clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Polygon’s Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Xbox One games

With a mix of anticipated sequels and intriguing originals, Microsoft gave Xbox One owners plenty of reasons to play in 2016. Here's a handful of the top offerings this holiday season.

By Andrew Hayward

If you buy something from a Polygon link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Welcome to our gift guide selections for Xbox One games! Scroll down to see the list, or if you want to head back to our gift guide hub covering games, hardware and memorabilia, click here.

Gears of War 4 art The Coalition

Gears of War 4

It's back: Gears of War 4 hands the Lancer to a new generation of soldiers, as Microsoft's smash shooter series returns with its first new Xbox One entry. While not a major departure from the proven formula, Gears 4 is impeccably polished and immensely fun, whether in the campaign or blasting pals online.

The Coalition, $60

Quantum Break

Quantum Break

Remedy's transmedia experiment is a surprising success, merging tense and exciting action — in which your hero manipulates time in combat — with live-action TV episodes featuring well-known actors. Like the studio's Alan Wake and Max Payne before it, Quantum Break is a thoroughly distinctive and memorable affair.

Remedy, $60

Forza Horizon 3

Forza Horizon 3

The arcade-leaning, open-road alternative to the core Forza Motorsport games hits its peak in Forza Horizon 3, which shifts the setting to Australia and delivers a new wonderland of driving possibilities. It's absolutely loaded with fun, not to mention beautiful terrain and a heap of cars to cruise around the island.

Turn 10, $60

Inside

Inside

Liked Limbo? Playdead's follow-up is even better, working from a similar side-scrolling, puzzle-solving template while reaching new heights in all regards. Inside is even darker and scarier than its predecessor, with loads of challenging brain-teasers along the way, and then satisfies big with its finale. It's a small marvel.

Playdead, $20

Dead Rising 4

Dead Rising 4

Out in early December, Capcom's Dead Rising 4 returns to the series' sillier roots while taking the zombie-bashing action to the next level. Original hero Frank West returns to the Willamette Mall at Christmastime to pummel the undead with all sorts of makeshift weapons. And there's mini-golf, too.

Capcom, $60


Head back to Polygon’s 2016 Gift Guide hub.

Header illustration: Alice Carroll

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for Patch Notes

A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon