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.
"French version of Oddworld Stranger's Wrath, one of the most original games on original Xbox. The Stranger bounty hunts in an alien Far West with a unique living ammo system. Brilliant FPS/TPS hybrid, surprising narrative. An overlooked masterpiece."
"Xbox-exclusive aerial action game, one of the console's best. 1930s retrofuturistic planes, fast-paced and fun aerial combat, open world to explore. Excellent Xbox Live online in its day. An often overlooked gem of the original Xbox library."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"LEGO Star Wars sequel on the original trilogy (IV-VI), even better than the first. LEGO humor on the classic Star Wars universe is irresistible. Excellent local co-op. A reference family game on Xbox that brings all generations together."
"Def Jam hip-hop beat-em-up with a rapper and celebrity cast. Deep combat system despite accessible appearance. Authentic urban atmosphere, extensive customization. One of the best unconventional fighting games of its generation."
"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."
"Peter Molyneux Xbox-exclusive RPG, ambitious despite its unkept promises. Charming medieval English atmosphere, original morality system, satisfying progression. Less revolutionary than announced but an excellent accessible and fun RPG."
"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."
"Japanese version of Prince of Persia Warrior Within. Content identical to the international version. For Japanese players or collectors seeking the original JP version of this dark and ambitious POP."
"Xbox Live exclusive mech TPS, perfect for online multiplayer. Mechs control perfectly, action is intense and satisfying. One of the first great Xbox Live games proving the service's potential. A mech combat classic."
"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."
