Psst, come closer; we want to let you in on a secret; today, we will decide on the 6 top classic Xbox games of all time. Surprise! Bet you didn’t expect that one, did you? Well, what can we say? Lately, we’re feeling the nostalgia bug, so we’re popping open our classic backlog of games.
You don’t get more OG on the Microsoft front than the original Xbox and Xbox 360. There are tons of classic games to choose from, and nailing down the top 6 is a challenging task. Still, that’s our jam, and we’re ready to take it on.
What’s So Great About Classic Xbox Games?
Before we begin, we feel many modern gamers take things for granted. Therefore, we are in the mood to school the newer generation about why the classic Xbox games still matter. For one thing, the classic titles are excellent games that hold up today in comparison to current releases.
Secondly, many classic games on today’s list still inspire game developers. The devs pay homage and put a new twist to the original ideas. Lastly, the classic Xbox games have the lightning-in-a-bottle scenario that rarely happens.
Which Classic Xbox Games Are the Best?
Alright, we hope that with the perspective of how important the classic games are in mind, we can start. Today’s list comprises top-tier games, and all of them are highly enjoyable. Ultimately we’re doing this with personal preference because, in all honesty, today’s ranking is interchangeable. The last entry can easily take the top spot and vice versa.
So, let’s begin our list of top Xbox classic games. Here we go!
6. Gears of War (Original Xbox 360 Release)
Kicking things off, we have the original Gears of War from the Xbox 360. Gears of War is a game that brought third-person shooting and cover mechanics into the mainstream. Many gamers fondly remember the first Gears of War, including us, as one of the classic Xbox games.
Also, the story is entirely original, a sci-fi epic where humanity is struggling to survive. If you enjoy titles with similar settings, we have a list of sci-fi RPGs you can check out.
Gears of War is An Excellent Third-Person Shooter That Can Stand With The Best
For those hesitant to try Gears of War, we reassure you that the third-person shooting mechanics aren’t shallow. Strategizing is essential and can be the difference maker in higher difficulty levels. The cover mechanics serve as a more engaging game mechanic than in most games.
In fact, many future shooters like Bioware’s Mass Effect take inspiration from Gears of War. For an in-depth analysis of Mass Effect gameplay, check out our friend’s piece about the class rankings of the Mass Effect Trilogy.
Rapid Action, Co-op Implementation, and Multiplayer Modes Make Gears of War An Instant Classic Xbox Game
A signature of the Gears of War series is the chainsaw melee attack, which is a satisfying kill every time. Coupling the fast pace gun-fights with intense melee encounters and a fun co-op mode in the main story campaign; it’s a recipe for a fun game.
The competitive aspect is also excellent, where players split into teams of human soldiers and the locust army. The Xbox brand isn’t short on third-person shooters, but none can achieve the heights of classic games like Gears of War.
5. Fable
Moving onto the next entry on our list, we dive into fantasy, and Fable is a game plenty of us retro gamers remember. The ambitious nature of the game is something we truly appreciate—the hype behind Fable before its launch was at a fever pitch. While missing a few features, we’re happy to say that the Fable still delivers big-time as one of the classic Xbox games.
Fable Brings In-Depth Real-Time Combat and A Beautiful Open World to Explore
The biggest draw of Fable is its combat and exploration. A vast open world is split into zones and sections that unlock as the story progresses. Players can search every nook and cranny during the side quests that offer gold and other rewards. If you enjoy games with large worlds, we have a list of the 8 best open-world RPGs you can check out.
For us, the real fun is in the combat and enemy variety. Simple button mashing won’t cut it, as players must focus on the screen; the monsters and bandits can surround the players. Players must rely on chaining hits together in combos, using the attack multiplier, and unleashing flourish attacks. Magic, melee, and ranged attacks create many opportunities to suit different play styles.
The Morality Alignment System of Fables Makes it A Standout Classic Xbox Era Game
Fable is a game with a lot of replay value. Almost everything players do in the game impacts the narrative and perception of the NPCs about the main character. For instance, if you dress up your character in bright clothing, the NPCs will feel safe. Conversely, dark clothing will make them fear the protagonist. During the course of the story, Fable will present moral dilemmas to the player.
They can choose convenience and power for the evil choices or take the high road and toil for the good outcome. Either way, the game will show the consequences of the choices later in the story. No other RPG can top Fable’s; it’s undoubtedly one of the best classic Xbox-era RPG games ever. If you’re interested in more RPGs, we have a list of ranking the top 6 Fire Emblem games you can check out.
4. Jet Set Radio Future
Coming up next, we’re entering zany territory with funky beats and an art style that is sure to mesmerize us. We’re referring to Jet Set Radio Future, one of the most entertaining classic Xbox games out there. Jet Set Radio Future has style, wonky movement, and a vibrant art style that makes it appealing.
Jet Set Radio Future – The Love Child of Tony Hawk Games and Sunset Overdrive
The over-the-top traversal and colorful streets of a futuristic Tokyo are the eye-catching and attention-grabbing features of the game. In Jet Set Radio Future, players perform rail grinding, in-line skating, and mid-air tricks to keep momentum while scoring points. The graffiti painting and gang rivalries are part of the gameplay as much as the story.
Jet Set Radio Future is the classic Xbox title that is a blueprint for all popular platforming games. The inspiration for games like Isnomnica’s Spiderman, Ratchet & Clank is quite apparent. Speaking of Spiderman, we’ve got a list of the best and worst Spiderman games on the PS3 if you’re a webhead like us.
