10. Gears Of War: Ultimate Edition
For lovers of the Gears of War franchise, Ultimate brings an array of improvements which make you want to replay this classic all over again. The game includes the 5 chapters from the original PC version and runs those sweet online multiplayer battles at a smooth 60fps. If you want to jump about the SS Nostalgia and tackle horde mode on spoil screen, there's nothing quite like it!
9. Sunset Overdrive
After making a name of themselves with Ratchet & Clank, Insomniac Games took the outlandish and absurd to a new level with the colourful, over-the-top punk rock Sunset Overdrive. It’s a ridiculously fun and unique game, turning the game’s open-world into a playground for bizarre feats of destruction and chaos. Expect explosive teddy bears, fireworks and mutant gang members. Yeah, it’s preposterously trippy. But there’s no denying the heaps of fun that can only be found in Sunset Overdrive.
8. Crackdown 3
The Crackdown games are among the finest Xbox exclusives and for good reason – if nothing else, they are just bloody good fun. As you level up your super-powered Agent of justice, the combat becomes so hilariously over-the-top as you use everything you encounter as a weapon. There are few things more pleasing than throwing buses at gangsters. With support for up to 4-player online co-op, Crackdown 3 is one of the most absurdly entertaining games on the console.
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
This stunning platformer transports players into vast and strikingly beautiful environments on an emotional and engaging adventure. As you encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny, prepare to marvel as the game’s stunning visuals transport you to another world. This is quite simply one of the most beautiful games ever made and plays wonderfully from start to finish.
6. Gears 5
A bloodbath with brains, Gears 5 continued the franchise’s revival with second entry developed by Epic Games. This big, bloody, beautiful bonanza is rammed full of the usual big funs, power-tools and gore – but also boasts the series’ biggest heart. With the best story in the series for a long time, the game is a surprisingly powerful adventure that will engross you until it’s shocking sequel set-up cliffhanger. An absolute belter.
5. Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4’s USP is the phenomenal dynamic weather systems within its beautifully realised open world, keeping players on their toes as they must master driving through dry, wet, muddy, snowy and icy conditions. Such a simple addition to such a crowded sub-genre makes the visually stunning Forza Horizon 4 the finest racing game available today. With over 450 cars to collect and many miles of land to explore, this one will keep you behind the wheel for some time.
4. Sea of Thieves
Argh, me hearties! This online-only pirate adventure is an absolute masterpiece, as you live the pirate life in a richly detailed world, packed full of irreverent charm, colourful visuals and addictive exploration. Hunt treasure, fight mythical monsters and sail the seven seas with your crew in this endlessly entertaining adventure – and with no set rules, approach the game’s world, and other players, however, you choose. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for YOU.
3. Forza Motorsport 7
With the beloved franchise famously being an Xbox exclusive, it’s no surprise that Forza makes multiple appearances on this list. The 7th part of the flagship Motorsport series is a passionate and beautiful game that boasts over 700 customisable cars, including the largest collection of Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis ever. With over 30 famous destinations and 200 ribbons, this is a comprehensive epic for petrolheads.
2. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The original Halo trilogy needs no introduction - it just isn’t Xbox without Master Chief. Beautifully remastered, this must-own collection bundles together one of gaming’s most beloved legacies onto one disc and it is truly momentous. Being able to experience the original Halo trilogy on the Xbox One with stunning updated visuals is a feast of delights for any gamer. And with new content due to be added in December, this one is essential. It really doesn’t get any better than Halo.
1. Halo Infinite
It's been a while since we've seen Master Chief on top form, but Halo Infinite is here to rectify that, and then some! This is a near-perfect homage to everything we loved from the Bungie series with a modern twist. You are set loose to traverse a vast and open world with heaps more autonomy and a wide arsenal of iconic vehicles, guns and foes. The single-player campaign shines best in the heat of battle when you really remind yourself why this game deserves to be in the run for best new shooter.
