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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Complete and improved Fable version with extra content, exclusive quests and enriched ending. The definitive Fable version. If you own only one Fable Xbox, it's this one without hesitation."
"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."
"Best Hitman saga episode until Absolution, perfect lethal sandbox. Levels are elimination puzzles with multiple solutions. The Opera, circus, amusement park - each mission is memorable. One of the best games of the Xbox 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."
"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."
"Console adaptation of Far Cry featuring tropical jungle and Jack Carver's animal powers. Successfully lush atmosphere, solid hybrid FPS-TPS gameplay. Primitive powers add an original dimension. One of the best FPS games of the Xbox generation."
"King Kong film game by Michel Ancel, surprisingly quality. The HUD-less system creates rare immersion, Kong sequences are delightful. Ubisoft Montpellier at the peak of their art for a tie-in. Short but intense and memorable."
"Improved MotoGP sequel with more riders and circuits. Refined physics, enriched modes. Better than the first in almost every way. The MotoGP reference on Xbox until the third episode."
"Second Hitman featuring the franchise-defining Silent Assassin rating system. Varied missions around the world, Agent 47 at his best. The progression toward total discretion is addictive. A classic of the stealth genre on Xbox."
"Improved NFS Most Wanted version with exclusive bonus content (extra cars, special missions). The version to own if you have the choice. Everything that makes the original excellent, with more. The definitive of this racing masterpiece."
"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."
