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Forza Horizon 5 is an Xbox console exclusive, and if you want to appreciate how visually stunning it can be, you need to check it out on the Series X. The superior console offers up two modes: Graphics and Performance, with the more powerful option offering up a target of 60fps along with a 3840 x 2160 resolution.

In this sandbox racer, you can drive through dusty roads, jungles, desserts and sun-soaked highways, with each of the 11 biomes feeling distinct and unique. The story adds to this, with an open-world exploration aspect that makes the game so easy to get lost in. 

With a 5/5 star rating and approachable gameplay, it’s not hard to see why we’ve put this game as the number one Xbox game available right now.

Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Forza Horizon 5 review

Elden Ring brings in a massive open-world and a compelling narrative while keeping the infamous difficult combat from FromSoftware’s previous games, Dark Souls. This is one of the best Souls games out there right now and a great pick for anyone who wants to dive into some gruelling but rewarding gameplay.

Playing on the Xbox Series X will also mean that you’re being treated to 4K at 60fps, so you can appreciate the wonderfully chunky animation and gorgeous graphics that bring this dark and interesting world to life. There are diamond-encrusted mines and the ancient ruins of an underground city to explore, with unique traps and dangers to keep things interesting.

Get to know all of the new gameplay mechanics and items that FromSoftware has included, like the new fully-fledged jump button, alongside the crafting mechanics that adds a whole new level to the combat, as you craft arrows and bolts on the fly as you’re getting attacked. This is a must-have game for those looking for a challenge.

Reviewer: Alastair Stevenson
Full Review: Elden Ring

Another Xbox console exclusive, the Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the best simulation games on the market, offering up beautiful visuals of the globe. Another example of a true next-generation experience for the consoles, this is the best way to experience flight without breaking the bank. 

This game might not be for everyone; the piloting aspect can be stressful, with complex mechanics akin to real-world aviation. However, integrated gaming tutorials will make this journey easier for new pilots, and the lack of a campaign mode means you don’t need to be particularly good to enjoy the game. 

Coming in as almost more of an experience than a game, Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most graphically impressive games on this list, offering up gameplay that’s unique and engaging, this is the perfect choice for anyone who’s looking to branch out their game library this year.

Reviewer: Jade King
Full review: Microsoft Flight Simulator review

Anyone looking for a next-gen experience while still getting their nostalgia fix, Psychonauts 2 is the ideal purchase for any fans of the original franchise. This puzzle-platformer is packed with personality, with each world bringing in a wonderfully distinct aesthetic.

This game is family-friendly and could be enjoyed by older kids and adults alike, with solid level design and strong platforming mechanics keeping the game engaging. 

While this title doesn’t show off the graphical prowess of the consoles like some other games, the quirky humour and innovative narrative make this a rare treat in today’s landscape and a real family favourite.

Reviewer: Alastair Stevenson
Full review: Psychonauts 2 review

Ori and the Will of the Wisps launched an upgraded version that was optimised for the Xbox Series X/Series S, with the option to experience the game in 4K at locked 120fps in vibrant HDR, with a compatible TV. 

This sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest takes a new tone, with combat encounters being fast-paced and frantic, with multiple enemies to take on at once. The dangerous story book world is complimented with charming characters and varying environments, ranging from dark caverns filled with spiders to luscious lagoons. 

Ori and the Will of the Wasps is a delightful game that blends its distinct aesthetic and break-neck combat to create a unique experience, making it a remarkably easy pick for this list.

Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Ori and the Will of the Wisps review

Developed by the same minds that bought us Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons comes another stellar title called It Takes Two, which utilises something most games don’t: cooperation. With so few fully fledged co-op games coming out in recent years, not only is this game amazing in its own right, but offers a unique experience since you can enjoy this with a friend.

The narrative is unusual for a videogame, focusing on the impending divorce of the two main characters. The game takes this couple, May and Cody, through various trails and challenges in an attempt to strengthen their bond, with a massive amount of variety in gameplay. 

Not only is this a perfect game to enjoy with a friend (or a spouse), but only one of you needs to own it to play online. The original story and inventive metaphors make this game a treat to play and one of the more eccentric titles on this list.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full review: It Takes Two Review

No game collection is complete without a zombie slasher, and Dying Light 2 Stay Human is arguably one of the best yet on the Xbox Series X console. While decapitating the undead is as fun as it sounds, this action RPG actually shines the brightest when you’re scrambling up drain pipes and leaping from rooftop to rooftop. The parkour system is great here, making it a joy to explore the post-apocalyptic city.

There’s a great story here too, as protagonist Aiden must help out two factions that are battling for territory. Your choices will impact the story, and determine the fate of various characters.

Those looking for a really scary horror game may need to look elsewhere though, as it’s lacking much bite in this area. But if you scare easily, and just want to hack at zombies without soiling your pants, Dying Light 2 is a fantastic option.

Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Dying Light 2 Review

Resident Evil Village is one of the best entries in the franchise, boasting HDR graphics so you can see the gooey mouldy monsters in high definition. Village takes on a first-person view, which amps up the narrative to a more personal level. 

Our protagonist, Ethan Winters, likes to shoot and slash his way through the Bram Stoker environments and gothic towers, with less emphasis on stealth meaning that you have more chances to tackle these monsters and vampires head-on, which really adds to the scare factor.

If you’re interested in a horror game, this is the best Xbox Series X and Series S game out there. Not only is there a creepy narrative and quirky characters, but blood and gore has never looked this good on these consoles.

Reviewer: Alastair Stevenson
Full review: Resident Evil Village

Featuring a captivating story with new characters, Halo Infinite brings in satisfying combat and the introduction of the Grappleshot, so you can whizz across and arena for a satisfying elbow to your enemies face. 

Not only is Halo Infinite an Xbox console exclusive, but it supports up to 120Hz in multiplayer mode and a dynamic 4K resolution at 60fps when you play on the Xbox Series X. 

With tonnes of references to previous entries and a plethora of new features, this is the perfect title for veterans and newbies alike. And since Halo is so synonymous with Xbox as it is, we can’t recommend this game any more for anyone lucky enough to own one of the latest two consoles.

Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Halo Infinite review

Anyone unlucky enough to remember the first Avengers game from 2020, don’t panic; Square Enix pulled it back with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, with an incredible narrative and quirky characters that receive the attention they deserved on the big screen. 

Every piece of dialogue captures each character perfectly, offering up a multitude of choices when it comes to player agency, with the decisions you make having a profound effect on the story’s outcome.

The frantic and fast-paced gameplay matches the narrative perfectly, with a mix of strategy, shooting and over-the-shoulder brawler mechanics all thrown in for good measure. The replayability factor and laugh-out-loud humour means you will definitely get your money’s worth.

Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full review: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy review