10. Shoulders of Giants
Of all the roguelikes that came out so far, this is the first one that lets you play as a Frog riding a sword-fighting Robot. Shoulders Of Giants’ vibrant display of colors matches the intensity of its gameplay. It drops you off into a planet with nothing but alien threats trying to kill you. Think Risk of Rain, but less about the multiple characters and more of this 2-in-one hero. Collecting power ups and surviving the onslaught of enemies is what it’s all about and that guarantees hours and hours of fun. It has a playscore of 8.42.
9. Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Everything we know about the Yakuza series is turned upside down in this crazy spin-off. This Remake came out exclusively in Japan 9 years ago on the PlayStation 3. Since its worldwide release, it has gone a long way from home. Taking place in late Edo Period Japan, Like A Dragon Ishin won’t let you fight with just your fists. Instead, you’ll balance your mastery with sword and guns. It still has that Yakuza spirit: wild, zany and catches you off guard with its unpredictability.
8. Sifu
One of the most satisfying brawler games in a long time. Sifu’s violent delights offer non-stop action. It won’t be easy though. Patience is required for its challenging combat and mechanically-demanding difficulty. Overall, it’s a tight action game with snappy controls. Making punches feel like punches, and hits feel like actual smacks to the face. Released a year before on other consoles, Sifu finally made its way to Xbox this year and it came with an extra Arena mode for some arcade fun.
7. Dredge
A fishing game with a supernatural twist. Sail your hearty steamboat and find the biggest fish you can catch in this vast aquatic expanse. Yep, Dredge is a game that truly appeals to the male fantasy. But Dredge isn’t just a fishing game. Its strange lovecraftian design are a welcome distraction from its addictive mechanics. The terrors of the deep are out there, and its madness slowly seeps into you. One minute you're trudging through the waters, and the next you’re running for your life from god knows what that thing is.
6. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
If you’re a sucker for nostalgia, this Definitive Edition of Age of Empires II has everything you need. It’s just like the original, with better visuals and a ton of quality of life improvements on the Xbox Series X and S. Its most noteworthy addition is co-op and, for longtime players, it’s a game-changer.
5. Hogwarts Legacy
The magic of Hogwarts is still here and now it’s a full videogame where we can be our own spellcasting student. From the very halls of Hogwarts, to the bustling streets of Hogsmeade. Hogwarts Legacy’s fantasy world is finally ours to explore. Take on magic classes, face off against ferocious beasts and save the Wizarding World from total annihilation. Just like any typical Hogwarts student does before they graduate. It’s a fantastic open-world experience and easily a strong contender for Game of the Year.
4. Hi-Fi RUSH
A hack and slash rhythm game is a mix we never thought possible. Hi-Fi RUSH’s energetic combat is complemented by its vibrant cel-shaded art style. With all that combined, it almost feels like a PlayStation 2 game. It was lauded mainly for its gameplay and also its overall tone. It’s not a lengthy game. Turning this already great action title into a jam-packed adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
3. Dead Space (2023)
This Remake of the 2008 survival horror classic is full-on horrifying. Isaac Clarke’s slow descent to madness comes with all the modern upgrades. From improved lighting, to better shooting, and redesigned Necromoprhs. It’s a fantastic Remake through and through, and now that it’s been out for a couple of months, everyone’s just waiting for Dead Space 2.
2. Persona 4 Golden
A quaint rural town, catchy Japanese tunes and high school friendship is a recipe for disaster in Persona 4 Golden. Now finally out on Xbox consoles, this award-winning JRPG is now available for all to enjoy… and cry to. Its intricate murder mystery story is balanced with its well-written character arcs and Persona’s traditional turn-based combat. Although not as flashy as the newer titles, Golden still shines bright with a playscore of 9.13.
1. Resident Evil 4 (2023)
CAPCOM keeps cooking the good stuff and their recent serving is none other than this remake of the 2005 GameCube classic. Resident Evil 4 2023 is a major achievement for remakes. It turns everything up to eleven, all while retaining the original’s best moments. Leon’s roundhouse kicks, Ashley’s screaming, and the flesh-eating Las Plagas are still around to keep you on your toes. Anyone up for some bingo?