#5 Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
- Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios, Rare, Microsoft Studios
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Killer Instinct is a classic fighting title that has been around for decades. The video game got a new resurgence back in 2013 where it was announced that a new free-to-play title would be heading to the Microsoft Xbox One.
While the game launched more than five years ago, there is new seasons that helped keep the game fresh over the years with even a retail version of title launching in 2014. This reboot of the Killer Instinct franchise brought back classic fighters from the past installments along with brand new characters.
However, this is still a traditional combo-based fighting which is perfect for fans of other popular fighting-based video game franchises.
#4 Forza Motorsport 7
- Developer: Turn 10 Studios
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
While Sony has the Gran Turismo series, Microsoft holds their own beloved racing series, Forza. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport 7 is the latest installment within the main franchise, players will have over 700 vehicles to choose from with over 32 locations to race within. Likewise, this particular installment has a dynamic weather system along with the ability to customize a few components to the race such as the driver who is behind the wheel. This is a more realistic series of racers from the Froza lineup and as a result, some gamers may be a bit turned off. If you’re looking for the more arcade vibe style racing game then we suggest looking towards the Horizon lineup such as the latest installment, Forza Horizon 4.
#3 Cuphead
- Developer: StudioMDHR
- Publisher: StudioMDHR
Cuphead, developed by StudioMDHR Entertainment, is a run and gun platform indie title. Overall, the narrative follows Cuphead and his brother Mugman, as they end up making a terrible bet against the devil. Losing the bet, Cuphead and Mugman are forced to give their souls to the devil, but it seems that our protagonist duo can save themselves if they go out and collect debts owed to the devil.
The devil has a number of souls that are owed to him by other sorrowful cartoon characters. If Cuphead and Mugman can go out and collect all the souls then the devil may just allow them to keep their own souls in return.
This is a perfect game to play with a friend as the majority of the game is filled with bosses to defeat. Each boss can be difficult making players to remember their moves and dodge attacks otherwise you’ll find yourself restarting the boss fight.
#2 Ori and the Blind Forest
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform-adventure title by developers Moon Studios. Within the game, players will follow a story with Ori who is a white guardian spirit and Sein, known as the eyes of the Forest Spirit Tree.
Within the game, Ori and Sein are out to save the forest from the hostile enemies. However, the only means of saving this forest is through recovering the light of three elements known as Waters, Winds, and Warmth.
Taking inspiration from The Lion King and The Iron Giant, Moon Studios aimed to deliver a touching narrative with classic platform titles such as the Metroid series.
#1 Forza Horizon 4
- Developer: Playground Games
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
The Forza series, in general, does fantastic in the market though that statement is especially true with their Horizon line. Forza Horizon 4 will still follow the same feel and tone as the past installments though it will be taking place in a fictionalized United Kingdom. With over four hundred licensed cars, players can race among each other through the variety of intense high-speed tracks. Likewise, there are servers that will support up to seventy-two players making races filling and competitive.
As mentioned the Horizon series from Forza always does well and the fourth installment is the latest release. If you enjoy racing video games then chances are you already have this game safely tucked away in your collection. However, if you’re not very fond of racing titles then you may still want to at least give this game a try.
Bonus
Super Lucky’s Tale
- Developer: Playful Corp.
- Publisher: Microsoft Studos
Developed by Playful Corp. Super Lucky’s Tale is a 3D platform video game title that follows an adventure of a fox named Lucky. Similar to old Nintendo 64 style 3D platformers, players will be going across obstacles, battling enemies and collecting coins among other precious items.
This is a lighthearted video game title and one that offers players to find their own ways around the levels. Likewise, the game is featured in the Play Anywhere program allowing players who have purchased the game on Xbox One to also unlock a copy for the Windows 10 platform.
State of Decay 2
- Developer: Undead Labs
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Overall, State of Decay 2 is a zombie-survival game that lets players have their own unique story. While battling zombies is very much a key aspect of the upcoming title release, players are encouraged to work together in setting up their own community that’s able to successfully take out the undead threat.
The previous installment release saw a number of different zombie subtypes which had unique abilities about them. For instance, certain zombies would make more noise to attract a horde while others could be larger and more powerful to defeat.
Titanfall
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
Titanfall released back in 2014 where it’s not necessarily an Xbox One exclusive. It launched on the Xbox 360 as well along with the PC platform. However, it was a massive hit and we would feel a bit amiss if we didn’t at least include it on this list as a bonus title. This is an online multiplayer-focused video game title where the game pins players against each other with the use of massive mech-style titans. It’s fast-paced and full of action as you either take control of a titan and start mowing down the terrain or a foot soldier battling alongside the titans.
This was such a big hit from Respawn Entertainment that it lead to a sequel that launched with a campaign as well. We would actually recommend you move to the sequel as it’s going to have a more active player base. But, we can’t toss it officially on this particular list as it released on multiple platforms rather than being just an Xbox One exclusive.
