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Best Xbox One games to buy for the 2014 holiday season

The Xbox One had a somewhat turbulent year with Microsoft trying to keep pace with Sony and the PlayStation 4. The constant price drops, including one for Black Friday and the rest of the 2014 holiday season, should give new owners extra cash to spend on games. So which videogames released in 2014 are worth buying? Find out in our shopping guide to the best Xbox One games below.

Best 2014 Xbox One First-Person Shooters

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – Advanced Warfare got a lot of question marks leading up to launch due to the new futuristic setting, new developer and the disappointment of Call of Duty: Ghosts. Fortunately, the newest release ended up being quite solid as the added new features like the jet pack and exoskeleton really changes up the formula. Along with the Xbox 360, the Xbox One is also getting DLC packs before any other platforms. So, if you looking to play the next big FPS, you should purchase Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare with this link.

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Halo: The Master Chief Collection – You can’t think of Xbox without Halo. Microsoft created the ultimate collection by including all four main games of the series so far with this compilation. All releases have received better frame rate and higher resolution support while keeping the classic gameplay elements intact. Halo 2: Anniversary also got new textures and other remastered content. Assuming that the current online issues will eventually be sorted out, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a must buy for all Xbox One owners. You can do so with this page on Amazon.

halo-the-master-chief-collection-Halo-2-Anniversary-Warlock-Fireman-jpgTitanfall – Despite getting a lot of pre-release hype, Titanfall fell off the radar of many gamers as they year went on. However, the first-person shooter still has an excellent multiplayer filled with frantic gameplay and giant robots that is worth playing for any fans of the genres. Hopefully, the release of the Deluxe Edition, which comes with post-launch DLC, will help bolster the community once again. Find the current price of Titanfall with this link.

titanfall_screen_2Best Open-World Xbox One Games in 2014

Grand Theft Auto V – It seems like open-world games are becoming the latest hot trend for the gaming industry. The best of the bunch is still Grand Theft Auto V. The Xbox One version has remarkably better graphics when compared to the Xbox 360 release. It also comes with new content like an expanded multiplayer player count and first-person mode. So, even if you play the game last-gen, there are more than enough new stuff to justify purchasing the Xbox One version. Buy it right now with this link.

GTA-5-PS4-Xbox-OneFar Cry 4 – The Far Cry series combines open-world with first-person shooting. The latest iteration, Far Cry 4, is set in a relatively new setting in Kyrat, a fictional place based on the Himalaya. Aside from the diverse locales to explore, you can also interact with some exotic animals throughout the big sandbox. The sequel is perfect for the type of gamer looking to cause some open-world mayhem. Make sure to purchase the game right now on Amazon.

Far_Cry_4_ShangriLa_Beheader_GamescomMiddle Earth: Shadow of Modor – Perhaps the sleeper hit of 2014, Middle Earth: Shadow of Modor combines the Lord of the Ring movies with Assassin’s Creed in addition to the added twist of the Nemesis system. The new element makes normal fights more interesting, especially if you encounter the same enemy that bested you before. With the two Assassin’s Creed games disappointing this year, Middle Earth: Shadow of Modor is the perfect game to fill the hole. Take a look at its price tag here.

MiddleearthShadowofMordor_TalionWraithCombat_ScreenshotSunset Overdrive – Insomniac Games was formerly a PlayStation exclusive developer before joining forces with Microsoft. Their Xbox One game, Sunset Overdrive, ended up being the best exclusive released for the system in 2014. The new I.P. combines quick-paced traversal (that pays homage to the Tony Hawk series) with crazy weapons and wacky enemies. If you are looking for an experience that can’t be found on competing platforms, you should definitely consider picking up Sunset Overdrive with this page on Amazon.

sunset-overdrive-mugger-odBest 2014 Xbox One RPGs

Dragon Age Inquisition – After the disappointing Dragon Age II, Bioware was able to get in the good graces of their fans by righting many wrongs with Inquisition. The third game signaled the return of many elements that made the first one so great: multiple playable races as the main character, strategic combat scenarios and more. It also added new stuff like a large open-ended world to explore and running your own order. Last but not least, Xbox owners will be the first to get the opportunity to buy the new campaign expansions. You can dive right into Dragon Age Inquisition now by buying it off of Amazon.

dragon_age_3Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition – Diablo III may be a pretty old game but it is still incredibly fun. The Xbox One version has a higher resolution and frame rate compared to the Xbox 360 release, which makes it worth it alone when you consider how well the game already plays on consoles. With the inclusion of the added expansion to boot, Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition is packed with more than enough content to keep you busy for a long time. You can purchase the new version right here.

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition-2 Best Xbox One Racer in 2014

Forza Horizon 2 – The Xbox One is quickly becoming a nice home to some impressive racing games. This year saw the release of Forza Horizon 2, which takes the action off the beaten track and into a huge open-world setting. Along with the videogame, which you can purchase on Amazon, make sure to buy a racing wheel (we previously recommended getting the Mad Catz Pro Racing Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals set), to get the most of your experience.

gamescom-press-kit-04-wm-forza-horizon2With so many Xbox One games to pick from 2014 alone, you should have more than enough to keep you satisfy by the time next year’s Black Friday and holiday season roll around.