Remember 2017? It feels like ages ago, but for Xbox One players, it was a pretty solid year for games. We saw a bunch of cool stuff drop, from big adventures to unique experiences. If you’re like me and sometimes just want to play something familiar, or maybe you missed some gems back then, this list is for you. We’re taking a look back at some of the best 2017 Xbox One games that really stood out.
Key Takeaways
- Final Fantasy 15 offered a unique blend of open-world action and classic RPG elements.
- NieR: Automata’s ‘Become As Gods Edition’ brought a visually impressive experience to Xbox One.
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection showed off classic Halo games with updated visuals.
- Even with its card combat, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain Of Memories still had its charm for Disney fans.
- The Xbox One had a strong lineup of games in 2017, mixing big titles with niche favorites.
1. Final Fantasy 15
Final Fantasy on Xbox? It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Final Fantasy 15 made a splash on the console, and for good reason. It’s a unique blend of open-world exploration and classic Final Fantasy elements.
It’s kind of wild how they mixed the feel of an American road trip with the over-the-top style the series is known for. You’ve got your car, your buddies, and a whole lot of weird monsters to fight. It shouldn’t work, but somehow, it really does. The combat is real-time, which was a change for the series, and the characters are actually pretty likeable. You end up caring about them, which makes the journey that much better. It’s one of those games that sticks with you, even after you’re done playing. It’s a great addition to the iconic video game characters list.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Vast open world to explore.
- Real-time combat system.
- Memorable characters and story.
- A weird, but awesome, blend of styles.
2. NieR: Automata – Become As Gods Edition
Okay, so NieR: Automata showed up a little late to the Xbox One party, but honestly, it was worth the wait. The "Become As Gods Edition" is the definitive version, bringing the game to Xbox with a sweet 4K upgrade, all the DLC, and a bunch of extra costumes. It’s one of those games that’s just… different.
You play as androids who are trying to figure out what existence even means while beating up robots. The gameplay is wild, switching between acrobatic gunplay and camera angles that turn it into a top-down shooter or a side-scrolling brawler. It’s got a chip system that lets you automate parts of the game if you’re struggling. Not great at dodging? Slap on an auto-evade chip and let the game handle it. It’s weird, inventive, and totally fascinating. If you’re looking for something that isn’t the same old thing, check out the Become As Gods Edition.
3. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Okay, so everyone knows this had a rough launch. I remember trying to play it back in 2014 and it was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. But, fast forward to 2017, and a lot of those issues were ironed out. Now, it’s a pretty solid package. You get Halo 1 through 4, all in one place, looking better than ever. It’s a ton of content for the price, especially if you missed out on any of the older games. Plus, playing through the campaigns with a friend is still a blast. It’s a great way to relive some classic moments or experience them for the first time. I think the craftsmanship here really shines through now that the technical problems are mostly gone. It’s a must-have for any Halo fan, and a good starting point if you’re new to the series.
4. Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain Of Memories
Okay, so, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories… This one’s a bit divisive. I remember being so hyped for it back in the day, but looking back, it’s definitely got some issues. The card-based combat system? Yeah, not everyone’s cup of tea. It was a pretty big departure from the original Kingdom Hearts, and honestly, it felt kinda clunky at times.
I think the story was interesting enough, filling in the gaps between KH1 and KH2, but the gameplay really held it back. It’s one of those games where you either love it or hate it, there’s not much in between. I will say, the GBA version had its charm, but the 3D remake didn’t really improve things all that much. If anything, it just made the flaws more apparent. I think the gameplay and story are flawed.
5. Ultra Street Fighter 2 The Final Challengers
Okay, so Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers might not have set the world on fire, but it’s still a solid entry for fighting game fans. It’s basically a remastered version of Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, which, let’s be honest, is a classic. You get those old-school graphics if you want them, or you can switch to a more modern look.
It’s a bit of a nostalgia trip, and while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a decent way to revisit a beloved game. The addition of Evil Ryu and Violent Ken was cool, even if they weren’t exactly game-changers. It’s a fun pick-up-and-play title, especially if you’re into the fighting game genre.
6. Xbox Game Pass
Okay, so maybe it’s not technically a game, but Xbox Game Pass absolutely deserves a spot on this list. It completely changed the way I think about gaming. Remember when you had to drop $60-$70 on every new title? Those days are fading fast, thanks to this subscription service.
Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic value, offering access to a huge library of games for a monthly fee. It’s like the Netflix of gaming, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine gaming without it now. You can explore a wide variety of titles, from indie gems to AAA blockbusters, without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to try out games you might not normally consider buying, and you can always find something new to play. Plus, recent additions keep the library fresh.
I’ve discovered so many amazing games through Game Pass that I never would have even looked at otherwise. It’s also perfect for families with multiple gamers, since everyone can access the same library of games. It’s a total game-changer, and if you’re an Xbox owner, it’s pretty much a must-have. It’s also worth checking out the best Xbox exclusives available on the service.
Here’s a quick rundown of why I think it’s so great:
- Tons of games to choose from.
- New games added all the time.
- Saves you a ton of money compared to buying games individually.
7. Xbox Series X
Okay, so the Xbox Series X wasn’t exactly a thing in 2017, seeing as it launched in 2020. But hear me out! Thinking about the best of Xbox One in 2017 makes you appreciate how far we’ve come. It’s like looking back at old photos – you cringe a little, but you’re also proud of the journey. The Xbox One was still going strong, but the buzz about the next generation was definitely starting to build.
