The original Xbox burst onto the gaming scene in 2001 in North America and, in 2002, in Japan, Europe, and Australia, ultimately releasing some of the best Xbox games ever. It was Microsoft’s first foray into gaming consoles, but despite that, the original Xbox had some incredible exclusives and great ports.
The Xbox introduced a new era of console gaming. In addition to playing games, it also featured the ability to play CD-ROMs and DVDs. The Xbox quickly became a favorite among gamers by combining powerful hardware and innovative features.
Let’s explore the ten best Xbox games that made the biggest impact on the gaming landscape.
10. SSX 3
To start off our list of best Xbox games, let’s jump right into some snowboarding action. SSX 3 offers exhilarating tricks and high-speed races down the slopes. Players tackle challenging courses, perform insane stunts, and compete against other riders.
With its impressive visuals, tight controls, and addictive multiplayer modes, SSX 3 captured the thrill and excitement of extreme snowboarding.
9. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an action-adventure game combining acrobatic platforming and manipulation. Players control the Prince as he navigates dangerous environments, solves puzzles, and battles supernatural creatures. It’s a reboot of the cinematic 2D platformer made by Broderbund back in 1989.
The Sands of Time leveled up the action-adventure genre with its captivating story, fluid movement mechanics, and inventive time-rewinding feature.
8. Jet Set Radio Future
Jet Set Radio Future is a cel-shaded action game that blends rollerblading, graffiti, and a futuristic setting. Players control a gang of skaters as they navigate vibrant environments, evade authorities, and leave their mark through graffiti. It was a sequel to Jet Set Radio, originally released on Sega’s Dreamcast console (the original game did not get an Xbox release but eventually landed on the Xbox 360).
With its unique art style, infectious soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Jet Set Radio Future delivered a fresh and stylish gaming experience.
7. Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3: Takedown is an exhilarating racing game focusing on aggressive driving and high-speed collisions. Players compete in various race modes, aiming to cause as much chaos and destruction as possible. While the first two Burnout games were also released for Xbox, it wasn’t until Burnout 3 that Criterion Games really hit their stride.
With its adrenaline-fueled gameplay, stunning crashes, and addictive multiplayer, Burnout 3: Takedown became the ultimate arcade racing experience on the Xbox.
6. Splinter Cell
Splinter Cell is a stealth-action game where players assume the role of Sam Fisher, an elite secret agent. Players must utilize stealth, gadgets, and strategy to complete missions and thwart terrorist threats. The game was inspired by the success of the Metal Gear games, and it launched an extremely successful franchise. Tie-in novels for the game were written by, you guessed it, Tom Clancy.
With its emphasis on tactical gameplay, intense atmosphere, and cinematic presentation, Splinter Cell offered a unique espionage experience that resonated with players.
5. Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden is an action-adventure game that follows the journey of Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja seeking revenge. Players navigate intricate levels, engaging in fast-paced combat against various enemies. The Xbox reboot pleased many fans of the old Nintendo series of Ninja Gaiden games.
With its challenging difficulty, fluid combat system, and impressive visuals, Ninja Gaiden provided an adrenaline-fueled experience that kept players on the edge of their seats.
4. Project Gotham Racing 2
Project Gotham Racing 2 is a racing game that emphasizes skill and precision. Players compete in various cities worldwide, showcasing their driving abilities across multiple race modes. The Project Gotham Racing series of games are connected to Metropolis Street Racing, released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000.
With its realistic (for the time) graphics, responsive controls, and addictive gameplay, Project Gotham Racing 2 became a favorite among racing fans and solidified the franchise’s reputation.
3. Fable
Not only one of the best Xbox games of all time, but also one of the best Xbox exclusive franchises. Fable is an action role-playing game that puts players in the shoes of a hero destined to shape the world of Albion. Players make choices that determine their character’s morality and appearance, influencing the reactions of NPCs and the overall storyline.
With its dynamic world, fun combat, and moral dilemmas, Fable offers players a truly immersive and interactive experience. It launched a short-lived franchise that is currently in development for a reboot.
2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an epic role-playing game set in the Star Wars universe. Players create their own character and embark on a quest that spans the galaxy, making choices that shape their character’s destiny. While SW:KotOR was initially a successful PC game, the Xbox port was incredibly faithful, and the addition of a gamepad control scheme made it a true couch gaming pleasure.
With its deep storytelling, memorable characters, and robust combat system, Knights of the Old Republic treated players to an immersive, fully voice-acted Star Wars experience.
1. Halo: Combat Evolved
The Best Xbox Game of All Time
Of course the number one spot is Halo… Can you imagine a best Xbox games list without this game-changing title leading the pack? Halo: Combat Evolved is a first-person shooter that revolutionized the genre. Players assume the role of Master Chief, a supersoldier battling against alien forces known as the Covenant.
With its immersive single-player campaign, intense multiplayer modes, and innovative weapon mechanics, Halo became a flagship franchise for the Xbox and remains one of the most beloved game series ever.