3. Halo: Combat Evolved
Before you all have a meltdown, remember this is our list of classic Xbox games. Secondly, these entries are interchangeable, so if you feel like this one deserves the top spot, more power to you. Anyway, for the halfway point and number 3 position, there’s no better game than Halo: Combat Evolved, a.k.a; the very first Halo game.
What Makes Halo: Combat Evolved One of the Best Classic Xbox Games?
The epicness of the musical score of Halo: Combat Evolved sets the stage for players to experience greatness. Out of all the classic Xbox games, the feeling of nostalgia and pure joy whenever we return to Halo: Combat Evolved is unmatched. The first-person shooter game genre is synonymous with Halo, and many people hold it in high regard.
Master Chief’s charismatic and no-nonsense personality contrasts brilliantly well with the sassy A.I. companion Cortana. Their story spans in the future entries is one of the most iconic pairings in video-game lore. If you’re an Xbox fan looking to play games with a significant other, check out our list of Xbox Series X|S games for couples.
Halo: Combat Evolved Sets The Precedent for Future FPS Games
Basically, Bungie was at the forefront of Halo development, so a quality first-person shooting was a certainty. Bungie is a game dev now under the Sony umbrella, and it’s also worked on Destiny. If you’re interested in similar games, you can check out a list of games like Destiny.
The shooting has a tactical edge that forces players to think on their feet. The vehicular commandeering to attack enemies, and the rapid traversal, all mesh together brilliantly to make Halo: Combat Evolved one of the best classic Xbox games ever. Halo: Combat Evolved is perhaps the greatest FPS game on the original Xbox that still holds up.
2. Jade Empire – The Runner-Up Title on Our List of Classic Xbox Games
For the runner-up position on our list of classic Xbox games, we have Jade Empire. Because of low sales, it’s a shame that Jade Empire’s legacy remains elusive in modern consoles.
Jade Empire offers a unique approach to action games, with a Chinese-centric cultural influence dominating its themes. If you like action-centric games, we have a list of the 5 best hack-and-slash action RPGs you can check out.
Expansive Combat and Six Distinct Playable Characters Make Jade Empire Standout Among Other Classic Xbox Games
Despite the low-fi graphics of Jade Empire by today’s gaming standards, it more than makes up for it with the gameplay. Players can play as one of the six pre-designed but stylistically distinct characters.
The combat is where the fun is; you can play as a melee brawler, agile weapon specialist, or a chi-user that focuses on magic. The assortment of combat moves, weapons, and magical spells is a great incentive to play the game again.
Choices With Implications of Shades of Grey Give Jade Empire A More Nuanced Feel
The story has enormous replayability; you’ll find yourself curious about how each character fits into the plot. Plus, the choices which shape the story aren’t simply good and evil; instead, there are layers to the narrative.
Bioware, the devs behind Jade Empire, are finding their footing as a dev with a penchant for storytelling. For narrative-centric game recommendations, check out our story-driven game list. For our money, Jade Empire is one of the most amazing story-driven action RPG classic games on the Xbox; no other game since then has rivaled it.
1. Ninja Gaiden: Black – Our Top Pick for Greatest Classic Xbox Games
Before there was Devil May Cry, and God of War, or even Bayonetta, was a thing, one king pioneered the hack-and-slash genre, Ninja Gaiden. That’s right! Ninja Gaiden: Black precedes the heavy hitter games and is a one-of-a-kind of classic Xbox title.
Non-Stop Action, Cool Ninja Protagonist, and Button Mashing Combos Make Ninja Gaiden: Black the Perfect Power Fantasy
Right off the bat, fighting with attack combos against punishing and relentless enemies is the core gameplay. Ninja Gaiden: Black doesn’t hold the player’s hand; it challenges the players to get good or fail, as the enemies won’t show leniency, even in easy difficulty. Essentially, Ninja Gaiden: Black was the merger of Souls-like and Devil May Cry before both were a thing.
Also, players must master the combos early on because the enemies only get tougher, especially the boss-fights. To balance things out, Ninja Gaiden: Black offers a multitude of weapons. Players can instantly switch back and forth alongside the primary weapon of Ryu Hayabusa, the Dragon Sword. A favorite combo is the Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop.
Ryu Hayabusa’s Lone Wolf Demeanor Adds to His Mystique in Ninja Gaiden: Black
Ryu Hayabusa is an iconic and badass main character, facing rival ninjas, undead monstrosities, demons, an entire army, and mechanical abominations, not phasing one bit. Ryu Hayabusa is the primary reason we love Ninja Gaiden: Black and consider it the overall best classic title from other games on Xbox.
He faces adversity but doesn’t show weakness. Like a true master ninja, his emotions hide underneath his calm exterior. If you like games with unique playable characters, we recommend our 3-star character tier list of Marvel Puzzle Quest.
Final Thoughts About Our List of the Best Classic Xbox Games
This was our list; we hope our choices open our readers to the sleeper hits that most people are unaware of. The games we highlight are the best ones that deserve gamers’ attention and provide devs satisfaction that players appreciate their hard work. We hope the nostalgia hit many of you hard as it did for us; let us know if that’s the case in the comments.
We’re genuinely curious to read all of our reader’s feedback. Please, feel free to comment and offer your insight on today’s list of classic Xbox games. If you’re still feeling sentimental about retro gaming, we have a list of the 32 best Game Gear games to help you reminisce about simpler times. Until next time, take care, and happy gaming!