Microsoft’s initial console had an excellent list of exclusive games, making picking the best Xbox games worthwhile but challenging. If you’d like to explore the best of what the original Xbox had to offer, you’re in the right place.
The best Xbox Series games list might not be that long yet, but the Xbox Series still has plenty to offer. If you’re looking for some more rent games, check out the official website of Xbox Series games and all those upcoming Xbox Series games.
List of Best Original XBOX games
Fable: The Lost Chapters
The fact that Fable never lived up to Peter Molyneux’s lofty promises didn’t stop it from developing into one of the console’s most memorable games. Although Albion might be short for an RPG, its sheer amount of choices and its lived-in nature make it a fantastic place to visit. Fable Anniversary, published in 2013 on Xbox 360, is the definitive version, but if you want to experience Molyneux’s ambitious adventure on original hardware, you should check out The Lost Chapter.
Halo: Combat Evolved – 97
Even though Halo: Combat Evolved has not aged the same way as the sequel, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable 10-hour campaign dripping in nostalgia for anyone who originally played it. As one of the most significant launch titles of all time, Combat Evolved immediately placed Microsoft’s first console on the gaming map and showed it would be a serious competitor to both Nintendo and Sony.
Best Skateboarding Game: Jet Set Radio Future
Jet Set Radio Future is the sequel to the Dreamcast game Jet Set Radio, and it takes everything good about its predecessor and pushes it to the limit. Skating through huge urban environments and tagging everything you see is a lot of fun. The cel-shaded graphics and exhilarating soundtrack make Jet Set Radio Future stand out from other skateboarding games of the time.
Ninja Gaiden Black – 94
The 2005 Ninja Gaiden game Black is a re-worked version of the 2004 game Ninja Gaiden, complete with two expansion packs. In the two new games, the side-scrolling action of the series was ditched in favor of an over-the-shoulder, third-person perspective.
‘GTA: San Andreas’ is the best of the GTA games
The Grand Theft Auto series merits its category since it is so voluminous. The story of GTA: San Andreas follows Carl Johnson, who returns to his hometown after five years to find his mother murdered, his family falling apart, and his friendships heading for disaster. To save those he cares about, he must control the streets. GTA is not for little kids because of the graphic violence, but it will keep older players busy for hundreds of hours.
Best Platformer: Psychonauts
Psychonauts took a long time to develop, but the wait was well worth it. As well as giving classic platforming action, Psychonauts also highlights an engaging visual style, a well-written story, and an unrivaled sense of humor. Though not particularly challenging or lengthy, Psychonauts is always fun to pick up and play.
Halo 2 – 95
Halo 2, which was released nearly 20 years ago, is still regarded as one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. The game belongs among a unique crowd of names such as DOOM, GoldenEye 007, and the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, in the sense that both its single-player campaign and multiplayer mode were of remarkably excellent quality.
Halo 2 can be operated on Series X through the Master Chief Collection either in its original form or with the latest visuals.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
One of the best games to use the Star Wars name is Bioware’s ambitious RPG. Cleverly utilizing the same D20 system that powered the third edition of Dungeons & Dragons to victory, Bioware’s game gives a thrilling story, brilliantly written characters, and rich branching conversations that gradually piece together the pictures of your amnesia-stricken avatar.
The combat in KOTOR is just as well-crafted as its superb dialogue, while its pleasant side quests, upgradeable force powers, and references to Star Wars lore make you feel like you’re playing a forgotten movie. Obsidian’s sequel is equally compelling.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Splinter Cell’s most skilled operative, Sam Fisher, has been assigned a hazardous series of operations to investigate and destroy a new source of information attack originating in North Korea. There are many lethal tactics at your disposal, ranging from Combat Knife techniques to experimental prototype weapons skills and more radical hand-to-hand techniques like an Inverted Chokehold. Learn how being a lone operative in the area and collaborating online with a partner can help you to accomplish crucial missions.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls series is one of the planet’s most famous franchises. That is how deep these games typically contain, and the level of depth brings more than 100 hours of gameplay for each one. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind was one of the greatest games the original Xbox ever had, and this first-person RPG was chosen for the “Game of the Year” prize.
The game was also available for PC, where probably most players are. Still, it ported well to the Xbox console, which allowed the studio to venture into a different market.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: 1994: Chaos Theory
The original Splinter Cell isn’t the only original Xbox game that can be played on Series X, as Chaos Theory can also be purchased via backward compatibility.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is considered by many to be one of the greatest stealth games of all time, which is quite an accomplishment when you think it’s rival(s) including Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Hitman: Blood Money and Dishonored.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Although you may not be able to live like the legend, you can skate like him now. Experience best pro skaters like Lasek, Muska, Thomas, and Steamer, and latest talent like Gilfberg, Caballero, Koston, and Mullen, along with Tony Hawk himself. You can fully customize your skater with the enhanced Create-a-Skater (which now features female skaters) and Skatepark Editor.