Summary
- Xbox is shifting focus to software like Game Pass, first-party games, & acquisitions, ensuring its longevity.
- Halo 2 set a new standard for visuals in the series, with incredible environment design and combat effects.
- Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 still wows players with its jaw-dropping environments, setting a high bar for visuals.
It may seem like the Xbox brand is floundering right now, but that's only if players look at their hardware offerings. Sure, the Xbox Series X/S hasn't sold nearly as many units as the PS5 or the Nintendo Switch, but it's clear that Microsoft is shifting towards a software focus instead. The revolutionary Game Pass service, a host of amazing first-party games, and telling acquisitions make it clear that Xbox isn't going away anytime soon.
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Fans still have fond memories of the best games they've played on every Xbox console, with the graphics of some of these titles being downright breathtaking. From the very first Xbox console to the Xbox Series X/S, there's no shortage of amazing-looking games on these devices. However, some games blow anything else out of the water in terms of pure visuals.
Xbox: Halo 2
A Huge Step Forward For The Halo Series, Both Visually And Otherwise
Halo 2
- Released
- September 4, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
Halo is Xbox's most popular franchise, featuring some of the best FPS titles fans can sink their teeth into. Combat Evolved was a great first step for the IP, but it had its issues. All of this and more was addressed in Halo 2, making it a near-perfect sequel that fans can still have a great time with. Master Chief's adventures are more epic than ever, and the inclusion of the Arbiter as a secondary protagonist provides a new perspective and helps flesh out Halo's lore and world-building.
However, one of the most notable aspects of Halo 2 was its stunning visuals, which were truly in a class of their own. Everything from environment design to combat effects was top-notch, making the firefights in the game look and feel incredible. The game also featured CG cutscenes that still look gorgeous today enhancing the cinematic feel of some of the game's most notable moments.
Xbox 360: Grand Theft Auto 5
Rockstar's Open-World Masterpiece Was In A Class Of Its Own
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the most gorgeous-looking games ever made, and it's still hard to fathom that this title was somehow running on the Xbox 360 of all platforms. Sure, the loading times were immense and the game ran at 30 FPS, but not many people cared about this back in the day. All they wanted was to check out a visually astounding masterpiece that let them wreak absolute havoc in an open world, which Grand Theft Auto 5 accomplished in spades.
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Numerous elements of this game can be highlighted for their brilliance, such as the trio of protagonists and the amazing physics engine, but it's the graphics that continue to age like fine wine. The next-gen patches have ensured that Grand Theft Auto 5 makes the most of modern hardware to look even better, but a lot of the visual excellence was present from the very moment this game released on the Xbox 360, right as this console was being phased out for the next hardware generation.
Xbox One: Red Dead Redemption 2
The Environments Are Jaw-Dropping To This Day
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Once again, Rockstar blew everyone's minds when Red Dead Redemption 2 came out. The incredible visual fidelity of this game is in a class of its own and still looks beautiful seven years later. Fans can't help but wonder just how beautiful this game could look with a next-gen patch for modern consoles that has been sorely missing. The cherry on top of this game's visuals is one of Rockstar's greatest narratives to date. The cinematic flair of the story is incredible and will keep fans hooked.
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The frosty setting of Colter eases players into the game and its mechanics before they can finally access the open world, which will blow their socks off. The countryside is lush with greenery, and the game's many settlements look beautiful in their own right. This amazing visual fidelity is a huge part of what makes Red Dead Redemption 2 such a masterpiece, and fans can only hope that both the visuals and narrative of Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a cut above this title (which is a tall order).
Xbox Series X/S: Cyberpunk 2077
Night City And Its Surroundings Are Dripping In Visual Style And Atmosphere
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
There's a reason why Cyberpunk 2077 refused to function properly on previous-gen consoles. The visual fidelity of this title was so intense that the PS4 and Xbox One simply couldn't handle it. However, the same can't be said for the Xbox Series X/S, which made for a perfect platform for Cyberpunk 2077 to flourish. Still, it took a fair number of patches and optimizations before this console could run one of the most beautiful video games ever made without facing any issues.
Cyberpunk 2077's stunning visuals can be seen in every corner of Night City, with the neon-soaked streets of the city and the world's amazing detail being in a class of their own. The graphics are so impressive that players will zoom past numerous jaw-dropping sights without even batting an eye, thanks to the game's lavish visual spectacle. Even the Badlands look great in their own way, with the barren and dusty landscape of Night City's outskirts boasting way more character than fans expected.
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