Greetings, fans of classic Xbox games! Today, another trip down memory is our destination, as we’re revisiting the classic Xbox library. What can we say? We’re always looking for an excuse to gush about classic titles. Anyway, today, we’ve got more wiggle room to put the spotlight on more games. We honestly can’t wait to begin! So, then let’s dive into a few details, then we can kick off our list.
How We’re Picking Games for Today’s List of Classic Xbox Titles?
Alright, so the selection of games is pretty straightforward for today’s classic Xbox titles. Mainly, we’re looking for two things above all. If any game fails to bring these two things to the table, it’s not gonna find a place on our list. The better it meets our criteria, the higher its position will become on our list. Let’s dispense with the suspense and reveal our two-fold requirements for game selection.
- The Classic Xbox games we’re considering should possess fun game mechanics and level structure. If it’s a by-the-numbers and generic title, we won’t put it on the list; it must be unique like the other classic Xbox titles.
- Another important feature we’re looking for in classic Xbox games is beautiful graphics. The Xbox is responsible for some of the most gorgeous-looking games. So, the more eye-catching a game’s visuals, the higher its ranking will be on today’s list.
Which 10 Classic Xbox Games Are the Best Ever?
Alright, now that we’ve set up the criteria, we can start our list. Today’s mix contains a nice balance of a few no-brainers and some often-overlooked gems. The idea is to help players discover classic Xbox games they didn’t get to try at the time of release. Well, enough delays; let’s get right on with the list. Remember, none of the games are bad; quite the opposite; they’re all super fun. Here we go!
10. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – The Classic RPG is One of the Best Xbox Games Of All Time
Kicking things off with an instant classic, we have the RPG game Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind for the original Xbox. Arguably one of the most ambitious open-world titles to date, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind set the stage for many to follow. The game, while having a central plot, doesn’t force players on its linear path. Instead, players are literally free to explore, hunt, and learn skills as they please.
Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind also has immersive combat and an in-depth progression system. Players can create the character and fine-tune details like race, appearance, class, and traits. The gameplay is revolutionary for its time, and what’s more, this classic game is exclusive to Xbox.
If you’re an RPG fan, you’ll want to check out Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Several game mechanics that improve the gameplay experience make it into future entries following Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, like sprinting in Skyrim.
9. Soulcalibur II – The Immesnsly Enjoyable Fighting Game Will Leave Players Wanting More
Next up on our list of top-tier classic Xbox games, we’re going with Soulcalibur II. The fighting game that plenty of gamers have fond memories about. Namely, because it features the anti-hero Spawn as a guest character. Anyway, Soulcalibur II is a fighting game that’s got a welcoming learning curve. Even novice players can quickly master the controls and jump into fights after honing their skills.
There is a surprising amount of depth to the fighting mechanics in Soulcalibur II. Players can evade by side-stepping and parrying, but there are also guard-break attacks that add a welcome complexity.
Soulcalibur II is ripe with extra content, including a theater mode to view every character’s weapon, melee attacks, and even specials. Soulcalibur II rightfully deserves its place in the classic Xbox games hall of fame.
8. Odd World: Stranger’s Wrath – A Highly Unique Action-Adventure Game on Xbox
We venture into the absurd and over-the-top for our list of the best classic Xbox games with Oddworld: Stranger’s Revenge. Heading into the wild west, we enter the badlands, where bandits and outlaws rule the roost. It’s up to our mysterious protagonist, Stranger, to hunt down and capture or eliminate the bad seeds. With such an intriguing premise, it’s bound to rouse gamers’ curiosity.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Revenge has a third-person view for most in-game actions like combat, traversal, or platforming. Players will need to either purchase ammunition or, get this, make their own from live insects. Yep, you can use bees to stun and sting enemies or skunks to shoot gas bombs and neutralize enemies. The gameplay is super fun.
The goal is to capture targets for higher bounties or eliminate them if they’re too much trouble. It’s this unique trait that we had to include Oddworld: Stranger’s Revenge on our list of the best classic Xbox games. If you enjoy such action-adventure titles, you’ll love our top single-player adventure games like God Of War.
7. Panzer Dragoon: Orta – The Criminally Underrated JRPG is Deserving of a Wider Audience
Despite the Panzer Dragoon series never clicking with the majority of the gaming fanbase sales-wise, it’s still awesome! Panzer Dragoon: Orta is one of the most terrific Xbox classic games of all time. The on-rail shooting traversal, a staple of the series, returns but with crisp visuals and highly engaging combat. The game has deviations in routes, which change the area and enemies players will encounter.
Another excellent trait of Panzer Dragoon: Orta is that the enemy variety keeps players on their toes. Each enemy type requires a different strategy, so when they swarm the player, it’s always a tense encounter. The story is another aspect of Panzer Dragoon: Orta, where the classic Xbox game shines.
The narrative is exceptionally brilliant, where the protagonist Orta goes on a quest to learn of her lineage. Along the way, we experience twists and turns that make her personality shine through as a likable and relatable person. If you like roleplaying games that deliver such thrilling stories and gameplay, you’ll find our top PS4 JRPGS highly enjoyable.
6. GTA Vice City – One of the Most Compelling Open-World Games With Limitless Potential for Mayhem
Capping the first half of our list of classic Xbox games, we have GTA: Vice City. This gem of a game brings back so many memories of going on a video game rampage. Whether it’s carjacking or exploring the streets of the titular Vice City, there’s always something interesting to see. The storyline and dialogue are unapologetically hilarious in their tone, so snowflakes better stay away.
