As theXboxstrategy aroundexclusive games continues to evolve, we may be nearing the end of the age of tentpole Xbox exclusive days.
We’re not there yet, so we celebrate the following games that made owning an Xbox worth our time. On paper, it was a down year for the Xbox brand, but there were still great exclusives to choose from in 2024. Plus, thanks toXbox Game Pass, you can access these games on the day of their release.
Our list will cover console exclusives, as every Xbox game is available on PC.
6Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Finally landing safely
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
WhileMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024suffered from a turbulent launch, it has improved significantly following post-release updates.
TheFlight Simulatorfranchise has always excelled in the visual department; this year’s version is no exception. It is absolutely gorgeous and one of the best-looking games ever released on Xbox Series X|S.
The best part, though, is the impressive amount of content. From the traditional campaign and Challenge League to simply messing around and flying over your house, there’s so much to see and do here.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024may not be as impressive as the game’s 2020 release, but it’s still a wonderful accomplishment and a worthy addition to the Xbox library.
5Age of Mythology Retold
The gods must be crazy
Age of Mythology: Retold
Bringing areal-time strategy gameto a console is always challenging, especially one from a beloved franchise.Age of Mythology: Retoldfaithfully recreates the 2022 RTS with modern visuals.
The game’s campaign remains as enjoyable as it was 20 years ago, and quality-of-life improvements are always welcome. Using God Powers today is as fun as ever, helping it stand out from the more realisticAge of Empiresgames.
While the strategy genre is nowhere near as popular as it was back then, games likeAge of Mythology: Retoldprove they’re still worthy of our time and attention.
The modern remake is a love letter to the high point of theAgefranchise, delivering an enjoyable experience for franchise veterans and newcomers alike.
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4Senua’s Saga: Hellbade 2
A work of art
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
It may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, butSenua’s Saga: Hellblade IIis still a masterpiece.
We just discussedFlight Simulator 2024as one of the best-looking games on Xbox;Hellblade IIarguably has it beat. This game is a work of art that delivers a cinematic experience not often seen in a game. Yes, its gameplay is shorter, but it’s an adventure well worth it. Plus, it’s onGame Pass!
Senua’s Sagaexpands on its predecessor’s narrative, presenting a dark, haunting experience that is both traumatic and satisfying. Best of all, the jump scares don’t rely on traditional horror tropes. This game isn’t afraid to mess with your mind, resulting in a haunting experience that plays on our anxieties and fears. It’s well worth it, provided you’re brave enough to give it a shot.
Do it; you won’t regret it.
3Dungeons of Hinterberg
The best game you didn’t play this year
Dungeons of Hinterberg
In recent years, the Xbox has enjoyed several dungeon crawlers, but none are as good asDungeons of Hinterberg. It’s able to balance the aesthetic of a cozy game and the gameplay of a more “traditional” game.
Taking place in the Austrian Alps, the setting doubles as a charming location with memorable characters and an excellent background for its dungeons. From enjoyable puzzles that have the right balance of challenge and intuitiveness to satisfying gameplay, it’s easy to get sucked into the game.
Best of all, a surprising amount of content is available outside adventuring through dungeons. Interacting with the town’s characters is reminiscent ofStardew Valley, while the game offers plenty to see and do outside its dungeons.
There’s a chanceDungeons of Hinterbergwasn’t on your radar at the start of the year, but it deserves your time and attention.
2STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Radioactive
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Another Xbox exclusive with a rough launch,STALKER 2has enough going for it that it’s developed a loyal fanbase.
As developer GSC World continues to polish the bugs, we’re left with a miraculous achievement in gaming. Its survival sandbox is one of the best in gaming, combined with a tense story and ambitious ideas that come together for the most part.
Few first-person shooters can deliver the intensity ofSTALKER 2, which will only get better with time andmore post-release updates.
The post-apocalyptic wasteland that awaits is unlike any other in gaming, and it’s arguably enhanced by the game’s remaining bugginess and jank.
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1Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Belongs in a museum
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
It turns out that the best way to pay homage toIndiana Jones’s legacyis to make a video game, not sequels decades after the original trilogy.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circleproves that developer MachineGames is one of the best studios in the industry today. Capturing the magic of theIndiana Jonesmovie with excellent gameplay.
It’s a tour de force with a profound narrative and enjoyable side quests. Yes, comparisons toUnchartedare bound to happen, but then again,Indiana Jonesinspired theUncharted franchise.
WithIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, the Xbox brand has a new marquee franchise. It’s one of the year’s best games and a must-play for any Xbox owner.
