Halo Infinite's impressive multiplayer component is now available and based on what we've played in prior test flights, it's highly impressive. However, it's the campaigns that we really love to play and in the wake of last year's controversial gameplay trailer, 343 Industries chose to delay and rework the campaign significantly, re-revealing the single-player component only a couple of weeks back. Despite clear visual improvements, it didn't answer the key question: do we really need an open world Halo? Can a series defined by skilfully crafted combat encounters work in a sandbox format? After going hands-on with preview code, we're optimistic - but there's still significant work to do in polishing the game to perfection.
Let's quickly discuss what we can talk about in this preview phase. Essentially this boils down to the first four missions of the game, two of which introduce the new campaign and take place indoors, so yes, right away we can confirm that 'classic' Halo levels are present in the new game. We can also share our thoughts on a further two missions, both of which take place in the new Zeta Halo open world. Halo Infinite launches on all current and last-gen Xbox consoles and PC, but the code we had runs only on Xbox Series consoles. We'll be looking at all versions in a much more granular fashion closer to launch.
First impressions? We like it. The first brace of missions do not take place in the open world and what you get instead is a classic Halo introductory mission, reminiscent of Combat Evolved. The vast, grand architecture and Forerunner structures we're familiar with return, revamped with the new engine. They look impressive and play very well: Halo's combat has always felt terrific and we're happy to report that it's business as usual. There are impressive set-pieces too - a level breaks up in spectacular style and we're seeing something we've not seen before in a Halo game and it's a great way to introduce the new grapple hook.
John Linneman and Alex Battaglia sit down to share their impressions of the opening campaign missions in Halo Infinite.
In the initial stages we played, the open world also works - because it's not really delivering the kind of tired sandbox format that, say, Far Cry does. It's constricted, and we mean that in a good way. The basic lack of width on the halo itself stops the environment from being too vast and too sprawling, tight enough to funnel the player through a more controlled, curated experience. Think of it more as an Arkham-style game, or a very wide Crysis. Traversal across the world - often a tedious exercise in the modern sandbox game - is also well-handled. One of the earliest missions sees you capturing a base that spawns vehicles which facilitate fast and fun travel. The concept of capturing bases may evoke the weariest of open world tropes, but these look to be well-designed, with a wealth of strategies available in how you take them on. We've not seen too much of the core open world mechanics based on the limited amount of missions we can talk about in the preview, but what we've seen so far looks promising.
In terms of visuals, let's get the basics out of the way. Series X has two modes - quality and performance - which aims for a dynamic 4K in quality mode targeting 60fps, while performance targets 120fps instead, with a substantial cut to resolution. Series S is cut to a surprising degree. Quality mode looks to be 1080p at 30fps, while performance mode removes the frame-rate cap, allowing for up to 60fps at a dynamic 1080p. We'll go into depth on visuals in our full tech review, but the video embedded above should give the impression of a game that has improved massively since last year's reveal. Lighting and material quality is improved, the jarring level of detail pop-in is similarly addressed, and enemy modelling looks good.
However, while there is a big improvement in so many areas, there's the sense that the game still needs significant polish. Halo Infinite kicks off with a cinematic pre-rendered movie that's washed out in HDR and runs choppily, leaving a bad first impression in a game where we really want to see 343 put its best foot forward from the off. Gameplay is mostly very smooth, but cutscenes have profound issues. Interestingly, they do run at 60fps, but elements like camera motion and animation seem to run at arbitrary update rates - and it looks poor. Facial animation seems locked to 30fps, which doesn't make sense for a game that runs at up to 120fps. Looking back at Halo 5, the cutscenes may have been locked to 30fps but they exhibited none of the issues seen in Infinite. It's so jarring that we do wonder whether a 30fps cap may be the best temporary fix to eliminate the many visual discontinuities seen here - and the illusion of a game running its otherwise impressive cinematics at an inconsistent 30fps or even lower.
Here's an all-formats look at the last technical flight for the Halo Infinite multiplayer component - now out in beta form.
Watching these jerky cutscenes play out before transitioning seamlessly to a much smoother 60fps in-game just looks bizarre. However, crucially, the motion in-game is smooth and looks so much better, but even here there are issues: key animations like grappling, mantling, reloading, crouching and tossing grenades can all run at lower frame-rates than the game itself. So, while the game runs at a consistent level of performance, visual cues from the game itself don't, giving the perception of bad judder. We've seen problems like this resolved in The Master Chief Collection - in fact, latterly 343 Industries has done a good job in responding to feedback and fixing issues like this. While on the one hand, it's strange to see these problems manifest again in Halo Infinite, there is a high probability that they will be fixed.
