Microsoft is no longer selling the original Xbox One console, deciding to focus on the Xbox One S and the upcoming Xbox One X instead. Although the system did improve as it went along, it is hard to not feel like it was a hefty step backwards from the successful Xbox 360. Microsoft has been playing catch up to Sony since the launch of the new generation, mostly due to a poor initial marketing strategy, but also due to a lack of exclusives.
In comparison to the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One offers a paltry selection of unique titles. Yet, there are still a few titles worth checking out.
We are only considering games that are full console exclusives, so "Rise of the Tomb Raider" does not qualify.
'Forza Horizon 3'
The best "Forza" game currently available on the Xbox One, at least until the seventh entry into the main franchise is released, "Forza Horizon 3" earned high praise across the board. An open world racing game based on a fictional version of Australia, players travel the landscape in search of events like races and challenges.
The plot centres around a Horizon Festival, with the players taking on the role of the director. Their goal is to try and make this festival the biggest of all time.
Any game with "Forza" in the name is going to feature near flawless gameplay mechanics, and "Forza Horizon 3" is the pinnacle of the series.
'Gears of War 4'
The original "Gears Of War" re-invented the third person shooter and, after "Halo", might be the most important IP Microsoft created. The series maintained a high standard in quality for its first two sequels, before misstepping with the prequel "Judgement".
"Gears of War 4" felt like a fresh start, as it is set decades into the future and with a whole new cast.
It is a gorgeous game, which introduces a few interesting gameplay mechanics to the franchise and revamps the multiplayer. Unfortunately, the campaign is not quite as strong or memorable as the original trilogy, although it does manage to bring a sense of urgency missing from the prequel.
It is not perfect, but we hope it launches another great trilogy.
'Ori and the Blind Forest'
Created by Moon Studios, this Metroidvania 2D platformer sees players take control of the guardian spirit Ori and his companion Sein. "Ori and the Blind Forest" sees a mystical forest suffering from a drought, as Ori and Sein work together to try and restore it to its former glory.
The story, music, and environmental design are all top notch and it is one of the best indie games to be released in the last few years.
