Amid the recent announcement of big changes coming to the Game Pass model, including a significant price hike that sparked controversy, it feels like the right time to reflect on Microsoft's gaming legacy over the past decade — specifically the quality of its games. The Xbox division isn't often associated with producing widely acclaimed hits, but there have been some undeniable successes.
All of the following titles are critically acclaimed Xbox games with an average score of at least 90 on OpenCritic. The focus is on Microsoft's first-party titles developed or published by Xbox Game Studios. However, some highly rated third-party games that have launched on Game Pass since day one are also included, marking the strongest examples yet of Microsoft's gaming partnerships and exclusive deals within the wider Xbox ecosystem.
Forza Horizon 5
OpenCritic Score: 92
The current king of the open-world arcade genre (at least until release Forza Horizon 6 next year), Forza Horizon 5 is an unprecedented racing title, leagues ahead of the competition. In terms of visuals, physics, music, and sheer scale of content, Forza Horizon 5 Sounds like a premium release. Plus, it's just fun to boot up and drive around for a few minutes.
Some gamers believe that Playground Games play things too safe with the formula, making only minor changes from one entry to the next. However, there is still nothing like that in the market Forza Horizon series, as evidenced by its many awards. Forza Horizon 5 It was named Best Racing Game at both The Game Awards and DICE Awards, while also earning much praise for its visual and audio design.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
OpenCritic Score: 92
Like Forza Horizon series, Microsoft's Flight Simulator Titles occupy their own space. They offer unmatched range, quality, and accuracy in their field, thanks in large part to the company's vast resource investment and ever-evolving nature.
the latter Microsoft Flight Simulator represents the pinnacle of this approach: an ultimate flight sim unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. Combining state-of-the-art technologies suitable for educational purposes while remaining deeply engaging as an exploratory experience, the game was hailed as a true glimpse of the next-generation future, blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds like never before.
Forza Horizon 4
OpenCritic Score: 92
The previous best (and, for many, still the best) entry in the series, Forza Horizon 4 Considered more influential than its predecessor. This game is one that introduced changing seasons and achieved a level of graphical fidelity unmatched by competitors. Forza Horizon 4 Combining flexibility, accessibility, and excitement, it's a true paradise for race fans. Its award-winning track record, including several Best Racing Game awards and the overall Xbox Game of the Year 2018 title, helped cement its cult status.
It is worth noting Forza Horizon 4 It is now considered a legacy title, having been removed from digital storefronts and the Game Pass catalog in December 2024. The game is completely playable for those who own it, so it still deserves a spot on the best Xbox games.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
OpenCritic Score: 92
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 It is the first title on the list that was not created or funded by Microsoft's Xbox division. Instead, it represents a standard Game Pass partnership for third-party releases, and one of the most successful examples to date. likewise, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Earns its place here as one of the best third-party games available to Game Pass members since day one.
The game became the highest-rated title of the year and a strong contender of the year, having already secured several awards. Thanks to its inclusion in Xbox's subscription service, thousands of players have had the chance to experience it, although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact audience distribution across platforms.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
OpenCritic Score: 92
Hollow Knight: Silksong As in a boat Campaign 33. Although this self-published indie title wasn't funded by Microsoft, it launched as a day-one Game Pass release through a standard third-party deal, making it worth mentioning here. like Clair Obscur, Silksong It's expected to appear on several GOTY lists later this year, and has already been hailed as one of the best metroidvanias ever made.
Silksong Securing this long-awaited release for the Game Pass lineup also marks another strong move by Microsoft. Still, many players were waiting Hollow Knight: Silksong For years probably opted to buy it outright instead of playing it through a subscription, especially given its modest launch price.
Ori and the blind forest
OpenCritic Score: 90
Ori and the blind forest (was developed by Moon Studios and published as a first-party title by Microsoft, as the company acquired the game about a year after development began). It's a standout gem in Microsoft's gaming lineup and, along with its sequel, ranks among the highest-rated and most beloved Xbox titles.
The visually stunning and emotionally charged platform-adventure Metroidvania, Ori and the blind forest Earned several prestigious awards in the 2015-2016 season. These included Xbox Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, Best Art Direction at The Game Awards, and Artistic Achievement at the British Academy Games Awards.
Minecraft
OpenCritic Score: 90
It is still debated Minecraft Xbox games should be considered since Microsoft acquired it in 2014 for $2.5 billion. However, since its 2017 re-release, the game has become a core live-service first-party title with a large audience. It would feel wrong to exclude it, considering the amount of investment Microsoft has invested in the franchise over the years.
With the help of Microsoft, the Minecraft The brand has expanded to include several spin-offs, viz the earth, the dungeonand LegendsWith a recent feature film that was a huge hit at the box office. Thanks to its ever-evolving nature, Minecraft The definitive sandbox game remains, continuing to attract millions of players to its worlds.
Will of the Ori and the Wisps
OpenCritic Score: 90
Staying true to original strengths, Will of the Ori and the Wisps An equally excellent Xbox title, developed in partnership with Microsoft and released as a day-one Game Pass game. As Moon Studios grew, the sequel's visuals received major improvements in the transition from 2D artwork. Ori and the blind forest 3D models set against multi-layered backgrounds. The result is an even more breathtaking Metroidvania that justifies its long development time.
Will of the Ori and the Wisps The same average score was obtained in the first game. Like its predecessor, it once again became a prestigious award winner for Microsoft, earning Xbox Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards and claiming several NAVGTR awards.
