After a strong Xbox Developer Direct to kick off 2025, Microsoft's first-party studios are poised for an exciting year. With a rich history of iconic game series, especially following the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, there's a lot to be excited about. Whether you're reminiscing about the glory days of the Xbox 360 or eagerly anticipating titles coming to other platforms like PlayStation, there's something for everyone.
Let's dive into a personal tier list of Xbox game series, focusing on those that have left a lasting impact and continue to excite fans. This list includes series from Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard, with a focus on those with multiple entries.
Simon Cardy's Xbox Games Series Tier List
S-Tier:
- Doom: The recent entries have solidified Doom's place among the best first-person shooters. With Doom: The Dark Ages on the horizon, id Software continues to impress.
- Forza Horizon: Perhaps the best racing games I've ever played, outside of Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge. Forza Horizon captures the thrill of driving like no other.
A-Tier:
- Halo: While Halo 2 and 3 are among the finest campaign shooters ever made, recent inconsistencies keep it from the top spot. Still, a legendary series that has shaped gaming.
- Fallout: I'm more of a Fallout fan than an Elder Scrolls one. The post-apocalyptic world and the choice of power armor over dragons wins me over every time.
B-Tier:
- Gears of War: A solid series with a gripping story and intense gameplay, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of the S-tier for me.
- The Elder Scrolls: While I prefer Fallout, The Elder Scrolls series offers rich, immersive worlds that are hard to ignore.
C-Tier:
- Fable: A charming series with unique storytelling, but it hasn't quite captured the same magic in recent entries.
- Ori: Beautiful and emotionally engaging, but its impact is more niche compared to other series.
D-Tier:
- Fuzion Frenzy: Fun party games, but they don't hold the same weight as other Xbox series.
Do you agree with this ranking? Perhaps you believe 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 we've missed that you'd like to give a shout-out to? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explain why you've ranked the games the way you have.
