The best games on Xbox One
Xbox One launched in November 2013 and since then the format has been bolstered with several new releases. Join us as we run down the best games on Microsoft's new-gen format, and add to the list as other notable games release.
OK, so maybe the Xbox One didn't get off to the best start, what with all of Microsoft's policy u-turns and silly decisions from the suits.
But look, it's all about the games at the end of the day, so just like we did with Wii U, we've decided to compile a list of the best games on Xbox One.
We'll add to this list as more notable games launch, and don't forget to throw us your own suggestions in the comments below.
Dead Rising 3
This Xbox One debut from Capcom Vancouver is very silly indeed, giving players the entire city of Los Perdidos to explore. Within its sun-baked streets your find the ingredients for some seriously insane zombie-slaying weapons and super-charged vehicles that defy all reason. Once you've flaming Dragon Punched your way through a pack of brain-chompers you'll never look at zombie games the same way again.
We reviewed Dead Rising 3 here, and were surprised to learn that it's the perfect entry for those turned off by the time-based format of the first two games. You can turn it on if you wish, but this is potentially the most accessible, fun and memorable entry to the series so far.
Super Time Force
Developed by Capybara Games, this time-bending indie gem might not look like much if you're not a fan of retro visuals, but trust us, Super Time Force is some truly mind-bending stuff. Fans of 2D shooters like Contra and Gunstar Heroes will adore the explosive gunplay on show, but that fire-smothered gloss hides a deeper, more engaging premise.
The ability to mess around with time to create copies of your pint-sized hero is incredibly smart, and makes you consider your approach through each chaotic stage over and over until you start to obsess over every second of your best speed run. Though it looks simple on the surface, you would do well to check this one out, even if you're more of a Call of Duty and FIFA type.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
This image says it all really doesn't it? As we mentioned in our Wolfenstein: The New Order PS4 review, this is a blood-splattered, bullet-spewing, audacious hark back to the id Software original. Machine Games has retained all that chunky heft and turned it into a decent story.
In this alternative 1960's setting, in which the Nazis have conquered the world, everything is fair game. You see people's faces smashed in, chainsaws being used to interrogate victims and more. That this shooter has some sense of story, narrative backbone and purpose amid all that blood and mayhem is actually cause for applause. Above all that, it's a fun, fluid shooter. Try it.
LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes
'What's this kids game doing here?'
Some people still don't understand the appeal of these LEGO games, and that's absolutely fine. However, when you combine LEGO and Marvel into a gloriously colourful and charming package such as this, you can't help but take notice. This is a love letter to the comic brand, with a staggering amount of heroes such as Iron Man, The Hulk and their fellow Avengers, to Spider-Man and lesser-known characters thrown in for fan service. Like Howard the Duck.
The gameplay might not have changed much since the first Lego: Star Wars title, but these little plastic fools are so endearing and funny that it's hard to hold it against Traveller's Tales. Where else can you see Mr. Fantastic morph into a giant LEGO teapot? I'll tell you: nowhere. Play this one with your kids and share in their gaming. You wont regret it.
Forza Motorsport 5
Boo! Hiss! Yeah OK, so there are less tracks than previous Forza games and those paid boosters p**sed a lot of people off, but let's not forget there's still a functional, visually impressive racer beneath the headlines. We gave Turn10's racer a bit of flack for the above when we reviewed it, but we couldn't overlook the parts that worked.
From the lavishly depicted cars to the painstakingly re-created circuits, this is one of those games you simply have to show off to your friends and say, 'look at what my Xbox One can do.' It's a great looking game and it handles with authenticity as you'd expect, although newcomers can ease themselves in with a range of assists. This is the ideal Xbox One launch show piece.
Watch Dogs
The first true juggernaut release of the new generation, Ubisoft Montreal took the Grand Theft Auto format and added in a twist to produce Watch Dogs, a game about surveillance and the art of hacking. While its impressive visuals were overshadowed by claims that the game had been purposely downgraded since its E3 2012 reveal, it's still a looker on Xbox One, and offers a huge environment that bends to your will.
Aiden Pearce might have the personality of a cardboard sheet, but he's at his best when hacking. Manipulating bollards to crash pursuing cars, plucking police choppers out of the sky and other sly tricks are what make Watch Dogs fun. The story mission arc is fun as well, mixing up stealth and espionage with good old fashioned gun-play. If you can overlook the limp characterisation then you're in for a treat. Check out our massive three-part review journal here.
Child of Light
Ubisoft's charming platform RPG is short but it's one of those titles you can simply lose yourself in, even just for a little bit. Child of Light delivers a fresh and inviting blend of 2D platforming and turn-based battles that benefits from the UbiArt Framework's gorgeous visual style and Coeur de pirate's musical score. It's a magical experience that can be enjoyed in co-op with a friend.
There's no big guns or explosions here, so if you're looking for some respite from the din and racket of the triple-a blockbuster circuit you'll certainly find solace in Child of Light. Ubisoft admitted that it developed the game with inspiration from Japanese RPGs, so fans of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest might also find much to love here.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Another Ubisoft open world title. Yeah, we know, but the Caribbean paradise of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is so fast and teeming with life that this play space manages to stand out where others have faded into obscurity. As we said in our Xbox 360 review, this game proved that the studio is capable of listening to its critics, making up for all the glaring shortcomings of the third game.
There's fun in even just listlessly exploring the vast blue oceans in search of new desert islands filled with treasure, proving that you don't need to be gutting land-lubbers with your cutlass for this game to work. The real appeal comes from Black Flag's freedom of exploration, the less-bullshit plot and the interesting (and a little nuts) modern day sections. This time, Ubisoft got it right.
FIFA 14
Stop throwing things at your screen. We're not exactly big sports people either round these parts, but it's no secret that FIFA 14 had been in the UK top ten gaming chart for almost a year when this list began, and that millions of people around the world play this game. Why have we picked the Xbox One edition? Well, that's largely due to the exclusive Ultimate Teams Legend content, but that aside, this is an incredibly deep, expertly-crafted game.
This is a format that will never die or get old, and part of FIFA 14's appeal comes from its competitive play, as the micro-second tactical decision making required to win a match at top level is astounding. It makes chess look like Ludo. All of the mechanics helping this intricate framework of skills and parameters run fluidly may run beneath the skin, but take time to look closer and actually play this game and you'll unearth something much deeper than a simple knock-about.
Titanfall
Microsoft's ace in the hole might not be console-exclusive (hello PC players!) but if you're playing on an Xbox, the new-gen edition of Titanfall is the way to fly. Respawn Entertainment's fast-paced shooter is more than 'just Call of Duty with mechs,' as it's often called by lazy people. The way Pilots move through each vertically-minded map throws in a whole new approach to run and gun play, and well yeah, the robots are important too we suppose.
Those Titans shake up territorial play in such a significant way, causing Pilots to run and flee, or devise new strategies on the hoof, entering each match into a constant tug of war between flesh and metal, robots and humans, skill and resolve. As we said in our Titanfall Xbox One review, it may lack narrative depth or reason due to the absence of a 'proper' story campaign, but who cares when blowing up 30-foot metallic monsters is this much fun?