Microsoft plans on launching its next-generation console, theXbox Series X, at some point later this year. So far, the only first-party game confirmed for the Xbox Series X is the upcomingHalo Infinite, leaving much of the console’s launch lineup a mystery.
While Microsoft has yet to unveil what other first-party games are coming to Xbox Series X, that’s likely to change sooner rather than later. Microsoft is expected to showcase its big first-party Xbox Series X games at aspecial Xbox 20/20 presentation in July, which will likely see a number of big announcements for the new console.
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It remains to be seen exactly which games Microsoft will be showcasing at the July Xbox 20/20 event. However, there are plenty of great, dormant franchises that Microsoft could revive to generate some extra excitement for the Xbox Series X, with these 10 arguably having the most potential.
Banjo-Kazooie
When Microsoft purchased Rare in 2002, expectations were high for the studio to continue its award-winning work on Xbox. Unfortunately, Rare has largely failed to live up to fan expectations since the Microsoft acquisition, failing to truly capitalize on the popularity of its beloved IP likeBanjo-Kazooie. There hasn’t been a newBanjo-Kazooiegame since 2008’sNuts & Bolts, so platforming fans are hungry for a proper new entry in the series, especially after the titular duo were added to theSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateroster as DLC fighters.
Nintendo proved withSuper Mario Odysseythat there is still plenty that the 3D platformer genre has to offer, and it would be nice to seeBanjo-Kazooieget a modern update as well. Rare doesn’t even have to be the studio to make the game. Microsoft has plenty of studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella that could be given the reigns ofBanjo-Kazooie- whatever it takes to see the bird and bear make their long-awaited, and much-deserved, comeback.
Conker’s Bad Fur Daywas a cult classic on the Nintendo 64, notable for pushing its M for Mature rating to the limit. The game was vulgar and violent, but also quite good, with a fun story and addicting multiplayer modes. Since then, Conker has largely been relegated to obscurity, getting a graphical update on the original Xbox and being featured in episodic format for thecanceledProject Spark. Similarly toBanjo-Kazooie, Microsoft has seemingly refused to take proper advantage ofConkerand the popularity of the IP, but hopefully that changes with a properConker’s Bad Fur Daysequel on Xbox Series X.
Crimson Skies
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revengeis one of the most highly-regarded original Xbox exclusives, offering impressive visuals, a compelling single-player campaign, and a multiplayer mode that was one of the first games to really take advantage of Xbox Live’s online multiplayer capabilities. Unfortunately, it’s been 17 years since the launch ofCrimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and besides the game being playable on Xbox One through theXbox backward compatibility program, it hasn’t received much attention from Microsoft. Needless to say, many fans would be happy to see a next-gen take onCrimson Skiesthat could take advantage of modern graphics and gameplay features.
Fable
Microsoft’s premiere RPG franchise isFable, with the first threeFablegames all launching to various degrees of success. But despite their popularity, Microsoft has squandered the IP in recent years, releasing misguided spin-offs instead of proper sequels. However, rumors indicate that theFablefranchise will soon be coming back in a big way on Xbox Series X. According to various reports,Fable 4is in active development at Playground Games, with the game set to be a major return to form for the series. There’s a chance thatFable 4could even be revealed as early as next month’s Xbox 20/20 July presentation, so fans of the franchise should be sure to tune in just in case.
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Kameo
An Xbox 360 launch title,Kameo: Elements of Powerwas essentially Rare’s take onThe Legend of Zeldafranchise. The game was popular enough for its time, but like many Rare IP, has since been abandoned. AKameosequel could expand on what Rare established with the original game, while also addressing its faults and delivering a generally higher-quality adventure. Microsoft doesn’t really have aLegend of Zelda-equivalent exclusive for Xbox, but it could very well use theKameofranchise to fill that void.
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinctwas a launch title for the Xbox Onethat launched to somewhat mixed reviews, but since became a fan favorite. Now boasting a greatly-expanded roster of fighters and more features than at launch, theKiller Instinctrevival is a solid fighting game for fans of the genre. It would be great to see theKiller Instinctfranchise continue on Microsoft’s next-generation console, especially since it’s been a whopping seven years since the Xbox One version launched.
Lost Odyssey
It’s no secret that Microsoft has struggled to make the Xbox brand catch on in Japan, but that’s not due to a lack of trying. With the Xbox 360, Microsoft commissionedFinal Fantasycreator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his Mistwalker Studio to create JRPG exclusive games for the platform. This includedBlue DragonandLost Odyssey, with the latter being particularly well-received by fans of the genre. With reports ofPhil Spencer visiting Japan studios about Xbox Series X games, it seems like aLost Odysseysequel could be a great way for the Xbox brand to once again try getting a foothold in the Japanese game market.
Perfect Dark
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time that Microsoft has a brand newPerfect Darkgame in development. According to the rumors, thenewPerfect Darkwill be third-person, and will be at least partially developed byGears of Warstudio The Coalition. Whether or not there’s any truth to these claims remains to be seen, but it would make sense for Microsoft to take advantage ofPerfect Dark’s popularity and legacy.
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Project Gotham Racing
Project Gotham Racingwas a launch title for the original Xbox and earned a great deal of acclaim at the time of its release, spawning three sequels that all earned strong reviews as well.Project Gotham Racing 4, the most recent entry in the series, also earned strong reviews from critics and fans alike, but for one reason or another, Microsoft has abandoned the IP. Perhaps Microsoft made this decision so it could focus exclusively onForza, but it would still be nice to seeProject Gotham Racingmake a comeback on the Xbox Series X. If nothing else, it would help give racing fans on Xbox some variety so that they have more than just newForzagames to look forward to every year.
Viva Pinata
It’s true that Rare largely struggled to produce compelling experiences since Microsoft’s acquisition in 2002, but one exception isViva Pinata. A bizarre take on the life-simulation genre,Viva Pinatasees players raising and breeding living pinatas while completing a variety of objectives. Noted for its eye-catching art style and quirky humor,Viva Pinataspawned sequels and even its own television series. A newViva Pinatacould fill a niche on the Xbox Series X and appeal to the more casual gamers out there.
