In this feature, we’ll be taking a look at fifteen such disappointing Xbox One exclusives- note that some of these games have been improved significantly since launch thanks to updates, and that we’re primarily talking about disappointing launches. Also note that for the purposes of these list, we’ll only be looking at Xbox One console exclusives.

With all that out of the way, let’s get into it.

RYSE: SON OF ROME

Ryse: Son of Rome took our breath away when it was first revealed, showcasing stunning visuals and looking like the kind of cinematic action adventure killer app that the Xbox family had always been desperately searching for. What we got was a disappointing mess that didn’t even come close to achieving what we had all hoped it would. Sure, it still looked good- but that’s about as far as it went with positives.

Microsoft announced that the Xbox One’s Xbox Fitness health app will be closing soon,. Previous content that was purchased will, unfortunately, no longer be accessible after July 1st, 2017. Microsoft hasn’t yet discussed whether or not users of Xbox Fitness will be refunded for content they bought previously. This is particularly worrying, as it means that Microsoft Fitness users will not be able to access content that they paid for.

This sets a disturbing precedent that’s already been seen in the mobile space, where companies pull older content without refunding customers.  As for Xbox Health,  Microsoft had this to say: “While our team is saddened by this news, we couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past two and a half years,” Bell continued.

“We know that many of you have used Xbox Fitness to begin your fitness journey, to supplement it, or as a way to redefine your own fitness story. We’re glad we could be a part of the journey.”

One of the, er, benefits that you got for subscribing to Xbox Live Gold on the Xbox One was access to Microsoft’s health and fitness suite, Xbox Fitness, for free. However, the caveat, of course, was that Microsoft was only offering it through to the end of December 2014. Now, they have confirmed that Xbox Fitness will be continued to be offered as an Xbox Live Gold benefit to members in 2015 as well.

“While some of the content available will change in January, Xbox Fitness will continue to offer free and unlimited access to a wide fitness video catalog with your Xbox Live Gold membership, as well as the option to purchase additional full programs with Gold and Silver memberships.”

So as long as you have an Xbox One, a Kinect sensor, and an Xbox Live Gold membership, and a desire to have a fitness and health tracking software, there is a very good, very free alternative available to you.

The service will of course be using Kinect for different purposes including measuring your heart-rate, which muscles are doing what, your quality of performance, balance and much more. Xbox Fitness will also allow for personalized programs based on your workout history along with highlighting popular workouts among users. Each workout will vary between 10 to 60 minutes in length.

Insanity’s Shaun T stated that, “What makes Xbox Fitness so innovative is the feedback it gives you. The Kinect sensor can evaluate your form, tell how high you’re jumping, how hard you’re punching and even read your heart rate. It’s that little missing piece of validation that hasn’t been possible for home fitness products before. Xbox Fitness completes the puzzle.”

There will also be challenges, rewards, social challenges and scores to beat in order to encourage some friendly competition in the community. Stay tuned for more details.