The Most Underrated Xbox One Games

The Xbox One generation featured a wide array of gaming experiences that pushed the boundaries of narrative and gameplay. While many titles achieved commercial success, several high-quality releases remained under the radar despite their innovative mechanics and high production values. These games often showcased unique art directions, intricate storytelling, and genre-blending systems that offered something different from the standard industry trends. The following list identifies several such titles that deserve recognition for their contributions to the console’s library.

‘Sunset Overdrive’ (2014)

Developed by Insomniac Games and published by Microsoft Studios, this title focuses on stylized movement and traversal in the vibrant Sunset City. Players use an arsenal of unconventional weapons to fight mutants created by an energy drink. The game features a traversal system that emphasizes grinding on rails and wall-running to maintain momentum. It was noted for its comedic tone and colorful aesthetic that broke from the gritty realism common in contemporary shooters.

‘Quantum Break’ (2016)

This action-adventure game was developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft Studios. The narrative follows Jack Joyce, who gains time-manipulation powers following a failed experiment. A unique aspect of the production is the inclusion of live-action episodes that change based on player choices made during gameplay segments. The story explores themes of causality and fate as the protagonist attempts to prevent the end of time.

‘Ryse: Son of Rome’ (2013)

Developed by Crytek and published by Microsoft Studios, this title follows the journey of Roman soldier Marius Titus. The combat system focuses on timing and execution maneuvers to defeat waves of barbarian enemies. It originally served as a launch title for the Xbox One, showcasing the graphical capabilities of the console at the time. The narrative spans from Marius’s early service to a large-scale invasion of Britain.

‘Recore’ (2016)

This game was developed by Comcept and Armature Studio and published by Microsoft Studios. It follows Joule Adams, one of the last remaining humans on the desert planet Far Eden. Players must work with robotic companions known as Corebots to navigate environmental puzzles and engage in combat. The gameplay mechanics involve switching between different elemental shots to match enemy core colors.

‘D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die’ (2014)

Developed by Access Games and published by Microsoft Studios, this episodic adventure follows a private investigator who can travel back in time. David Young uses this ability to investigate the murder of his wife and find a mysterious figure known only as “D.” The game was designed specifically to utilize the Kinect sensor for motion-controlled interactions, though it also supports standard controller play. Its visual style is characterized by cel-shaded graphics and an eccentric narrative structure.

‘Mad Max’ (2015)

Developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, this open-world game is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Players take control of Max Rockatansky as he builds the “Magnum Opus,” a customizable combat vehicle. The gameplay features a mix of vehicular combat and third-person brawling mechanics. The world is divided into various regions controlled by different factions that the player must dismantle.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

This first-person shooter was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. It introduced a full single-player campaign focusing on the bond between Pilot Jack Cooper and the Titan BT-7274. The multiplayer component expanded on the parkour-style movement and mech combat established in the first game. Despite receiving high praise for its level design and movement mechanics, it faced stiff competition during its release window.

‘Prey’ (2017)

Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, this immersive sim takes place on the Talos I space station. Players control Morgan Yu while surviving an outbreak of shape-shifting aliens known as Typhon. The game emphasizes player agency, allowing for multiple solutions to puzzles and various ways to upgrade the character’s abilities. It draws inspiration from titles like ‘System Shock’ and ‘BioShock’ in its environmental storytelling.

‘The Evil Within 2’ (2017)

This survival horror title was developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. Sebastian Castellanos returns to enter a simulated world called Union to save his daughter. Unlike its predecessor, this entry features larger, semi-open environments that encourage exploration and resource gathering. The game focuses on psychological horror and stealth-based combat against grotesque creatures.

‘Vampyr’ (2018)

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Focus Home Interactive, this action RPG is set in 1918 London during the Spanish Flu. Players assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a doctor turned vampire who must balance his oath to heal with his need to feed. The narrative is heavily influenced by player choices regarding which citizens to save or sacrifice. The game features a complex social web where every NPC has a role in the city’s ecosystem.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

This role-playing game was developed by Spiders and published by Focus Home Interactive. It is set on the mysterious island of Teer Fradee, where settlers, mercenaries, and treasure hunters converge. Players must navigate political tensions between different factions while searching for a cure for a deadly plague. The game emphasizes diplomacy and choice, allowing for various combat and social playstyles.

‘The Surge 2’ (2019)

Developed by Deck13 and published by Focus Home Interactive, this action RPG features a limb-targeting system for combat. Players explore the devastated city of Jericho, where they must scavenge parts from enemies to upgrade their exo-suit. The game builds upon the Soulslike mechanics of its predecessor with improved movement and more varied environments. The narrative involves a nanite outbreak that has plunged the city into chaos.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

This historical RPG was developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. It is set in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the early 15th century and focuses on realism in its combat and survival systems. Players take the role of Henry, a blacksmith’s son who becomes embroiled in a civil war. The game features a non-linear quest structure and a detailed reputation system based on player actions.

‘Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition’ (2014)

Developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, this remastered title is set in an open-world Hong Kong. Players control Wei Shen, an undercover police officer attempting to infiltrate the Sun On Yee Triad. The gameplay emphasizes martial arts combat, street racing, and cinematic gunplay. The Definitive Edition includes all previously released downloadable content and updated graphical assets for the Xbox One.

‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)

Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, this survival horror game is set 15 years after the events of the original ‘Alien’ film. Players control Amanda Ripley as she searches for her mother on the decaying space station Sevastopol. The game features a single, highly intelligent Xenomorph that uses advanced AI to track and hunt the player. It focuses on stealth, resource management, and atmospheric tension rather than direct combat.

