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.
"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."
"Tony Hawk featuring a narrative story mode and player-created character. Major formula evolution with on-foot sections. Fun satirical narrative. Slightly below THPS3 in pure gameplay but enriching for the franchise."
"Double Fine masterpiece by Tim Schafer, one of the most creative games ever made. Each character's mental world is a brilliant and unique idea. Exceptional humor, unforgettable characters. An unjustly neglected classic at launch, now cult."
"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."
"Burnout 3 sequel with the Traffic Checking concept - ramming slow cars into opponents. Even more offensive than the third. Frantic Road Rage mode. A notch below Burnout 3 for some but still exceptional."
"Atmospheric Doom reboot prioritizing tension and terror over frantic action. Breathtaking graphics for the era, successfully claustrophobic Mars Colony atmosphere. The separate flashlight mechanic is controversial but effective. A major horror FPS."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Improved RSC sequel with more cars, more roads and exceptional Xbox Live multiplayer. Even more impressive graphics. Clearly superior to the first. The definitive Xbox-exclusive rally reference, one of the console's best racing games."
"Spanish version of KOTOR II - The Sith Lords. Philosophically darker sequel than the original, featuring Kreia as antagonist/mentor. Content identical to international version in Spanish."
"Improved Midnight Club 3 version with more cars and bikes, enriched modes. More generous than the original DUB Edition. If choosing between the two, go for Remix. The definitive version of the best street racing game of the Xbox generation."
"Peak of the TimeSplitters series, Free Radical humorous FPS with time travel. Delirious story, exceptional multiplayer, huge armory. One of the most fun FPS games of the Xbox generation. Excellent value, often underrated."
"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."
"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."
