While some still think the Xbox platform doesn’t usually get a lot of Japanese games, more and more publishers from Japan continue to release both new and old games on Xbox One and more recently Xbox Series X. This year has been very interesting for Xbox and Japanese games with multiple Yakuza releases including the next-generation exclusive launch of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Many games even debut on the platform through Xbox Game Pass reducing the barrier of entry for potential players like most of the games included below. Here are our top picks for the best Xbox One games of 2020.
Best Xbox games of 2020
5. Tetris Effect: Connected
Enhance Games’ Tetris Effect was a surprise for everyone when it debuted on PS4. It combined the classic Tetris gameplay with Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s signature visual style for an experience unlike anything out there. Tetris Effect: Connected is an enhanced version of Tetris Effect with multiplayer support and also the debut of Tetris Effect on the Xbox platform. The original Tetris Effect has an amazing soundtrack and is worth experience with or without VR. Tetris Effect: Connected improves on that and is one of the best games you can play on Xbox in 2020.
4. Yakuza Kiwami 2
This year marked the beginning of Yakuza coming to Xbox with Yakuza 0. Yakuza Kiwami 2, a remake of Yakuza 2 for PS2, is one of the best remakes of all time and it finally hit Xbox One this year. What made Yakuza Kiwami 2 stand out from earlier releases in the series is the story, music, and improvements to the gameplay. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the second game on Sega’s Dragon Engine that debuted with Yakuza 6. With visual improvements, well-written characters, superb boss fights, and more, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is one of the best action adventure games out there and an essential for anyone who owns an Xbox One.
3. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
When Dragon Quest XI debuted in the West on PS4 and PC, it was easily one of the best Dragon Quest games and a great way to experience a traditional JRPG with modern visuals and conveniences. Dragon Quest XI S on Nintendo Switch was a miracle of a conversion that brought the massive game to a portable system with a slew of improvements and additional content. That finally hit Xbox One through Dragon Quest XI S earlier this month. Dragon Quest XI S is the first Dragon Quest on Xbox and it is instantly a must-play JRPG on the system. It also looks and runs a lot better than the Nintendo Switch version. Dragon Quest XI S is easily one of the best games you can play on Xbox One.
2. Yakuza 0
Despite the ‘0’ in the name, this isn’t the first Yakuza game, but it’s one of the best for a host of reasons. There’s a brilliantly paced captivating narrative complete with equally engaging side activities and slick combat to boot. Granted, the series as a whole possesses similar elements but in Yakuza 0 it comes together in a fashion that’s second to none. When it released in 2017 it was essential for PS4 owners and in 2020, if you own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X | S you owe it to yourself to play Yakuza 0.
1. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon forsakes the long-running series’ trademark real-time combat for turn-based fare akin to JRPGs of yore. While fans were concerned with what to expect, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s move turned out to be the right one. There’s a great cast, memorable dialogue, and fantastic story-telling as well, making Yakuza: Like a Dragon one of the better entries in the franchise. It’s right at home on the Xbox Series X as well sporting lightning fast load times, the option to choose between performance and image quality modes as buttery smooth mini-games.
Next year is starting off very promising with Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, and Yakuza 5 arriving right from next month on Xbox platforms and more to follow after. Regardless of whether you own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X or S, there’s a lot to play and the games above are the best Xbox games of 2020.
