With major changes to the Game Pass model recently announced, including a notable price increase that sparked controversy, it seems like an appropriate moment to look back at Microsoft's gaming legacy over the past decade, especially the quality of its games. The Xbox division isn't often involved in producing widely acclaimed hits, but its success is undeniable nonetheless.
The following titles are all critically acclaimed Xbox games, averaging 90+ on OpenCritic. The focus is on Microsoft first-party titles developed or published by Xbox Game Studios. But it also includes several highly acclaimed third-party games released on Game Pass from day one, representing the strongest example of Microsoft's gaming partnerships and exclusive deals within the broader Xbox ecosystem to date.
Forza Horizon 5
OpenCritic score: 92
The current king of the open world arcade genre (at least until release). Forza Horizon 6 next year), Forza Horizon 5 Stay ahead of the competition with amazing racing titles. In terms of visuals, physics, music, and scale of content, Forza Horizon 5 It feels like a premium release. It's also fun to boot up and drive for a few minutes.
Some gamers feel that Playground Games is too safe, requiring only minor changes from one item to the next. However, there is still no similar product on the market. forza horizon This is a proven series with numerous awards. Forza Horizon 5 It was named Best Racing Game at both The Game Awards and DICE Awards, and also received several awards for visual and audio design.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
OpenCritic score: 92
like forza horizon series, Microsoft flight simulator The title occupies a niche of its own. They offer unparalleled scope, quality and accuracy in their field thanks to the company's vast resources invested and its ever-evolving nature.
recent Microsoft Flight Simulator It represents the pinnacle of this approach. It's the ultimate flight sim that won't soon be surpassed. Combining cutting-edge technology suited to educational purposes while maintaining deep immersion through an exploratory experience, the game has been hailed as a true glimpse into the next generation of the future, blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds like never before.
Forza Horizon 4
OpenCritic score: 92
The previous best (and to many people still best) entry in the series. Forza Horizon 4 It is considered much more impressive than its predecessor. The game introduces the changing of seasons and achieves a level of graphical fidelity unmatched by its competitors. Forza Horizon 4 A true paradise for racing fans, combining flexibility, accessibility and fun. Its award-winning track record, including multiple Best Racing Game awards and 2018's Overall Xbox Game of the Year Title, has helped cement its cult status.
What is noteworthy is Forza Horizon 4 is now considered a legacy title and will be removed from digital stores and the Game Pass catalog in December 2024. This game still deserves to be one of the best Xbox games, as it is fully playable for those who own it.
Claire Obsker: Expedition 33
OpenCritic score: 92
Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 This is the first title on this list that was not produced or funded by Microsoft's Xbox division. Instead, this represents a standard Game Pass partnership for third-party releases and is one of the most successful examples to date. thus, Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 It's established itself as one of the best third-party games available to Game Pass subscribers from day one.
The game has become one of the highest-rated titles of the year and a strong Game of the Year contender, and has already won several awards. Thousands of players have had the opportunity to experience it thanks to its inclusion in Xbox's subscription service, but it's difficult to pinpoint its exact audience distribution across platforms.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
OpenCritic score: 92
Hollow Knight: Silksong We're in the same boat. Expedition 33. This self-published indie title wasn't funded by Microsoft, but it was released as the first Game Pass release through a standard third-party deal, so it's worth mentioning here. good night Claire Obsker, silk song It's expected to appear on several GOTY lists later this year and has already been praised as one of the best metroidvanias ever made.
silk song It also marks another strong move from Microsoft, securing the release of its long-awaited Game Pass lineup. Still, many players were looking forward to it. Hollow Knight: Silksong Especially considering the low launch price, I probably decided to buy it directly instead of playing it via subscription for years.
Ori and the Blind Forest
OpenCritic score: 90
Ori and the Blind Forest It was developed by Moon Studios and released as a Microsoft first-party title following the company's acquisition of the game about a year after development began. The game is a standout gem in Microsoft's gaming lineup and, along with its sequel, is one of the highest-rated and most-loved Xbox titles.
A visually stunning and moving platform adventure metroidvania, Ori and the Blind Forest It received several prestigious awards in the 2015-2016 season. These include Xbox Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, Best Art Direction at The Game Awards, and Artistic Achievement at the British Academy Games Awards.
minecraft
OpenCritic score: 90
It is still debatable whether minecraft Considering that Microsoft acquired it for $2.5 billion in 2014, it should be considered an Xbox game. However, since its release back in 2017, the game has become a key live service first-party title with a large audience. Considering the scale of Microsoft's investment in the franchise over the years, it seems wrong to leave it out.
With support from Microsoft minecraft The brand has expanded to include several spin-offs, including: earth, dungeonand legendWith recent feature films becoming major box office successes. Thanks to its ever-evolving nature minecraft It remains one of the best sandbox games that continues to draw millions of players into its world.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
OpenCritic score: 90
Faithfully utilizing the strengths of the original, Ori and the Will of the Wisps This is a great Xbox title developed in partnership with Microsoft and released as a Day-One Game Pass game. As Moon Studios grew, the sequel's visuals received a major overhaul, switching away from 2D artwork. Ori and the Blind Forest 3D model set on a multi-layered background. The result is an even more breathtaking Metroidvania that justifies the long development time.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps It received a similar average score to the first game. Like its predecessor, it once again won Microsoft's prestigious awards, winning Xbox Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards and earning several NAVGTR awards.
