The Best Xbox One Games
The Xbox One may not be the latest console release, but it's still alive and well. There are still new games coming out for it, and it has a huge library of great games to choose from. We're taking a look at the top Xbox One games on the market and reviewing them individually. You can get a sense of how they play and why we chose them. Keep reading to find out what we mean.
What to Look For
To bring you the top Xbox One games, we looked at a few different criteria. We asked: What genre is the game? How difficult is it? And how is the multiplayer mode? For example, if you’re into basketball and want great solo and multiplayer modes, NBA 2k23 from 2K Games is easily the top choice. You can play through various eras of basketball as your favorite players or start a career and build up your own character. If you’re looking for a casual game that’s not too difficult, you might like Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga from Warner Bros. This critically-acclaimed game is one of the most fun ways to play through the Star Wars saga, either by yourself or with a friend in co-op play. One thing’s for certain: all of these games rock, and we can’t wait to tell you more about them below.
2K Games NBA 2K23 for Xbox One
Nothing but net
The latest official basketball game has arrived, and it is just what we’ve been craving. It looks and plays more realistically than ever before, with updated graphics and physics engines. Players feel more weighty, and turning feels solid and authentic. A great addition to this year’s game is the franchise mode in different NBA eras. You can travel back in time to relive seasons past with legendary players. There’s even a new mode following the career of Michael Jordan — and nothing is as fun as getting to play with this most epic of basketball players.
Pros:
- The MyCareer mode has a new character-building element. You can choose which attributes to level up as you progress.
- The AI has been greatly updated, so it feels more realistic.
Cons:
- As with most sports games, this one relies heavily on microtransactions if you want to compete online.
Activision Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II for Xbox One
Bringing out the big guns
The ultimate FPS shooter is here. Call of Duty has reigned supreme as one of the best shooters for modern consoles. This one kicks it up a notch with its single-player and multiplayer modes. One of the biggest changes is gun customization for multiplayer. You’ll have to choose your upgrades carefully, as you only get five to add (although there are more than five categories). This allows for a great variety of play styles and makes online matches feel balanced and fun. The single-player campaign looks and plays as epically as previous versions. There’s a lot to like if you’re into realistic shooters.
Pros:
- The popular battle royale mode, Warzone, is back with an updated version.
- New multiplayer modes have been added, like Prisoner Rescue, Groundwar, and Invasion.
Cons:
- The single-player story is a bit short, at only about six hours.
Xbox Forza Horizon 5: Standard Edition
Off to the races
Perhaps the most fun driving video games in recent years, the Forza Horizon series brings you cars and scenery galore. It’s set in a giant open-world map, with various races and quests to complete. There are all sorts of hidden treasures to discover sprinkled throughout the map. This can sometimes make it a bit tedious to get to races far away, but it definitely adds to the overall atmosphere. Every type of car is represented, from off-road trucks to luxury sportscars. The sky is the limit — or rather, the horizon is.
Pros:
- This game works great with force feedback racing wheels and pedals.
- The graphics are absolutely stunning. New lighting, smoke, and dust effects really add to the realism.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, there is no VR mode.
Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto V Premium Edition for Xbox One
The gaming gold standard
In this premium edition, one of the greatest games ever made is back for the Xbox One. The original game was released for PS3 and Xbox 360, and it was hailed as a masterpiece back then. Here, you’ll follow the adventures of Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton but with updated graphics and extra content. There’s new content, more multiplayer modes, and hours upon hours of good old-fashioned GTA fun.
Pros:
- There is now an option to have a first-person view and even missions that showcase it.
- The map is enormous, allowing for hours upon hours of exploration.
- The story is expansive, deep, and emotional, and this is video game storytelling at its finest.
Cons:
- Multiplayer matches can sometimes take a while to fill up.
Warner Bros Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga
The force will be with you
The licensed LEGO games always bring smiles to our faces. This one is no different, perfectly capturing and retelling the epic story of the Skywalkers. With updated graphics and physics engines, this is definitely the most beautiful LEGO game to date. The lighting effects have never looked so good. And as with any LEGO game, the story and gameplay are exquisite. It’s lighthearted, fun, and just challenging enough to keep you engaged. For Star Wars fans, this is definitely a must-buy.
Pros:
- This game is great for kids and adults alike, and you can play through the entire campaign cooperatively.
- There are a bunch of collectibles and secrets to explore to reach 100% completion.
Cons:
- It might not be challenging enough for some older gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Xbox One games run on an Xbox Series S or X?
The latest generation of Xbox consoles, the Series X and Series S, are fully backward compatible with older Xboxes. Not only do they play Xbox One games, but they can also run Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. This means you can play a bunch of great, older games for cheap.
Should I get a digital or physical version of Xbox One games?
Since the Xbox One includes a hard drive, you can store and play your library via downloaded games. These digital games run just as well as their physical copies. Of course, owning the physical discs will save space on the hard drive and is actually tangible, unlike digital copies.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.