#5 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 or rage quitting before picking it back up and giving it another go.
#4 Titanfall
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
Interestingly enough, Titanfall’s franchise first started off as a Microsoft exclusive which was available on PC, Xbox 360, and lastly Xbox One. Unlike the sequel, Titanfall didn’t contain a single player campaign narrative for gamers to go through. Instead, this was an online multiplayer focused video game which featured battles between two groups and massive mech titans. Within the game, players will have a few different game modes to go through but for the most part, players were battling either inside their mech titan suit or as a ground solider, quickly maneuvering around the war-torn city and monstrous machines unleashing a fury of attacks.
This video game is definitely worth playing if you have internet and online service access for your Xbox One. However, we do find that Titanfall 2 is a bit better with an assortment of upgrades and a campaign narrative available. With that said, Titanfall 2 is not a Microsoft exclusive but between the two, the sequel is the better option to run with.
#3 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.
#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. Our characters 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.
