2020 has been a year filled with anticipation, as many gamers say goodbye to their Xbox One and upgrade to the Xbox Series X. Next-generation hardware promises to not only create an improved experience for new games but for entries on the previous console generations as well. This serves as an excellent reason for new hardware owners to peruse some games they might have missed earlier in the year.
Some fans may be enjoying the newest console, but plenty of Xbox fans have not been able to get their hands on the Xbox Series X due to stock shortages. Now serves as a great time to catch up on some overlooked titles for the previous console. While 2020 serves as a swan song for the Xbox One, it produced some surprise hits that were overlooked because of the hype surrounding the next generation of consoles.
10 Ooblets
For gamers interested in life-simulation games, Ooblets is an adorable indie worth investigating. Released in the summer on the Xbox One, this lesser-known indie title focuses on town management, plant growth, and the collection of the mysterious creatures known as Ooblets. Throughout the course of Glumberland’s colorful and innovative title, players can dance, party, and play with these cute little animals, all while making the town of their dreams. Bright colors and an excellent soundtrack accompany this unique title ensuring it will remain with players long after putting the controller down.
9 Gato Roboto
What’s more unique than a cat piloting a mecha? Those interested in a retro-inspired platformer should pick up Gato Roboto. Players take control of this technologically-savvy feline on a mission to save his missing captain. After crash landing on a mysterious planet, Gato Roboto must use this mech to navigate a hostile alien world. This monochromatic science-fiction game is equal parts humorous and heartfelt. Tight, responsive controls, and a nostalgic 16-bit animation style with music to match make this a digital title any Xbox owner should give a chance.
8 Sky Rogue
Another overlooked title on the Xbox One in 2020, Sky Rogue, is reminiscent of early 90s titles like Star Fox 64. Players take control of a fighter jet, using unique weaponry and abilities to target and destroy enemy ships. Melding rogue-lite mechanics with flight simulation, players are treated to an experience innovative enough to build on the nostalgia of flight sims that came before it.
With an art style similar to games of the 90s from which it draws inspiration, anyone who enjoys arcade shooters is sure to enjoy the distinctive design that Sky Rogue presents to its players.
7 Yes, Your Grace
Fans of role-playing strategy games may have missed Yes, Your Grace when it released in early March this year. Developed by Brave At Night, this game Places players in the shoes of King Eryk, the ruler of Davern. Managing a kingdom and dealing with the troubles that plague it is the duties presented to those who take on the role of the king. It is up to those playing the game to decide who to help, and who to turn away, keeping in mind that their choices can sway who becomes an ally and who turns against the ruler. These difficult choices presented result in a narrative that can be shaped by the player.
6 Tell Me Why
Another decision-dependent experience is Tell Me Why, a 2020 adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment. As the minds behind the critically acclaimed Life is Strange series, Dontnod aims to continue the trend of crafting impactful choice-driven tales they began with the first Life is Strange game. Following Tyler and Alyson Ronan, two twins on a mission to uncover the secrets of their childhood, it serves as a worthy successor. This adventure was released once a month between the months of August and September of 2020 as an Xbox console exclusive.
5 Wasteland 3
Released in late August, Wasteland 3 serves as a long-awaited sequel in the role-playing franchise. Taking place in a destroyed Colorado, players will take charge of several members of Arizona Ranger Team November on their quest to recruit the aid of a rival ruler. Developers inXile Entertainment’s turn-based game forces players to make choices that can not only impact playable characters but the overall game world as a whole. The latest entry in the Wasteland series can also be played cooperatively with one other person for those looking to bring a friend into this post-apocalyptic version of the Centennial State.
4 Grounded
Those familiar with Obsidian Entertainment will know that they made a name for themselves on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One with games like South Park: The Stick of Truth, Fallout: New Vegas, and The Outer Worlds.
The team at Obsidian excels at creating unique experiences, despite the variation in the types of games they aim to tackle. Obsidian’s latest title, Grounded, is a survival simulation where players must survive as insect shaped humans in a backyard teeming with life. While the title is currently in early access, it is available for purchase and included with Xbox Game Pass.
3 Microsoft Flight Simulator
Another Microsoft Exclusive, That Xbox owners may have missed out on is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Asobo Studio released the eleventh entry in the flight simulation series earlier this year. Known for its hyperrealistic visuals, and gorgeous real-life venues, players can soar above ad admire one of the prettiest games of the year. While the console version of the game has not currently been released, a Windows 10 version is out and Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play this game free of charge on their PCs right now. Microsoft has promised a full console release in the near future.
2 Minecraft Dungeons
One of the world’s most popular games, Minecraft, sees a spinoff in Minecraft Dungeons. This dungeon crawler created by Mojang Studio and Double Eleven pits players against hordes of enemies as they fight to save the villagers held captive in each dungeon. With options for up to four people to play together, Xbox owners can pair up with friends to dominate each dungeon. With several expansions already released, Minecraft fans who enjoy the experience can continue the hunt in different biomes with new enemies to confront.
1 Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Given that Ori and the Will of the Wisps came out in early February, many may have forgotten this little was released this year. Immediately following Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori embarks on a mission to save his new friend Ku, the owlet from danger when he is whisked away from home. Those looking for a beautiful platformer with a sensational soundtrack and a heartfelt story are sure to enjoy this masterful indie title. Moon Studios once again creates an unforgettable adventure with the second entry in this series.
