Aside from a few standout releases like D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die and Sunset Overdrive, the Xbox One mostly relied on console exclusives (like TitanFall), cross-gen exclusives (such as Forza Horizon 2) and multiplatform games to drive sales in 2014. With that said, the future of games that can only be played on Microsoft’s current-gen console is looking bright. So which are the best Xbox One exclusive games releasing in 2015 or later? Find out in our list.
First let’s take a look at a handful of games that did not make it into our top five but are still noteworthy. The first of these games is a new Phantom Dust installment. The original, which was released way back for the first Xbox console, ended up being a cult hit as it blended card-based gameplay with action elements. The second game is the tentatively titled, Raiden, which should end up pleasing hardcore shoot-em-up fans.
Last but not least is Fable Legends, a spin-off of the RPG franchises that focuses on cooperative play. With that said, you can find our top five upcoming Xbox One exclusives list below.
5. Gears of War 4
Microsoft decided to outright buy the Gears of War franchise from Epic Games in 2014. The investment was worth the price considering how influential the third-person shooters were on the Xbox 360. For the Xbox One, the talented Black Tusk Studios will be taking over the development of Gears of War 4. Unfortunately, not much has been revealed so far for the next installment other than that it is still early in the development stages. Otherwise, the potential sequel would end up higher on our list.
4. Crackdown 3
Crackdown 3 was announced at E3 2014 via a computer-generated trailer. The new installment is being developed by Cloudgine, which is a new studio that employed Dave Jones, the creative director behind the first game in the series. The same company also specializes in cloud computing, which has been pushed heavily by Microsoft. An early demonstration has shown that engine will be able to render huge buildings being destroyed.
Based on the early details, Crackdown 3 seems like it will be able to recapture the magic found in the first game. Preorder the new installment of the series with this link on Amazon.
3. Quantum Break
Quantum Break is a new I.P. from the same folks who brought you the first two Max Payne games along with Alan Wake. Remedy Entertainment’s latest project combines elements from their previous works as it utilizes time manipulation along with the implementation of live-action videos to create an unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else. The Xbox One exclusive third-person shooter is also visually stunning, especially when stopping time.
You can reserve Quantum Break, which is targeting a release in the second quarter of 2015, with this page.
2. Halo 5: Guardians
343 Industries seemingly has an uphill battle after Halo 4 disappointing many fans in addition to the poor handling of the release for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Despite the negativity, the studio is hoping to make amends with the next installment, Halo 5: Guardians. The sequel uses a new engine on the Xbox One to bring the frame rate up to 60 per second while gamers will also play as a new character with Agent Locke in addition to Master Chief. In terms of multiplayer, the sequel added more mobility and an ADS system in an attempt to freshen up the classic gameplay.
Halo 5: Guardians is easily the biggest Xbox One exclusive release of 2015. You can preorder the newest Halo game from Amazon here.
1. Scalebound
Platinum Games is widely regarded as one of the best development studios in the gaming industry. For their latest project, they decided to team up with Microsoft for a completely new I.P. The first trailer, which was shown at E3 2014, showed a character fighting amongst gigantic beasts. Otherwise, not much is known about the exclusive game. However, Hideki Kamiya (the creator behind Devil May Cry and Bayonetta) will be serving as the director. Therefore, gamers should expect another creative and excellent experience.
If you haven’t already, you can preorder Scalebound with this link on Amazon.
With the above-mentioned titles, along with other console exclusives and multiplatform games, gamers should have plenty to play on the Xbox One in 2015 and beyond.