Welcome to our cheap games guide where we’ll break down the best video games for the best price. Today we’ll be focusing on Microsoft Xbox One console. This is part three of five.
Gaming, much like college, can get expensive. Consoles and PCs cost hundreds of dollars, games can be upwards of $60 and replacing controllers and keyboards from repeated use (or rage) can be costly as well.
Most college students are lucky if they can afford one new release a month. But some of the best experiences can be found with indie titles, hidden gems and even those games you might have passed up years ago when they were asking full price.
We fully recognize that pre-owned games, flash sales and humble bundles can offer heavily discounted copies of games. For the purpose of these lists, we’ll be focusing on games that are $20 or under in new condition physically or via digital download.
Being broke college students ourselves, we haven’t been able to play every game for every system. But trust me when I say, we’ve played games a lot more than most people should.
While Microsoft may not be winning the console race this time around, they are winning the hearts of gamers with backward compatibility support and some amazing exclusive titles.
- Gears of War: Ultimate Edition ($13.99 Walmart)
This remaster of a decade-old classic feels brand new again with updated graphics, new multiplayer modes and crisp gameplay that truly holds up to the modern standard. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is a packed experience and a satisfying one too.
- Various Backwards Compatible Titles (Prices vary)
Technically we’re cheating with this entry, but the case has to be made for the value Microsoft added with its rollout of backwards compatibility on Xbox One. Games like Red Dead Redemption and Call of Duty: Black Ops have been brought back to life on next-gen hardware. These games often run smoother than their last-gen counterparts, without any added cost to you. If you already own games from the growing list of backwards compatible titles, you’re a free download away from a great deal.
- Metro Redux ($11.92 Walmart)
Nuclear War from the Russian perspective, bullets as currency and supernatural twists abound, Metro Redux brings two of the best FPS campaigns from the seventh generation consoles to a new set of players. The story of Artium is interwoven through two of the bleakest games ever made. I can’t recommend this collection enough for its noteworthy straying from the pack.
- Rocket League ($19.99)
Rocket League is the fastest growing multiplayer game on any platform for good reason. Crazy stunts, fast-paced action, a multitude of modes and couch co-op makes Rocket League a complete package. Free updates are still rolling in for this addictive masterpiece of a sports game that will have you boosting in your supersonic, acrobatic, rocket-powered battle car way past your normal sleeping schedule.
- Minecraft ($19.99)
If you’ve never heard of this game, you’ve probably been living under an 8-bit rock. Addicting and creative, there is simply nothing like this survival game that has become an essential purchase for any console or PC owner.
- Titanfall ($19.99 Xbox Store)
TitanFall 2 was just released and it’s amazing. Don’t want to take my word for it? Play the original and see if the fluid movement and tight shooting grab your free time like it did mine. All the DLC maps for this game are free as well, making this game a titan of a deal.
Beautiful, poignant and every over word that can be used to describe a truly introspective gameplay experience, Ori and the Blind Forest instantly became a pick for the best platformer on Xbox One when it released in 2015. That opinion still holds up today as this endearing adventure is sure to put a smile on your face.
- The Wolf Among Us ($10.77 Walmart)
Telltale Games is the master of episodic and choice based single player stories. This detective story stars the big bad wolf trying to redeem his past by keeping the peace in a world full of distorted and twisted versions of your favorite fairy and folk tale characters. It turns out everything you thought about these characters is upside down, and the game is better for it.
- Valiant Hearts ($14.99 Xbox Store)
Until the recent release of Battlefield 1, the Great War was almost completely forgotten in the gaming world. Thankfully, Ubisoft published this story of WWI told from multiple intersecting perspectives and it was beautifully done. History buffs and puzzle game lovers alike will fall in love with this tasteful tale of one of the worst periods in human history.
- Dragon Age: Inquisition ($15.99 Xbox One)
Motherf—ing Dragons! Nuff’ said.
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