Holiday Gift Guide: Xbox One Games

It’s that time of year again – time to do your last minute shopping and satisfy the gamer needs of your family, friends and other loved ones. Rather than rushing out and buying a forgettable game, though, how about getting those ideal stocking stuffers they’ll love? If you need assistance with that, don’t worry, we’re here to help!

For our latest guide, we turn to Microsoft’s new console, the Xbox One. Jam-packed with great technical features, the system is also home to a number of great games, whether you’re into fighters, shooters car racing.

Here are 10 recommendations for the system.

Need For Speed: Rivals (Electronic Arts)

You may have seen Rivals pop up on our other Gift Guide recommendations. Well, there’s a reason for that…it really is that good. This competitive online racer has a massive assortment of events to take part in, whether you’re siding with the law or going against it. In addition, the gameplay feels just right on the Xbox One, and the ability to utilize the Kinect for additiona purposes — as detailed in the video below — is pretty awesome. If Forza 5 doesn’t rev your engine enough, this one certainly will.

Powerstar Golf (Microsoft)

Another affordable title that we can recommend is this digital release, an arcade-style golf game from Zoe Mode. Powerstar Golf grasps the simple fundamentals of the sport while at the same time introducing an array of likable characters to hit the links with. Featuring online compatible match-ups and a slew of content to unlock, the game is fun for sports fanatics of all ages, and will certainly challenge those looking to test their skills. Buy your friend or family member a gift card and let them shoot for a birdie this holiday season. 

Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports)

EA Sports’ premiere football series gets even better on the Xbox One, as Madden NFL 25 pulls out all the stops in recreating the excitement of the sport for the new Xbox hardware. Featuring dynamic player animations, excellent gameplay in both running and passing plays and superb online options where players can interact with a huge community, Madden NFL 25 is an effective purchase for anyone who lives and breathes football.

Dead Rising 3 (Microsoft)

The third chapter in the Dead Rising series is a ton of fun, and if you have someone in your social circle that embraces zombie carnage, this will definitely fit the bill. Dead Rising 3 introduces Nick Ramos, a down-on-his-luck mechanic trying to survive the zombie horde and other threats. To do so, he’ll need to build a variety of magnificent weapons, be it a machine gun-toting teddy bear or a combination motorcycle/steamroller that will literally leave the competition flat. With a number of gameplay options and no shortage of blood-splattering action, Dead Rising 3 is an ideal stocking stuffer. 

Ryse: Son of Rome (Microsoft)

In Ryse: Son of Rome, gamers play a gladiator seeking revenge for his slain family, using every bit of brute strength he can muster to finish off enemies and move on to the next fight. The game features tons of action, and the presentation really takes advantage of the Xbox One hardware, from the detailed terrain to the heart-pounding audio. If you’ve got someone that loves action, this is one title to “Ryse” up to.

Battlefield 4 (Electronic Arts)

Electronic Arts’ premiere military shooter series returns – and how – with its latest iteration. The single player campaign in Battlefield 4 offers hours’ worth of excitement, but any devoted fan knows that the real draw lies in the 64-player online multiplayer. With a huge assortment of maps and a ton of exciting moments – bringing down a skyscraper is an incredible sight – it’s a real treat for first-person shooter fans. We’re surprises this much chaos can fit in someone’s stocking, really. 

Killer Instinct (Microsoft)

Back in the 90s, Killer Instinct dominated the arcades with its brutal combo-based fighting action. Just in time for the new generation of games, Microsoft has brought the franchise back to great effect. Killer Instinct features all the frenetic fun of the original games, and also packs a powerhouse presentation with beautiful visuals and dynamic sound effects – including the return of the original announcer. If you’ve got someone who grew up on fighting games – or just want to get in a brawl with them this holiday season – grab a Microsoft gift card and have them set up the download. You won’t be sorry, even if you’re on the losing end. 

Lego Marvel Super Heroes (WB Games)

Did someone say super heroes? The latest from Travellers Tales has plenty of heroes – and villains – to choose from, and manages to cram them into an epic Lego adventure for the ages. Lego Marvel Super Heroes is a complete blast for players of all ages and skill types, with characters that carry unique special abilities, from Hulk’s thunderous ground smash to Wolverine’s adamantium claws. It also has the trademark humor that the Lego games have become known for, so it all plays out in wink-of-the-eye fashion. Comic book lovers and kids alike will love this one.  

Forza Motorsport 5 (Microsoft)

When it comes to racing games, there are so few choices available for Xbox One. Need For Speed: Rivals is a great way to go, but if your family or friends want a realistic racing dream, there’s no better game than Forza Motorsport 5. Featuring superb visuals that are startlingly authentic, an array of cars that will keep fans busy for hours and unprecedented gameplay that allows players to feel the power of every turn they make, there’s really nothing quite like it on the open road. 

Peggle 2 (PopCap Games)

Finally, we recommend one more title that can be digitally downloaded using a simple-to-give gift card. Peggle 2 is PopCap’s long-awaited sequel to the ball-dropping original, featuring five Peggle masters to help players clear away each stage of bothersome pegs. There are some great skills to master here, as well as challenges that will keep them playing for hours on end. The presentation is fun as well, between cartoon-like visuals and the fun soundtrack. If you have cohorts that loved the original game – even slightly – then this is an easy recommend.