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The Top 10 Xbox One Exclusives You Can Get Right Now

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xbox one exclusives

Are you getting an Xbox One for the holidays this year? Or maybe you’re getting a few shiny new Xbox gift cards to spend on games? I’m anticipating some of the latter myself, and was thinking about all the great exclusive games that are out there right now for the Xbox One. Here’s a list of the top ten Xbox One exclusives you can spend your hard earned money on this year.

First, just a couple of caveats about how I compiled the list. I ranked games based off of what I have the most fun playing, so it’s all opinion. You might think my #8 should be #1, or that my #1 should be buried in the New Mexico desert with the E.T. game. I’m happy to engage in all those discussions in the comments. Finally, I defined exclusive as something that’s not available on Playstation 4 or Wii U. If it’s also on PC, that’s OK. If it’s a timed exclusive but not yet on the other consoles (like Rise of the Tomb Raider), still OK.

With all that said, let’s jump in….

#10 – Gears of War Ultimate Edition

gears of war ultimate edition pic 1

Gears of War is one of the games that helped transform me from a sports game player into someone who enjoys lots of different types of genres. At the time, the characters, graphics, and combat were completely unique and the game just sucked you in. I mean, what’s cooler than a gun with a chainsaw on it? And it boasts a final boss battle that may cost you a controller or two. The remastered version looks stunning and the multiplayer is just as fun and maddening as I remembered it from the original trilogy. If you’re new to Xbox, this is a great way to get to know one of the cornerstone franchises for the console. If you’re not, it’s like revisiting an old acquaintance that got a lot hotter in the last eight years.

I’m not big on encouraging endless remakes in a new generation, but I think this one deserves a spot in the top ten.

#9 – Rare Replay

rare replay header

I know I just said I’m not big on remakes, but the unique thing about this collection is that it includes a lot of games that the younger generation of gamers have never played or even heard of. What I love about this anthology is that there is bound to be something for everyone. It’s also a reminder of what Rare actually did before they got bogged down in Kinectland.

You may not like all 30 games in the collection, but you’re bound to find at least a few. Whether you’re experiencing Perfect Dark again, trying out RC Pro-Am, or playing Conker’s Bad Fur Day, everyone will find something they enjoy. Getting 30 games for $30 USD is something that can’t be beat to begin with. It’s just a bonus that many of the games are actually very good. Plus, with the highly anticipated Sea of Thieves most likely coming in 2016, it’s fun to go back and experience this great studio’s early work.

#8 – Forza Horizon 2

StormIslandExpansion_ForzaHorizon2_03_WM

I love the Forza Motorsport franchise (as you’ll see later on in this list), but my one knock on them is that they can get mundane. It feels like you’re racing on the same tracks over and over again. The Forza Horizon series completely eliminates that problem with an open world experience that still contains all the things that makes Forza great. The game is set in southern Europe and has over 200 cars from 57 manufacturers to race with. It also includes changing weather, night driving, and varied road conditions. Unlike the flagship Forza series, in Horizon 2 you are not limited to a linear path on the road. Take shortcuts to win, even if that means driving straight through a field.

Finally, The Forza series includes one of my favorite innovations in this generation, the Drivatar. Rather than racing against precise AI opponents, opponents are other players from the community, as the game tracks their tendencies to replicate their driving style in your races. This creates a lot more mayhem in races and makes the player feel like no two races are ever really the same.

#7 – Ori and the Blind Forest

ori pic 1

First, let me just say that the visuals in Ori and the Blind Forest are mind-blowingly good. Astounding. This was the first game I used the Xbox One screenshot feature on, just so I could get a good shot of the tree at the right moment. When you boot up the game, the first 10 minutes will tug at your emotions and make you feel truly connected to the main character. The only other “smaller” game that has had that effect on me recently was 2014’s Valiant Hearts: The Great War.

But don’t let the amazing visuals and cute main character fool you – this game can be incredibly difficult and challenging at many points. It requires you to be very thorough, take the time to get the upgrades, and save the game OFTEN. If you’re the type of player that just likes to bulldoze through the story without taking your time, this game might flat out infuriate the hell out of you. But when you do things right, and overcome a difficult obstacle, it is very rewarding.

