The 22 Xbox One launch games Microsoft has in store for early adopters of its next-gen console are, as tends to be the case with launch line-ups, a mixed bag. Some are great, some are good, some are mediocre and some are just plain bad. Following our rundown of the 28 PS4 launch titles, now it’s time to turn our attention to the “Xbone” and what it has in store for us.
Here are all 22 Xbox One launch games detailed, and why you should or shouldn’t buy them.
All 22 Xbox One Launch Games Detailed: What Should You Buy?
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Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
The latest entry in the Assassin's Creed series has you looting pirate ships and wrestling with deadly sea creatures in the Caribbean.
Should you buy it? Maybe. While Assassin's Creed IV has been praised by critics, there are quite a few games in the Xbox One's launch line-up that you may wish to spend your money on. However, if you're a fan of the series, then you'll definitely want to pick this one up.
Available: Retail
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Battlefield 4
Battlefield 4 is the most explosive iteration in the squad-based tactical FPS series, featuring huge multiplayer battles and boasting new "Levolution" gameplay, which sees players being able to blow up each map's landscape in the middle of a battle.
Should you buy it? Yes. Battlefield 4 is the best shooter available on the Xbox One at launch, and with its 64-player multiplayer battles, it looks set to make good use of the online capabilities of the next-gen console.
Available: Retail
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Call of Duty: Ghosts
Another year, another Call of Duty. Ghosts hasn't been as well-received as its predecessors, but that hasn't prevented it from becoming a financial success.
Should you buy it? Maybe. If you're an avid Call of Duty fan, this is more of the same. If not, you'd be better off buying Battlefield 4 instead.
Available: Retail
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Crimson Dragon
A spiritual successor to Panzer Dragoon, this rail-shooter is one of the quirkier titles in the Xbox One's launch line-up that hopes to covet the elusive "hardcore" crowd.
Should you buy it? No. Critical reception has unfortunately not been good for Crimson Dragon.
Available: Download
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Dead Rising 3
Alongside Forza Motorsport 5, Dead Rising 3 is the Xbox One's joint flagship launch title. While it's sporting an "edgier" visual style this time around, it still retains the goofiness that fans have come to expect from the series.
Should you buy it? Yes. Out of all the Xbox One's launch titles, you'll likely have the most fun with this one.
Available: Retail
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FIFA 14
EA's annual football/soccer sim is back, this time boasting a few tweaks, improved Career and Ultimate Team modes and crisper graphics.
Should you buy it? Maybe. If you're a fan of the FIFA series and haven't yet picked it up on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC, then you should definitely pick this up. If not, then your money is better spent elsewhere.
Available: Retail
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Fighter Within
Kick and punch your friends using the Kinect in this unique fighter.
Should you buy it? No. Fight your friends the old-fashioned way instead - by punching them right in the mouth.
Available: Retail
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Forza Motorsport 5
The racing sim looks more gorgeous than ever on the Xbox One, and judging from all its pre-release hype it's clearly the game that Microsoft is hoping will convince you to buy the new console.
Should you buy it? Yes. Reviews are very positive for Forza 5, and the series has an incredible track record of quality. This should be at the top of your list if you're getting an Xbox One.
Available: Retail
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Just Dance 2014
Just Dance 2014 wants you to invite your friends round for a fun evening of waggling your limbs to Michael Jackson in front of the Kinect.
Should you buy it? Maybe. If you like party games, then this is your best option out of the Xbox One's launch games.
Available: Retail
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Killer Instinct
The classic fighting game is brought to the Xbox One, along with its ridiculous combos.
Should you buy it? Maybe. Killer Instinct is technically free, but only one character is available. The other characters (of which there are only 5) are available to buy, but it's still a very slim roster for a fighting game.
Available: Download
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LEGO Marvel Superheroes
The LEGO games' popularity shows no signs of dwindling, as the Marvel universe receives the blocky treatment.
Should you buy it? No. While LEGO Marvel Superheroes has been well-received, the Xbox One launch has a few other games that are more worth your money. However, if you have kids, then you can bump this one up to a 'Maybe', depending on whether or not they like Spider-Man, Thor & co.
Available: Retail
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LocoCycle
Surreality and latent racism abound in this weird downloadable title, in which you control a Mexican who has become inexplicably tethered to a sentient motorbike.
Should you buy it? No. This is considered to be the biggest duff in the Xbox One's launch line-up. Avoid it.
Available: Download
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Madden NFL 25
The Xbox One gets its own Madden at launch. NFL fans rejoice.
Should you buy it? Maybe. Similarly to FIFA 14, if you like the Madden games, go for it. If not, spend your money elsewhere.
Available: Retail
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NBA 2K14
And now basketball! My, there's a lot of sports games on the Xbox One, isn't there?
Should you buy it? Again, maybe. The NBA 2K series has always been of a high quality, and NBA 2K14 is no different, though it won't be very appealing to those of you who aren't basketball fans.
Available: Retail
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NBA Live 2014
If NBA 2K14 doesn't tickle your fancy, then EA hopes they can inveigle you with their b-ball game, the much-delayed NBA Live 2014.
Should you buy it? No. For basketball fans, NBA 2K14 is the better option.
Available: Retail
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Need For Speed Rivals
Forza 5 gets some competition in the form of Need For Speed Rivals, which is a more arcade-style racer that hopes to attract those who are less concerned with their racers being realistic and more concerned with having lots of fun.
Should you buy it? Maybe. Xbox One owners will likely prioritise Forza 5, but this still looks like good fun.
Available: Retail
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Powerstar Golf
Fans of Hot Shots Golf will no doubt be interested in downloading this charming golf game.
Should you buy it? Maybe. Powerstar Golf looks to be the party game for those not energetic enough to take on Just Dance 2014.
Available: Download
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Ryse: Son of Rome
This gorgeous God of War-esque action game is one of the more divisive titles in the Xbox One's launch.
Should you buy it? Maybe. Ryse: Son of Rome successfully shows off the Xbox One's graphical capabilities, but it's marred by some repetitive gameplay.
Available: Retail
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Skylanders: Swap Force
The ubiquitous Skylanders make their way to next-gen, ready to empty the wallets of parents worldwide.
Should you buy it? No. The Skylanders are as expensive as ever, and those pennies are better spent elsewhere.
Available: Retail
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Xbox Fitness
The Xbox One's fitness service for Xbox Live Gold subscribers looks to expand upon the market that the Wii Fit created, with routinely updated fitness videos and Kinect functionality.
Should you buy it? Yes. It's a free service to Xbox Live Gold members until December 2014, so you can spend the next year burning off a few calories in the comfort of your own home in between Forza sessions.
Available: Download
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Zoo Tycoon
Play with, feed and gawp at cute animals with cute 'ickle faces in this zoo management game, which aims to make good use of the Kinect.
Should you buy it? Yes. Zoo Tycoon is the dark horse of the Xbox One's launch line-up, and it is being highly praised for its addictive nature and Kinect functionality. If you can stomach all the sweetness (which we can) then you should add this one to your list of launch line-up purchases.
Available: Retail
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Zumba Fitness: World Party
The Zumba craze is apparently still going strong, and Zumba Fitness: World Party is proof of this.
Should you buy it? No. Xbox Fitness will likely burn that fat in a far more respectable manner.
Available: Retail
