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.
"Rayman 2 sequel featuring the Hoodlums as enemies. Fluid and fun 3D gameplay, off-beat Ubisoft Montpellier humor, varied levels. Less memorable than the second but solid and charming. A good 3D platformer for the Xbox library."
"Firaxis remake of the 1987 classic, free and varied pirate adventure. Maritime navigation, sword fights, ballroom dances, treasure hunting - a unique pirate sandbox experience. Relaxed and accessible fun. One of the most charming games on Xbox."
"Xbox-exclusive 3D versus fighting masterpiece, one of the console's most beautiful games. Spectacular interactive environments, fluid animations, technical and accessible combat. Sets the bar for 3D versus of its generation. An absolute must."
"Even more terrifying Fatal Frame sequel, featuring twins in a cursed village. Psychological horror reaches a new level, twins Mio and Mayu are endearing. More varied and visually elaborate. A peak of Japanese survival horror."
"First great SSX, fun and spectacular arcade snowboard. Über Trick combos are memorable, characters are endearing. Perfect delirious and musical atmosphere. Less complete than SSX 3 but the original that started it all. Guaranteed nostalgia."
"Smilebit Xbox-exclusive masterpiece, spiritual sequel to Jet Set Radio. Splendid cel-shading graphics, brilliant combined grind/spray, legendary funkadelic soundtrack. Bundled with Sega GT 2002. One of the most original and aesthetic games of the generation."
"The first Burnout, founding arcade racing-crashing game. Collisions are the heart of gameplay, immediate fun. Less rich than its sequels but the series DNA is already there. A classic to revisit in the context of the franchise's evolution."
"Madden 2004 with the arrival of Owner Mode and many improvements. Considered one of the best Maddens of the Xbox era. A reference for NFL simulation fans on this console."
"Xbox-exclusive unique action/RTS hybrid, managing armies while personally fighting. Two distinct complementary campaigns. Ambitious and original, if uneven. One of the most creative games in the Xbox library for military fantasy fans."
"The most demanding and realistic rally simulation ever released on console. Uncompromising driving physics, exceptional terrain modeling. Difficult to master but unmatched for purists. The absolute rally simulation reference, full stop."
"Sequel to the legendary Shenmue, Xbox exclusive in the West. Ryo Hazuki in Hong Kong then China, slow and contemplative narrative, unique living world. The Shenmue experience is unmatched for its density of details. For patient players seeking total immersion."
"Street Fighter III 3rd Strike + Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting compilation on Xbox. The III 3rd Strike is one of the best 2D versus fighters of all time. Splendid Capcom animation, infinite technical depth. Essential for any versus fighting fan."
"Legendary Xbox launch bundle including JSRF and Sega GT 2002. JSRF is a masterpiece, Sega GT 2002 is a competent automotive simulation. The value of this bundle is extraordinary. The smart purchase for any original Xbox fan."
"2K Games reference tennis simulation, Xbox exclusive. Realistic ball physics, fluid animations, immersive professional career. The best tennis game of its generation on console. Pat Rafter, Agassi, Hingis in the cast. A must for tennis fans."
"Even more generous and fun FlatOut sequel. More derby modes, even more hilarious mini-games, more varied circuits. Slightly superior to the first in execution. The FlatOut version to own on Xbox if keeping only one."
"Excellent American football simulation by ESPN/2K, considered by many as superior to Madden 2005 of the same year. Outstanding Crib mode and TV-style presentation. A sports reference on Xbox."
"Improved OutRun 2 version with more content, the original Coast 2 Coast mode and varied missions. Even more generous than the original. The best OutRun version available on Xbox, and perhaps of the entire franchise. Indispensable."
"DICE Xbox-exclusive rally game, visually breathtaking for its era. Excellent driving physics, varied rally races in splendid environments. One of the generation's best rally games, often underestimated compared to Colin McRae."
"Third MotoGP Ultimate Racing Technology, the best in the series on Xbox. Improved graphics and physics, in-depth career mode. The most complete MotoGP simulation available on original Xbox. For motorsport fans seeking the definitive experience."
"Improved Battlefront sequel with playable heroes, space warfare and campaign mode. Even more generous content, iconic heroes (Boba Fett, Vader, Luke). The definitive Battlefront of the Xbox generation. Superior to the first in every way."
