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.
"Kingdom Under Fire sequel with new campaigns and characters. The unique action-RTS hybrid remains satisfying. Enriched solo with 6 characters with distinct stories. A solid complement for fans of the first Xbox episode."
"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."
"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."
"Third Thief by Ion Storm, console port of the classic PC stealth game. Garrett steals and spies in a dark Victorian city. Excellent shadow mechanic. The orphanage library remains terrifying. A stealth classic for Xbox."
"Ghost Recon reboot set in futuristic Mexico with advanced technologies. New drone command and improved cover system. Visually impressive for its era. The most modern Ghost Recon of the Xbox generation."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Madden 2003 with notable franchise mode improvements. Good progression of the series on Xbox. Solid NFL simulation for its year, prefer later editions today."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Standalone Ghost Recon 2 expansion in Afghanistan with new missions. Solid additional content for fans of the second episode. Varied mountain environments. For Ghost Recon fans seeking more missions in the same spirit."
