The 2010s marked a notable development for the Microsoft-owned Xbox console, as numerous highly successful releases demonstrated the Xbox 360 and Xbox One’s technical prowess and successfully launched the next-gen era on consoles, allowing it to match its main rival, the PlayStation, successfully.
The release of numerous well-received titles was bolstered by the launch of Microsoft Game Pass, which introduced hundreds of new video games that bridged the cross-platform gap and kickstarted a new era in gaming. This list explores the best titles on Xbox in the 2010s and how they contributed to Microsoft’s console.
State of Decay 2 is a zombie survival game available on the Xbox One. It follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. Managing group dynamics, collecting resources and completing missions for the group’s benefit is of the utmost importance, as mistakes often lead to a fall in morale, which in turn causes conflict, desertion, and fights.
The game is further complicated by introducing other survivor groups that, depending on the dynamics, might cooperate or unite against you to destroy your base and claim your resources. The multiplayer allows up to four players in one session to take on missions together, gather resources, or dispatch zombie hordes, significantly increasing replayability.
9Sea Of Thieves
Sea of Thieves brings the thrill of pirate life to Xbox consoles as you explore vast seas, plunder treasures, and disembark on islands. With a constantly expanding number of seasonal updates, you’re guaranteed to experience new adventures frequently.
Cooperation is key in Sea of Thieves, as crews of up to three players are required to coordinate various roles on the ship, which include steering, raising sails, firing canons, and repairing damage. Those who seek conflict can take their ship and engage in sea battles against other players in PvP events.
One of the games that offers a unique form of narration and storytelling comes in the form of Quantum Break, a title that combines video game mechanics with live-action TV-style episodes. Jack Joyce’s actions using his superpowers (Time Stop, Time Shield, and Time Dodge) resonate throughout the in-game world and further gameplay direction.
Quantum Break was the first video game announced for Xbox One series.
The blend of TV episode-style narration and video game progression delivered a unique experience that inspired many titles afterward. Interactive storytelling became one of the aspects of the video game industry that received a lot of attention after the release of Quantum Break.
Perhaps one of the most popular Xbox-exclusive series, Gears of War, received its fourth installment in 2016. This game continued the tradition of third-person-based shooters, emphasizing quick combat mechanics that require fast reactions and switching between covers. Players can utilize different tactics to progress through the campaign or win multiplayer matches.
In campaign mode, you assume the role of JD Fenix, the son of Marcus Fenix (protagonist of the original trilogy), who, along with his friends, Kait Diaz and Del Walker, battles against COG (Coalition of Ordered Governments) and the Swarm, while uncovering the fundamental connection between ongoing events and those in the previous installments.
Utilizing the Xbox One’s advanced capabilities compared to its predecessor, Forza Motorsport 6 delivered gaming performance and visuals that weren’t possible before. With over 450 cars and 26 tracks, each with unique handling, performance, and customization, Forza Motorsport 6 offers hours of enjoyment to both hardcore racing enthusiasts and casual players.
Weather conditions further enhance races, as snow and rain significantly impact performance and handling. Furthermore, the AI in Forza Motorsport 6 uses the Drivatar system, which collects data from previous races and develops various tactics to beat the player.
Ori and the Blind Forest combines challenging gameplay and a heartfelt narrative. Following spirit guardian Ori’s quest to save the first of Nibel from decay, you’ll fight enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate demanding platform challenges while exploring different regions.
Sein was originally envisioned as the protagonist instead of Ori.
Beautiful hand-drawn visuals and Gareth Coker’s orchestral score, emphasizing in-game events as they unfold, further enhances the striking narrative and unexpectedly deep story. Following its widespread success, the game received a sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which matched its predecessors' fame.
Sunset Overdrive is one of the rare games that embraces a creative, laidback tone that fosters creativity. Starting with the possibility of precisely tailoring protagonists' looks to their wishes, players combat a bizarre apocalypse in Sunset City caused by a tainted energy drink.
Over-the-top humor, pop culture references, and fourth-wall-breaking moments further distance this title from the orthodox approach in the video gaming industry. Movement and chaos-like shooting dynamics further accentuate the overall mayhem that is a keynote in the game’s dynamics, visuals, and soundtrack.
The Gears of War series has two titles on this list, deservedly. Gears of War 3, the trilogy’s final part, ties up the story and enhances the shooting, movement, and cooperative gameplay developed throughout the series. Fighting the Locust horde, Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad are humanity’s last chance for survival.
Acclaimed as one of the best-looking games on the Xbox 360, the developers delivered highly detailed in-game characters and expansive environments. Polished game mechanics, a variety of weapons, and an array of tactics ensures engaging combat. Conversely, introducing Beast Mode and Horde 2.0 for multiplayer allowed for a great post-campaign experience.
Another racing title in the Forza series, Forza Horizon 4, adopts an open-world approach that explores the United Kingdom’s countryside. This allows players to explore Edinburgh, the Lake District, and the Cotswolds while traversing muddy roads, icy lakes, rugged hills, and concrete paths.
Hospital Records, a radio station featured in Forza Horizon 4, is an actual radio station in England.
Introducing dynamic seasons significantly affects driving conditions and allows players to prepare appropriately for the races ahead. Multiplayer plays a prominent role in Forza Horizon 4, as they share world competition with real players in diverse events that shift focus from collaboration to competition.
Perhaps the most famous Xbox exclusive, Halo, received a poignant closure on the Bungie development team’s efforts. Halo: Reach acts as a prequel to the Halo series. Instead of focusing on Master Chief, the game follows the exploits of the Spartan-II squad known as Noble Team, which is tasked with defending the planet Reach from the Covenant.
Fighting a futile battle against an overwhelming enemy adds a great storytelling note of sacrifice and team dynamics. The Noble Team fights a losing battle only to allow humanity to escape from the ruthless progression of the Covenant. Storytelling is asserted with polished mechanics and greatly expanded multiplayer modes that take off from the campaign, which is regarded as one of the best prequels in gaming.
