If you were lucky enough to receive a brand spanking new Xbox One this Christmas, then you’ll be wanting some equally brilliant games to go with it.
With the Boxing Day sales about to begin, Express Online has picked out some of the very best games the Xbox One has to offer.
From Forza Horizon 4 to Cuphead, Sea of Thieves to Spyro the Dragon, these are the games every Xbox One and Xbox One X owner must buy.
Forza Horizon 4
“Forza Horizon 4 is a content-rich game with stunning visuals, incredible set-pieces and a game-changing new weather system that’s spread across four different seasons.
“Seasons are a particularly inspired addition, and the reason why you’ll pump more hours into Forza Horizon 4 than any of its predecessors.”
Cuphead
Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, Cuphead is a beautifully animated run and gun shooter with traditional hand drawn sprites, exquisite watercolour backgrounds and a superb jazz-based soundtrack.
But don’t let the cartoonish visuals fool you, because Cuphead is anything but childish. This fiendishly difficult shooter pits players against a never-ending collection of screen-filling bosses, each more challenging than the last.
Gears of War 4
“Gears of War 4 can feel a little safe at times, but being able to fight through a compelling and sometimes challenging story is what makes this title a worthwhile new entry.
“This is a game that has been built to please returning fans, curious to find out what comes next in the Gears franchise.”
Overwatch
“For those wanting to play a new online shooter that provides both easy pick-up-and-play fun, as well as tactical experimentation and strategic thinking – Overwatch is for you.
“While Overwatch may lack the trimmings of a typical triple-A title, what it does offer is perfect multiplayer fun that continues to inspire curiosity.”
Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful and haunting platformer with stunning hand-painted visuals, meticulously animated character models and a powerful musical score that expertly draws players in.
You play as Ori, a guardian spirit who must save the forest of Nibel and confront a dark and poweful enemy. Play it now before Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes to Xbox One in 2019.
Nier Automata
Nier Automata is a bizarre action game with an incredible story that sees humans, androids and machines fight over the remains of Earth. You’ll have to play it multiple times to get the true ending, but with sublime combat, memorable characters and a phenomenal musical score, you definitely won’t mind.
The Xbox version – subtitled Become as GODS Edition – comes with additional content, including new costumes, new quests and lots more.
The Witcher 3
“The Witcher 3 is easily one of the best games this generation, featuring a giant game world that’s nothing short of stunning and packed with hundreds of hours of quests and content.
“Throughout the epic adventure, you’ll hunt huge beasts, solve mysteries and make dubious moral choices as you explore one of the greatest virtual game worlds ever created.”
Red Dead Redemption 2
Proof that nobody does open world games like Rockstar, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic and visually stunning game that transports players to the Old West as part of the Van der Linde gang.
Expect lots of guns, drink and gambling, not to mention hunting, fishing and fighting, as you explore lush landscapes and dirty old towns. And if cowboys aren’t your thing, you can always try GTA 5 instead.
Sea of Thieves
“There’s a great deal to love about Sea of Thieves and the adventure it offers. It is at its best when enjoyed with others and provides some of the best-shared gaming moments.
“If Rare continues to provide more content then I can see countless hours being played with my sailing companions and our ever growing greed for gold.”
Monster Hunter World
After years of success on handhelds, Capcom has finally managed to bring the Monster Hunter magic to consoles. Monster Hunter World pits players against colossal beasts in a rich and vibrant game world that’s positively brimming with detail.
Action-packed and utterly addictive, you’ll need to plan your hunts if you wish to succeed, making good use of all that glorious loot.
Spyro the Dragon
“The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a laudable nostalgia trip that should be taken by anyone that played the original titles on the original PlayStation.
“Toys for Bob has not only delivered one of the greatest love letters in video game history with this collection, but it has also cemented Spyro’s relevance in the industry for years to come.”