10. Darkest Dungeon
Most roguelikes in the market can’t keep up with the level of stress Red Hook studios’ delivers. This gothic take on a dungeon crawling roguelike RPG is a slow descent into horror and madness. Darkest Dungeon’s unique affliction system effectively captures the physical and psychological stresses of each of the characters in their dire situation. Decidedly dark and gritty, it invites us to crawl into claustrophobic spaces and face enemies in random battles that bring our teams closer to permanent death.
First released on the PC, it proved to be a challenge to veteran roguelike fans. On the Xbox One, it isn’t much of a go-to game, considering the number of hit Triple A titles on Microsoft store. Nevertheless, the game is an immersive and engaging treat, experience its hellish discomfort that will make you crave for rainbows and sunshine. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 8.81.
9. The Gardens Between
Developer Voxel Agents’ take on surrealism mixed with puzzle elements is emotional and beautiful. It brilliantly explores the loss that comes with the natural passage of time. Play the role of two best friends as they weave forwards and backwards through time and beautifully mysterious gardens.
Just like a storybook, the game is vibrant from top to bottom. Embark on a dreamlike quest as you get to experience the ever growing friendship between these two characters. It’s more of a personal story layered with clever puzzles and over 20 surreal garden islands to explore. If you want to find out what this game is all about, Voxel Agents was kind enough to to give us a copy of the game and we enjoyed the heck out of it. Check our gameplay footage!
For someone who just wants a relaxing adventure, this game is for you. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 8.83.
8. Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition
One of the greatest indie games of 2017, Team Cherry’s critically acclaimed metroidvania crawls back to the surface in this definitive Hollow Knight experience.
Voidheart Edition contains all the four DLC’s packed into one massive game namely Hidden Dreams, Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood and Godmaster. Explore the creepy Hallownest from top to bottom including its lush gardens, dark abyss, and crystal mines. Players assume the role of a little bug with a knack for adventure. Eliminate insectoid bosses with your trusty nail and unlock hidden abilities along the way.
Considered as a souls-like Metroidvania, Hollow Knight isn’t always easy. Players are required to learn enemy patterns. With this release on Xbox One, it’s doesn’t get as much love. Xbox One users aren’t always into indie games. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 8.87.
7. Asdivine Hearts
RPG Maker and its magic. Restore the balance of light and shadow in this beautiful hand-drawn game from Exe Create Inc. This 2D Turn-Based RPG dazzles you with its adorable set of characters, engaging combat and a simple story that takes you back to the good ol’ JRPG days.
Storywise, it just like any other JRPG plot. Save the world from blah, blah, blah and all that mumbo jumbo. Indies aren’t always Xbox One’s strongest games, all the more if it’s a JRPG. However, for the people that enjoyed an experience like Final Fantasy, Star Ocean, and other memorable JRPG’s from your childhood, this casual adventure is a fantastic substitute for the age old classics we will never forget.
It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 8.89.
6. World Of Final Fantasy Maxima
A massive crossover of Final Fantasy characters await you in this powered up version of the original. This expanded version of the vanilla World of Final Fantasy breathes new life with new characters and more Final Fantasy characters and monsters!
Additionally, this new enhanced version comes with a new Avatar Change system where players can allow the main protagonists, Reynn and Lann to fight as champions. It is a massive playground of your favorite FF characters including Noctis from XV, Lightning from XIII and Cloud from VII. Fans of the franchise will be delighted to know that this is their next big crossover since Dissidia.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t get much attention to the Xbox One users. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 8.96.
5. Doom And Destiny
There’s a ton of potential when it comes to games made by the RPGMaker. It can even rival most indie RPG’s that come out today. Much like Asdivine Hearts, this game is a product of passion and creativity from Heartbit Interactive.
Known as the nerdiest adventure ever, play a group of four misfits on their quest to become heroes and save a fantasy world from falling into chaos. Though it sounds serious, the game is brimming with heartfelt humor. From parodies, cameos and the usual easter eggs makes every bit of this adventure amazing. It’s basically a manifestation of the RISE UP GAMERS meme circling around the internet.
With its 20 hours of story, 100 levels and other diverse content, it’s an epic RPG adventure that doesn’t necessarily take itself seriously. It receives sa Provisional PlayScore of 8.97.
4. Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon
It’s rare to see indie games flourish in Microsoft’s platform. The entire playerbase is enjoying most of its time in Triple A first person shooters and sports games.
Curse Of The Moon fits right in to the list of underrated Xbox One games. This retro style 8bit platformer from Inti Creates is a love letter to the famed Castlevania franchise. Though these graphics aren't the marvels of our age, the rich details of their 2D environments are still capable of wowing any of today's gamers.
It nails not just the gothic looks of the classic title but also their effective platforming. Capturing the essence and aesthetics of Castlevania as well as many of today's comforts, Bloodstained will appeal to those with an itch for old-school challenge without the frustration, alongside a few nostalgic elements. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 9.01.
3. Turok Remastered
Before the age of world-class first person shooters and insane attention to detail in its visuals, there was Propaganda Games’ very own first person shooter.
Loosely based on the comic book series of the same title, this follows the story of a Native American Space Marine named Joseph Turok on his quest to apprehend a war criminal in a remote hostile planet.
It was one of the earliest shooters that was released during the era of PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. It didn’t receive much praise during its release due to its wonky design and other technical frustrations. This remaster, however, succeeded in addressing most of the original’s concern. But unfortunately, its remaster was buried by the amount of insane shooters that saturated the videogame market right now.
It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 9.04.
2. Spyro + Crash Remastered Game Bundle
Two of the most iconic characters in gaming in one bundle… for the Xbox One? This seemingly normal package takes you to two of the greatest gaming adventure for your childhood nostalgia. The entire package contains all entries including 3 of Crash’s and 3 of Spyro’s. It’s a wild ride between fiery puzzle platforming and wacky obstacle jumping.
Relive the magical moments of Spyro as he breathes fire, talks to friends and solve a myriad of puzzle with the use of this dragon abilities.
Crash, however, is a special kind. This remaster takes players to a better and bigger version of the Crash experience with improved visual, slightly tweaked difficulty and a somewhat frustrating platformer with a huge challenge. It’s the best of both worlds, and players who want all the challenge can jump right in. It receives a Provisional PlayScore of 9.06.
1. Mark Of The Ninja: Remastered
When it comes to remasters, it doesn’t always get much attention on the Xbox One. This impressive stealth-adventure platformer is a perfect example. From world-class spies to japan's elite mercenaries, it's time to prove your worth as ninja and traverse through tricky traps and highly-alert guards. Just like Gunpoint, Mark of the Ninja puts a premium on stealth and taking it to whole nother level.
Show off your innate agility and vulpine cleverness to outwit foes in every stage. Pay attention to the noise you make, and use the shadows to your advantage. It's a game that rewards you for your intelligent choices, giving you points for bloodless clears as well as your stealthy massacres.
With impressive visuals and responsive stealth mechanics, it's easily one of the most satisfying and highly replayable experiences in the genre, and for us, it’s the most underrated game on the Xbox One. It receives a Provisional PlayScore 9.26.