Although the emergence of mobile gaming has enabled console-tier gaming on mobile platforms, console gaming remains relevant and they still make it to wishes for Christmas every year. Console gaming is superior in delivering the best gaming experience – the controller is what takes you into the game, and playing with friends over the big screen magically bonds everyone tighter (except the harsh banters mid-game). Virtual Reality (VR) is also at the forefront of console gaming in 2018 – those technologies are practically portals to the virtual dimension with their HD glasses and sci-fi tracking systems.
The Xbox always comes to mind when console gaming is mentioned; I mean, how is it possible not to go on and on about Master Chief’s arduous journey in the Halo franchise, or keep silent about how PUBG has got the world riled up with its revolutionary take on the battle royale genre? As there are thousands of games out there for the Xbox, it is understandable that we become spoilt for choice.
Fret not, for we have listed 5 Xbox One X games that are worth both your precious time and hard-earned cash.
1. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
This year, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) took over the gaming world by storm with its revolutionary battle-royale gameplay setup. It’s hard not to mention PUBG in our list when just about everyone their eyes (and soul) sucked into the immersive gameplay that the game offers. game mechanics are such that you have only one precious life to last you throughout the 90 minutes of open-world mayhem. With over 50 players in a single session, it’s indeed the survival of the fittest.
For the duration given, you must roam around to find the best arms that can help you stand victorious against the world. Do whatever you must – stock up on grenades, health packs, assault rifle ammo, or even get down and dirty in thick vegetation to secure the next kill.
Even if you are not a fan of guns ‘n ‘nades, take our word for it that PUBG will tie you to your seat at least for the next couple of hours.
2. Forza Motorsport 7
Frankly speaking, good racing games are difficult to recommend in exchange for the hole in your pocket. Sure, they all boast detailed graphics and true-to-life sound effects for each and every car’s nowadays, but the true driving experience is very tough to replicate in real life.
The manoeuvre of turning a steering wheel and engaging gears in contrast with moving lifeless joysticks on a controller is a world of differences. With that said, Forza Motorsport 7 does its best to translate the feeling of rattling in a race car to the virtual world – and it succeeds for the most part.
With every crash against another car or side railing, you’d feel like you actually did hit on something – the game makes use of the vibration feedback in the controllers to deliver that. Through my time with the game, every crash makes the car looks different. This means that the game graphics and crash simulators are very elaborate in making the car look unique even after every crash.
With more than a mind-blowing 1,000 different cars to choose from, you’d be spoilt for choice for that showdown at Tsukuba Circuit in Forza Motorsport 7.
3. Cuphead
Cuphead makes it to the list as well as it actually proves that a game doesn’t need to have mind-blowing graphics and sleek visuals to win hearts. The game impresses with a throwback on 50’s-themed art and gameplay, all while delivering the best of side-scrolling classics such as Contra and fixed arcade shooters such as Space Invaders in a way that keeps the gamer constantly hooked (even after dying easily and repeatedly).
You play a cute fella with a cup as his head, and set off to save the world by defeating every cartoon menace that comes your way. You could choose to do this through jumping, double-jumping, shooting, ducking, flying… or even all of them at once! Cuphead promises a dynamic gameplay in the form of hyper-interactive arcade.
Cuphead is worth the cash especially with its gentle learning curve, making it a potential favourite for an evening of fun with the family. Being one of its kind to fuse charismatic retro themes with and progressive gameplay, Cuphead is certainly one of its kind.
4. Gears of War 4
It’s hard not to mention the Gears of War franchise when it comes to Xbox, especially when it comes to Gears of War 4’s storyline and visuals.
Gears of War 4 promises hours of intense shooting gameplay against the deadly alien Locusts in Planet Sera – and even offers local split-screen co-op mode, along with the usual online game hosting fare. Split-screen co-op modes are few and far between these days, even on the most challenging of games, and Gears of War 4 deserves credit for incorporating all of these elements so well.
5. Super Lucky’s Tale
Super Lucky’s Tale is a charming 3D platformer that will catch the fancy of those who are enamoured by all-time-faves a la Crash Bandicoot and Super Mario. Probably one of the best things about Super Lucky’s Tale is how inclusive it can be to people of all ages – I mean, how is it not possible to love those vibrant colours and cute graphics?
Super Lucky’s Tale puts your puzzle-solving skills to the test and wrecks your nerves through obstacle courses. For those who are more adventurous, you can explore secrets of new worlds with Lucky’s special burrow move. Dive into unpredictable foxholes, or try your hand on devilish challenge levels to unlock additional rewards. In short, Super Lucky’s Tale is a must-have for the arcade lover!
The Xbox One X is the perfect gift for anyone who loves gaming. We hope these game titles will help you select the ones that will best complement your gift, whether it is for yourself or for someone else.
For more information about the Xbox One X, check out our review here: https://dnm.fyi/XboxOneXReview.
Visuals courtesy of Xbox Wire