And we hope that they are - and soon - because ultimately, the fundamentals are there. Halo's core combat mechanics are still thrilling, the art and the engine are looking great. Most reassuring of all perhaps is that the conceptual concerns we had about Halo transitioning to the open world have been largely abated now we finally have hands-on experience - and with that in mind we can go into the review process much more optimistically.Best Xbox Series X Games: Essential Titles You Need To Play
Looking for the best Xbox Series X games to play on Microsoft's latest hardware? Then you're in the right place. If you’ve managed to get your hands on an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S then you're going to want to fill your gaming library with unmissable Xbox Series X games that make the most of the new Xbox. This is where you'll find them.
From incredible first-party Xbox exclusives, like Psychonauts 2 and Sea of Thieves, to third-party blockbusters, such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla, there are Xbox Series X games to suit every taste, preference, experience level and mood – and the offering only looks to grow in the future.
But with so much choice, it can be hard to work out which Xbox Series X games are worth your time and hard-earned money. That's where we come in. Below, we've rounded up the best Xbox Series X games available right now, and we'll continue to add to this list as more hotly-anticipated games release in the future, with the likes of Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 among the new Xbox Series X games we expect to join our list.
Our selection of the best Xbox Series X games below is filled with titles covering a range of genres and technical capabilities. So whether you're on the hunt for Xbox One games that benefit from Xbox Series X Optimization or brand new titles that make the most of the new Xbox hardware, there's something in our guide for you.
What's more, many of these games are available as part of an Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (we've flagged which). If you don’t have a Game Pass already, we strongly advise getting one if you want to make the most of your Xbox Series X.
Below, you'll find our selection of the top Xbox Series X games that you need to play right now. Read on for our list of the best Xbox Series X games, and head over to our roundup of cheap Xbox Series X game deals for big savings.
Best Xbox Series X ga(Image credit: Ubisoft)
A Viking adventure
Reasons to buy+Funniest game in the series+Eivor is brilliant protagonist+Every hub bursts with life
Reasons to avoid-Huge open-world can feel sparse-Plot never gets you invested-Combat can feel messy
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Whether you're sailing onto the shore or ransacking a village, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla recreates the Viking age with aplomb. If you’re a fan of Nordic folklore or simply enjoy plunging an axe into the chest of another man, Valhalla promises to deliver.
Taking full advantage of the Xbox Series X's power, Valhalla offers a native 4K resolution and 60fps frame rate – a first for any Assassin's Creed game on console. While ray tracing is not among the next-gen version's enhancements, the game still looks gorgeous even without the much-hyped tech. If that wasn't enough, there are drinking competitions where you literally try to drink your opponent under the table. Skåll!
(Image credit: Activision)Back in black
Reasons to buy+Visuals take full advantage of next-gen power+Addictive and immersive gunplay+Multiplayer and Zombies is fantastic
Reasons to avoid-A clumsy campaign that retreads old ground-A few performance issues around launch
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Another year, another Call of Duty. But what makes Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War worth buying? Well, for, one the latest COD looks incredible on the Xbox Series X. Cold War on Xbox Series X simultaneously offers 60fps gameplay, ray tracing and a resolution that targets 4K, meaning you won't have to sacrifice any one thing to get an absolutely gorgeous and buttery smooth experience on console.
Of course, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War wouldn’t be complete without the walking dead, so you’ll be pleased to see zombies return. You can also play Call of Duty at 120fps for the first time on a console, which should make things even more competitive online.
(Image credit: 505 Games)Free your mind
Reasons to buy+Stunning particle effects+Inspired art direction+Crunchy gunplay +Includes DLC plus main game
Reasons to avoid-Starts quite slow-A few structural compromises
Xbox Series X Optimized
The dark horse of 2019, Remedy Entertainment's Control is an action-adventure with a difference. And if you thought it was good on Xbox, wait till you try it on Xbox Series X.
Control sees you stepping into the shoes of Jessie Faden, the newest director of the clandestine Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) - a Government agency that researches, and ultimately aims to control paranormal activity. But Jessie’s new role has a few issues not exactly laid out in the job description, including the uprising of a paranormal force known only as the Hiss.
