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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Improved RSC sequel with more cars, more roads and exceptional Xbox Live multiplayer. Even more impressive graphics. Clearly superior to the first. The definitive Xbox-exclusive rally reference, one of the console's best racing games."
"Spanish version of KOTOR II - The Sith Lords. Philosophically darker sequel than the original, featuring Kreia as antagonist/mentor. Content identical to international version in Spanish."
"Improved Midnight Club 3 version with more cars and bikes, enriched modes. More generous than the original DUB Edition. If choosing between the two, go for Remix. The definitive version of the best street racing game of the Xbox generation."
"Legendary Xbox launch bundle including JSRF and Sega GT 2002. JSRF is a masterpiece, Sega GT 2002 is a competent automotive simulation. The value of this bundle is extraordinary. The smart purchase for any original Xbox fan."
"Peak of the TimeSplitters series, Free Radical humorous FPS with time travel. Delirious story, exceptional multiplayer, huge armory. One of the most fun FPS games of the Xbox generation. Excellent value, often underrated."
"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."
"X-Men Legends sequel featuring X-Men and Brotherhood alliance against Apocalypse. Extended roster including playable villains, enriched power system. Xbox Live online appreciated. Superior to the first in almost every way. The X-Men Legends to own."
"Hulk mass destruction game in destructible cities. The sense of power is unmatched, fights against massive bosses are satisfying. The freedom to destroy entire buildings is exhilarating. One of the most fun superhero games."
"Crystal Dynamics Tomb Raider reboot rehabilitating Lara Croft. Fluid exploration and action gameplay, more agile and modern Lara. The best franchise entry since the first episodes. An enthusiastic comeback after difficult years."
"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."
"Enhanced THPS1 and THPS2 version for Xbox with exclusive bonus levels. The two best Tony Hawks combined with Xbox additions. Remastered graphics, extra levels. The definitive way to play the two founding franchise classics."
"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."
