The Best Xbox Games
With advanced hardware and a catalog of exciting games, the Xbox is a premium gaming machine. But with so many titles to choose from, it can be hard to decide which Xbox games are worth your time and money. That's why we've decided to whittle down the options to the best of the best, so you can spend more time gaming and less time searching.
What to Look For
At the risk of inciting intense controversy, we decided to assemble a list of the best Xbox games on the market today. We asked questions like: Does it offer many hours of playability? Is it multiplayer or single-player? Are the graphics and controls up to the standards of modern AAA games? Is the price fair for the quality? For what age groups is it appropriate? Our favorite is Halo Infinite since this latest entry into the Halo legacy proves that Master Chief has more epic battles to fight. We especially love the open-world feeling of the single-player mode, which adds a greater degree of choice and planning to the run-and-gun experience of previous Halo titles. But if you’re looking for an appropriate gift for a younger gamer, we suggest the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection XSX. It’s an affordable game and offers countless hours of cartoony ninja-style fighting. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
Halo Infinite
The epic adventure continues
If you’ve been gaming for over a decade, you’ve probably digitally donned some Spartan armor at some point. But even for those new to the Halo universe, this iteration is a game worth getting. The smooth gunplay and gorgeous graphics of Halo Infinite‘s open world are immediately immersive, adding a new degree of depth that previous games just don’t have. Indeed, the campaign makes it hard to put the controller down, especially since each step of progress comes with new upgrades to your arsenal. Of course, the multiplayer, too, isn’t to be overlooked, and it’s just as competitive as ever.
Pros:
- Smooth controls and animations
- New weapons and utilities
- Well-designed AI in the campaign
- Unforgettable multiplayer map designs
- Incredible sound design
Cons:
- Unless you up the difficulty, the campaign may only take a few sessions to beat
Marvel’s Avengers
Tap into your inner superhero
For us Marvel fans, it’s always been a dream to don the Iron Man suit or shoulder the shield of Captain America. Now, that dream can come true with Marvel’s Avengers. This game lets you play as the most iconic characters in the Marvel Universe, including the Hulk, Thor, Cap, Black Widow, and more. Better yet, as you progress, you can unlock more upgrades and powers, putting the “super” in “superheroes.”
Pros:
- Tons of hours of fresh gameplay
- Great gift for Marvel fans
- Surprisingly engaging storylines
Cons:
- Limited without an internet connection
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection XSX
Kung fu fighting
When we see the Konami name, we think of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And to our joy, Konami has assembled thirteen of their best TMNT games into one affordable package, offering nearly-endless hours of cartoony violence. Of course, it’s not too graphic nor intense for younger players, so youngsters and teens that meet the recommended age will feel right at home playing as Donatello, Michaelangelo, Rafael, and Leonardo.
Pros:
- Thirteen games in one
- Some multiplayer capabilities
- Great mix of story and fighting games
- Nostalgic titles for older gamers
Cons:
- Younger gamers used to advanced graphics may not vibe with the pixellated look of some of the older games
Forza Horizon 5
Start your engines
If you’re ready for speed, Forza Horizon 5 is the way to go. This racing game leaves its competitors in the dust with beautiful graphics and responsive controls. Even if you have the best reaction times in the world, you’ll likely enjoy the precise handling of Forza Horizon 5‘s vast range of vehicle options. Keep in mind, however, that hours can melt away while you play, so it’s the kind of game that makes you wonder where the time went.
Pros:
- Excellently crafted story mode
- Affordable price for a AAA game
- Customization options
- Beautifully designed maps that don’t distract
Cons:
- Unless you enjoy replaying races to beat your personal times, the story mode may prove to be a little short
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
The latest and the greatest
As far as first-person shooters go, nothing tops Call of Duty. Tap into your competitive side with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, which offers all the best multiplayer game modes to date. Indeed, the firefights on the booming multiplayer servers are intense, but don’t let that stop you from setting up your custom loadout and joining the battle. And even if you get weary of the online struggle, you can always turn to the campaign for the best single-player experience to emerge from the franchise.
Pros:
- Excellent campaign
- Proximity chat adds immersion
- The multiplayer experience feels familiar for fans of earlier CoD games
- Balanced weapons and load outs
Cons:
- As with most CoD games, newcomers should expect to get stomped in multiplayer lobbies until they learn the ropes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On which Xbox console can I play my game of choice?
Newer Xbox consoles support backward compatibility, which means they can play certain older games. For example, the Xbox One can play “select” Xbox 360 games. However, certain games will not work, so we strongly suggest you do a bit of research to find out if your game of choice will function on your particular console.
Do I need an internet connection to play new Xbox games?
The era of the disc drive seems to be slowly fading away, though most games are still available as both hardcopies and digital downloads. Obviously, you’ll need an internet connection to install digital-download games. However, even some hardcopy games require an internet connection for updates, so it’s a good idea to have a stable internet connection before you gear up to game.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
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.