Let’s gear up for an exciting trip to the gaming vaults of nostalgia to find the best Xbox 360 games. Yep, since we’re on a retro roll lately, we feel it’s time to show the Xbox 360 some love. It’s always a pleasure to revisit our Xbox 360 library, and we’re always in awe of how well they hold up. With 10 slots to fill, we’ve got room for a bunch of fan favorites, but we’ll also highlight underrated gems.
Which Xbox 360 Games are the Greatest of All Time?
The term G.O.A.T (Greatest of all time) often gets thrown around quite a lot. The truth is it’s always a subjective matter regarding gaming. Today’s list of the best of the 360 games bunch is no different. However, there’s a counterpoint, so what if something’s subjective? For us, today’s games represent the peak of the Xbox 360 era of gaming.
Some picks might match with others; some might not. One thing’s for certain; there’s a fanbase that’s hungry for retro gaming. So, if you’re one of us and love gushing about games that feel like they were around yesteryear, like zombie games on Xbox 360, strap in. We’re about to take another delightful trip down memory lane. Alright, let’s not waste more time and begin. Here we go!
10. Saints Row (2006) – The Gritty, Dark Tone, Deep Storyline, and Grim Humor Captivates Players
For the first pick on our list of top-tier Xbox 360 games, we’re going old-school with Saints Row (2006). Here’s a little scoop about the series during its infancy, Saints Row (2006) wasn’t originally a parody of GTA. The game had an identity of its own, sure there was humor, but it was dark and not in your face. There was an air of subtlety to the game’s plotline and a sense of a morally grey area.
Players took control of their character after customizing their appearance and gender. The narrative initially pushes players into the role of a henchman doing the bidding of the leader of the Third City Saints gang. However, the storyline isn’t linear and allows players to take on 3 separate narrative missions if they have the respect points to unlock them. Saints Row (2006) is loads of fun to play.
The players can cause as much mayhem as they want, fight rival gangs, obtain and defend territory, play mini-games, and even purchase cosmetics for their character. At the time of its release, Saints Row (2006) was one of the most groundbreaking games on the Xbox 360. We highly recommend playing it for yourself before the series was changed shifted to the comical realm, losing itself.
9. Crackdown – The Over-the-top Nonsensical Gameplay Approach is Silly Yet Addictive
Crackdown is our next pick for our list of top Xbox 360 games. The reason? It’s one of the most fun, innovative, and over-the-top games with a narrative that’s surprisingly deep. Yes, the gameplay makes a mockery of real-world physics, but that’s the point. Crackdown allows players to traverse buildings, make giant leaps, shoot enemies, drive cars, and even throw them at targets.
The point is, Crackdown is pure mindless fun but with heart. The open-world style exploration and how dismembering the gang’s supplies, hideouts, and generals cripples them is highly innovative. The co-op gameplay is seamless and rewards both players with experience and orbs that unlock and improve abilities. The game’s a ton of fun to play with friends, like our friend’s cooperative games list.
Crackdown is one the best games from the time of Xbox 360. The game’s premise is full of potential, and we can’t wait to see a revival in the future. Sure, the series hasn’t found the attention it rightfully deserves, but it’s only a matter of the right devs working on it before Crackdown is a hit with fans.
8. Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions – One of the Most Uniquely Fun and Exciting Xbox 360 Games
For the next game on our list of excellent Xbox 360 titles, we have Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions. Not only is it one of the best Spidey games ever, but it can compete with the top PS3 Spiderman games as well. The game features variants of Spiderman that join forces to stop dimensional hopping threats of Spidey’s rogue’s gallery. The comic book art style is jaw-dropping.
The story of Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions is a fantastic epic, putting the spotlight on classic Spidey. However, there is also Spiderman Noir, Spiderman 2099, and Ultimate Spiderman, who dons a docile symbiote costume. Each Spidey plays uniquely and emphasizes different facets of the classic Spiderman formula. We can’t stress enough how much we enjoy playing this Xbox 360 game.
Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions has plenty of collectibles that unlock achievements and provide extra costumes to marvel at. The game isn’t fully open-world, but the traversal and movement feel authentic to the Spiderman experience. From web-swinging, ziplining, aerial combos, and special exclusive attacks of the variant Spideys, the Xbox 360 game is an absolute blast from start to finish.