The affinity with which Remedy has courted multiple difficult genres both in film and in games with Control and still managed to deliver a mind-bending story evocative of True Detective and Twin Peaks is absolutely remarkable.
The Control Ultimate Edition sees you getting both the main base game and both expansions, AWE and The Foundation, packaged in too. What's more, Control Ultimate Edition also benefits from a next-gen upgrade on Xbox Series X/S. On Xbox Series X, players have a choice of two modes: Performance Mode, targeting 60fps performance with 1440p render resolution and 4K output, and Graphics Mode, targeting 30fps with ray tracing (transparency and reflections) at 1440p render resolution and 4K output. On Xbox Series S, you can experience Performance mode that’s targeting 60fps, at 900p render resolution and 1080p output.
(Image credit: Capcom)Dante want to live forever
Reasons to buy+Great character variety+Beautiful visuals+Exceptional soundtrack+Embraces its absurdity
Reasons to avoid-Story has some moments of poor pacing-New players will feel a little lost
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Devil May Cry 5 is a magnificently over-the-top action game that serves as a good reminder of just how important showing off is.
Each fight is a genuine joy to get stuck into and seeing your rank climb and hearing the music swell never gets old. It does absolutely everything right for long-time fans when it comes to the story. Yet, the self-contained story is easy enough to follow for newcomers. The gameplay is the best it has ever been by a long shot too.
The Xbox Series X Special Edition includes new playable character Vergil, the Legendary Dark Knight mode and Turbo mode, as well as ray-tracing support and a high frame-rate mode.
Forza Horizon 4 (Image credit: Playground Games) (Image credit: EA / Codemasters)F1 2021
The best overall racing package in years
Reasons to buy+Brilliant story mode+Stunning graphics+1-2 player career mode
Reasons to avoid-Some tracks are missing
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Even if you aren't particularly a fan of F1 racing, EA and Codemasters' F1 2021 is a great entry point into the high-end motorsport, offering precision racing that anyone can jump into, regardless of skill level.
Unlike many other races, which don't penalize you for bouncing off guard rails with reckless abandon, F1 2021 forces players to race with a sense of discipline and manages to do so without sucking the fun out of the whole endeavor. Before long, you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment at performing a perfect pass or racing well enough to land on the podium.
Like with previous F1 games, Codemasters offers an excellent and in-depth career mode, however, this year not only offers an increased level of customizability but also the ability to experience the whole thing with a friend.
Additionally, F1 2021 offers a brand new story mode called Braking Point, which takes you behind the scenes of a racing team as its two racers, Aiden Jackson and Casper Akkerman, attempt to climb the ladder while dealing with a great deal of drama on and off the track. It's a fantastic way to deliver a campaign in a racer, adding a great deal of personality to what would have been a very dry single-player experience otherwise.
Xbox Series X players get the option to play the game in Quality Mode at 4K/60fps with ray tracing, or in Performance Mode at 1440p/120fps, while Series S players are capped at 1080p/60fps. Either way, F1 2021 looks incredible and plays even better. Highly recommended.
Forza Horizon 4 (Image credit: Playground Games)Forza Horizon 4
Shut up and drive
Reasons to buy+An open-world racing adventure+Rewards exploration+Structured campaign +Great Britain setting is gorgeous
Reasons to avoid-Multiplayer takes a few hours to unlock
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
While the original Forza titles were about pristine driving skills around perfectly kept tracks, the Horizon series has a penchant for trading paint and isn't afraid to have you get down and dirty with off-road races from time to time.
Forza Horizon 4, the latest game in the series, carries that tradition forward by taking us to the rolling hills of the English countryside and spoiling us with some of the most exotic cars on the planet.
Like any good open-world game, it rewards exploration and offers both a structured campaign mode and plenty of distractions around the campaign. And the new setting feels like something of a love letter from Playground Games to rural Britain; charming, idyllic and made for cross-country road trips.
It's really good fun, and well-worth buying - especially ahead of the release of Forza Horizon 5.
(Image credit: The Coalition)Still as slick
Reasons to buy+Visually intoxicating+Plenty of multiplayer modes+New mechanics make it feel fresh
Reasons to avoid-Ope- world elements feel off-Doesn't flesh out narrative
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Gears 5 is yet another Xbox One title that’s been optimized for the Xbox Series X. Thanks to Xbox Series X optimization, Gears 5’s campaign has significantly reduced loading times, both gameplay and cutscenes run at 4K at 60fps, while ray-traced screen space global illumination massively improves the campaign’s visual fidelity.
