It’s been a pretty interesting year for Xbox players as more big-name games hit the shelves of the Game Pass collection. Even if its general 2024 catalog has racked up some bangers, covering all sorts of genres. So, now that the year is coming to a close, we’ve put a nominee list together for the Best Xbox Game of 2024.
Our guidelines for this best-of-nominee list center around games from December 2023 – November 2024. Plus, if you’re wondering why a particular entry didn’t make it on here, don’t worry; it might be on another list, like ourIndie Nominees. We’re just sticking to placing a game into one category to keep things simpler.
Let’s look at which 2024 Xbox titles made it to our list of nominees:
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
TheCall of DutyGame Pass integration became a huge deal among Xbox players. It’s the first time we got to dive into aCoDtitle on Day One without making a substantial purchase (Sorry, PlayStation users). This entry was none other thanBlack Ops 6, a game I have played every day since its October launch.
BO6’snewest Omnimovement was the first thing that drew me in, making movement all the more smooth. Sure, I’ve accidentally dolphin-dived a few times off a cliff, but hey, I still think I looked cool doing it.Zombiesmode also brings back the classic look and feel of itsBlack Opspredecessors, including its classic Easter Eggs and robust Wonder Weapons. With Multiplayer,Zombies, and the newWarzonecombined, you’ve got a lot to unpack in this uniqueCoDexperience.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
TheYakuzaseries, nowLike a Dragon, always holds a special place in my heart, where my journey first began with its classic blocky PS2 style. Despite not initially gaining tremendous success in the West, I’m happy the series is finally getting its flowers, especially withLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’srelease. The newest storyline returns my all-time favorite character, Kazuma Kiryu, alongside the franchise’s latest protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga.
There’s never a dull moment inInfinite Wealth, from anAnimal Crossing-like mini-game to chatting it up at the bar to old-fashioned brawls. It’s an interesting mix of gameplay mechanics, that’s for sure, but it just adds more toLike a Dragon’sunique charm.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
There are a lot of sequels to behold in this 2024 Xbox game nominee lineup, starting withSenua’s Saga: Hellblade II. I’m a big lover of story-rich games, and fortunately,Hellblade IIis one of the top contenders in this category. Everything from the first one has dramatically improved, making you want to experience Senua’s tales from start to finish.
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of narrative games, the sheer realism of the graphics inHellblade IIis enough to leave you in awe. The character visuals are so lifelike that at times, I found myself questioning whether I was watching a video game or a movie.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
When I first heard thatThe Lost Crownwas returning toPrince of Persia’splatformer roots, I was initially hesitant. But, after playing it through and through, I was blown away by its exceptionally entertaining gameplay mechanics. Puzzles continue to be the star of the show, making your mind think out of the box almost every time.
Combat is just plain fun to play, keeping you on the edge of your seat with its fast-paced style. Though I do miss the original Prince,The Lost Crown’smain protagonist, Sargon, shows a refreshing, new take on the franchise.
Aaero 2
While many of the titles of this Xbox list center around single-player entries, there had to be at least one co-op gem. That’s whereAaero 2comes in, blasting off from the original title from 2017. It’s fun. It’s competitive. And it’s got some sweet tunes for you and your friends to jam to.
Aaero 2is almost like a ship version ofGuitar Hero,just with a sci-fi twist. It’s got some interesting duals to partake in, too, whether with NPC bosses or PVP battles.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Back in my teens, I rememberStalker: Shadow of Chernobylbeing the talk of the gaming town. Now, it’s happening again in adulthood, with the highly-anticipated release of its sequel,Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.Despite some hiccups along the way with its wonky mechanics, the continuous updates have finally started to flesh things out.
Folks here at DestructoidconsiderStalker 2a riveting homecoming with the same heart as the first one. It’s an excellent homage forStalkerveterans while still bringing new things to the table for this open-world survival title.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
TheMicrosoft Flight Simulatorseries has been a staple in the gaming community since 1982. With each new title, the series has pushed the boundaries of realism, and the most recent entry,Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024,is no exception.The game’s realism factor has increased substantially, with improvements in graphics and physics, bringing it in line with the modern standards of aviation simulation.
Out of all the things thatMFS 2024offers, the career mode is the true highlight. You’ll genuinely feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of a pilot, soaring across the skies of many notable locations. Not to mention that the plane selection continues to grow, where you can try over 50 types of aircraft.
