It won't be long now until we publish our Pure Xbox Game of the Year roundup for 2024, but as we've still got around a week to go, we thought we'd take this chance to look at what Metacritic is listing as the top 10 Xbox games of the year.
We already know that this list is going to look very different to the Pure Xbox one. The game in first place isn't even technically a full game — it's Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree — while the likes of Neva and Neon White have also made it in there, both of which come as a surprise to us! Quite a few big titles don't get anywhere near the top 10 according to Metacritic's averages, with the likes of Hellblade 2 and Stalker 2 not even in the top 25.
So, let's take a look at the top 10 Xbox games of the year according to Metacritic. Keep in mind that if an Xbox release doesn't get at least seven reviews for the platform, Metacritic doesn't count it as part of its roundups, which is why a game like Balatro doesn't get ranked despite having an average of 95! Four Xbox games this year also have a Metacritic average of 87, so we've picked the one with the most reviews (Indiana Jones) for the 10th place spot.
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (95)
- Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (92)
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (92)
- Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (92)
- Death Stranding: Director's Cut (91)
- Tekken 8 (89)
- Destiny 2: The Final Shape (89)
- Neva (88)
- Neon White (88)
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (87)
As mentioned, there were three other games that scored an average of 87 for Xbox on Metacritic, and they were Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Botany Manor and Unicorn Overlord. All of those are essentially in joint-10th place.
We know you're curious about the overall list as well - here's the top 10 for ALL platforms:
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (95)
- Astro Bot (94)
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (94)
- Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (92)
- Castlevania Dominus Collection (92)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (92)
- Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (92)
- Slay The Princess: The Pristine Cut (92)
- Tekken 8 (91)
- Animal Well (91)
As you can see, a few of the games that appear in both lists have different scores, and this is because Metacritic ranks them based on the platform they scored highest for. Metaphor: ReFantazio, for example, scored highest on PS5.
Anyway, hopefully you found this interesting! As mentioned, the Pure Xbox Game of the Year will be published soon (on Christmas Day in fact), and we're looking forward to sharing the results of your votes for 2024's Xbox GOTY!
What are your thoughts on the best Xbox games of 2024 according to Metacritic? Tell us in the comments.
[source metacritic.com]
Comments 18
Haven't played many on that list yet, but Indiana Jones immediately jumped into my Top 3 so far. Brilliant game that just feels like an extension of the original movies.
Though achievement hunters should beware, several achievement are bugged right now for a lot of players are locked out until a patch is released. Gina is bugged in my version I can't turn in the radio codes
While a few good ones skipped Xbox, if you like RPGs you feasted this year.
Well done Indy! Nice to see an actual Xbox exclusive crack the list, even if it’s only temporary.
@themightyant Thank you so much for posting this PSA, and also for the spoiler tag! I’ve been dying to play Indy but want to hold off until I can give it the attention it deserves, and for some patches to smooth it out. I’ll have to keep an eye on the status of bugged achievements, as that would turn me off entirely if it isn’t resolved. No game should launch with achievements that aren’t functioning 100% perfectly, that should be a mandate from Microsoft.
Atlus/Sega killing it. 🔥
Is the same reason as Balatro why the Castlevania DS Collection doesn't show on the first list?
Speculative opinion only but I'm guessing those reviewing Japanese developed games are big fans of those series/IPs/developers already therefore are likely to get excited and rate these titles highly. I think non Japanese developed games face more scrutiny from reviewers and gamers alike. Or maybe Japanese games are just better/more fun?! I don't play too many and don't get on with JRPGs.
@Balaam_ No worries. Indy's still a brilliant game despite the bugs but it is a bit annoying to get to the end, do all the side quests and then get locked out due to some glitches.
I didn't see this mentioned anywhere so I thought this was worth noting, especially as it seems quite widespread considering the number of people complaining on various achievements websites and forums which I only discovered after looking for a fix.
If I am right it should be quite easy for Machine Games to fix this (basically a character is stuck in the wrong place, and others aren't having collectibles picked up register correctly) so hopefully we'll get a patch soon. I'd still score it 9 out of 10.
@themightyant What I experienced was great! Rather hoping for an anti sickness patch 🤣
@Titntin Role reversal! I was sick while playing it, hence why I finished so quickly, I just bunkered in all weekend.
But I saw there are a few settings that might help with that. There's an anti-bob / camera movement setting. Additionally turn camera shake off and potentially try motion blur or even the black bars/widescreen on/off might help.
Good luck mate
@themightyant Cheers mate. I tried all of them except wide-screen (which just removes the areas under the bars and doesn't change fov). By the time I tried them I was already messed up though so Im not sure if any were effective. 6 days before I could play a game again, so I'm reluctant to risk it! Maybe in the new year...
This list perfectly demonstrates that there is a wealth of great games this year no matter your platform. Good times 😀
@Titntin That sucks. I've only ever had that with VR. Yes probably best not to risk it if that's the fallout. Plenty of good games out there.
@Lup Yeah, it only has 3 reviews for Xbox (90, 90, 85).
I wish Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth got more recognition. I feel like that game has somehow flown under the radar and gets way less attention than it deserves.
An excellent year for gaming. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is number 1 for me.
Balatro deserves that crown. Although… now that it’s mobile, I’m seriously struggling with addiction with it.
Dominated by Japanese games, love it. Glad they worked on bringing so many franchises over, I have definitely bought a few.
These ratings are bunk.
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