After a strong Xbox Developer Direct to kick off 2025, the excitement around Microsoft's first-party studios is palpable. With a rich history of iconic game series, especially following the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, Xbox enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. Whether reminiscing about the glory days of the Xbox 360 or eagerly anticipating games coming to other platforms like PlayStation, there's no shortage of memorable titles to discuss.
Here's a personal tier list of Xbox game series, focusing on those that have left a lasting impact and continue to be relevant today. This list includes series from Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard, provided there have been multiple entries in the series.
Simon Cardy's Xbox Games Series Tier List
S-Tier:
- Doom: The recent entries in the Doom series are among my favorite first-person shooters. The upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages looks promising, suggesting id Software is maintaining its high standards.
- Forza Horizon: Perhaps the best racing games I've ever played, outside of classics like Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge. The open-world exploration and stunning visuals make Forza Horizon a standout.
A-Tier:
- Halo: While Halo 2 and Halo 3 are two of the finest campaign shooters ever made, recent inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the S-tier.
- Fallout: I prefer the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout over the fantasy of Elder Scrolls. The immersive storytelling and vast open worlds make it a top pick.
B-Tier:
- Gears of War: Known for its intense action and compelling narrative, Gears of War remains a strong contender, though it doesn't quite reach the top tiers for me.
- Elder Scrolls: While beloved by many, I find myself more drawn to the Fallout series.
C-Tier:
- Fable: A charming series with a unique blend of humor and fantasy, but it hasn't captured my heart as much as others.
- Ori: Beautifully crafted platformers, but they don't rank as high due to my personal gaming preferences.
D-Tier:
- Fuzion Frenzy: A fun party game, but it doesn't hold up as well against other series in terms of impact and enjoyment.
Do you agree with this ranking? Perhaps you think Gears of War deserves a higher spot, or you're a staunch defender of Fuzion Frenzy. Feel free to create your own tier list and compare it with the IGN community.
Is there an Xbox series not mentioned here that you'd like to highlight? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explain why you've ranked the games the way you have.
