Top Underappreciated Xbox One Bangers That Are Worth A Second Look

As the release of the new console generation draws ever nearer, us Xbox fans (and video game fans in general) still find it hard to believe that the Xbox One is basically on its last lap, and soon after it will be replaced by the Xbox Series X.

A lot of us also believe that despite being one of the biggest and most powerful consoles of all time, a lot of its gaming library went overlooked and underappreciated. It’s only natural of course, given that the console itself has a vast catalog that saw multiple releases each month during its whole lifespan which, for reasons more than one, can be considered a good run.

But no mind, as we still have some time left before the new console generation train comes rolling in. So in true gamer fashion, we decided to take one more look back and dive into some of the Xbox One’s hidden gems, underrated titles, and games that warrant more than a second look.

Here’s our top picks, and where to get them:

1. "State of Decay 2"

First on the list is an Xbox One and PC exclusive title that never quite got the love it deserved, even during its initial launch. Much like its predecessor, there’s no zombie survival title quite like "State of Decay 2," warranting it a spot on this list.

Setting you loose in the zombie apocalypse, "State of Decay 2" doesn’t follow the typical “you vs. hordes of zombies” formula that other games have tried. Because once you die in this game, you’re dead, and you’ll basically be transferred to the perspective of another survivor in your camp, which is a game in itself as it has to be built from scratch.

Not only that, the game also offers one of the most enjoyable co-op experiences on the platform, as you and your teammates are often left to make split-second decisions as you either battle hordes of the undead or raid another group for supplies. Do you have the right medication? Will gunfire attract zombies? What if one is injured? You won’t always know, and that’s only half the fun.

Cop yourself a copy from BestBuy here.

2. "Quantum Break"

Whenever you hear talk about Remedy Entertainment, this game’s publisher, it’s almost always going to be about the quality of its first two "Max Payne" titles, "Alan Wake," and "Control," their superb release last year.

And while all of those games are good, it’s time we take a step back and look at the studio’s most ambitious yet still underrated release: "Quantum Break."

Weird and frankly, a bit over the top, "Quantum Break" is equal parts sci-fi quality TV show, narrative adventure, and third-person shooter, and it will have you taking the role of Jack Boyce as you try to save the world from a literal time fracture while your former friend-turned-villain Paul Serene pursues you. Expect tons of action, time-altering powers combat, and a sci-fi story that is as gripping as it is surprisingly touching.

It’s definitely an experience. Get your copy from BestBuy here.

3. "Prey"

Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda, "Prey" is a relentlessly awesome yet massively underrated shooter that is just as atmospheric as it is incredible.

Combining "Super Metroid," "Bioshock," "Half-Life," "Dead Space," and other heavyweights in the sci-fi genre into a cohesive title, the game took years to finish, and the finished product shows just how much love was put into it, making it all the more shameful that it’s one of the Xbox’s most underrated titles.

Set aboard the moody Talos-I space station, you are placed in the middle of an alien infestation of cosmic proportions, tasked with finding out just what happened to its inhabitants as you unlock horror after horror in one of the games that has the best world-building in this generation. Despite being a shooter, the game works best with a puzzle-solving and explorative mindset.

Experience it yourself by getting a copy from BestBuy here.

4. "Thief"

While many would agree that it didn’t quite reach the bar that was set by its predecessors, there’s still a lot to unpack in this massively underrated title, and we believe that it didn’t deserve the harsh treatment that it received during launch.

This is because, for reasons that are better experienced than read about, Thief is still one of the Xbox One’s best stealth games, rich with exploration and ripe with replay value.

As the name suggests, you play as the heroic thief/kleptomaniac Garrett, who will be placed in a series of heists that are both daring and exciting, all while he and his Order become ever more entangled in a revolution that’s planning on tearing his city down.

Experience stealth at its finest by getting a copy from BestBuy here.

5. "Titanfall 2"

At this point, it’s already a bit of an open secret that "Titanfall 2" is one of the best shooters in this current generation, no matter what platform you play it on. But a game as good as this not getting the love it really deserves is a crime, so we’ll join in on the fun and share some of our feelings about it.

Now featuring a short but sweet campaign alongside its amazing multiplayer gameplay, "Titanfall 2" is a titan of an experience dwarfed by small sales during its initial launch, although it has since gained a loyal fanbase, and all for good reason.

In a narrative campaign that is sure to linger long in your memory, "Titanfall 2" will have you in the shoes of Titan BT-7274 and pilot Jack Cooper as they try to hold back the oppressive IMC and build an emotional bond at the same time. Running at about 8-10 hours, the story is short based on today’s standards, yet it manages to deliver something that 100-hour games sometimes fail to.

With a story that is surprisingly emotional and touching and gameplay mechanics that focus on a different aspect with every level, as well as a multiplayer that still has a dedicated and loyal community, "Titanfall 2" is a title that you need to absolutely try.

Do it today by securing a copy from BestBuy here.