From the Halo series to the Forza franchise, many Xbox exclusives have ranked high with fans and are fun games to dive into. Over the years, Xbox has had many blockbuster exclusive games. Exclusive games are those that will encourage fans to buy one console over the other and can be make or break for the companies behind the consoles.
Though many say that Sony has some of the best exclusives on PlayStation, Xbox is not shy when it comes to high-ranking exclusive franchises. These top games are some of the best released over the last two decades.
Quantum Break (77)
Although Quantum Break is a lesser-known title, it still ranks high as one of the best Xbox exclusives. Made by the developers of Alan Wake and Control, Remedy Entertainment, Quantum Break experimented with how games are received as a medium by mixing in episodes of a TV show that would change based on player choices.
Even though the show may not have had the best storytelling, the game had great graphics and a very interesting story. Releasing around the launch of the Xbox One S, the game would be a success right at the end of the then-current generation of consoles.
Sunset Overdrive (81)
Sunset Overdrive is a colorful take on the zombie apocalypse and a fun fast-paced world. Developed by Insomniac Games, the 2014 game is praised for its fast movement system, allowing players to quickly jump back into the action. It was even nominated for Best Xbox Game of the Year and is a successful game all around.
Many praise its colorful environment and humor as it takes digs at pop culture of the time. It would become a cornerstone of the Xbox One series of consoles and was one of the most successful exclusives of that generation. Many fans feel the game series should continue and that it’s an underrated video game that deserves a sequel.
Gears 5 (84)
The Gears of War franchise has always been seen as a staple of Xbox exclusive games. Gears 5 is no exception. The 2019 game by The Coalition is, obviously, the fifth main game of the series and has been praised for its gameplay and the general amount of content within the base game.
Fans of the series enjoyed the campaign and overall enjoyed the story of the game, though there are some who criticized it for not being innovative and following the same formula that other Gears games have in the past. The game ranks high and is certainly one of the best Xbox exclusives out there.
Rare Replay (84)
Rare Replay is a highly popular Xbox exclusive because it is more than just a game, it is a collection of some of the best classic games made by Rare. Released as Rare celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2015, these 30 games are widely loved by members of the Xbox community and the collection is something many players have downloaded.
On their own, the games within Rare Replay, such as the Perfect Dark series and the Banjo Kazooie series, have gained cult followings and are very popular with Xbox players, so it makes sense that Rare Replay is highly ranked.
Fable (85)
The Fable series has been very popular since the first game released in 2004. The action-roleplaying game has been seen as one of the most loved Xbox exclusive games, the franchise has done well, and many fans love the unique story and environments of the game.
It’s no surprise to see that Fable has scored high among Xbox Exclusives and those in the Fable community are excited about the reboot that was shown at the 2020 Xbox showcase. Though no date has been announced as of yet, it is still a highly anticipated release.
Trials Evolution (90)
Another highly popular Xbox franchise is Trials. The motorcycle and dirt bike racing game is very loved and many fans will remember Trials Evolution. The 2012 game was released by RedLynx and features a fun mix of 3D models and 2D platformer-like gameplay.
Fans of the game also enjoyed the editor feature allowing the creation and sharing of custom-made maps. This allowed for many unique maps to be made and increased the re-playability of the game, which is one of the reasons it is so highly ranked.
Ori & The Will Of The Wisps (90)
The Ori franchise has received much critical acclaim for its artistic style and storytelling and Ori and the Will of the Wisps is no different. Released in 2020 by Moon Studios, the game continues the story of Ori and picks up where the previous game had ended.
Though there were some technical issues on release, a day one patch fixed most of them and the game was very successful. For those who like games with a very artistic story and storytelling methods, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the perfect game and will be a top Xbox Exclusive for years to come.
Forza Horizon 5 (92)
Forza has always pushed the graphics and realistic environments of driving simulators to the next level and Forza Horizon 5 is no different. Winning multiple awards, Forza Horizon 5 is well received and has stunning visuals. Released in 2021 by Playground Games, Forza Horizon 5 is the newest of the highly ranked Xbox exclusives.
Fans praise the game not only for its graphics but also for the wide variety of cars that can be unlocked and used. Forza has always been a huge Xbox franchise and will no doubt be a selling point for the brand going forward.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic (94)
The Star Wars franchise has released many games, but Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has often been viewed as the best Star Wars game out there. Originally released in 2003, the game is a role-playing game taking place within the Star Wars Universe. Knights of the Old Republic has great main characters and the game makes use of a class system, much like many RPGs, and moves are done similarly to games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Fans praise the game for its immersive environments and the way it combines traditionally fantasy troupes with the universe of Star Wars. Many are very excited for the remake, though it will be a timed exclusive for PlayStation this time around.
Halo: Combat Evolved (97)
It’s not hard to see why Halo: Combat Evolved has such a high score. The game, released in 2001, puts players right into an intergalactic war between humans and a group of alien races called the Covenant. As the game progresses players are introduced to a great cast of characters and learn more and more about the mysterious Halo array.
Not only does the game have a great story with many interesting details, but also was revolutionary to the entire industry. Many games would follow a similar formula and Halo: Combat Evolved would cement Xbox as a console and brand in general.