Players take on the role of Tommy Vercetti, an up-and-comer in the criminal underworld who slowly rises to power. The twists in the narrative will leave players speechless, and as we mentioned before, this game doesn’t hold back. There are brutal depictions of violence and mature content, so proceed with caution. There are also races to compete in and other side activities that pad the experience.
GTA Vice City also has specific challenges and rewards, like pulling off stunts or finding a particular car. In addition to those, players can also choose to engage in turf wars or just in-general chaotic free-roam activities like using drift cars to ram into traffic. When you factor in everything, it’s hard to argue the inclusion of GTA Vice City as a must-play classic Xbox game.
5. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow – The Espionage Stealth Game Improves Upon Perfection
Ushering us into the upper half of our list of top-tier classic Xbox games, we have Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. The Splinter Cell series was still in its infancy during the time of Xbox’s rise. The first game set itself apart from other fantastic tactical stealth titles, but Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is where it creatively took flight, offering slick movement, precise controls, and deeper immersion.
Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow lets players map out the enemy patrolling pattern. Players must time their maneuverability to perfectly master the stealth elements. While most people’s first choice for stealth games land on Metal Gear Solid, we actually think it’s Splinter Cell that truly breathed new life into the genre. Why it’s on our classic Xbox games list shouldn’t be any wonder.
Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow features additional ways to take out enemies creatively. For instance, Sam Fisher, the game’s protagonist, can whistle to attract the attention of patrolling enemies. The game has stellar graphics on top of everything else; there’s literally no downside. We point you toward our top Xbox 360 stealth games for similar gaming recommendations.
4. Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time – A Modern-Day Masterpiece Reboot of A Timeless Classic
This next entry on our list of classic Xbox games is a no-brainer. Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is one of the most captivating games of its generation. Players got to experience an action-adventure game that relies on semi-realistic parkour movements. Something that, later down the line, serves as the foundation for Ubisoft’s mega flagship series, the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
A unique trait of Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time’s narrative is that it has Eastern influences instead of Western. The navigation, puzzle-solving, platforming, use of stealth and the cinematic vibe of how the narrative unfolds are masterful. Players can reverse time using the titular sands of time. It allows players to see where they’re making mistakes and rectify them.
Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is rightfully deserving of its accolades and acclaim as one of the best classic games on Xbox. If you want games with similar vibes, we urge you to check out our favorite platformers.
3. Psychonauts – The Fun Never Stops in this Amazingly Addictive Game
For the coveted number 3 position on our list of awesome classic Xbox games, we’re going on a mind-bending trip. Psychonauts puts players in the shoes of Raz, who has psychic powers. He goes from the physical world to the zany mind worlds of the colorful cast of characters players encounter. Each serves as a level for Raz to complete and gain new abilities or enhance his psychic powers.
There are action and platforming elements in Psychonauts and plenty of collectibles to pick up. Players will love the gorgeous sceneries and the wacky level designs present in the classic Xbox game. The sense of adventure and wonder is profoundly present in the game. Psychonauts is unique and is a delight to revisit every now and then. We’re glad there’s a sequel for everyone to enjoy.
2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 – Our Runner-Up Pick for the Best Classic Xbox Game Delivers Unparalleled Thrills
For the runner-up position on our list of classic Xbox games, we’re going full-on retro with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. The high-intensity, fast-paced skateboarding action is delightfully charming. It’s a musical trip down memory lane where the soundtracks were hits of the 90s. The level structures are diverse, and an expansive story mode that unlocks more in-game rewards is stellar.
Players can create their own custom skaters and start them off in their career path in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. For us, the game exemplifies fun on a level that few other classic Xbox games can. The stat distribution determines where they will initially specialize in, like hangtime, rail grinding, or steadiness during aerial tricks. If you’re a gaming geek with a fascination for character customization in video games, you’ll love our guide about starting stats in Fallout 4 for a fun start.
1. Halo 2 – Our Favorite Classis Xbox Game Eclipses the Competition
The top spot on our list of classic Xbox games belongs to Halo 2. An Xbox gaming list is essentially incomplete if a Halo entry isn’t on it. What started as a grand sci-fi epic in the first game, Halo 2, fully ups the ante. Not only are the visuals drop-dead gorgeous, but the gameplay is much more intense, and there are plenty of more actions Master Chief can take.
The shooting element in Halo 2 feels sublime. The ability to dual-wield weapons feels strangely satisfying, even though the trade-off is accuracy. Master Chief’s journey through adversity is gripping, adding additional layers to his character. The transition from on-foot traversal to vehicles and vice versa is smooth.
Switching between Master Chief and The Arbiter, Halo 2’s antagonist, is a masterful decision that lets players see the other side of the conflict. The sound design is another astounding feat of Halo 2, making it the only contender to top our classic Xbox games list. If you’re a fan of shooters, you’re not gonna want to miss Halo 2 or any of our other top-notch shooting games.
Final Thoughts On the Best Classic Xbox Games
Well, our expansive list of the best Xbox classic games finally concludes. We hope it serves its purpose and you find an amazing game to check out through the backward compatibility program. Anyway, tell us about your thoughts on our picks today. Do any of them ring any bells? And if you have played them, how would you rate them? Do they still hold up? Tell us in the comments below.
If we’re missing any of your favorites, don’t forget to remind us about them. Enlighten us why it’s your favorite classic Xbox game. We eagerly await your feedback. For more classic gaming goodness, we point you toward our compilation of the 32 best Game Gear games. Well, until next time, take care, everyone, stay safe, and happy gaming!
