The Xbox One first released near the end of 2013, and since then, numerous games have become available on the system. From Sunset Overdrive to Ori and the Blind Forest, many fun exclusives for the Xbox One were released every year.
Games on the Xbox One have been released on other systems as well, such as the PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch. 2015 saw the release of several of these games, which were acclaimed by both critics and fans alike. Of the many games released that year, here are ten of them that are considered the best, according to Metacritic.
NBA 2K16 - 86
Every year since 1999, at least one NBA 2K game was released. With the games releasing year after year, each one would have to feature something new in order to stand out. This also applies to NBA 2K16, which introduces a host of new features.
Some of the new mechanics NBA 2K16 offer to the franchise include switching coaches, full body scans for everyone in the game, and the ability to make your own teams. If the wait for the NBA 2K21 is becoming more unbearable, at least there's this fun installment to hold fans over.
Shovel Knight - 86
Many games have been developed through crowdfunding, including Mighty No. 9 and Undertale. Among the various games that were made possible with the of fans, one of the most successful is Shovel Knight.
Shovel Knight follows the titular character as he collects treasure and fights against the Order of No Quarter. Shovel Knight became an instant classic, with the character appearing in other games like Brawlhalla and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With its retro aesthetic and gameplay, it's no wonder the game became a favorite among players.
Forza Motorsport 6 - 87
One of the most successful exclusives to the Xbox One is the Forza series. Many games have been released under the brand, including seven Motorsport games and four Horizon games. Forza Motorsport 6, another racing game in the franchise, was released in 2015.
Forza Motorsport 6 features over 450 cars and 26 tracks to race on. It also allows players to race with up to 23 other people online. Of the many racing games available, Forza Motorsport 6 is certainly one worth checking out.
Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition - 88
In 2014, a fantasy RPG called Divinity: Original Sin was released on consoles. A turn-based game with multiplayer and customizable characters, it has all the makings of a fun game. An expansive version of the game, Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition, was released the next year in 2015.
The new version of the game has over 100,000 enhanced mechanics of the original. Some of these features include more traps and enemies, new difficulty modes, and split-screen multiplayer. Fans of the original would likely be satisfied with the enhanced edition.
Fallout 4 - 88
The Fallout has received varying levels of success with each game released, with Fallout 4 being no exception. It features some elements longtime fans did not entirely approve of, such as a new dialogue interface and how it differs from the first couple of Fallout games.
Despite its criticism, Fallout 4 has also received its fair share of acclaim. Fans praised its action, graphics, and story. For players looking for an enjoyable RPG, Fallout 4 is highly recommended.
Ori And The Blind Forest - 88
Ori and the Blind Forest was a Microsoft exclusive at first, but later became available on the Nintendo Switch four years later. This move thankfully made the game more accessible to fans interested in trying it out.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful action-platformer about Ori and Sein defeating the dark spirits and restoring the balance in their home. It's a touching story with stunning visuals and a beautiful score.
Destiny: The Taken King - 89
Since the release of Destiny in 2014, several expansions have been released that built upon the base game. One of these expansions is called Destiny: The Taken King. The Taken King improves on several aspects of the first, as well as adding its own.
The Taken King features a new story, new character classes, and a new currency called "Legendary Mark". The game proves to be another successful update in the Destiny franchise.
Dark Souls II: Scholar Of The First Sin - 89
Many of the games on this list are updated versions of previous ones, and the same can be said for Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. Not only does it include all the DLC packs released for the original Dark Souls II game, but it also comes packed with new elements.
Players of Scholar of the First Sin have access to more enemies, more gear to unlock, and the ability to play with even more people online. Almost everything a fan of the Dark Souls series could want is included in the game.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - 91
book series, it went on as films and a television series on Netflix. Additionally, it spawned several video games, with the third one being The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can play as a Witcher named Geralt as he fights monsters with his swords and magic. In addition, players can meet Geralt's lover Yennefer and even play as his daughter Ciri. A game that balances action and emotion, The Witcher 3 is a game fans of the series wouldn't want to miss.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - 95
The highest rated game of 2015 on the Xbox One is Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The Phantom Pain is the last game in the Metal Gear Solid series to be written by creator Hideo Kojima, and the first game to have an open world environment.
Being a prequel to the first Metal Gear game, The Phantom Pain follows Venom Snake as he looks for revenge against people who destroyed Militaires Sans Frontières. The Phantom Pain manages to make a game series over thirty years old still feel fresh.
