Powerful and connected, the original Xbox launched Microsoft into the race with Halo, Halo 2, Fable, Ninja Gaiden and the Xbox Live adventure. This Top 100 gathers the best of the black console, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize, each title with its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"The ultimate mech simulation experience with its exclusive 40-button controller. Simulating a Vertical Tank with unparalleled realism. Dying without ejecting erases the save. Demanding, rare, cult. For total simulation enthusiasts and collectors."
"Ghost Recon sequel in North Korea with engine and mechanics update. More accessible gameplay than the first, less punishing. Good balance between simulation and action. For military tactical genre fans seeking a more accessible entry."
"Solid Codemasters rally simulation with demanding physics and authentic stages. Colin McRae faithfully represented. Technical gameplay for realistic driving fans. One of the best rally games of the Xbox generation."
"Improved DOA 2 version, the series begins to reach its potential. Fluid and spectacular fights, iconic characters. Excellent interactive environments. Better than the 1 Ultimate, slightly below DOA 3. A solid episode."
"Japanese survival horror where you fight ghosts with a camera. Terrifying atmosphere, oppressive haunted house, visually traumatizing ghosts. One of the most frightening survival horrors of its generation. A must for horror fans."
"First Madden on original Xbox, franchise launch on the console. Solid for its time but eclipsed by later, more complete iterations. Historical curiosity for NFL fans."
"Valve's absolute masterpiece on Xbox, one of the greatest FPS ever made. City 17, Gordon Freeman, the Combine and the revolutionary Source physics engine. Xbox version offers a complete experience even if slightly below PC."
"Xbox port of this PC masterpiece, masterful 1930s mob narrative. Tommy Angelo is a memorable protagonist, Lost Heaven city magnificently evoked. Remarkable authentic driving simulation. One of the generation's best narrative games."
"Madden 2003 with notable franchise mode improvements. Good progression of the series on Xbox. Solid NFL simulation for its year, prefer later editions today."
"Open world TPS in a fictional North Korea, Just Cause precursor. Satisfying mass destruction freedom, original bounty system, factions to manage. Immediate fun and generous content. An often overlooked action sandbox classic."
"X-Men Legends sequel featuring X-Men and Brotherhood alliance against Apocalypse. Extended roster including playable villains, enriched power system. Xbox Live online appreciated. Superior to the first in almost every way. The X-Men Legends to own."
"Hulk mass destruction game in destructible cities. The sense of power is unmatched, fights against massive bosses are satisfying. The freedom to destroy entire buildings is exhilarating. One of the most fun superhero games."
"Crystal Dynamics Tomb Raider reboot rehabilitating Lara Croft. Fluid exploration and action gameplay, more agile and modern Lara. The best franchise entry since the first episodes. An enthusiastic comeback after difficult years."
"Kingdom Under Fire sequel with new campaigns and characters. The unique action-RTS hybrid remains satisfying. Enriched solo with 6 characters with distinct stories. A solid complement for fans of the first Xbox episode."
"Enhanced THPS1 and THPS2 version for Xbox with exclusive bonus levels. The two best Tony Hawks combined with Xbox additions. Remastered graphics, extra levels. The definitive way to play the two founding franchise classics."
"French-language version of Medal of Honor Frontline. WWII FPS with cinematic atmosphere. Good scripted moments inspired by Saving Private Ryan. Technically dated but still memorable."
"Earlier iteration of 2K American football. Solid for its time but eclipsed by 2K5 two years later. For those who want to discover the basics before the 2004 masterpiece."
"MechAssault sequel with more mechs and varied weapons. Addition of light vehicles and hackable infantry. Xbox Live still excellent. Slightly superior to the first in content and depth. The mech genre reference on original Xbox."
