The Xbox One was a console that could’ve been absolutely dead on arrival. Thanks to Microsoft changing many of their original stances, the Xbox One has become a great system to own. In fact, the current generation sees us playing consoles that are more similar than ever before. The Playstation 4 and Xbox One are comparable in both power and game selection. Here’s the top 10 best pieces of software for the Xbox One, in no particular order.
- Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive is one of the most unique games of this generation, bar none. Resembling a cross between Ratchet and Clank and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Sunset Overdrive is a high-octane thrill ride. Made by Insomniac, the developers of Ratchet and Clank, Sunset Overdrive contains a huge amount of Insomniac’s signature style. The weapon selection and strikingly colorful visuals make this third person shooter an absolute play. If anything is true about Sunset Overdrive, it’s that you will never play anything quite like it on any other system.
- Halo: Master Chief Collection
Although Halo: MCC had a very rough launch, the collection of first person shooter classics has grown into its own. Featuring four complete games (and a 
downloadable add-on for Halo: ODST), Halo: MCC is the best deal on the Xbox One. Not only does the game contain Halo 1, 2, 3, and 4, but also contains the remastered versions of Halo 1 and 2. In addition to the single player campaigns, the game also contains multiplayer for all four games across one disc. This means at any given time you can jump from any of the four games. The inclusion of every single multiplayer map is also amazing, ensuring you’ll never run out of arenas to battle in. As icing on the cake, Microsoft also included 4,000 achievable gamerscore in the game. Considering the game is available at a discount price now, Halo: MCC is a must purchase for any Halo or first person shooter fan.
- Call of Duty Black Ops: 3
There’s a lot to say for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. While Halo: MCC contains four complete Halo games, Black Ops 3 contains four separate Call of Duty experiences in one package. The game includes the massively popular zombies mode, a full campaign, a remixed zombie version of the campaign, and the most fleshed out multiplayer in Call of Duty history. Every mode is completely stand alone, with it’s own upgrade and progression systems. Besides that, the game is an excellent mash up of the classic Call of Duty gameplay and some futuristic twists. In general, the game is fantastic. Even gamers who usually dismiss Call of Duty will definitely find something for them in Black Ops 3. It’s simply the best and most content heavy Call of Duty game after years of rehashed mediocrity.
- Killer Instinct
The fighting games this generation are excellent across the board. However, Killer Instinct sits a step above even the veteran Street Fighter V. The Xbox One
exclusive fighter plays unlike any of the other fighters on the market. With a deep and complex combo system that is hard to master, the game lends itself well to pick-up and play gamers as well. It’s nice to see a fighting system that rewards precision and skill so much. The game also has a great variable price system, allowing you to buy “seasons” of fighters, or individual fighters. The game itself is free, and available to play for any Xbox Live member. However, the characters here (both old and new) are incredibly unique and just plain cool. Everything from the dinosaurs to Japanese ghosts are represented, making the Killer Instinct roster the most diverse collection of fighters this generation. Combine this with the nostalgia blast every time you experience a “COMBO-BREAKERRR!”, and you’ve got a fighting game that’s definitely top shelf.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
This (timed) Xbox One exclusive rivals even the immaculate Uncharted 2 in the action adventure genre. For those unfamiliar with Tomb Raider, the series follows the heroine Lara Croft, a young archeologist who fancies herself a spelunker and treasure hunter. In the new entries in the series, Lara Croft has transformed from a simple sex symbol into an incredibly relatable and emotionally investable character. Rise of the Tomb Raider explores some of Lara’s darker problems in an excellent balance of narrative and gameplay. With the addition of an open-world structure and a bunch of hidden tombs, Rise of the Tomb Raider has content just as plentiful as it is entertaining. The combat is brutal, the climbing mechanics are perfect, and the game is visually astonishing. A gem that truly needs to be played to be appreciated, Rise of the Tomb Raider is (in my opinion) the best action adventure game of its kind, edging out Uncharted 2 by a hair.