#6 – Halo: The Master Chief Collection

halo master chief pic 1

I promise this is the last remake/re-release on the list. Really. Yes, this game launched with a lot of problems, and the multiplayer was more or less broken for months. That did, however, lead to us all getting all DLC for Halo 5 completely free. After they fixed the multiplayer portion of the MCC, what we had was a comprehensive collection of the most iconic franchise in Xbox history. Four complete games, with campaigns and multiplayer, including the remastered versions of Halo: CE and Halo 2. Also, this was the first time you could play Halo: CE in online multiplayer. The game also has enough achievements to keep you busy for quite a while if you’re a completion junkie. Fans that endured the first few months of multiplayer woes got Halo 3: ODST for free, though if you’re new to the game it can be purchased for a very low price.

In its current state, it’s hard to argue that there’s a better value title on Xbox One right now.

#5 – Forza Motorsport 6

forza 6 cockpit

When it comes to racing simulation games, this Forza 6 is the Mona Lisa. A true masterpiece. When I started playing for the first time, I was worried that my concern over the game historically being pretty linear and repetitive would carry over. It took about 20 minutes to realize that wasn’t going to be the case. The introduction of weather into the flagship series, along with changing road conditions and night driving, made this game feel incredibly different from its predecessor. Then you add in the fact that there are seemingly endless cars, lots of different classes and types of races, and the fact that this game looks absolutely gorgeous, and this game becomes a must own for any racing fan.

The innovative Drivatar feature returns to this game, resulting in some fun chaos in races and giving you a reason to curse at people on your friends list even when they’re asleep.

#4 – Titanfall

titanfall pic 3

Unless you were an early adopter of the Xbox One, this is a game you might have heard about but never got the chance to play. Titanfall was the first highly anticipated mega release for the Xbox One, and it carried a huge amount of anticipation and excitement from fans and gaming media alike. Then, when it released, the response was a resounding “…oh”. The lack of any real campaign and the overall lack of different things to do in multiplayer overshadowed the fact that as a shooter, the game was about as mechanically smooth and spot-on as anyone could hope for.

To Respawn’s credit, they spent the next year adding features and modes to the game, and the game we have today is a far superior product to what was released in March of 2014. Plus, one of the coolest moments you’ll experience so far in this generation is the first time you hear the words “You got it. Standby for Titanfall,” and watch your titan come down to you as you prepare to try to destroy worlds for the first time.

#3 – Rise of the Tomb Raider

rise of the tomb raider pic 1

I’ll admit it, I wasn’t a huge fan of the Tomb Raider reboot in 2013. I just couldn’t get into it. I also had a hard time getting amped for Rise of the Tomb Raider after it seemed like every demo shown at E3 or Gamescom was essentially showing the same thing. A lot of people, including myself, thought that this game was committing suicide by releasing on the same day as a moderately popular title known as Fallout 4. But the date wasn’t moved, which indicated that Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix, and Microsoft really believed in Rise of the Tomb Raider. They weren’t wrong to do so.

The game is fun, challenging, and has been overwhelmingly praised by critics and fans alike. Microsoft really needed an answer to Sony’s Uncharted series, and they have it with Rise of the Tomb Raider. The only reason this isn’t a spot or maybe even two higher on the list is because with games like Halo 5, Star Wars Battlefront, and Fallout 4 taking up so much of my time, I haven’t gotten to experience Rise of the Tomb Raider quite as much as I’d like to yet.

Nevertheless, from what I have played, it is extremely highly recommended.

#2 – Sunset Overdrive

sunset-overdrive-review-arsenal-jpg (1)

Sunset Overdrive has been somewhat polarizing. Many people love it, and some really don’t. Personally, I can’t say enough good things about the events in Sunset City.

It was new and different at a time when gamers were calling for something new and different. And then no one bought it and they all bought Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed instead. The game’s biggest flaw was its release window. If it had come out in February 2015 opposite The Order: 1886, I believe it would have sold very well. Instead, it got swallowed up by the yearly juggernauts.

Regardless, this game is a fun, fast paced shooter with a lot of tongue in cheek humor. The weapons are silly and fun (exploding teddy bears, anyone?). When playing Sunset, I get the feeling that the developers had a lot of fun making it, and that they were making the exact game they wanted to make. This just added to my enjoyment. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that when I was done with the story and side quests I just traveled around the city trying to get all the collectibles and that’s something I rarely do.

