Microsoft is associated with various game development companies like Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Media, Obsidian Entertainment, and Bethesda. While these subsidiaries usually handle their game releases, Microsoft also publishes games through Xbox Game Studios, offering exceptional open-world titles that can be quite demanding.
Under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella, several top-rated game franchises stand out, known for being some of the most challenging open-world games in recent times. These games span different genres from racing to survival, providing players with diverse and difficult gaming experiences.
7 Crackdown
Locating and Confronting Crime Lords Pose a Challenge
The Crackdown series comprises three titles, each expanding the narrative and introducing new gameplay mechanics. Players control a biologically enhanced agent tasked with taking down crime lords in Pacific City. Hunting down each boss is no easy feat, requiring time to locate their lair and gather orbs to enhance abilities for the next challenge, making Crackdown a lengthy and challenging game.
Crackdown offers a variety of activities like car chases, races, treasure hunts, and combat, contributing to its difficulty. Completing the game involves handling numerous side quests and tasks to ensure the city's safety, providing players with a tough but rewarding experience.
6 Fable
Unpredictable Combat and Narrative Choices
The Fable franchise, set in the land of Albion inspired by Medieval Britain, presents players with unpredictable combat scenarios and narrative decisions that impact gameplay. Navigating Albion's vast map and choosing between the main storyline or personal adventures like trading or fighting pose challenges, making Fable a demanding game for hack-and-slash enthusiasts.
5 Forza Horizon
Challenging AI Racers and Diverse Missions
The Forza series offers exceptional open-world driving experiences, requiring players to master real-world city maps and diverse driving challenges. Players transitioning from FH4 to FH5 may find the AI's perfection challenging, pushing them to improve their racing skills and adapt to varied gameplay styles.
Forza allows players to progress in their racing careers as they choose, offering a non-linear experience that demands players to explore different race types to clear the map effectively.
4 Sea Of Thieves
Solo PvP Requires Superior Strategy
Sea Of Thieves is a popular pirate-themed RPG offering a vast ocean to explore and challenging multiplayer gameplay. Solo players face difficulties competing against full crews, especially in PvP scenarios that demand strategic ship positioning and combat to overcome boarding attempts.
The game provides various playing styles, including teaming up with friends for high-seas adventures or engaging in peaceful trading activities. Solo players must rely on skillful ship management to survive and thrive in Sea of Thieves' engaging multiplayer challenges.