Double-A games are typically games made by independent studios, which have backing by a bigger publisher for less cost than a bigger game likeCall Of Duty.Oftentimes, these medium-budgeted games have less risk, which in turn allows developers to experiment with their game design.
RELATED:Every PS5 & Xbox Series X Game Confirmed To Hit 120 FPS (So Far)
Making a smaller games can thus give developers more flexibility, allowing them to take risks that other, bigger studios often can’t afford to. The games in this list do just that. They expand beyond the typical formulas of blockbuster titles, but at the same time, keep the player just as satisfied as if they were playing a Triple-A game.
10Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
TheAceCombatseries has flown under a lot of gamers' radars over the last decade. This arcade-style jet fighting game has only gotten better with age. Soaring on the new consoles,Ace Combat 7looks even better. The sky is a deeper blue, while the fog accumulating around the cockpit looks more lifelike.
With the power of theXbox Series X/S,players can actually feel like they’re in the dog fight. With a higher frame rate, the delay is almost gone completely. UnlikeMicrosoft Flight Simulator, the game plays more with the imagination, making it easier to get into. The replayability of the RPG elements givesAce Combat7something for everyone.
9A Way Out
This couch co-op adventure has everything a double-A game should have; namely, a deep story and compelling characters. Even thoughA Way Outis a part ofEA’s,roster it still has the charm of a small studio-made game. A couch co-op at its heart,A Way Outdoes what a lot of other games in its realms don’t: provide a unique experience for both players.
The game doesn’t go for massive set pieces or the explosive moments, but rather leans into the emotional side of the characters to deliver a story. Not many games can convey the emotional baggage of two characters likeA Way Outdoes.
Games likeDead By Daylightusually don’t last past a year due to their niche appeal. When the online gaming realm is dominated by games likeOverwatch,Valorant,and other arena-based shooters, it doesn’t make sense for a game likeDead By Daylightto survive. The good news, though, is that it did. It’s been going strong and is currently in its 21st season.
The roster has also expanded with new season, offering new killers and survivors.Behaviour Interactiveis still busy supporting a game that has only gotten bigger, adding new challenges and difficulty levels to keepDead By Daylightinteresting.
7Psychonauts
This classic was brought back thanks to the cult following it has garnered over the years, and now it’s available on the newer consoles for a new generation of gamers to play. PlayingPsychonautson the new consoles, the game looks significantly better and plays more fluidly. The art style pops and the colors are more vibrant.
RELATED:Most Innovative Indie Platformers
Since old school platformers are not as popular as they once used to be, dropping this onXbox`sGamepassturned out to be a great way to reintroduce the genre to a new generation of fans. Thankfully, the re-release is so well received that it created a movement for a sequel, which may help usher back in more platformers likePsychonauts.
6Control
When a studio has a knack for experimenting and doesn’t have a lot of resources or a big budget, they can still make something unique as the end product. In this case,RemedyGamesdid just that, and bringing it to the newXboxunlocks its true potential.
Controlwas already impressive on the previous generation’s console, but theSeries X’s addition ofray-tracingchanges the game. The surfaces show more reflections, players can see all around them more clearly now, and the world ofControllooks substantially different. Before, players needed high-endPCs to really appreciate the graphics, but now console owners are also reaping the same benefits.
5The Outer Worlds
Obsidian Entertainmentgames are typically beautiful-looking titles to begin with. The latest release,The Outer Worlds,is no different. Aside from having questionablefighting mechanics, it’s a solid game for gamers who enjoy freedom. Playing on theXbox Series X/Sjust adds to the experience.The Outer Worldslooks feels fluid and more vibrant with the 4K resolution highlighting its best aspects.
The textures look better, character animations look less robotic, and it just feels better on theSeries X/S.With the uptick in frames, the gunplay is a lot quicker and feels more natural. Everything about playingThe Outer Worldson the new consoles is noticeably better.
4A Plague Tale: Innocence
WhenAPlague Tale Innonecefirst dropped back in 2019, this hidden gemsadly went unnoticed. But thankfully, through deals and promotion after release,A Plague Tale: Innocenceeventuallygot some momentum. Putting it on Gamepass definitely was a factor, and getting a graphical upgrade for theXboxSeries X/Sgives this adventure a new feel.
RELATED:Puzzle Games That Are Mind-Boggling
The gameplay involves two siblings navigating through plague-ridden France, learning that their world around them isn’t as safe as what they first thought. Much like other double-A games, it leans on the emotions of the characters rather than complicated gameplay elements. Another plus is thatA Plagues Tale: Innocencecan be completed in almost one sitting.
3The Ascent
This isometric shooter has so much going on that it can be taken as a big game. The detail from the tables showing the reflection of the lights shows how much the developers really care aboutThe Ascent.Even though it has bugs that break the game, it still makes for a good time playing alone or with friends.
The Ascenthas very deep gameplay elements. However, those things make the replayability factor even more valued more than how other games do. In fact, many claimThe Ascentis whatCyberpunkshould have been, due to the fact they both share the same style and narrative elements.
2Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrafice
Not many games tackle mental health issues, and ones that do often miss the mark.Hellblade,on the other hand, hasopened discussions about these issuesamong gamers. Playing on the new system brings new ways to experience games, and in this case, it shows offHellblade’strue potential.
Hellbladeuses audio as the main navigator, because the voices are all in Senua’s head. On the older consoles, the sound design was limited, which at times could make it harder for players to figure out what`s going since there is no HUD. On the new console, there’s more potential forHellbadeto display its beauty, and open up a deeper conversation.
1Metro Exodus
The Metroseries is an underrated one. The first-person horror shooter based on the book with the same name isn’t played by many, but gamers from all over who have experienced this game will say it`s a stand-out game.Metro Exodustook the best parts of the first game andLast Lightand turned the dial up to 11.
Shifting from linear Russian underground subway with some instances to the surface,Exodustakes players to the open world of post-apocalyptical Russia. The graphical update is a great example of how developers can update their games for the new consoles. From ray tracing on theXbox Series X/Sto faster load times thanks to the solid-state drive,Metro: Exodusis a benchmark for what the new console can do.