I recently saw Sunset Orverdrive at a Gamestop in the US for $20. At that price, it’s 100% worth buying.

#1 – Halo 5: Guardians

halo 5 review pic 1

The one knock on this Halo 5: Guardians is the campaign story, which takes some strange leaps and, if you’ve never read the books, can be confusing. The campaign itself though is incredibly fun to play with very little in the way of bugs or issues.

Nathan Fillion as Buck gives a great performance. It still feels like an epic Halo campaign in every way, and the squad based combat is a nice addition to the series. But what makes this #1 for me is the fact that I’ve never had so much fun with an online multiplayer in any other game.. I’m not even all that great but I don’t care – it’s just so much fun to play. Veterans of the series still have the familiar arena modes like Slayer and Capture the Flag, with Big Team Battle also being added just recently. However, the additions of modes like Breakout and Warzone help make this game stand apart from the others. Warzone introduces 12v12 matches to Halo, with huge maps and req stations where you redeem cards you’ve earned to get power ups during the match. They can be lower level weapons like a needler or you can save up and cash in late in the match for one of the more heavy hitting power ups to try to put your team over the top. Breakout is an elimination mode where each round lasts no longer than two minutes. The maps are small, you have no shields, and when you’re dead you are out until the next round. First team to win five rounds wins the game.

Halo 5: Guardians brings about the most fun I’ve had on Xbox One by a fair margin and rightfully deserves its place at the top.

What do you think? What would your #1 game be? Did I leave a game out that should absolutely be there? Please let me know in the comments section.

Tyler
Tylerhttp://www.thirdsungaming.libsyn.com
Host/Executive Producer of The Gaming Hub Podcast, which can be found right here on The Xbox Hub. When I'm not working, I love playing and talking about games. I also enjoy hockey and baseball.

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Paul
Paul
1 year ago

When it comes to gift cards, you need to know where to buy so that you don’t have prolbes. I recommend this store. I always buy my games there and recommend it because I have never had problems: https://royalcdkeys.com/products/xbox-live-gift-card-15-usd-us-xbox-live-cd-key

trackback
8 years ago

[…] Qui trovate il link all’articolo originale in inglese […]

Kfal Balli
Kfal Balli
8 years ago

Ori and Sunset are dope

Neil Watton
Reply to  Kfal Balli
8 years ago

Agreed, those are most definitely two games of the highest calber.

Kfal Balli
Kfal Balli
Reply to  Neil Watton
8 years ago

I love the other games too. But these need more love. I remember them saying Ori would get a definitive edition retail release. I hope they make a sequel to sunset.

Tyler
Tyler
Reply to  Kfal Balli
8 years ago

Completely agree. I really hope Sunset gets the Mirror’s Edge treatment from Microsoft and they greenlight a sequel because they really believe in the game. It wouldn’t be a decision based off of sales.

Kfal Balli
Kfal Balli
Reply to  Tyler
8 years ago

That’s the thing. It takes new franchises a lot longer to get the sales of established franchises. That’s why it’s good to launch new IP’s at console launches because they’ll get the recognition when offerings are a bit more sparse. I believe ori did incredible sales wise. Retail has sunset at 900k, I’m surd digital sales puts it over a million. Which isn’t too bad considering it was a new franchise that isn’t a shooter. I think they dropped the ball on marketing. I didn’t see one commercial for it.

Tyler
Tyler
Reply to  Kfal Balli
8 years ago

For sure. Like I said in the article, I think if MS had released Sunset in Feb 2015 and put it head to head with The Order 1886, Sunset would have done exceptionally well. And you’re right, other than pushing the white console bundle there wasn’t a lot of a marketing push for the game. They should have been buying up ad spots on twitch, youtube, and hulu plus

Kfal Balli
Kfal Balli
Reply to  Tyler
8 years ago

They’ll learn. They seem to have got it right with quantum breaks release date.

Tyler
Tyler
Reply to  Kfal Balli
8 years ago

Really can’t wait for Quantum. Remedy takes their time with games but always seem to hit it out of the park

Kfal Balli
Kfal Balli
Reply to  Tyler
8 years ago

It should be an amazing game. Remedy games are always good.

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8 years ago

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