned into a wild wilderness Honey I Shrunk the Kids-style, battling a horde of bugs and other threats.
Cuphead is another great addition to this collection of Xbox Series X games. Taking its design cues from 1930 cartoon art like Betty Boop shorts and Disney’s Silly Symphonies, this shooter is a delight to play. While the levels aren’t huge, they’re packed with detail and challenge players to learn enemy patterns and dodge bullets in an absorbing shooter.
Lastly, Avowed was revealed at Microsoft’s July showcase as a next-gen Xbox Series X game from Obsidian. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it’s a first-person RPG experience that takes us to a world filled with corruption and wonder.
If you’re looking for a MOBA-style multiplayer experience, there’s also Smite on the Xbox. This third-person over-the-shoulder shooter works amazingly well on console and is far better than the top-down versions of LoL and DOTA 2.
If you’re looking for an amazing selection of games, the Xbox Series X is the place to go. It’s got a fantastic library of backward-compatible titles as well as new releases every month. And you can play it on the go too thanks to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which gets you access to the entire library for a monthly fee. You can even play your subscription on mobile and PC thanks to xCloud.
