Top Xbox One Games of 2016

Despite Sony having the two-pronged attacked of PlayStation VR and the PS4 Pro, Microsoft's underpowered console saw itself having a bit of a comeback in 2016. The release of the Xbox One S, complete with impressive 4K media functionality, managed to convince many to give the machine a shot, and with a growing library of great console exclusives (most Microsoft titles are now also on PC), the one-time laughing stock on the industry is giving the PS4 a proper fight. At last.

Games like Forza Horizon 3 and Gears of War 4 delighted, both titles showing that the console was more than capable of delivering visuals that even the most die-hard Sony fanboys would be impressed by. It's a shame that smaller release, Recore, didn't quite reach the heights that seemed possible, but it at least showed that MS isn't averse to trying something a bit different. Of course, much of the talk this year has been on Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Scorpio, due for release towards the end of 2017 and said to offer true 4K gaming. We'll wait to see how that pans out, but the signs are promising.

Here are the very best Xbox One games of 2016.

30.

8

DiRT Rally

DiRT Rally, then, isn't a true successor to the DiRT series you might know and love, but it's a better rally experience if you're willing to put in the work. DiRT Rally is not DiRT 4. You might already know that, and the fact that it... more

Reviewed on: 05 April 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
29.

8

DOOM (2016)

DOOM is an excellent and exceptionally fun first first-person shooter. That's all you need to know. Using words to review some games is utterly ridiculous. DOOM is one of those... more

Reviewed on: 16 May 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
28.

8

Fallout 4: Far Harbor

Changing aesthetic from 'Dry Urban Dilapidation Chic' to 'Irradiated Sea Fog Realness' is refreshing. First it was Rockem Sockem Robots: Apocalypse Edition, then it was Neon... more

Reviewed on: 24 May 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
27.

8

Hitman Episode Three – Marrakesh

It doesn't hit the heights of Sapienza, but Marrakesh is another sterling Hitman episode. There's a strong le Carré vibe to the latest Hitman episode, a broadening of... more

Reviewed on: 01 June 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
AD #1
26.

8

Prison Architect

Prison Architect is a full-on sim that will eat your time. If you fancy a dark look inside the running of a prison, look no further. Prison Architect isn't a nice game. Don't let the basic, twee appearance of... more

Reviewed on: 05 July 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
25.

8

Hitman: Summer Bonus Episode

An interesting and imaginative remix. Playing these bonus missions, it's hard not to wonder how many of the Hitman... more

Reviewed on: 20 July 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
24.

8

Hitman: Episode 4 - Bangkok

A familiar setting makes for some excellent kills in Hitman's latest episode. In Hitman's newest mission, Club 27, Agent 47 finds himself - or can find... more

Reviewed on: 19 August 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
23.

8

BioShock: The Collection

The reality is that the games haven't changed, but you might have. Scoring this is weird. Given that the remasters are, in most respects,... more

Reviewed on: 15 September 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
22.

8

Virginia

As a whole Virginia is wonderfully cinematic, and a fantastic story to inhabit as it unfolds. With Virginia there's a handy litmus test that we can get out of the way,... more

Reviewed on: 22 September 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
AD #2
21.

8

FIFA 17

EA introduces FIFA's best new mode in years and delivers an excellent game on the pitch. The Journey may well bring back lapsed fans. Listen to Tom's thoughts about FIFA 17 in this video review. With added Dave,... more

Reviewed on: 04 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
20.

8

XCOM 2

XCOM 2 is more tense and thrilling than a turn-based strategy has any right to be. There are some great additions to the original gameplay, but the port to console is an imperfect one. XCOM 2: The Ballad of Warlord Kelly Some of the added mechanics in XCOM 2... more

Reviewed on: 06 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
19.

8

Farming Simulator 17

Lots of tractors. Hens. Trailers. People driving tractors. Combine harvesters. No train on train track. A video review with Tom and his three-year-old son, Jacob. Usually we'd have... more

Reviewed on: 28 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
18.

8

Skyrim: Special Edition

Skyrim Special Edition on console looks lovely and runs well, and with all the DLC included it's a great option if you aren't fussed about mods. If you are fussed about mods you might be disappointed. Or already have a PC. The state of mods on Skyrim Special Edition's consoles Modding your... more

Reviewed on: 31 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
17.

8

Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 is missing a bit of refinement, and has had issues with multiplayer, but joining DedSec is still a riot and a half. It's high energy fun with engaging characters, and you can make an entire city your playground. Watch Dogs 2 has launched without full multiplayer functionality. While you... more

Reviewed on: 18 November 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
16.

