Double-A games are typically games made by independent studios, which have backing by a bigger publisher for less cost than a bigger game like Call Of Duty. Oftentimes, these medium-budgeted games have less risk, which in turn allows developers to experiment with their game design.
Making a smaller games can thus give developers more flexibility, allowing them to take risks that other, bigger studios often can’t afford to. The games in this list do just that. They expand beyond the typical formulas of blockbuster titles, but at the same time, keep the player just as satisfied as if they were playing a Triple-A game.
10
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
The Ace Combat series has flown under a lot of gamers’ radars over the last decade. This arcade-style jet fighting game has only gotten better with age. Soaring on the new consoles, Ace Combat 7 looks even better. The sky is a deeper blue, while the fog accumulating around the cockpit looks more lifelike.
With the power of the Xbox Series X/S, players can actually feel like they’re in the dog fight. With a higher frame rate, the delay is almost gone completely. Unlike Microsoft Flight Simulator, the game plays more with the imagination, making it easier to get into. The replayability of the RPG elements gives Ace Combat 7 something for everyone.
9
A Way Out
This couch co-op adventure has everything a double-A game should have; namely, a deep story and compelling characters. Even though A Way Out is a part of EA’s, roster it still has the charm of a small studio-made game. A couch co-op at its heart, A Way Out does what a lot of other games in its realms don’t: provide a unique experience for both players.
The game doesn’t go for massive set pieces or the explosive moments, but rather leans into the emotional side of the characters to deliver a story. Not many games can convey the emotional baggage of two characters like A Way Out does.
8
Dead By Deadlight
Games like Dead By Daylight usually don’t last past a year due to their niche appeal. When the online gaming realm is dominated by games like Overwatch, Valorant, and other arena-based shooters, it doesn’t make sense for a game like Dead By Daylight to survive. The good news, though, is that it did. It’s been going strong and is currently in its 21st season.
The roster has also expanded with new season, offering new killers and survivors. Behaviour Interactive is still busy supporting a game that has only gotten bigger, adding new challenges and difficulty levels to keep Dead By Daylight interesting.
7
Psychonauts
This classic was brought back thanks to the cult following it has garnered over the years, and now it’s available on the newer consoles for a new generation of gamers to play. Playing Psychonauts on the new consoles, the game looks significantly better and plays more fluidly. The art style pops and the colors are more vibrant.
Since old school platformers are not as popular as they once used to be, dropping this on Xbox`s Gamepass turned out to be a great way to reintroduce the genre to a new generation of fans. Thankfully, the re-release is so well received that it created a movement for a sequel, which may help usher back in more platformers like Psychonauts.
6
Control
When a studio has a knack for experimenting and doesn’t have a lot of resources or a big budget, they can still make something unique as the end product. In this case, Remedy Games did just that, and bringing it to the new Xbox unlocks its true potential.
Control was already impressive on the previous generation’s console, but the Series X ‘s addition of ray-tracing changes the game. The surfaces show more reflections, players can see all around them more clearly now, and the world of Control looks substantially different. Before, players needed high-end PCs to really appreciate the graphics, but now console owners are also reaping the same benefits.
5
The Outer Worlds
Obsidian Entertainment games are typically beautiful-looking titles to begin with. The latest release, The Outer Worlds, is no different. Aside from having questionable fighting mechanics, it’s a solid game for gamers who enjoy freedom. Playing on the Xbox Series X/S just adds to the experience. The Outer Worlds looks feels fluid and more vibrant with the 4K resolution highlighting its best aspects.
The textures look better, character animations look less robotic, and it just feels better on the Series X/S. With the uptick in frames, the gunplay is a lot quicker and feels more natural. Everything about playing The Outer Worlds on the new consoles is noticeably better.
4
A Plague Tale: Innocence
When A Plague Tale Innonece first dropped back in 2019, this hidden gem sadly went unnoticed. But thankfully, through deals and promotion after release, A Plague Tale: Innocence eventually got some momentum. Putting it on Gamepass definitely was a factor, and getting a graphical upgrade for the Xbox Series X/S gives this adventure a new feel.
The gameplay involves two siblings navigating through plague-ridden France, learning that their world around them isn’t as safe as what they first thought. Much like other double-A games, it leans on the emotions of the characters rather than complicated gameplay elements. Another plus is that A Plagues Tale: Innocence can be completed in almost one sitting.
3
The Ascent
This isometric shooter has so much going on that it can be taken as a big game. The detail from the tables showing the reflection of the lights shows how much the developers really care about The Ascent. Even though it has bugs that break the game, it still makes for a good time playing alone or with friends.
The Ascent has very deep gameplay elements. However, those things make the replayability factor even more valued more than how other games do. In fact, many claim The Ascent is what Cyberpunk should have been, due to the fact they both share the same style and narrative elements.
2
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrafice
Not many games tackle mental health issues, and ones that do often miss the mark. Hellblade, on the other hand, has opened discussions about these issues among gamers. Playing on the new system brings new ways to experience games, and in this case, it shows off Hellblade’s true potential.
Hellblade uses audio as the main navigator, because the voices are all in Senua’s head. On the older consoles, the sound design was limited, which at times could make it harder for players to figure out what`s going since there is no HUD. On the new console, there’s more potential for Hellbade to display its beauty, and open up a deeper conversation.
1
Metro Exodus
The Metro series is an underrated one. The first-person horror shooter based on the book with the same name isn’t played by many, but gamers from all over who have experienced this game will say it`s a stand-out game. Metro Exodus took the best parts of the first game and Last Light and turned the dial up to 11.
Shifting from linear Russian underground subway with some instances to the surface, Exodus takes players to the open world of post-apocalyptical Russia. The graphical update is a great example of how developers can update their games for the new consoles. From ray tracing on the Xbox Series X/S to faster load times thanks to the solid-state drive, Metro: Exodus is a benchmark for what the new console can do.
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