The Xbox Series X is a powerful beast of a machine, with it basically being a souped-up gaming PC encased in console form. First released in 2020, it’s been another solid entry in the Xbox series of consoles produced by Microsoft, with it building on the success already achieved by their 3 previous models; 2001’s original Xbox, 2005’s Xbox 360, and then 2013’s Xbox One. Although it might find itself slightly in the shadow of Sony’s PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X is a console that is massive amounts of fun for a gamer to own.
A huge part of that is because of its excellent exclusive games, with there being a wide-range of tantalising titles that are only playable on Microsoft’s console. If you’re fortunate enough to have the Xbox Series X plugged into your TV, then these are games that should definitely be amongst your collection. If you haven’t yet purchased the console, then these are games of such high-quality, that they should absolutely have you seriously considering taking the plunge.
Here’s our top picks then, for the 3 must-have Xbox Series X exclusive games.
Halo Infinite
It would be criminal to not have a Halo entry on any list of games that must be played on Xbox, what with the first-person shooter being the jewel in the crown of each of Microsoft’s consoles down the years. Fortunately we don’t have to, as the latest entry in the acclaimed franchise is just as stunning to play. Halo Infinite was released in 2021, and features the same mixture of an awesome single-player campaign, paired with a massively enjoyable multi-player mode, that has made the series so revered.
One of the most spell-binding features of the game is just how gorgeous it looks, with the perfectly rendered visuals bringing all the galactic space battles to life. This is all enhanced by a mesmerising soundtrack that manages to ramp up the excitement levels to epic proportions. So, strap on your Mjolnir armour, grab a Battle Rifle, and blast your way to hours of entertainment.
Sea of Thieves
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the seven seas, plundering exotic treasures from faraway lands, then it seems you’re not alone, as pirate themed culture remains as popular as ever. This is just as true in the world of gaming, with there being many titles based on the buccaneering lifestyle from the past, in a wide-variety of genres. There’s been the action-adventure game Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and even many online virtual slots, such as the Age of Pirates, which was developed by Spinomenal.
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The Xbox Series X has its own pirate adventure series, the swashbuckling Sea of Thieves. Although the series began life on the Xbox One in 2018, you’ll need the latest Microsoft console to play the fully-fleshed out and enhanced version we’re discussing here, which was released in 2020. The game allows you to build your own pirate empire, as you complete nautical voyages to further the engaging storyline. Think of it as getting to play out all of the best parts of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Shredders
Released in early 2022, Shredders is a snowboarding game that excellently manages to recreate the feeling of carving your way down a snow-covered mountain, allowing you to experience all the thrills of the sport, without having to even wrap up warm. It’s much more of a simulator than an arcade style game, so you’ll have to practice hard to learn to seamlessly navigate your way down the slopes without taking too many tumbles.
The way Shredders achieves this realistic gameplay, is by making the left joystick of the Xbox controller move your snowboarder, and the right joystick actually move their snowboard. You then use the right trigger to launch a jump, and the left trigger to cushion your impact on landing. It’s tricky to get to grips with at first, but hugely rewarding, along with being intense enough work on your thumbs, that it will leave you feeling like you’ve played one of the best fitness video games around.