‘Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’ (2016)

This cyberpunk action RPG was developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix. Set in 2029, the story follows Adam Jensen as he uncovers a global conspiracy involving augmented humans. The gameplay allows for multiple approaches, including stealth, hacking, and lethal or non-lethal combat. The game explores themes of social segregation and the ethics of human augmentation in a fractured society.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, this title allows players to choose between Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano. Each protagonist possesses a unique set of supernatural abilities to navigate the coastal city of Karnaca. The level design is celebrated for its verticality and multiple paths for completing objectives. The story focuses on reclaiming the throne after a coup led by the witch Delilah Copperspoon.

‘A Plague Tale: Innocence’ (2019)

Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Home Interactive, this adventure game is set in 14th-century France. It follows siblings Amicia and Hugo de Rune as they flee from the Inquisition and swarms of plague-carrying rats. The gameplay combines stealth elements with puzzle-solving using light and shadow to manipulate the rats. The narrative focuses on the bond between the siblings and the grim reality of the Black Death.

‘Remnant: From the Ashes’ (2019)

This third-person survival shooter was developed by Gunfire Games and published by Perfect World Entertainment. It features procedurally generated worlds where players fight against an interdimensional evil known as the Root. The game incorporates Soulslike elements, including challenging boss fights and a focus on stamina management. Players can customize their characters with various weapons, armor sets, and supernatural mods.

‘Mirror’s Edge Catalyst’ (2016)

Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, this title serves as a reboot of the 2008 game. Players control Faith Connors as she navigates the sleek, dystopian city of Glass using parkour. The game features an open-world environment and removes the use of firearms for the protagonist. The focus remains on fluid movement, momentum, and hand-to-hand combat to dismantle the ruling Conglomerate.

‘Wasteland 3’ (2020)

Developed by inXile Entertainment and published by Deep Silver, this squad-based RPG is set in the frozen wastes of Colorado. Players lead a team of Desert Rangers who must assist the local “Patriarch” to secure supplies for their home base. The game features turn-based tactical combat and a deep narrative with significant branching choices. It expands on its predecessors with new vehicle mechanics and a revamped cooperative multiplayer mode.

‘Desperados III’ (2020)

This real-time tactics game was developed by Mimimi Games and published by THQ Nordic. It serves as a prequel to the original series, following John Cooper and his band of outlaws in the American Old West. Players must utilize the unique skills of each character to complete complex missions through stealth or strategy. The game features a “Showdown” mode that allows players to pause time and plan synchronized actions.

‘Super Lucky’s Tale’ (2017)

Developed by Playful Studios and published by Microsoft Studios, this 3D platformer follows a fox named Lucky. The game features various worlds filled with collectibles, environmental puzzles, and boss encounters. It was designed as a throwback to classic platformers, emphasizing charm and accessible gameplay mechanics. Lucky’s quest involves rescuing the Book of Ages from the villainous Jinx and the Kitty Litter.

‘Killer Instinct’ (2013)

This revival of the classic fighting franchise was developed by Double Helix Games and Iron Galaxy, published by Microsoft Studios. It features a unique combo system that focuses on “Combo Breakers” and “Counter Breakers” to maintain balance. The game was released as a free-to-play title with a rotating cast of characters available for purchase. It maintained a long life cycle with multiple seasons of content and updates to its netcode.

‘Phantom Dust’ (2017)

This title is an HD re-release of the original Xbox game, developed by Code Mystics and published by Microsoft Studios. It combines third-person combat with digital card-collecting mechanics in a post-apocalyptic setting. Players build decks of skills to use in arena-based battles against other characters. The re-release includes improved resolution, modern aspect ratio support, and integrated Xbox Live features.

‘The Flame in the Flood’ (2016)

Developed by The Molasses Flood and published by Curve Digital, this survival game follows a girl and her dog on a raft. Players navigate a procedurally generated river through a post-societal America while gathering resources. The gameplay focuses on managing hunger, thirst, and fatigue while avoiding environmental hazards and predators. Its visual style is characterized by a distinct art direction and a folk-inspired soundtrack.

‘Below’ (2018)

This roguelike adventure game was developed and published by Capybara Games. Players explore the depths of a mysterious island, focusing on survival and discovery in a top-down perspective. The game features a high level of difficulty with permanent death and limited resource availability. Its atmosphere is defined by its minimalist art style and haunting musical score composed by Jim Guthrie.

‘Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales’ (2018)

Developed and published by CD Projekt, this game combines narrative exploration with Gwent-style card battles. It follows Queen Meve of Lyria and Rivia during the Nilfgaardian invasion. Players make choices that impact the story and manage resources to build their army’s deck. The game features hand-drawn art and deep voice acting, expanding the lore of ‘The Witcher’ universe.

‘The Sexy Brutale’ (2017)

This puzzle-adventure game was developed by Cavalier Game Studios and Tequila Works, published by the latter. It takes place during a never-ending masked ball where guests are being murdered by the staff. Players take the role of Lafcadio Boone, who must use a groundhog day-style time loop to prevent the killings. The gameplay involves observing the routines of characters to intervene at the correct moment.

‘Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments’ (2014)

Developed by Frogwares and published by Focus Home Interactive, this investigation game features six distinct cases. Players must gather clues, interrogate suspects, and use Holmes’s “deduction space” to link evidence. Each case can result in different conclusions and moral choices regarding the fate of the accused. The game emphasizes logical reasoning and detailed environmental inspection.

Please share which of these hidden gems you have played in the comments.