The Best Retro Games for Xbox One

Update : Lords of Exile added at rank #36.
1

Infernax (2022)

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84
Review score
Logo of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax

PC Windows Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X

Embark on an epic, bloodthirsty adventure in Infernax! With challenging castle-dungeons, multiple endings, and the option to play with friends, this retro side-scrolling platformer keeps you on the edge of your seat. Upgrade your character and unlock new skills to defeat demons and reverse the curse on your homeland. With secret areas to discover and a unique morality system, Infernax offers hours of exciting gameplay.


What we like:
  • Fun co-op
  • Multiple fun endings
  • Multiple playable characters
  • Lots of replayability
  • Incredible music
What could be improved:
  • Lots of instadeath pits
  • Weird morality system
  • Some metroid-esque elements but not a true metroidvania

  • dungeon
  • retro
  • gore
  • boss
  • metroidvania
  • platform
  • old-school
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • violent
  • castle-dungeon
  • boss-fight

2

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration (2022)

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87
Review score
Logo of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration

PC Windows Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X

Immerse yourself in 50 years of gaming history with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy over 100 classic and new games, unlock hidden gems, and delve into fascinating interviews and archival material. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer or a history buff, this collection will keep you entertained and educated.


What we like:
  • Rich collection of classic and new Atari games
  • Exciting hidden games to discover
  • Comprehensive history through interviews and archival materials
  • Good value for money
  • Appeals to both gamers and history enthusiasts
What could be improved:
  • Absence of Activision games and some licensed games
  • Limited subtitle availability for non-English speakers

  • arcade
  • classic
  • retro
  • historical
  • 1980s
  • interactive
  • software
  • voxel
  • compilation
  • vector
  • platform
  • shoot-em-up
  • education
  • pinball
  • pvp

3

HUNTDOWN (2020)

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91
Review score
Logo of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN

Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Join the action-packed world of HUNTDOWN, a hard-boiled arcade shooter set in a gritty, neon-soaked 80s cityscape ruled by criminal gangs. Take on the role of one of three legendary bounty hunters and lay waste to the underworld to collect your bounty. With unique boss fights and an arsenal of weapons to choose from, HUNTDOWN is a must-play for those who love fast-paced, co-op shooters.


What we like:
  • Pixel art, music, and gameplay are fantastic
  • Perfect gunplay and 80s vibe
  • Packed with addictive carnage
  • Well-designed levels
  • Memorable and funny boss fights.
What could be improved:
  • Bonus objectives are repetitive
  • Difficulty on some bosses can seem off
  • Characters can be hard to follow in intense fights
  • Comedy can go overboard and may disappoint those expecting a more serious tone.

  • cooperative
  • boss-fight
  • cover
  • shooter
  • retro
  • boss
  • cyberpunk
  • arcade
  • hockey
  • pixel
  • action
  • platform
  • dystopian
  • 2d
  • classic

4

Streets of Rage 4 (2020)

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90
Review score
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Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Streets of Rage 4 is the long awaited fourth entry into the classic Sega franchise. It features a blend of old and new, with classic characters such as Axel and Adam Hunter returning alongside a new main character, Cherry. All characters have unique playstyles, from Axel's powerful punches to Cherry's speedy strikes. There are tons of unlockables to discover and it has an amazing soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Satisfying combat
  • Incredible music and visuals
  • Tons to unlock
  • Simple yet rewarding combat mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of 4 player online
  • Occasionally too easy to get cornered

  • brawler
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • beat-em-up
  • combo
  • retro
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • fight
  • old-school
  • arcade
  • online
  • hand-drawn
  • crime
  • combat

5

Astalon: Tears Of The Earth (2021)

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86
Review score
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Xbox One Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game full of challenging platforming, epic bosses, and captivating storytelling. Control a party of three heroes with unique skills and abilities, explore a tower full of secrets and hidden artifacts, and embrace death as an opportunity to upgrade your characters and progress further. With retro graphics and music that nail the 8-bit vibe, Astalon delivers an unforgettable journey that will appeal to fans of classic NES-era games and modern side-scrollers alike.


What we like:
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Retro graphic style and music
  • Interesting map full of shortcuts and secrets
  • Fun to switch between different characters
  • Captivating story
What could be improved:
  • Forced backtracking every time you die
  • QOL upgrades earned too late in the game
  • Items in shop have no description
  • Dungeons feel repetitive
  • Bosses are mostly easy

  • platform
  • retro
  • metroidvania
  • fantasy
  • exploration
  • 2d
  • pixel
  • boss
  • post-apocalyptic
  • chiptune
  • action-adventure
  • old-school
  • anime
  • magic
  • demons

6

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (2022)

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82
Review score
Logo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Screenshot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into the nostalgia with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. Relive the classic TMNT games, journey through New York City, sewers, enemy bases, and even time itself. Enjoy the unique features like button mapping, cheat codes, and a wealth of bonus content. A must-play for TMNT fans and lovers of classic beat 'em-up games.


What we like:
  • Great value for the price
  • Access to Japanese regional versions
  • Easy activation of cheat codes
  • Nostalgic experience
  • Wealth of bonus content
What could be improved:
  • Limited online play
  • Button mapping limitations
  • Some bonus content is disappointing

  • arcade
  • retro
  • compilation
  • classic
  • fight
  • platform
  • side-scrolling
  • online
  • sprite
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • local
  • strategy
  • action

7

Steel Assault (2021)

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81
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Linux Playstation 5 Xbox One

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.


  • platform
  • post-apocalyptic
  • retro
  • arcade
  • old-school
  • pixel
  • action
  • america
  • 2d
  • perma-death
  • scroller
  • futuristic
  • classic
  • mech
  • fast-paced

8

Blaster Master Zero 3 (2021)

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86
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

Blaster Master Zero 3 is the ultimate mutant blasting action game that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This hybrid side-scrolling and top-down action game will take you on an epic journey through various dimensions. With a variety of new abilities and weapons at your disposal, you can travel through super-dimensional space and reverse the situation with the VRV system. Don't miss the epic conclusion of the Jason Saga!


What we like:
  • Continuation of the storyline from the first 2 games
  • Compatible with controllers
  • Retro graphics style
  • Retro music
  • Multiple endings
What could be improved:
  • High difficulty curve
  • Confusing storyline if the first 2 games are not played
  • PC version has weird technical issues

  • platform
  • top-down
  • retro
  • metroidvania
  • boss
  • dungeon
  • side-scrolling
  • pixel
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • anime
  • 2d
  • old-school
  • action
  • futuristic

9

Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe (2020)

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85
Review score
Logo of Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe Screenshot of Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe Screenshot of Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe Screenshot of Angry Video Game Nerd I & II Deluxe

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS Linux

He's gonna take you back to the past . . . again!


  • platform
  • retro
  • blood
  • difficult
  • scroller
  • boss
  • man
  • memes
  • funny
  • hardcore

10

Kalinur (2023)

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97
Review score
Logo of Kalinur Screenshot of Kalinur Screenshot of Kalinur Screenshot of Kalinur

Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox One

Defeat the mage Kalinur and bring peace back to the kingdom in this mini metroidvania with a lot of action.


  • metroidvania
  • 2d
  • swordplay
  • retro
  • fantasy
  • platform
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • adventure
  • exploration
  • medieval
  • action
  • nonlinear

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