Perhaps the biggest benefit for Gears 5 fans is that multiplayer now runs at up to 120fps at 4K - making the game more responsive than ever. We found that 120fps paired with the Xbox Series X’s Dolby Atmos audio support made for an extremely immersive and smooth gameplay experience.
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)Gears Tactics
Turn-based tactics
Reasons to buy+Feels like a classic Gears game+4K Ultra HD and 60fps
Reasons to avoid-Some mission structure issues
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Gears Tactics, as the name suggests, is a tactical turn-based shooter set in the Gears of World universe. So instead of running in guns blazing, players need to be more strategic about how they approach combat.
Gears Tactics is yet another Xbox game that had released on Xbox One and PC, but it also served as a launch title for the Xbox Series X/S thanks to some excellent next-gen enhancements. Those playing on Xbox Series X will benefit from gameplay in 4K Ultra HD and 60fps, with enhanced textures, increased world detail and a choice of 60 or 30 frames per second for cinematics. But those on Xbox Series S benefit too, with Gears Tactics running at 60fps and 1440p on the smaller console.
Tactics is a great spin-off for those who love the Gears of War franchise, but want to try something a bit different, making it one of the best Xbox Series X games around.
Hades (Image credit: Supergiant Games)Hades
Mythologically-infused, stylish fun
Reasons to buy+Comic-like art style+Meaty combat+You can pet the two-headed dog
Reasons to avoid-Requires patience to master-Can overwhelm with difficulty
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
A bit of a dark horse hit from the makers of Bastion and Transistor, Hades isn't just one of the best Xbox Series X games out there, but a genuine contender to rank among the best games of all time.
Hades is rogue-like, meaning all of its mythology-inspired levels are procedurally generated, and no single area will be the same each time you enter it, keeping the map fresh and exciting, and enemies a surprising challenge.
With a killer soundtrack, hack-n-slash combat, interesting story and stellar RPG systems, Hades is extremely fun to play and will stave off any pangs of boredom.
Suffice it to say, if you have an interest in Greek mythology, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much research Supergiant has put into this one, offering a truly exceptional experience for those wanting to see the soap-opera-like drama of the ancient gods play out.
Sometimes there's far too much going on while you're playing which does make it all a bit hectic, but if you can get past the chaos you'll have hours of fun playing this game, as it's easily one of the best rogue-likes around.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
A collection of greats
Reasons to buy+Six Halo games in one+4K at 120 fps on Xbox Series X+FOV slider+Improves split-screen
Reasons to avoid-Doesn't include Halo 5
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Halo: The Master Chief Collection was already one of our favorite Xbox One games and now, thanks to Xbox Series X/S optimizations, it's even better than ever.
The Master Chief Collection includes six Halo games in total, including every single multiplayer mode. That means you get Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo: ODST and Halo Reach.
Xbox Series X/S Optimization means that all games in the collection are now playable at 120fps, and at a maximum resolution of 4K on Series X and 1080p on Series S. Other enhancements include improved split-screen play for couch multiplayer and co-op, along with the introduction of an FOV (field of view) slider.
If you're a Halo fan eagerly awaiting the release of Halo Infinite later this year, then The MCC is sure to keep you busy in the meantime.
(Image credit: IO Interactive)Perfectly executed
Reasons to buy+Great living and breathing locations+Looks fantastic on next-gen+Tweaks to the expected formula
Reasons to avoid-Cutscenes don’t look the best-Could be more replayable-New camera tool doesn’t add much
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Hitman 3 is the dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed stealth series - and what a conclusion it is. While the third entry in the Hitman series doesn't stray too far from what made the 2016 reboot (and its sequel) great, it adds some brilliant little twists to the formula to keep you on your toes.
While the way you assassinate your targets hasn't changed much, the new locations - such as Dubai, China and Argentina - are some of the most memorable of the series. Add to that more experimental objectives and a gripping story (plus native 4K at 60fps on the Xbox Series X) and Hitman 3 rightly deserves its place on our best Xbox Series X games list.
