As it gets closer to the eventual launch of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has been slowly but surely pulling back the veil on the titles gamers can look forward to playing when the system finally releases. Some titles like Gears 5 or Sea of Thieves, gamers expect to see on the Xbox Series X. But as always, with new consoles come new games that hopefully push the industry and boundaries gamers have become accustomed to with the current generation of hardware.
The Xbox Series X is set to be the most powerful console ever released, and the anticipation for its arrival couldn't be greater. Here are the five best launch games that have been confirmed and revealed so far, and five more games fans hope are announced soon.
10 CONFIRMED: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
Hellblade 2 being an Xbox Series X exclusive is huge. Not only is it helping tear down the stigma that Microsoft consoles have no worthy exclusives to the platform, but it's also arguably one of the most anticipated games announced so far for the system.
Ninja Theory crafted an immersive and eerie journey into the human psyche with the original, and will no doubt raise the bar again when Senua's Saga finally is released for the Xbox Series X.
9 HOPE IT'S ANNOUNCED SOON: Conker
Conker's Bad Fur Day was an absolute shock when it released on the Nintendo 64 back in 2001, with its crude humor and mature themes being something people didn't see often on the family friendly platform. This didn't stop the game from being one of the best titles released for the console. Rare had a hit on their hands, which makes it all the more puzzling that a sequel was never released.
When Microsoft purchased Rare, many fans thought they would finally see sequels to games like Jet Force Gemini or Conker but unfortunately, Rare hasn't done much since its acquisition. With the upcoming Xbox Series X, there's no better time than now to change that and revisit Conker and some of those other franchises that have remained dormant for so long.
8 CONFIRMED: Halo Infinite
What else needs to be said? It's Halo, Microsoft's biggest franchise and one of the most popular titles of all time. When the original Halo: Combat Evolved was released, it changed the game for first-person shooters, and the series' popularity has only grown from there.
It's only right that as Microsoft launches their newest and most powerful console ever, that Master Chief be there to lead the way.
7 HOPE IT'S ANNOUNCED SOON: Lost Odyssey 2
Lost Odyssey arrived on the Xbox 360 at a time when JRPGs were scarce on the platform. It filled a void for players desperate for something different than the typical western-style RPGs of the time. For a console not known for JRPGs, the Xbox 360 has some of the best, with games like Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, and Tales of Vesperia all being some of the best of the genre.
Bringing back Lost Odyssey for the Xbox Series X would be a great way to add another big name exclusive to the platform and to diversify a portfolio already full of shooters and the like.
6 CONFIRMED: Call Of The Sea
Microsoft has previewed quite a few games for the Xbox Series X that look set to pull players into unique and atmospheric worlds, and Call of the Sea is no exception to that.
The game looks very Bioshock-esque but is being called a first-person puzzle adventure much like Portal, yet also being story-driven similar to games like Firewatch or What Remains of Edith Finch.
5 HOPE IT'S ANNOUNCED SOON: Ori & The Will Of Wisps Sequel
It took five years o get a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, so the chance of getting another sequel anytime soon is small, however, that doesn't change how amazing and impactful this game is for Microsoft. For a console whose main criticism is its lack of exclusive titles, games like Ori are extremely important.
The key for Microsoft in this gaming generation is to maintain momentum by releasing games that set them apart from the competition. Big named shooters like Halo and Gears of War, whose sequels have become more of an inevitability than an event, just aren't enough anymore.
4 CONFIRMED: Scorn
In a few words, this game looks intense. Described as an atmospheric first-person horror adventure by its official web page, Scorn seems ready to continue in the tradition of games like DOOM Eternal.
Aside from its unique look, Scorn's selling point seems to be how it will build a sense of helplessness and isolation for the player as they explore the intricate corridors of the world created by developer Ebb Software.
3 HOPE IT'S ANNOUNCED SOON: Perfect Dark
The first Perfect Dark took the gaming world by storm, following in the footsteps of the Nintendo 64's GoldenEye. So when a sequel was announced for the Xbox 360, gamers everywhere rejoiced. That is until they actually played Perfect Dark Zero, which bore no resemblance to its predecessors and seemed to be stuck in the past, especially when compared to other shooters of the time.
With Call of Duty not having much console competition each year when it comes to console first-person shooters, a new Perfect Dark could be the Series X's killer app to set itself apart from the competition. That, and it's about time for a Perfect Dark redemption.
2 CONFIRMED: The Medium
One thing is for certain: the Xbox Series X won't have a shortage of suspense-driven experiences. The trailer for The Medium gives off major Silent Hill vibes, which appears to be what developer Bloober Team was going for especially when you consider that longtime Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka is helping with the soundtrack of the game.
The Medium is shaping up to be another quality horror game for the Xbox Series X and should have gamers everywhere excited to play when the game releases this year.
1 HOPE IT'S ANNOUNCED SOON: Fable 4
Fable is arguably one the Xbox brand's most popular franchise along with Halo and Gears, with the original trilogy being highly regarded amongst fans. The franchise has been on hiatus for some time now, and with the release of the Xbox Series X, there would be no time better than for Fable to make its triumphant return.
With the cancellation of Fable Legends a few years back, gamers have been left to wonder when they would be able to return to Albion. Hopefully, that time may soon be upon us.