After a strong Xbox Developer Direct to kick off 2025, the future looks bright for Microsoft and its impressive roster of first-party studios. With the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, Xbox boasts a rich catalog of game series that have thrilled gamers over the years. Whether you're reminiscing about the glory days of the Xbox 360 or eagerly anticipating Microsoft's plans to share its library with other platforms like PlayStation, there's no shortage of excitement.
Here's a personal tier list of Xbox game series, based on enjoyment and impact over the years:
Simon Cardy's Xbox Games Series Tier List
S-Tier:
- Doom: The recent entries stand out as some of the best first-person shooters I've played. The upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages looks promising, continuing id Software's stellar work.
- Forza Horizon: Outside of the Burnout series, these are the finest racing games I've experienced. Their open-world approach and stunning visuals set them apart.
A-Tier:
- Halo: While Halo 2 and 3 are among the finest campaign shooters ever, recent entries have had their inconsistencies, keeping it just below the top tier.
- Fallout: I'm more of a Fallout fan than an Elder Scrolls one. The post-apocalyptic world and deep storytelling resonate more with me than fantasy adventures.
B-Tier:
- Gears of War: A solid series with gripping campaigns and intense multiplayer, though it hasn't reached the same heights for me as the S-tier games.
- Fable: Charming and unique, yet it hasn't quite captured the same level of excitement for me as other series.
C-Tier:
- Elder Scrolls: While beloved by many, I find myself less drawn to its fantasy setting compared to other series.
- Ori: Beautiful and emotionally engaging, but shorter experiences compared to other series on this list.
D-Tier:
- Fuzion Frenzy: A fun party game, but it doesn't hold the same lasting appeal or impact as other Xbox series.
Do you agree with this ranking? Perhaps you think Gears of War should be higher or are a staunch defender of Fuzion Frenzy. Feel free to create your own tier list and compare it with the IGN community.
Is there an Xbox series we've missed that you'd like to give a shout-out to? Let us know in the comments, along with your reasons for ranking the games as you have.