(Image credit: EA / Hazelight Studios)It Takes Two
Team work makes the dream work
Reasons to buy+Family friendly+Takes elements from lots of genres+Fun for gamers and non-gamers+Friend's Pass available
Reasons to avoid-Can only be played co-op
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
If you're looking for one of the best co-op games on Xbox Series X then look no further. It Takes Two is a fun, tongue-in-cheek adventure that will provide hours of entertainment for both gamers and non-gamers alike. Taking elements from a variety of different games and intertwining them a rom-com-like narrative, It Takes Two has something for everyone - even kids.
It's worth noting this game can only be played in co-op (either online or couch), but comes with a Friend's Pass allowing you to invite an online friend to join your adventure, even if they don't own the full game.
(Image credit: EA)Knockout City
A genuinely innovative multiplayer experience
Reasons to buy+Unique competitive multiplayer+KO's feel oh-so satisfying+Deceptively deep gameplay
Reasons to avoid-Controls take some getting used to
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Knockout City is more than its awkward debut trailer would have you believe, and ends up offering something truly unique in the competitive multiplayer space. Drawing comparisons to other oddball multiplayer fests like Rocket League and Splatoon, Knockout City carves its own niche through blisteringly fast dodgeball that we hope stays popular for years to come.
While the game's controls do take some getting accustomed to, once you've got them down, you'll be knocking out opponents left, right and center across a multitude of madcap maps. Getting KO's feels fantastic, too, with developer Velan Studios seemingly picking the most dopamine-inducing sound effects for when your ball connects to your opponent's jaw.
One of Knockout City's best features? It's available to play for free for Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at no extra cost, meaning there's absolutely no reason to grab a few friends for some futuristic dodging, ducking, dipping, diving and dodging action.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
A beautifully remastered collection of classic games
Reasons to buy+Improved controls+4K resolution mode+120fps performance mode
Reasons to avoid-Lacks multiplayer modes
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
The Mass Effect trilogy that released during the Xbox 360 era is beloved by gamers the world over thanks to its immersive role playing gameplay and deep science fiction lore. While the original Xbox 360 trilogy is currently available on Xbox Game Pass, it has aged considerably over the last decade or so, making the trilogy ripe for a remaster.
That's exactly what we've gotten with Mass Effect Legendary Edition – a collection that significantly cleans up all three classic games with a number of visual, audio and gameplay enhancements, bringing the series into 2021 while keeping our rose-colored memories of it completely intact.
Along with improved controls (especially when it comes to aiming in the first Mass Effect), this Legendary Edition also brings two graphical modes: a resolution mode which allows you to play at 4K/60fps, and a performance mode that runs at 1440p/120fps. Additionally, you get full HDR support, improved lighting and textures, and enhanced audio resolution across the whole trilogy.
(Image credit: Microsoft)We have lift off
Reasons to buy+Incredible graphics+Superb attention to detail+Great peripheral support
Reasons to avoid-Difficult for beginners-Range of editions is confusing-Not all airports are created equal
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Want to fly over Machu Picchu? Maybe take in the breathtaking view of the Northern Lights in Norway? Maybe you just want to see how your neighborhood looks from a plane? Then Microsoft Flight Simulator is probably for you as it allows you to soar the skies of the entire world - complete with real-time weather and traffic.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is clearly a labor of love, with a realism and attention to detail that will make this an essential purchase for flight sim fans. Using cutting-edge technology and graphics for the ultimate immersive experience, this isn’t a game that’s going to be for everyone, but if you’re its core demographic, you’re going to love it.
(Image credit: Microsoft)Ori and the Will of the Wisps
A magical masterpiece
Reasons to buy+Stunning visuals+Great platformer+Emotive story
Reasons to avoid-Not as challenging as some platformers
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Just like The Touryst, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has received next-gen enhancements that make full use of the Xbox Series X's immense power, such as native 4K resolution at 120fps for those with HDMI 2.1 compliant TVs.
Additionally, players can opt to render the game in a 6K "supersampled" mode, which is then displayed at 4K resolution and 60fps. It's said that the benefit of this mode is an even higher level of visual fidelity, which outshines even that of the standard 4K mode.
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios/Double Fine)Psychonauts 2
A mindful adventure
Reasons to buy+Unique levels and characters+Tongue-in-cheek humor+Plenty to collect
Reasons to avoid-Combat is a bit clunky
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Psychonauts 2 is a psychedelic journey that you won't forget. The sequel to 2005's Psychonauts, and following directly on from Rhombus of Ruin, Psychonauts 2 once again follows Raz, a young psychic attempting to join the Psychonauts, an international group of psychic secret agents.
