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.
"First great SSX, fun and spectacular arcade snowboard. Über Trick combos are memorable, characters are endearing. Perfect delirious and musical atmosphere. Less complete than SSX 3 but the original that started it all. Guaranteed nostalgia."
"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."
"The first Burnout, founding arcade racing-crashing game. Collisions are the heart of gameplay, immediate fun. Less rich than its sequels but the series DNA is already there. A classic to revisit in the context of the franchise's evolution."
"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."
"Xbox-exclusive 3D versus fighting masterpiece, one of the console's most beautiful games. Spectacular interactive environments, fluid animations, technical and accessible combat. Sets the bar for 3D versus of its generation. An absolute must."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
