With all the buzz around the games coming from E3, I thought it would be a good time to look at some of the best games on Xbox One. Thing is, these aren’t just the best games in general, they’re the best fantasy games available right now. These games have won a special place in my list because they had that special spark, and even though I really don’t like the Witcher 3, it most definitely had spark.
Before I list off the placement of these games, let it be known that I didn’t include Definitive Editions of games that were Xbox 360 titles. The list was curated off this special requirement, but I would like to give honorable mentions to these few games that would have made it on my list if they were original to the Xbox One.
Honorable Mentions
DMC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition
DMC is a game that was a reboot of the original Devil May Cry series from the PS2 generation in which you play as Dante, a Nephilim with a death wish. Thing is, his wish isn’t to die but to cause death to all the enemies that plague the levels. In this revitalization of a remake, the included DLC and a new set of modes just added more fun. It is an absolute blast for anyone looking for a hack and slash, combo creating game that ranks off an arcade style point system for the end of each level, determining if you get a skill point to upgrade yourself with.
Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil
This is just my way of saying I like Diablo, okay? It’s an isometric loot game in which the world is falling apart for reasons unbeknown to me. To be honest, I didn’t even get very far because it is a bit of a slog in the way of progression. If you get lucky, you will find a piece of loot that won’t need to be replaced for a while and the leveling system is fairly linear without input from the players for which skills they want and what additional attributes they earn for each skill. In the end, the gameplay can be fun with friends or if you decide to go without companions and try not to die.
Dishonored: Definitive Edition
Of course Dishonored made it onto this list, I’m still human!
You play as Corvo and must clear your honor from a very dishonorable act in possibly the most dishonorable way. You get super powers/magic from a guy and then go through each level taking the stealth route or the bull meeting the china shop approach. Either way will lead to an end screen that will effect the end of the game. The only issue is there is no New Game+ and the game is really short if you play your cards right and just blunder through each challenge like I did. With the sequel coming up, Dishonored is a shoe-in for fantasy game fans on the Xbox One…but not as much as this list beneath you.
5. Dragon Age: Inquisition
The newest instalment into the Dragon Age Saga is really quite a good one. The story is immersive and the combat can be really fun, sporting a tactical view where the game turns into a turn based combat system or just the regular old cooldown competition. You can play as multiple races and multiple classes based off of the race you chose, which is really standard to the Dragon Age series.
What is really different is the settlement management that is included in Inquisition. You can run ordinances and get little boosts that will help you through the game, but only if you have the resources. The game falls a little flat when you’re scavenging the countryside, pillaging whatever herb you find lying around, but the companions have a way of making it interesting. The weapon crafting system is unique and a thing of beauty for min-maxers.
All-in-all, this D&Dragon Age game is worth playing for those that like a long haul and playing through the same areas for hours at a time. Unfortunately, nothing of this Inquisition is like the Spanish.
4. Hand of Fate
I’ve got a flush, how about you? Go fish? Other card puns?
Anyhow, this game is a fun little crawler-esque title where your map are the cards played by your Tarot reader. They put cards in front of you in a layout and you must make choices and explore through various challenges in order to make it to the end of each level, unlocking more cards for a bigger variety of gameplay. There isn’t a whole lot behind it to place it above other games, but what is there is a solid concept with solid execution.
The combat is nice and the game looks great, so picking it up would be a great idea.
3. The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
It was kind of a gimme, wasn’t it? This MMO of the Elder Scrolls game is alright, and it has enough content and character to support its placement.
You play as a prisoner (surprise surprise), must rescue a prophet and save the world – for only you can be the hero. That seems to be the only issue with the game, for it has a solid combat system, as solid as a Bethesda fighting system can be, and has a nice set of activities that you can use to keep yourself entertained and gain levels.
That being said, it is a slightly wonky game; having the ability to kill certain NPC and gain a bounty, but those same NPCs come back and hold no grudge. These NPCs feel more like places to grind skills, one of the staples of an Elder Scrolls game. Overall though and The Elder Scrolls Online has some great moments, before ultimately falling victim to the grind.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witchening is happening! The hunt is on, and the prey are the Witchers. Go through this exciting, but repeated storyline, fighting your way through mythological creatures and your addiction to apothecary. Seriously Geralt, get some help. Find Ciri, your companion who has knowledge that far surpasses yours. She isn’t as skilled and seems to require a network connection, but Ciri is still one of the main characters in Wild Hunt.
The combat is nice and fluid, and you really need to pay attention to what is going on for the game to be easy. You have to read the beastiaries and study the environment to make your life easier, which is a wonderful way for the game to go. The Witcher 3 may be overly long, and at some points, dare I say it…boring, but the game is a fantastic fantasy game, and it has Gwent.
Now pour another pint and play your general card.
1. WWE 2K16
I too hear voices in my head, but Randy Orton may be worse off than me. Welcome to one of the greatest fantasy games of all time!
With WWE 2K16 you can play as a countless amount of people (120+) or even as your own character. Your time is now, and make sure that people can see you. But wait, this isn’t a high fantasy game like the others, so why is it number 1? Very astute, but the answer is it is not.
1. Dark Souls 3
Spark the embers and swig an Estus Flask, it’s time for this murder montage to be in the limelight.
The fifth game from FromSoftware has been created using the same formula – this is another Dark Souls game after-all. It is the same game as before in execution, but certain things have changed. There is now a mana bar for spells instead of a set amount, and the enemies seem to all be a little more creepy. With that said, Dark Souls 3 is a good one. A very good one.
The formula has been tweaked slightly and the gameplay is a bit nicer as it allows for the continuation of the story. The only issue I really have is with its predictability. Was it based off a formula: Yes, but does that mean everything should be expected in the same formula? All in all, Dark Souls 3 is on top because it has a solid gameplay basis, and it certainly doesn’t hold your hand on its own.
It is quite obviously the best fantasy title currently on Xbox One.
So, these are my top fantasy games which are out now on Xbox One. If you’re a fantasy fan, then they come highly recommended. Make sure you check them out.Â
