Top 10 New Xbox Series X Games

Rare saw some moderate success with “Sea of Thieves” after a rocky launch and a few updates that cleaned things up. So, what’s next for the studio? Well, we got a peek at it in late 2019 before we got a slightly more expansive look at the showcase! “Everwild” will see players exploring a fantasy world filled with mythical creatures and magic. Judging by the multiple unnamed, uniquely dressed human characters (as well as Rare’s recent history), “Everwild” will most likely follow the “game as a service” model of “Sea of Thieves”, letting letting players become one with nature alongside their friends. Let’s just hope the launch is a little more polished than the pirate adventure that came before it.

“The Gunk” comes from a team we were not expecting. Image & Form is best known for developing the acclaimed “SteamWorld” games, and they’ve been working on that series for so long that it’s surprising we aren’t seeing another title for the IP. Nevertheless, the grossly-titled “The Gunk” looks to be a refreshing new IP from the studio, tasking players with cleaning up an infected planet and bringing its environment back to life. With imaginative areas that are sure to be breathtaking or frightening, “The Gunk” may be Image & Form’s next hit title!

C’mon, who doesn’t like “Tetris”? In 2018, “Tetris Effect” graced the PS4 with its captivating soundtrack, wondrous visuals, and satisfying mechanics. Windows users got their hands on it the following year, but what about Xbox players? Well, not only will Xbox fans get to experience this new feeling of zen, but “Tetris Effect Connected” will feature a timed-exclusive multiplayer mode for Xbox One and Xbox Series X, where players can stack and jam out to the awesome soundtrack on the same board. Don’t worry, PS4 and PC players - you’ll get this addition too...next year.

What do you get when you combine “A Bug’s Life” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” with modern survival games? The answer is “Grounded”, where you and your equally tiny friends have to survive by hunting down beetles, ants, and any other creepy-crawlies. You can also build adorable homes made of leaves and twine, when you’re not feeling particularly aggressive towards the insect world. In other words, it promises to be a charming game we never knew we wanted. You can play an early access build starting July 28!

We all need our racing games, and it appears that the first to grace the Xbox Series X - to no one’s surprise - is a new entry in the “Forza” series. While we didn’t get an extensive look at the next “Forza Motorsport” game, the trailer shown was eye-popping. The in-engine footage showed a game that almost looked like it was a clip ripped straight from a live event. Needless to say, it’s looking like the next “Forza” game will achieve a level of realism we weren’t expecting to see, with its ray tracing, 4K resolution, and ability to run at 60 frames per second!

Developer Bloober Team has been on a roll with their horror titles in the past few years. If you enjoyed “Observer”, “Layers of Fear”, or “Blair Witch”, you’d be daft to ignore their newest game, “The Medium”. Originally announced for the Wii U, PS3, and Xbox 360 in 2012, “The Medium” aims to deliver a horrifying experience where main character Marianne must travel in and out of reality to explore the world and solve puzzles. With Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka making the music, this will hopefully be a chilling experience for horror enthusiasts!

The “Phantasy Star Online” series has gained a pretty strong following over the last couple decades, and it’s ready to take players to new heights on the Xbox Series X! In celebration of the 20th anniversary for “Phantasy Star Online”, “New Genesis” will boast a massive update for “PSO 2” players, including a new engine, new story, new battle system, and even new character customization. In other words, it’s a lot of new stuff, so whether you’re looking to jump into the series or have been wanting to return, “New Genesis” will give you plenty of reasons to join the adventure!

While we are slightly disappointed by the news of yet another delay to this sequel, “Psychonauts 2” is shaping up to be a promising continuation of the 2005 cult classic. Xbox and Double Fine Productions released a trailer showing Jack Black performing an original song for the game alongside gameplay. Not only did we get a glimpse at enemies new and old, but we also got a peek at the psychedelic visuals and abstract worlds that we’ll soon get to explore. Looks like “Psychonauts 2” will be just as trippy and entertaining as its predecessor!

After the exceptional “Fable III” was released, the “Fable” franchise went downhill. “Fable Heroes”, “Fable: The Journey”, and “Fable Fortune” attempted to keep the IP alive, but failed to garner much praise from fans and critics. However, after a couple years worth of rumors, we’ve finally received confirmation that Playground Games is developing the next entry in the franchise! While it’s too early to see any gameplay, the announcement trailer shows promise with its humor and music. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long before we get a more extensive look at the game!

Before we reveal our (probably obvious) top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions…

State of Decay 2 Was TOO Good! Why SHOULDN’T We Be Hyped!?

Sign Up For Game Pass, Get All Expansions PLUS “Beyond Light”

Developer Dontnod Knows How to Make Slice of Life Games

This Expansion Brings a Whole New Planet to Explore

Because 3D Platforming Plus Yuji Naka Plus Sick Hats Equals Awesome