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Here’s our next collection of awesome Xbox One games that graced gamers in 2016.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Taken from Game Review: Just when it seemed like the Lego games were getting a bit tiresome, here comes Star Wars to freshen up the formula. This whimsical take on The Force Awakens features everything that fans of Traveller’s Tales games’ love: great puzzles, hilarious jokes, hundreds of playable characters, plentiful secrets and overall fun gameplay. The additions of cover shooting mechanics, space dogfights and side quests that offer deeper lore into the world of Star Wars are all welcome. For those of you who need a reprieve from the Lego games, this release probably won’t bring you back into the fold. As for everyone else, this action platformer is a must play.
Buy Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens here.
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Inside
When the team that delivered Limbo announced their latest project, the anticipation for it hit a fever pitch. The fanbase that grew to appreciate its deep narrative and immersive gameplay knew those elements would carry over to this new game. When Inside finally arrived, it quickly grew into an experience that made gamers try to come up with their own explanation of its dark adventure. The nameless boy placed in the middle of Inside’s dark, tumultuous world had to brave various dangers. All the while, players were left to discover the true machinations behind a grave scientific experiment. The ending sequence left an indelible mark on anyone who watched it unfold. Inside is visually striking, haunting and simply a game that no one will easily forget.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Inside.
XCOM 2
The aliens actually pulled it off. Even though the human race employed the aid of their extraterrestrial fighting force to combat them, they still took over planet Earth. They’ve also taken over the human race, plus it seems like they’re not the benevolent leaders they were painted as. But we all know that their good nature is nothing but a farce. The XCOM resistance has returned and they’re ready to take back their home planet from those alien invaders. XCOM 2 features the same addictive strategic gameplay and custom character creation we enjoyed before. The combat now moves at a faster pace, so you need to be even more careful and not lose your most prized soldiers. The enthralling campaign and intense fight to reclaim Earth from a dangerous alien race propelled us to give our all in XCOM 2.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Taken from Game Review: Deus Ex: Mankind Divided sticks to a formula that still works. We were pulled into a world strife with bigotry, covert organizations and pure chaos as a powerful augmented agent looking for answers. The game’s constant push to help you discover the truth behind the world’s declining health comes through in the form of a great story. The gunplay, stealth and new augmentations do a great job of keeping things fun while you help push along the plot. There’s so much to do, see and hack into throughout Mankind Divided’s full content suite. While the bevy of technical problems halted our fun from time to time, we still couldn’t wait to head back into Adam Jensen’s fragmented future.
Buy Deus Ex: Mankind Divided here.
F1 2016
The official game of last year’s FIA Formula One World Championship encapsulates the full F1 racing experience. One of the world’s most prestigious (and fastest) racing leagues gets a respectable representation due to this game’s implementation of popular drivers, teams and tracks. The pre- and post-race presentation is on point, the racing itself feels as close to the real thing as possible and everything looks amazingly detailed. F1 2016’s new and improved career mode added on an even lengthier season that evoked the same passion and undying determination displayed by this racing league’s competitors. Serious sim racing fans would be a fool to miss out on F1 2016.
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2
The hungriest yellow dot that’s iconic in every way came back strong with the 1st Championship Edition. Once we got a piece of the sequel, we had to applaud Bandai Namco for improving upon a proven formula. The always bright and colorful dot munching, power pellet and ghost hunting filled mazes are still a blast to complete. But this newest rendition of “Pac-Man Fever” introduces a deeper campaign mode, boss fights against massive ghosts and more life-saving maneuvers for good ol’ Pac-Man. The replayability factor behind Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is always high due to the constant need to beat your past high scores and ascend the online leaderboard.
Buy Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 here.
NBA 2K17
Every year, the only basketball sim on the market constantly betters itself and stays in the hearts and minds of diehard NBA fans. NBA 2K17 made the expected fan requested adjustments to its overall on-court mechanics and legacy modes, such as MyGM and MyLeague. The biggest attraction came in the form of an overhauled MyCareer mode, which placed the spotlight on your custom baller and his biggest ally (who happens to be voiced and played by actor Michael B. Jordan). The current NBA roster, classic Olympic squads and international teams filled out NBA 2K17 tremendously. The full suite of modes and always reliable gameplay did a fine job of keeping 2K Games’ prized basketball sim in tip top shape.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
Taken from Game Review: Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 remains at the top of the food chain when it comes to quality soccer simulations. It does a much better job of welcoming new players into the fold thanks to its incredibly boisterous tutorial mechanics. After getting through each lesson, you’ll be properly prepared to take on all comers on the field. The gameplay on the field is still an incredible endeavor, plus the modes that allow you to run your own club and create your own player are still a pleasure to hop into. The lack of some popular soccer club licenses and the sometimes awkward player animations are sore spots within an otherwise perfect game. PES 2017 is still a class act on and off the field.
Buy Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 here.
FIFA 17
While some soccer fans stick to Konami’s PES franchise, the majority of them flock to EA’s own take on the sport on an annual basis. Judging by the overall critical reception and sales of FIFA 17, it’s safe to say that EA Canada hit another game winning goal. FIFA 17 excelled due to its stronger player AI and bigger emphasis on offensive techniques. The biggest addition to the game came in the form of a career mode akin to the ones featured in NBA 2K. As Alex Hunter, players carefully navigated through the trials and tribulations of a Premier League footballer. This mode’s bigger emphasis on efficient storytelling turned out much better than expected. FIFA 17 tried something new with its career mode, spruced up its already excellent gameplay and featured the strong presentation it’s known for.
Forza Horizon 3
Taken from Game Review: Forza Horizon 3 is the ultimate open world racer. Moving the festival over to the more varied continent of Australia was the best move Playground Games could have made. This decision results in a much larger map to trek through, which means you’ll have more to do and way more exciting tourist attractions to admire. Running this festival as the chosen event planner feels so much more gratifying since you can plan your own racing events, build up your fan base and make sure your festival spreads all throughout Australia. Driving across Surfers Paradise in video game form is just one of the many awesome experiences this racer features. If you own an Xbox One, Forza Horizon 3 is a must have.