Psychonauts 2 is a hilarious, heartfelt adventure that embraces a humourous take on mental health while offering unique (and often bizarre) worlds for players to explore. It's easily one of the best Xbox Series X titles around and - what's more - it's available on Game Pass alongside the original.
(Image credit: Capcom)Lycan it a lot
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
+Well-paced story (mostly)+Inventory management improved+Memorable characters
Reasons to avoid-Boss fights can feel anticlimactic-Less focus on scares-Story spoon-fed at the end
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
Resident Evil Village is a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7 - but while that game managed to revive the survival horror roots of the series, Village builds on it with an experience that draws from all the highlights of the series. What results is a Resi game that promises to thrill veteran fans of Resident Evil and delight newcomers.
Resident Evil Village follows on from the events of Resident Evil 7 - taking place a few years later. Village sees protagonist Ethan exploring an Eastern European village in hopes of finding his kidnapped daughter - but the village residents are.... Less than welcoming.
Resident Evil Village is more action-focused than its predecessor - and it's visibly closer to the classic Resident Evil 4 in its moment-to-moment gameplay - but it blends this with the survival horror elements that we love about older entries. Factor in a slew of quality-of-life improvements, a roster of memorable characters, a well-paced and gripping story, and Resident Evil Village is one of the best Xbox Series X games around.
(Image credit: Rare)Sea of Thieves
Yo ho ho!
Reasons to buy+Regular exciting updates+Unpredictability and chemistry of players
Reasons to avoid-Not as fun alone
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
Hooked up to a 4K HDR capable display, Sea of Thieves still remains one of the most beautiful games around thanks to its vibrant colors and stunning vistas. So how is the experience improved on Xbox Series X? Well, if you’ve yet to have your maiden voyage with Rare’s popular pirate game, now is the time.
Sea of Thieves benefits from a sizable boost to its frame rate. Previously capped at 30fps, with the occasional drop when things get particularly hectic, the game now runs at silky-smooth 4K/60fps, and the improvement is tangible. Whether you’re sailing across rough waters as a storm begins to break, or battling skeletons on the shoreline in the hunt for treasure, the game feels far more responsive and enjoyable as a result. The game also now loads incredibly fast thanks to the Xbox Series X’s SSD, taking around 35 seconds compared to the minute plus load times we were previously used to.
It’s a fantastic upgrade over the Xbox One version, then, and one that will ultimately keep people playing as the next generation unfolds.
(Image credit: Enhance)Tetris Effect: Connected
A cosmic adventure
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Xbox Game Pass for Console
Reasons to buy+Wonderful multiplayer modes+A true showcase for HDR+It's Tetris
Reasons to avoid-You don't like Tetris...
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
It might be almost three decades old, but Tetris' addictive gameplay continues to stand the test of time. It's a terrific puzzle game that's easy to pick up and sometimes impossible to put down, and although there have been many iterations, spin-offs and homages, Tetris Effect: Connected is probably the best version of the game to date.
A feast for the eyes and ears, Tetris Effect: Connected takes the classic game and shapes it around an audio and sensory experience. You'll journey through the cosmos, dropping tetrominoes across ever-changing backdrops and sounds, as time just slips away. Everything looks razor sharp thanks to its 4K/60fps presentation and eye-popping HDR support.
What makes the game really stand out, though, is the new co-op and competitive online and local multiplayer mode. Tetris has always been a blast playing alone, but with friends or new foes online, it's even better.
(Image credit: Bloober Team)The first Xbox Series X/S exclusive
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Xbox Game Pass for Console
Reasons to buy+Retro horror vibe+Plenty of twists+Score elevates atmosphere
Reasons to avoid-May be too linear for some
Xbox Series X/S exclusive and Xbox Game Pass
If you've been itching for a horror that doesn't rely solely on jump scares and clichés, The Medium is an excellent psychological horror game, and the first true Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S exclusive - that means you can't play it on Xbox One consoles.
The Medium brings classic fixed-camera horror to the modern day, but makes sure to add its own touch through the ‘split’ feature that sees the game's lead leading character, Marianne, moving between both the ‘real’ world and the spirit world. This adds a new dimension to the puzzle elements we’ve seen in similar titles such as the early entries in the Resident Evil series, and makes for quite a unique experience.
