After a strong Xbox Developer Direct to kick off 2025, the future looks bright for Microsoft and its impressive lineup of first-party studios. With a rich history of iconic game series, especially following the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, Xbox fans have much to be excited about. Whether you're reminiscing about the glory days of the Xbox 360 or eagerly anticipating Xbox titles coming to other platforms like PlayStation, there's no shortage of legendary series to choose from.
Here's a personal tier list based on enjoyment and impact over the years:
Simon Cardy's Xbox Games Series Tier List
S-Tier:
- Doom: The recent entries have solidified Doom's place as one of the best first-person shooters around. The upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages looks promising, continuing id Software's stellar track record.
- Forza Horizon: Arguably the best racing games I've ever played, outside of classics like Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge. The open-world exploration and stunning visuals make Forza Horizon a standout series.
A-Tier:
- Halo: While Halo 2 and Halo 3 are among the finest campaign shooters ever made, recent inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the top tier. Still, Halo remains a cornerstone of Xbox's legacy.
- Fallout: I'm more of a Fallout fan than an Elder Scrolls enthusiast. The post-apocalyptic world and the freedom to explore in power armor are unmatched.
B-Tier:
- Gears of War: A solid series with intense action and memorable campaigns, though it hasn't quite reached the heights of the S-tier games for me.
- Fable: A charming series with a unique blend of humor and fantasy, though it hasn't seen a new entry in a while.
C-Tier:
- Fuzion Frenzy: A fun party game that brings back memories, but it doesn't have the same lasting impact as other series.
- Crackdown: Enjoyable for its open-world chaos, but it hasn't evolved significantly over time.
D-Tier:
- Kinect Sports: While fun for casual gaming, it lacks the depth and replayability of other Xbox series.
Do you agree with this ranking? Perhaps you think Gears of War deserves a higher spot or have fond memories of Fuzion Frenzy. If you've never owned an Xbox, which series are you most excited about experiencing on other platforms? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to create your own tier list to compare with the IGN community.
Xbox Games Series Tier List
Is there an Xbox series we've missed that you'd like to give a shout-out to? Share your thoughts and why you've ranked the games in your chosen order in the comments below.