7. Perfect Dark (2010) – A Gorgeous Remaster of A Timeless Classic Still Holds Up Pretty Well
Next up, we dive into the evergreen classics territory of Xbox 360 with Perfect Dark (2010). The game is a reimagining of the original Perfect Dark game but follows the same story, beat for beat. It’s the gameplay where Perfect Dark (2010) truly shines. The use of cover-based shooting mechanics and shifting of view from first-person to third-person during it is wonderfully implemented.
Perfect Dark (2010) follows Johanna Dark, a young and upcoming agent of Carrington Institute, where her father was also a member. She enters the establishment of a rival corporation, Databyne, where she’s given an assortment of assignments to complete. The freedom of choice to approach the missions in any order is a game-changer, meaning the gameplay of Perfect Dark (2010) isn’t linear.
Everything is upscaled visually in this gorgeous remaster of the game on Xbox 360. Players will also unlock plenty of features right from the get-go instead of grinding away to open them. The multiplayer and co-op features are fantastic, and the shooting feels incredibly satisfying. Perfect Dark (2010) features can hang among the fierce first-person shooters of today.
6. Assassins Creed II – One of The Premier Stealth Games on Xbox 360 is Gameplay Perfection
To cap off the first half of our list of amazing Xbox 360 games, we’re going with Assassins Creed II. The game which defined the series and, according to many, is the high point that’s yet to be topped. We tend to agree with this sentiment somewhat because, after the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, we’ve not seen a character as compelling as him. Assassin’s Creed II is stealth gaming perfection.
Players take on the role of Ezio in his youthful years as tragedy befalls his family. Vengeance being the sole motive driving Ezio forward, players learn about the lineage and history of the Order of Assassins. The conflict with the manipulative Templars also sees just how deeply rooted they are in the game’s world, their influence spanning eras. Ezio eliminates his enemies while uncovering the conspiracies.
Players have free reign to explore Italy during the Renaissance era. The musical score of Assassins Creed II is phenomenal and has become synonymous with the franchise. Assassin’s Creed II ranks among the very best Xbox 360 stealth games. Players must approach each situation cautiously by mapping the routes and avoiding detection before finally delivering the killing blow. It’s super fun.
5. Halo 3 – The Epic Conclusion of Master Chief’s Heroic Journey from the First Game Mesmerizes
Halo 3 is the Xbox 360-exclusive game that’s ushering us into the upper half of our list. The first-person shooting game genre has many greats, but few can compare and reach the heights of Halo 3. Not only is Halo 3 the grand conclusion of events that started in the first Halo game, but its competitive gaming element is still top-notch. Simpler times when microtransactions weren’t a thing.
Anyway, in Halo 3, the campaign is fully playable either in single-player mode or in co-op. That’s right, not a separate multiplayer mode, but in actual co-op, which at the time was revolutionary. Nowadays, few games have this trait, like the top co-op games like It Take Two. The action and shooting mechanics in Halo 3 are rapid-paced, with a focus on skill-based pairings.
However, if competitive gameplay feels intimidating, Halo 3 has you covered by offering casual matchmaking. You can team up with a pro and take on the opposing team to learn the game mechanics. Halo 3 has everything going for it to make it one of the most fantastic Xbox 360 games, including its iconic opening theme.
4. Ninja Gaiden II – Masterclass in Action Games Schools the Genre
For the next entry on our list of excellent Xbox 360 games, we’ve got Ninja Gaiden II. The incredibly visceral action of the game feels surprisingly satisfying. Players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja from the Hayabusa village and descendant of the Hayabusa clan. Sinister forces bent on throwing the world into chaos conspire to summon demonic entities to the human realm.
It’s up to Ryu to stop these evil forces, including the Spider Ninja clan. Ninja Gaiden II boasts mind-bogglingly impressive gameplay action. The combos from the Dragon Sword and other side-weapons of Ryu feel impactful and deliver a severe beatdown on enemies. The enemy variety in Ninja Gaiden II is another fantastic highlight of the Xbox 360 game. Each one requires a different approach to best.
