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.
"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."
"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."
"Best Rainbow Six on original Xbox, port of the PC classic with excellent missions. Satisfying pre-mission tactical planning, intense ground execution. Xbox Live multiplayer reference of the era. One of the generation's best tactical shooters."
"Improved Amped sequel with more tricks, mountains and customization options. Snowboarding gameplay is among the most satisfying of the generation. Excellent soundtrack. An Xbox exclusive that deserves its reputation."
"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."
"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."
"The best Capcom-SNK crossover fighting game, Xbox port with EO (Easy Operation) mode. The roster is colossal, varied groove systems offer unique depth. One of the best versus fighting games of the generation on console."
