In less than three days now, you’ll be able to get your hands on an Xbox Series X or, if you prefer, the more cost-efficient Xbox Series S. With these, you’ll be able to usher in the next generation of gaming with a tremendous value attached, in terms of the Xbox Game Pass service (with EA Access included!) and a slew of notable titles from Microsoft’s library.
Now, you might have noticed that it doesn’t have too many big first-party guns in its arsenal for launch, as its hit-to-be Halo Infinite ended up delayed into sometime in 2021. But does that mean you’re stuck with nothing to play? Nope, as you’re covered with other Microsoft releases, as well as some third-party favorites destined to be big hits on the hardware.
Let’s take a close look at six games you’ll be able to play at launch, and why you won’t want to miss out on them.
Gears Tactics
Think strategic approach, but with a crapton of violence as we’ve come to expect from the Gears series. With Tactics, you’ll be able to see a bunch of amazing visuals as only the new Xbox consoles can deliver, along with awesome turn-based gameplay that will test you at every turn.
You’ll have your hands full with enemies that won’t go down without a fight; and a selection of teammates that can help you shoot your way to victory. Just make sure you make the proper decisions, or else you’ll end up on the business end of a Lancer.
If that’s not enough, Gears 5 will also see some new enhancements, including the introduction in the cancelled film adaptation, so grab that game while you can!
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Devil May Cry 5 rocked our world a little while back when it came to current-gen consoles. But now it’s time for the Xbox Series systems to get a turn, along with a nice little bonus – Vergil! The long-time favorite will be playable in this new Special Edition, complete with a number of visual touch-ups that deliver an even more blistering visual performance. And, of course, you get the tried and true Devil May Cry 5 gameplay that you’ve come to expect, now spread across four different characters. If that doesn’t get your blood boiling, we’re not sure what does…
DiRT 5
The latest entry in Codemasters’ racing series launched this past week; and while we’re still working on our review, we can say it’s the most technically efficient – and entertaining – racing game in quite some time. And now, it’ll be even better on Xbox Series X, thanks to better visual processing (in 4K!) and 120 frames per second speed – double what it runs on the current Xbox One X. Needless to say, that means it’s ready to take our breath away. Oh, and did we mention it supports both local and online multiplayer? It’s time to kick up some mud!
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Over the past few years, the latest entries in the Assassin’s Creed saga blew us away with their visual quality and range of activities. But they’re mere child’s play compared to what Valhalla has in store, as you prepare to sack cities with the help of a male or female Viking. With all sorts of brutal combat, new features that enhance the series in a number of significant ways, and killer visuals that take advantage of the Xbox hardware, it’s bound to be the biggest and best Creed yet. And who knows where that’ll lead in the future.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Although it’s shaking things up for the series with a non-traditional role-playing approach, Yakuza Like a Dragon appears to be one of the most ambitious games to arrive for Xbox Series X. With amazing visuals that bring this new world to life, along with memorable characters and a slew of activities to choose from, it should be welcomed with open arms by die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Not to mention that you can totally look like an afro-ed badass while you do it. That always works for us.
Tetris Effect Connected
“Now why in the world would I want to play a Tetris game on a next-generation system?” you might be asking us. Well, a few reasons. First off, this is an improved version of the hit game from the creators of Rez. And it’s “connected,” meaning you can take on the world in a number of innovative ways as you kick back and relax while dropping all sorts of pieces and taking in the luscious sights and sounds. It’s not your typical Tetris experience, and, in fact, could be a bold new direction for the puzzle series. We’re eager to see where it goes next – and who it connects with.