The boss fights in Ninja Gaiden II can feel incredibly challenging as well; it’s a game of cat and mouse. Yes, enemies and bosses hit harder, but Ryu can also do the same to them. The term glass canon is true for all characters in the game. The combat and platforming sections of Ninja Gaiden II require players to master the controls. The super moves, in particular, pack a serious wallop to obliterate fools.
3. Prototype – A Criminally Underrated Open-World Action-Adventure Game that Deserves Wider Exposure
For the number 3 spot on our list of top-tier Xbox 360 games, we have Prototype. Don’t let the name fool you; this game is incredibly underrated and one of the best open-world action games you’ll ever play on the Xbox 360. The game puts players in the shoes of Alex Mercer, a scientist who’s seemingly killed, but his body and subconsciousness are revived thanks to a sentient mutagen.
This strange virus allows Alex Mercer to defy gravity by running up walls, leaping tall buildings, and picking up and throwing heavy objects. He can also glide and fly quite a fair distance. Prototype gives players an array of extraordinary abilities for combat as well. For instance, Alex can transform his arms into blades, a grappling tendril, and even bulk up the mass of his arms for damage and defense.
Players can also shapeshift to blend into the environment and avoid enemies. The goal in Prototype is to uncover the conspiracy of the mutagen virus. Alex Mercer must contend with the military and rabid creatures made from the same virus. They’ll come after him, and he can consume them to recover his health. A few important scientists and military personnel will trigger memories for Alex.
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum – Our Runner-up Pick for the Best Xbox 360 Games List
Our runner-up spot for the best Xbox 360 games belongs to Batman: Arkham Asylum. The definitive Batman game in terms of depicting the atmosphere, ambiance, and chilling vibe of the titular Arkham Asylum. The performances of a lifetime by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hammily steal the show, as Batman and Joker, respectively. The spooky aesthetic of the Ayslum only creates an unnerving environment.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is an Xbox 360 game that’s primarily about Batman’s attempt at reigning in a breakout at Arkham Asylum, orchestrated by the Joker. This takes Batman across every Asylum nook, cranny, and ventilation shaft as he takes down thugs. Of course, Joker isn’t the only one at the Asylum, as plenty of his rogues also are there to stop him. A personal favorite of ours is Scarecrow.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is haunting and can very well stack up against the most terrifying Xbox 360 games ever. The relatively slower combat in comparison to Arkham City and Arkham Knight suits the play style of Batman: Arkham Asylum. The detective mode gives insight into most situations, and the Riddler trophies and puzzles pad out the game length nicely to deliver one of the finest games ever.
1. Gears Of War – Our Top Pick for the Best Xbox 360 Games
For the final choice on our list of excellent Xbox 360 games, we’re going with Gears Of War. The very first installment in the Gears franchise is still something fans reminisce about. Halo was the top dog of Xbox, but with Gears Of War, players quickly found another fantastic gaming franchise to latch onto. The fun gameplay and highly original premise of this Xbox 360-era exclusive is attention-grabbing.
Gears Of War is set on the planet Sera; it resembles Earth in its geography but with liberties. Anyway, the core plot revolves around the military order that’s all about preserving humanity’s survival against hostile alien creatures that also reside on Sera. Gears Of War’s story has amazing character moments and depth that expand throughout the story and sequels like all our favorite story-driven games.
Aside from the narrative focus of Gears Of War, the gameplay is where the Xbox 360-exclusive game shines bright. If Halo brought first-person shooting to the mainstream, then Gears Of War perfected the third-person, cover-based shooting genre. The game’s co-op and shooting elements are spectacular, and the weapon variety is superb. Players can use ranged weapons in melee as well.
Final Thoughts On the Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time
Well, that one was a doozy, wasn’t it? Thankfully, the list of top-tier Xbox 360 games is now complete. We hope you like our picks; tell us if you do. Or, you know, even if you don’t, please tell us why. We’re always happy to discuss the issues anyone has with our picks. Anyway, don’t forget to include your own favorite Xbox 360 titles. We’re pretty sure we’re missing loads of good ones.
If you like more gaming recommendations for the classic console, check out our top 10 Xbox 360 racing games rankings. Well, that’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed our list today. Until next time, please take care, stay safe, and happy gaming, everybody!
