The Xbox One was released in September 2014 in South Africa, nearly a year after its debut in the West and a few other territories besides. Since then, like with the PS4, there have been quite a number of fantastic Xbox One games that have graced the console since its launch. Ori and the Blind Forest proved that you don’t need violence and gore to make a great game, and Titanfall proved… well that South Africa’s broadband sucks.

If you had to pick up an Xbox One today, these are the highest rated games in retail, exclusives and downloadable titles.

Third Party Titles

1. Grand Theft Auto V – 97 Metacritic | 98.33% Game Rankings

Sitting alongside the PS4 version, Grand Theft Auto V made its mark on the charts and will probably stay there for the entire life span of the console. Not only is GTA V the highest rated title on both the PS4 as well as the Xbox One, it is also the highest rated remastered title, and we know there are plenty of those.

2. Rayman Legends – 91 Metacritic | 92.17% Game Rankings

Who said that re-released titles were terrible? Rayman Legends was a one-of-a-kind platformer, not including Rayman Origins of course, that reignited the child in all of us. It was true to its classic roots and at the same time upped the antics with its tough difficulty and gorgeous environments.

3. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin – 91 Metacritic | 91.60% Game Rankings

To say that Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is the hardest Souls game ever created would be an understatement. Its entire world has been mixed up with stronger enemies placed in new places, weapons durability has been lowered, and boss fights are just as extreme as the last. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin does death right; it is no wonder it is number 3 on this list.

4. FIFA 14 – 88 Metacritic | 89.92% Game Rankings

Well this is strange, FIFA is a great soccer game and all, but it seldom gets to the top of a chart, and EA really couldn’t care less. FIFA 14 managed to stay on top regardless of another FIFA title being released late last year.

5. Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition – 88 Metacritic | 89.33% Game Rankings

Originally released as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Guacamelee: STCE re-released on Xbox One and PS4 late last year. The re-release added a ton of new gameplay elements, like an ultra-hard mode, new challenge arenas and new skins. I played both editions and the Super Turbo Championship Edition was the best of the lot.

Xbox One Exclusives

1. Ori and the Blind Forest – 89 Metacritic | 89.13% Game Rankings

It came as no surprise when this shot straight to the top of the charts. Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the best titles I have played on the Xbox One. Its rich gameplay elements, merged with a beautifully created world, is its magic potion that it used to make everyone fall in love with it. Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful game that should not be missed

2. Titanfall – 86 Metacritic | 86.71% Game Rankings

Non-Xbox owners should be jealous that they have never had the opportunity to play a match in Titanfall. It is honestly one of the most addictive online shooters I have ever played. Thanks to its excellent robot mechanics, wall running and that feeling that it is okay to die. You will never feel like you are too much of a noob to play this.

3. Forza Horizon 2 – 86 Metacritic | 86.32% Game Rankings

Open world racing redefined. Forza has always been the pinnacle of racing games, and Forza Horizon 2 mixes things up with its spectacular world, massive car roster and its online features. Just when you thought that the original Forza Horizon did it all, think again.

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection – 85 Metacritic | 85.23% Game Rankings

With four Halo games, over 100 multiplayer maps and thousands of gamer points to obtain, you’d think that this was some sort of joke. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the ultimate remastered collection. Microsoft did not hold back any punches as they gave us everything we love from the series, and all on one disc.

5. Sunset Overdrive – 81 Metacritic | 83.12% Game Rankings

When the creators of the Ratchet and Clank series announced an Xbox One game, you knew that it was going to be as over-the-top, crazy and have the biggest arsenal of sickening weapons you could ever ask for. It was one of the best experiences I ever had grinding on telephone wires while shooting an aerosol can that exploded into more aerosol cans, which then allowed me to melee the ground and create volcanic eruptions. All in a day’s work, right.

Have you ever played any of these titles? Or planning on getting into the Xbox One scene? Let us know in the comments and forum!

Source: Gamerankings, Metacritic