The anticipation for the Xbox Series X was palpable, with gamers dreaming of faster load times and better graphics. It’s funny to think back to those days, waiting for what felt like forever. Now, the Series X is here, and it’s pretty awesome. I remember reading all the rumors and speculation about the specs.
Here’s a quick look at how things have changed:
- Graphics: Xbox One X aimed for 4K at 30fps; Series X hits 4K at 60-120fps.
- Storage: Series X uses a super-fast NVMe SSD, drastically reducing load times.
- Backwards Compatibility: Series X plays games from all previous Xbox generations.
It’s wild to think that back in 2017, we were still excited about the list of 2017 xbox one games. Now, we’re playing those same games, but they look and run better on the Series X. Plus, there’s the whole ecosystem of Game Pass and new titles designed specifically for the hardware. It’s a good time to be a gamer, even if my wallet is crying a little. And if you’re looking for a Call of Duty Vanguard Content Pack, the Series X is the way to go.
8. Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, even in 2017, was still kicking! While the Xbox One was the current console, the 360 had a massive library and a dedicated fanbase. It’s hard to ignore the impact it had on gaming. I remember spending countless hours playing with friends online, and some of those games still hold up today.
The Xbox 360 was a powerhouse of its time, and its legacy continues to influence gaming today.
One of the coolest things about the Xbox 360 was its backwards compatibility. It wasn’t perfect, but it allowed you to play some of your original Xbox games on the newer console. Here are a few things I remember about the Xbox 360:
- The Red Ring of Death was a real fear.
- Xbox Live Arcade was a treasure trove of indie games.
- The controller was super comfortable (still prefer it to some modern ones!).
9. Halo
Okay, so Halo on the Xbox One in 2017… it’s complicated. It wasn’t a new Halo game year, but the franchise still had a presence. Let’s break it down:
- Halo 5: Guardians was still going strong with updates and multiplayer support. People were still playing it, and it was still a big deal in the Xbox ecosystem. It’s worth noting that the game had its detractors, but it also had a dedicated fanbase.
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection was still trying to recover from its rocky launch. Remember all those launch issues? Yeah, those were rough. But by 2017, things were much better. Patches had fixed a lot of the problems, and it was becoming a solid way to experience the classic Halo games. It’s a great way to experience the Halo legacy.
- The hype for the next Halo game was starting to build. People were wondering what 343 Industries would do next. The anticipation was definitely there.
It’s interesting to think about how Halo has evolved over the years. From its humble beginnings on the original Xbox to its current status as a flagship franchise, it’s been quite a journey. I remember playing Halo: Combat Evolved for the first time and being blown away by the graphics and gameplay. It was a game-changer, and it’s still fun to revisit those early Halo experiences today. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the series. I’m hoping for some cool new features and maybe even a return to some of the classic gameplay elements that made the original games so special. I’m also curious to see how the story will continue to unfold. Will Master Chief ever find peace? Will the Covenant ever truly be defeated? Only time will tell.
10. Microsoft
Microsoft had a pretty solid year in 2017, even if it wasn’t always about brand-new games. They were laying the groundwork for the future, and it showed. It’s easy to forget how much the company does beyond just releasing titles. They’re the platform, the ecosystem, and the driving force behind Xbox.
Microsoft’s influence on gaming extends far beyond just the games they publish. They’re constantly working on improving the Xbox experience, and 2017 was no exception.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key areas:
- Platform Development: Xbox One X launched, pushing console power.
- Service Expansion: Xbox Game Pass started, changing game access.
- Backward Compatibility: More Xbox 360 games became playable.
It’s worth remembering that Microsoft published video games through Xbox Game Studios, which is a big deal for the platform’s future.
Wrapping Things Up
So, looking back at 2017 for Xbox One, it’s pretty clear it was a good year for games. Even now, years later, a lot of those titles still hold up. It just goes to show that a solid game is a solid game, no matter when it came out. Whether you’re playing these again or trying them for the first time, there’s a lot of fun to be had. It’s cool how some of these even feel fresh, even after all this time. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something good to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Xbox One still a popular console in 2025?
The Xbox One, Microsoft’s console from the last generation, is still widely used in 2025. It offers access to a huge library of games, including those available through the Xbox Game Pass subscription and many popular first- and third-party titles.
When was this list of best Xbox One games last updated?
This list was last updated on April 9, 2025. The games chosen are still considered excellent choices for the Xbox One.
What kind of games can I find on the Xbox One?
The Xbox One has a great mix of exclusive games made just for Xbox and popular games from other companies. This means there’s a wide variety of games for everyone, no matter what kind of games they like.
Did the Xbox One have a lot of game choices?
Even though Microsoft, the company behind Xbox, had some tough times during the Xbox One era, the console still offered an amazing number of games for players to choose from.
Are there recommendations for newer Xbox consoles too?
Yes, if you’re thinking about getting a new console, we also have information on the best Xbox Series X games that are out now and exciting new games coming soon for that console.
What makes Final Fantasy 15 a good game on Xbox One?
Final Fantasy 15 is a great role-playing game that mixes the big open worlds of Western games with the wild, over-the-top style of Final Fantasy. It creates a unique world that feels like American highways but is filled with huge, scary monsters.
