In 2013 Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One for a new generation of gamers. Over time developers would release an impressive and engaging number of titles for Xbox fans to enjoy over the years. For Metacritic, there were quite a few games that impressed both critics and fans.
From massive RPGs, visually impressive racing titles, indie horror, and triple-A horror it was a fun and interesting year for games. According to Metacritic, there are ten titles that stand out as shining examples of the best Xbox One had to offer.
10 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Metascore 91)
With the northern kingdoms under siege from the Empire and the Wild Hunt on the trail Geralt is tossed into a world with events bigger than himself. As a Witcher he must ally with others to carve and cut a path to freedom for himself and those he cares about most.
Critics were stunned by the scope of The Witcher 3 and all there was to do within it. For many, the side quests were just as engaging if not more so than the main title. Even contracts became fulfilling moments of gameplay that allowed players to stay in that world just a little while longer.
9 What Remains Of Edith Finch (Metascore 92)
What Remains Of Edith Finch stands out on this list as a title that it’s an anthology. The game is a series of multiple short stories about a family in Washington state suffering in the grip of a terrible curse.
Critics were blown away by the beauty and emotional depth of this adventure title. The story approached death, tragedy, and loss in an honest and raw way that isn’t often experiencing in today’s gaming. For critics and many fans, it was a memorable experience that was expertly orchestrated.
8 Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition (Metascore 92)
Taking place a thousand years after the first title in the series, Divinity: Original Sin II looked to change the formula. The story became darker, the tactical combat became harder, and the player may or may not be on the side of good in this complicated and twisting narrative.
For many players, it was a nice change of pace from most RPGs. The player had the freedom to choose their own path and was expected to live with the consequences. The main criticism anyone could give was sometimes that freedom and control was overwhelming at times, not a bad issue to have in a modern RPG.
7 Forza Horizon 4 (Metascore 92)
Forza Horizon 4 looked to shake up the racing genre and it accomplished it in a big way. The game featured stunning graphics, dynamic seasons that would change in the open world, and over 450 cars for players to collect and master.
Critics considered it to be a major improvement on what the previous titles had done well. Players could sink dozens of hours or even hundreds and still feel like they got their money’s worth. The customization features to tweak and hone the beautiful machines also added a nice strategic touch.
6 Inside (Metascore 93)
Playdead made a name for themselves with the haunting Limbo, but really gained attention for their darker title Inside. The player is a young boy alone in a dark and dystopian world drawn to seek out something mysterious and terrible.
Critics and fans were enthralled with the well-designed world and the rich atmosphere in this indie horror title. The puzzles felt tough but fair and were expertly woven into the narrative itself. Many players enjoyed that the game never attempted to hold their hand but let them stumble along and discover the darker truth of the story for themselves.
5 Resident Evil 2 (Metascore 93)
Resident Evil 2 proved that remakes could be solid games in their own right without feeling like cash grabs. Players returned to Raccoon City to save the world from the zombies and the evil umbrella corporation as rookie cop Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield.
Critics enjoyed the modernized survival horror with beautiful graphics, fluid gameplay, and solid puzzles. Many also liked the side-by-side storytelling that gave players a reason to come back for more and gain an increased perspective on the world.
4 Celeste (Metascore 94)
It’s not often a platformer gains much attention, but something about Celeste really appealed to critics this generation. Players step into the role of Madeline in her quest to reach the top of Celeste Mountain in this indie title.
For many critics, it was an homage to classic games and a simpler time of gaming. For others, Celeste was a work of art with well-designed levels, a simple but endearing story, and a soothing soundtrack. It was an honest story that made the hundreds of deaths worth it in the end.
3 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Metascore 95)
Considered the swansong of Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid V was the final title for both him and the iconic Snake. Snake is on the warpath to gain revenge against those who killed his people and set the stage for the original Metal Gear.
Critics enjoyed the open world concept and the well-made stealth action gameplay. It was a definite trade-off of traditional Metal Gear storytelling with base building, stealth, and freedom to wander. It was a game that for many managed to find a balance between serious emotional storytelling and wacky outlandish moments.
2 Grand Theft Auto V (Metascore 97)
Some critics and fans were leery of a next generataion release of Grand Theft Auto V. But this title for the Xbox One erased any doubts fans had about the decision. Players could once again joined a gang of criminals as they look to perform the perfect heist, raise a fortune, and retire in the lap of luxury.
What many critics enjoyed is that it wasn’t a simple port, the developers at Rockstar really tried to deliver a superior version of the older title.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2 (Metascore 97)
According to Metacritic, the best game for the Xbox One was Rockstar’s masterpiece Red Dead Redemption 2. As the world becomes more and more civilized the old dogs of the Wild West find themselves on the run and losing their relevancy in the new world.
Critics loved getting lost in the open-world sandbox hunting, fishing, riding, and looking for trouble outside the storyline. When they did tune into the main story they were impressed with a complicated web of revenge, loss, hope, and honesty not found in many games.
NEXT: 10 Longest Single Player Campaigns On The Xbox One, Ranked By Length
