Rocket League

Rocket League combines football with racing cars into a unique concept, in which teams of rocket-powered cars on an enclosed pitch knock a giant ball toward the opponent's goal. The game was originally created by Psyonix studio for a previous console generation, and only over the years did it become one of the most-played titles of its era; on Xbox Series X and S it received dedicated optimization at the console's launch, bringing higher resolution and frame rates up to 120 frames per second for a maximally smooth and precise driving feel, even in fast duels near the goal.

The core of the gameplay is deceptively simple controls built on acceleration, jumping, and aerial flight, which in the hands of experienced players turns into an acrobatic, almost balletic sport full of spectacular volley strikes and goal-line saves right under the crossbar. The game has been free to play since 2020 and offers cross-platform play, which together with regular seasons, cosmetic items, and an esports scene keeps an active and extensive community of players engaged years after release. Alongside standard three-versus-three matches it offers smaller and larger game formats, ranked competitive matches, and occasional themed game modes tied to holidays or collaborations with other brands.

Rocket League is widely regarded as one of the most original and best-tuned multiplayer concepts of its generation, combining accessibility for new players with an almost endless space for improvement for experienced veterans. On Xbox Series X and S it offers one of the smoothest and most responsive versions of the game around, and so, even years later, it remains a clear choice for anyone looking for an addictive, socially oriented action sports experience, whether playing casually or pursuing competitive ladders and following the professional esports tournaments that have grown up around the game over the years.

Why play it: With an addictive, socially oriented mix of action and sport in one of the smoothest versions of the game around, it's a clear choice whether you play casually or follow competitive esports tournaments.