(Image credit: Shin'en Multimedia)The Touryst
A much-needed holiday
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Xbox Game Pass for Console
Reasons to buy+Stunning visuals+Plenty to do+Family-friendly fun
Reasons to avoid-Can be a bit repetitive at times
Xbox Series X/S Optimized and Xbox Game Pass
You may be tempted to sleep on blocky, action-adventure The Touryst - but absolutely don’t. The game itself sees you playing as a tourist (go figure), who hops about various exotic islands completing tasks for island residents and fellow tourists alike, with the overall goal being to uncover the secret of the ancient monuments located on these islands - but that can wait.
The Touryst may have been released on various platforms before, but it looks and performs best on the Xbox Series X. The color and visual fidelity is captivating, which is not a huge surprise given that the game renders at 6K/4K on Series X and then downsamples to the target resolution. What results is that you get a vivid tropical experience, super-fast loading times and an overall smooth experience.
A nostalgia-filled return to form
Reasons to buy+Great soundtrack+Countless challenges to beat+Gorgeous graphics+Native 4k @60FPS
Reasons to avoid-Sparse create-a-character options-Some levels haven't aged well-Online multiplayer is limited
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
A sublime remake that will feel like a grand homecoming for fans and an exciting revelation for newcomers, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a gnarly remake of two classic games.
While Pro Skater already looked fantastic on last-gen consoles, the Xbox Series X makes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 look stunning and run as smooth as butter, with support for 120fps @1080p or Native 4k @60fps (Xbox Series S version renders at 1440P and upscales to 4K). 
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A bonkers RPG
Reasons to buy+Hilarious and unique+Side missions are just as interesting+Great entry to Yakuza series
Reasons to avoid-Some elements feel outdated
Xbox Series X/S Optimized
The Yakuza games have always mixed mature themes with utterly bonkers shenanigans, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon really lets loose in the latter regard. While you can still expect plenty of hard-hitting plot points during the game’s lengthy and turbulent story, the entire fighting system has been re-imagined as a turn-based JRPG – and it works surprisingly well. Each character can take on various classes, such as becoming a crooning musician or cutesy J-Pop idol, and each has their own abilities in battle. It’s certainly a different approach, then, but one that really lets the series’ freak flag fly.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes advantage of the Xbox Series X hardware by providing two distinct display modes to choose from: ‘Normal’ targets 60fps at 1440p, while ‘High Resolution’ bumps the resolution to 4K but halves the frame rate to 30fps. While we’d personally opt for a smoother experience over a slightly higher pixel count, it’s great that users have the choice.
FAQs(Image credit: Microsoft) What does Optimized for Xbox Series X/S mean?
Games optimized for Xbox Series X/S are titled which have been developed to make the most of the technical capabilities of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. Xbox Series X/S Optimized games will have faster load times, better visuals and steadier framrates (up to 120fps). Here's how to tell if a game is optimized for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
What games are best improved by Xbox Series X?There are plenty of Xbox One games on our list that have been optimized including F1 2021, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Forza Horizon 4. Make sure to check out our full list of the best Xbox Series X Optimized games for our favorites.
What's the best looking game on Xbox Series X?Games optimized for Xbox Series X/S are titled which have been developed to make the most of the technical capabilities of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. Unparalleled load-times, heightened visuals, and steadier framerates at up to 120FPS. These include new titles built natively using the Xbox Series X|S development environment as well as previously released titles that have been rebuilt specifically for Xbox Series X|S.
What Xbox series should I play?Microsoft has some fantastic Xbox exclusive series that are definitely worth checking out. Some of the most popular Xbox exclusive series' include Halo, Gears of War and Forza.
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Watch 30 Minutes Of Metal Gear Solid 5 Gameplay On PS4
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E3 2014: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Gameplay
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[UPDATE] We now have the full video, which you can watch above.
The original story is below.
We've already published our thoughts on the 30-minute Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain demo, but now you can watch the extended video right now, courtesy of the Konami Station. Gameplay starts at 50:08.
The video shows off the Phantom Pain's characters, dynamic weather system, weapons, stealth maneuvers, and a new system through which cutscenes seamlessly transition to gameplay. A Konami developer says the footage is captured on PlayStation 4 and is running at 1080p/60fps.
We won't spoil too much; watch the full clip right now in the video above!
The Phantom Pain is the sequel to this year's Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. The game is described as open-world, but you shouldn't think of The Phantom Pain as being in the same style of Rockstar Games' acclaimed title Grand Theft Auto V, according to Kojima.
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