8

Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XV is about adventure and excitement. There are oddities, and it's not the FF you're used to, but it's a good time with some good boys, and has an unexpected emotional resonance to it. Sometimes it seems like it shouldn't work, but it does. Getting a handle on Final Fantasy XV's combat In Final Fantasy XV the... more

Reviewed on: 28 November 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
15.

9

Superhot

Sometimes games just feel right, and Superhot is such a game. It takes something familiar and turns it on its head to create what I expect will become an indie classic. I'm not a cool person. I dress like a supply teacher, wear dorky... more

Reviewed on: 25 February 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
14.

9

Hitman Episode Two – Sapienza

A superb second instalment, and one which shows off Hitman's greatest strengths. If IOI still has something to prove with this episodic version of Hitman -... more

Reviewed on: 26 April 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
13.

9

Overwatch

The more you play Overwatch the more you realise Blizzard thought of basically everything you might criticise it for. It's not clear if a bunch of developers got the same memo about team... more

Reviewed on: 27 May 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
12.

9

The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

Geralt’s final hours are his absolute best. As the latest volley of fire in CD Projekt's war on poor DLC, Blood &... more

Reviewed on: 31 May 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
11.

9

PES 2017

Strange refereeing aside, PES 2017 is a wonderful football game that just begs to be played. It just wouldn't be PES if it was perfect. It's been a while since I last felt like I was really into a football game.... more

Reviewed on: 13 September 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
10.

9

Forza Horizon 3

Forza Horizon 3 is a beautiful, immensely entertaining, joyous arcade racer that successfully builds on Playground Games' already tremendous formula. Racing games have gotten very serious. With arcade games like Blur, Split... more

Reviewed on: 20 September 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
9.

9

Rise of the Tomb Raider

An awesome adventure that delivers an epic sense of discovery. On PS4 Rise of the Tomb Raider is just as gorgeous as ever and packed full with some excellent bonus content. Tom and Colm discuss what's new in Rise of the Tomb Raider on PS4.What... more

Reviewed on: 10 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
8.

9

Thumper

Thumper is a great rhythm action game, with strong visuals, fantastic design, and more speed than Keanu Reeves on a bus rigged to explode. What is Thumper, really? The inclusion of a giant futuristic space head is... more

Reviewed on: 10 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
7.

9

Gears of War 4

Gears of War 4 had a lot to live up to, but The Coalition has delivered a visually stunning and thrilling campaign, plus top notch multiplayer modes. One of the Xbox One's very best titles, and the PC version is excellent too. Gears of War 4's campaign is bloody good fun Shooter campaigns aren't... more

Reviewed on: 13 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
6.

9

Battlefield 1

World class multiplayer and an original, successful approach to single-player make Battlefield 1 the shooter to beat this Christmas. Battlefield 1's Operations mode perfectly captures the chaos of war... more

Reviewed on: 21 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
5.

9

Titanfall 2

With its thrilling multiplayer now backed up by a surprisingly excellent single-player campaign, Titanfall 2 is every bit the sequel I'd been hoping for. Titanfall 2's single-player campaign is a winning combination of Call of... more

Reviewed on: 31 October 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
4.

9

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Infinite Warfare's multiplayer may lack new ideas, but it's still first-rate, and its stunning sci-fi campaign is Call of Duty's best in years. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is a difficult game to score Infinite... more

Reviewed on: 09 November 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
3.

10

Inside

Inside delights from start to finish. Don't miss out on what will surely be one of the best games of this generation. Playdead's Inside, the studio's follow-up to indie darling Limbo, is very... more

Reviewed on: 28 June 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
2.

10

The Witness

I'm so caught up inside the world of The Witness that it's hard to think about anything else. It is one of the best games I've ever encountered. At one point towards the end of The Witness I considered whether it might be... more

Reviewed on: 13 September 2016 Platforms: Xbox One
1.

10

Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2 takes everything you loved about Dishonored and improves upon it without becoming bloated. It's a beautifully designed, layered game, stuffed with hidden gems and secret stories. Also you can stab people in mid air. 5 things Dishonored 2 is doing so right After a few... more

Reviewed on: 14 November 2016 Platforms: Xbox One

VideoGamer.com

Top Xbox One Games of 2016

30.

29.

28.

27.

26.

25.

24.

23.

22.

21.

20.

19.

18.

17.

16.

15.

14.

13.

12.

11.

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.