2017 is drawing to a close, bringing an end to another great year of gaming – especially for Xbox One owners. And with the release of the Xbox One X right around the corner, things are looking even better for 2018. To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best games that have been, or are yet to be, released for the current system. From all-out action adventures to indy platformers to loot-based RPGs, if you haven’t already gone in on these excellent offerings yet, what the hell is stopping you?
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Following a two year hiatus from Ubisoft’s annual release schedule, the Assassin’s Creed series is back, and in a big way. Players take on the role of Bayek, the first assassin, who must traverse the beautiful landscape of ancient Egypt to prevent his homeland from falling apart. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic figures like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, as well as doing a fair bit of looting, jumping, and, of course, stabbing.
In a departure from the traditional formula, Origins has an open world map with plenty of hidden locations, side quests, and collectables. This is coupled with an RPG-lite levelling system and a customizable weapon and armour layout similar to other open world titles like The Witcher 3 and Destiny 2. And like those, Ubisoft has a plethora of post-launch content planned. If you’re a fan of the franchise and want a fresh experience in the Assassin’s Creed universe, definitely check this one out. Given its glowing reviews and high sales output, this is a return to form for one of gaming’s most beloved properties.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
One of the genuine surprises of the year was the recently released South Park: The Fractured But Whole, the highly-anticipated Sequel to 2014’s The Stick of Truth. Following on from the first game, players create their very own South Park character and get embroiled in the hilarious role-playing-gone-too-far antics of Eric Cartman and the gang. Like the previous title, this is a story-driven, turn-based RPG with plenty of classes to choose from and combat mechanics to perfect. There’s also an in-depth loot system, allowing you to outfit your character in a number of different costumes – though this is as lucked based as the South Park slot game.
Needless to say, fans of the first game – and the series in general – will find plenty to enjoy in The Fractured But Whole. And it must be said, given the reputation most TV and movie tie in games have, this is miles better than it has any right to be!
Cuphead
The only Xbox One exclusive on this list, Cuphead is the latest Indy darling to take the world of gaming by storm, receiving rave reviews and introducing gamers to an animation style they didn’t know they loved. A run-and-gun side-scroller, Cuphead emulates the look and feel of 1930s cartoons, with colourful, bombastic animation and a grainy texture. Think Steamboat Willie but with slightly more senseless violence. On top of that, the music is also period accurate, blending deep orchestral sounds with a jazzy rhythm that really sets the stage for high-octane fun.
One of the defining characteristics of Cuphead is its difficulty. Much has been made of its sometimes gruelling boss fights, with some critics comparing it to the 8-bit era of gaming or the pattern-learning of the Dark Souls series. One thing’s for sure, however: if you love cheaper, unique gaming experiences, and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, you should definitely give this a go.
Star Wars Battlefront II
Star Wars is a hot topic at the moment, what with the resurgence of the film franchise and the highly-successful reboot of the Battlefront brand. EA and Dice’s second instalment looks to build on the foundations of the first game, offering players a range of immersive multiplayer modes, taking influence from Dice’s other award-winning online multiplayer series: Battlefield. In this game, players will get to choose from a variety of classes, joining dozens of other players in enormous online battles, all replicating the unique feel of the Star Wars license.
Not only that, but you’ll get to play an independent single-player campaign. As the captain of an elite Stormtrooper regiment, you’ll see first-hand the fall of the Galactic Empire and the rise of New Republic. And the best part? It’s all official Star Wars canon! Fans the first game, as well as massive online shooters, will be enthralled with the well-balanced and intense combat, while lovers of Star Wars will want to pick this up for the story alone. Whether you’re one or the other, or both, this isn’t a game to be missed in 2017.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
If there’s a universal truth in gaming, it’s that killing Nazis will never not be fun! From the by-gone days of Wolfenstein 3D for the MS-DOS until now, B.J. Blazkowicz has been kicking Nazi ass and taking names, and this latest iteration from Bethesda is no different. After the events of The New Order, which saw the Nazi’s win World War Two and assert their dominance over the world, everyone’s favourite buzz cut beefcake is back leading the Resistance, looking to put an end to the regime once and for all.
With tons of heart-thumping action, spectacular set pieces, and lovable characters, The New Colossus looks to expand on the sleeper hit that was the first game, bringing players back to a simpler gaming experience, where fun is the one and only objective. Coming off the success of other first person shooters like 2016’s Doom – also a reboot of a dormant franchise – Wolfenstein 2 should be a go-to for any fan of the genre. So, sit back, load up, and prepare for one hell of a ride.
