FPS Boost is one of the many technological perks of the Xbox Series X/S; one that adds even more appeal for diehard Xbox fans and newcomers alike.
Though the console shines with its growing library of flashy modern games, Xbox One gamers can still get value out of their old software with the added juice of FPS Boost. The feature boasts a doubling, or even quadrupling of framerates of older titles, either owned or downloaded via Game Pass.
This framerate booster, along with other options such as Auto HDR, can be initiated through a simple toggle with the new Compatibility Options button.
Though this has thus far just been implemented with Xbox One games, Microsoft hasn’t ruled out expanding this feature to Xbox 360 titles as well.
This has gotten many buzzing with excitement at the prospect of revisiting or discovering older games in smoother, spruced-up form. After all, most of the older-gen games are locked at a more limiting 30FPS. Here are some examples of great titles that would likely be made even greater by this boost.
10 Dead Rising (30 Frames Per Second)
Capcom’s zombie-thriller pedigree is well known, namely with their iconic horror franchise, Resident Evil. Though in 2006, the Japanese studio managed to once again redefine survival-horror with this amped-up, undead beat ’em up.
Dead Rising allows you to satisfyingly wallop loads of virtual foes en masse - while using most anything you can get your hands on inside a vast mall setting.
Admittedly, this over-the-top romp isn’t exactly known for its realism or flashiness. Still, the added immersion and smoothness of FPS Boost would surely complement the barrage of action brought by countless zombie hordes.
9 Sonic Generations (30 Frames Per Second)
Rapid framerates tend to fit fast-paced gaming experiences like a glove - and there are few franchises more known for their speed than Sonic.
While the hedgehog’s most memorable efforts tend to precede this 2011 game, Generations nonetheless shines as a worthy Sonic title. The game is a delightful blend of old and new Sonic, wavering between classic 2D stages and flashy 3D dashes. But while there’s ample ’90s nostalgia to be had here, Generations manages to feel modern with its fast-paced speed and sleek, vibrant visuals.
A smooth 120FPS version would no-doubt enhance this action-platforming blast from the past. Until then, at least the PC version allows for a higher frame rate.
8 Fallout 3 (30 Frames Per Second With Frequent Drops)
While FPS Boost can augment speedier games, it can also add a degree of realism with a more fluid, nuanced sense of motion. Bethesda’s gritty, first-person take on the post-apocalyptic Fallout series would fit the bill for sure.
Wandering the hostile ruins of D.C. with a multiplied framerate would no-doubt make the experience more immersive and unsettling. The emphasis of precision shooting with Fallout 3’s awesome weaponry would also benefit this more refined motion.
7 Assassin’s Creed 2 (30 Frames Per Second)
The current era of this long, storied series has had some marvelous efforts from a visual and technical standpoint, with epics like Odyssey and Valhalla. This has made the ‘09 hit feel a tad dated now, despite being rather ahead of its time with its fluid combat and nuanced stealth.
In fairness, Assassin’s Creed 2 has already seen a remaster in the form of The Ezio Collection. Yet, an even more modern version on its own - with a silky-smooth framerate - would give fans a reason to revisit this action-stealth classic again. Unfortunately, even the remastered version as a part of the Ezio Collection still runs at 30 Frames Per Second.
6 Far Cry 3 (30 Frames Per Second With Frequent Drops)
Being the dynamic action FPS that it is, getting a bump in framerate would surely fit Ubisoft’s Far Cry 3 on multiple levels.
FPS Boost would further enhance the game’s realistic feel and cinematic flair. Picking off foes, creeping around outposts, and notching takedowns would feel better than ever with a juiced-up version of this stealth shooter. Even the remaster that released with Far Cry 5 runs at 30 FPS.
5 Left 4 Dead 2 (30 Frames Per Second)
Like its predecessor, Left 4 Dead 2 takes things to the nth degree when it comes to its in-your-face action and zombie-slaying craziness. Valve’s robust, refined sequel could be given an even bigger lift by dialing up the FPS.
This deeper sense of motion would complement the frantic nature of the game - and its dynamic, adaptable AI undead sprinting about. A steadier performance for split-screen would also be appreciated.
4 BioShock (30 Frames Per Second)
This groundbreaking FPS won over fans and critics alike with its desolate underwater setting, nuanced gameplay, and gripping exploration, winning a slew of accolades since its ‘07 release. BioShock blends a gritty, realistic feel with an ethereal dystopia aura.
The added immersion of FPS Boost could enhance the game’s eerie, unsettling vibe and further iron out the framerate just as the 2016 remaster did.
3 Halo 3 (30 Frames Per Second On The Original Xbox 360)
It would seem a disservice not to include one of the biggest Xbox icons on a “best of” list involving Microsoft’s platform. but really, this standout game in the renowned Halo franchise would truly benefit from the enhancements of FPS Boost.
Such a refinement would give this FPS classic quite the adrenaline shot from a performance standpoint. Yet it would also help repopulate the lobbies of one of the most enjoyable online games on the console.
And in an era rife with remasters and remakes, Halo 3 has remained largely untouched, making it ripe for this boost. It has received a marginal upgrade in The Master Chief Collection; though this bundle is now several years old anyway.
2 Forza Horizon (30 Frames Per Second)
Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 4 still dazzles with its vast, gorgeous landscapes and adrenaline-fueled speed. Its older sibling has thus been left in the dust, despite being the open-world classic that started it all - and having quite the fun online mode to boot.
True, the Colorado landscapes and graphical prowess of this open-world racer still largely hold up, despite dating back to 2012. But being the only game in the series confined to the Xbox 360’s now-dated hardware, the visuals could do with some juicing-up.
The smoothness and added immersion of a solid 120FPS would undoubtedly complement this flashy racer.
1 Gears Of War 3 (30 Frames Per Second)
The hit Gears of War series has seen many iterations and alterations since its explosive debut in ‘06. Though it’s evolved into quite the epic on Xbox One, many fans point to this third entry as peak Gears, with a perfect blend of old school grit and modern flair.
The game blends cinematic bombast and scope with arcade-style action. The online multiplayer proves addictive as ever, with various game modes and a healthy lineup of awesome guns. At the same time, the campaign entertains with a gripping narrative and more diverse, detailed locales.
The game’s fluid, nuanced run-and-cover gameplay could benefit greatly with FPS Boost.
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