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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"IO Interactive urban guerrilla TPS in a Soviet-occupied New York. Satisfying squad command system, original political narrative. Fun and accessible, the New York resistance is gripping. A forgotten classic of the Xbox generation."
