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.
"The game that defined FPS on console. Master Chief, the Flood, the Ring - the Halo universe is immediately iconic. 4-player splitscreen multiplayer is legendary. One of the foundational moments of modern gaming. Indispensable for every Xbox owner."
"GTA in 1980s Miami starring Tommy Vercetti. Neon and synth-pop atmosphere masterfully rendered, iconic soundtrack. Xbox version slightly graphically improved. One of video gaming's great classics in its best console version."
"Absolute peak of the Splinter Cell saga. Sam Fisher at his most agile, multi-approach missions, unprecedented online co-op. Physics and light systems perfected. Adult and tense political narrative. The best stealth game of the Xbox generation, full stop."
"Sequel that amplifies everything that made the first memorable. The Arbiter storyline enriches the universe, the revolutionary Xbox Live multiplayer is the best of the generation. The Halo saga at its narrative peak. An absolute and indispensable masterpiece."
"Ultimate Ninja Gaiden version with two extra difficulty levels, exclusive missions and bonus content. Even more demanding than the original. The definitive version of one of the greatest action games ever made. Essential for every original Xbox owner."
"Ubisoft stealth masterpiece, Sam Fisher redefines infiltration. Three light levels as core mechanic are revolutionary. Perfect paranoid Cold War atmosphere. One of the best Xbox exclusives and of the stealth genre."
"Absolute masterpiece of aggressive arcade racing. The Takedown - eliminating opponents - revolutionizes the genre. Spectacular crash modes, devilish rock soundtrack, hallucinating speed. One of the best games of the Xbox generation and all time."
"Peak of the SSX series, perfect arcade snowboard. Entire open mountain to explore, spectacular night races, legendary soundtrack. Deep but accessible trick system. The best snow sports game of its generation, full stop."
"One of the most important games of its generation. Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas form a colossal world. CJ is a memorable character, the music is legendary. GTA SA on Xbox allows playing with a controller in excellent conditions."
"The best THPS according to many, with the Revert that changes everything. Iconic levels (Airport, Canada, Tokyo), fluid tricks, memorable rock soundtrack. The Tony Hawk formula at its peak. Still very fun to play today. A timeless classic."
"European version of Silent Hill 2, Konami's psychological horror masterpiece. James Sunderland in Silent Hill's fog, searching for his dead wife. Incomparable oppressive atmosphere, iconic Pyramid Head. An absolute peak of survival horror."
"Spanish version of Knights of the Old Republic, the best Star Wars RPG ever made. 4000 years before the films, Revan and the Sith Lords. The legendary narrative twist. Content identical to international version. The masterpiece in Spanish."
"Tony Hawk 4 featuring per-level open world mode and character missions. Innovation on the challenge system. Slightly below the third but very solid. The trick list and soundtrack are excellent. A must for franchise fans."
"The best Soulcalibur of the generation, featuring Spawn as Xbox-exclusive character. The weapon and combat system has rare depth and fluidity. Masterful graphics for the era. One of the best versions of the best weapon-based versus fighter."
"The GTA that changed everything, Xbox version of the revolutionary classic. Liberty City's 3D criminal open world remains fascinating. Xbox offers slight visual improvements. A video game monument to have experienced, even today."
"Team Ninja/Tecmo Xbox-exclusive action masterpiece. Ryu Hayabusa against the shadows in a combat system of rare depth and fluidity. Difficult but fair. One of the greatest action games ever made, full stop."
"Even more cinematic and mature Max Payne sequel. The romance with Mona Sax, refined bullet-time, Havok physics. Perfect blend of action and melancholy. Shorter but more intense. One of the most accomplished FPS/TPS games of the Xbox generation."
"Xbox-exclusive reference automotive simulation, Microsoft's answer to Gran Turismo. Rigorous physics, extensive visual and mechanical customization, extensive career. One of the most technically impressive games of the Xbox generation."
"Forza Motorsport bundle with Xbox Live Arcade included. The automotive simulation reference on original Xbox. Demanding and realistic physics, deep customization, satisfying career. The must-have for car enthusiasts on Xbox."
"Foundational open world RPG of the modern generation, Xbox port of the PC original. Unparalleled total freedom, fascinating Vvardenfell world, extraordinarily rich quests. Writing and lore of rare depth. An RPG monument that must be played."
