It’s a topic that dominates gaming forums from time-to-time and has been the source of many a passionate argument, but when it comes to the best Xbox original games, we all have our favorites.
A game that’s loved and revered by some is brushed aside and ignored by others.
We’ve cast our minds back to the early and mid 2000s and come up with 39 of our favorite Xbox original games (in no particular order)!
Check them out below and let me know in the comments if there’s any you think should have made the list.
1 – Halo 2
The destruction of Halo slowed the Covenant, but it did not stop them. Fueled by faith, fury and vengeance, they have swept aside all of our defense and gained a foothold on the most precious prize of all – Earth. With the human military scattered and crushed, the fate of the planet lies in the hands of one man. Spartan 117- the Master Chief. But resourceful and tenacious as he is, the Master Chief will have to rely on new weapons, unexpected allies and a secret so incredible, it will change the Galaxy.
2 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Hands-down one of the best Xbox original games set in the Star Wars world, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic takes place just a few years after the Mandolorian Wars, thousands of years before the events in the Star Wars movies we know and love. Two Jedi, master Revan and his apprentice Malak, led the Republic’s forces to victory and pursued the Mandalorians into deep space only to return as Dark Jedi at the head of a huge fleet of Sith warships.
Only the Force powers of the Jedi Bastila prevented the Sith from overwhelming the Republic’s weakened forces. At the start of the game Malak has usurped control of the Sith by betraying Revan and has attacked the ship carrying Bastila and yourself
3- Halo: Combat Evolved
You are the last of your kind. Bred for combat, built for war, you are master of any weapon, pilot of any vehicle … and fear no enemy. Bent on Humankind’s extermination, a powerful fellowship of alien races known as the covenant is wiping out Earth’s fledgling interstellar empire.
You and the other surviving defenders of a devastated colony-world make a desparte attempt to lure the alien fleet away from Earth. Shot down and marooned on the ancient ring-world Halo, you begin a guerrilla-war against the Covenant. Fight for humanity against an alien onslaught as you race to uncover the mysteries of Halo.
4 – Ninja Gaiden Black
Ninja Gaiden: Black brings back the commercial and critically acclaimed cut and slash action game. Its unique and innovative game play, killer story and mind-blowing graphics help you experience the life of Ryu Hayabusa, ninja master.
Boasting new difficulty levels and a massive number of new action-packed missions to complete, and colossal amounts of special bonus features including content from both Hurricane Packs 1&2, the new Ninja Gaiden: BLACK is the must have game for all action lovers from casual to hardcore. Hidden unlockables including the original arcade version of Ninja Gaiden,Ninja Ryukenden, available for the first time on a video game console
5 – The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
This edition includes the original version of its award-winning RPG: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, along with content from the two Morrowind expansions: Tribunal and Bloodmoon. This new product allows gamers to continue their existing games of Morrowind and experience the new quests and areas offered by the expansions.
6 – Rainbow Six 3
The threat is real. The threat is deadly. Unleash justice as you take command of an international squad of special operatives—RAINBOW. Use cutting edge weaponry, advanced counter-terror tactics, voice-command technology to issue orders to your soldiers and much more. Go online (sold separately) for intense multiplayer gaming with 3 adversarial modes for up to 6 players.
7 – Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory takes you back into the shadowy world of Sam Fisher, a special agent on the front lines of the information war. It’s 2008 when we return to the intrigues of the new warfare; The Japanese economy has collapsed and evidence indicates that it was due to a virus originating from South Korea. The Japanese request American assistance – and Sam Fsher is sent deep into hostile territory, to collect critical intelligence just inches from his worst enemies.
8 – The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
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As Riddick you break out of one the most violent prisons in the universe, Butcher Bay. In a thrilling and frenetic 1st-person shooter you’ll bust out of the triple-maximum security prison amidst vivid, ultra-realistic graphics. The epic story line will reveal secrets about Riddick’s past and cast light upon his future. Features the voice and likeness of Vin Diesel.
9 – Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3 takes the series even further, now featuring a unique “crash and burn” racing concept and a one-of-a-kind special effects engine that delivers spectacular visuals. The intensity heats up as players race, and often crash, their way through oncoming traffic in an attempt to claim the top spot. Boasting multiple single-player, multiplayer and online crash and race modes, Burnout 3 offers players the opportunity to race through busy city streets and be rewarded for taking risks that result in heart-pounding action and electrifying crashes.
10 – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 takes full advantage of the powerful Xbox platform. 2x features the series’ signature gameplay, intuitive controls, and combines all the levels from both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. You’ll shred through more-populated environments and brand-new levels while sticking tricks with ultra-realistic special effects and smoother lifelike animations. System link gameplay intensifies the action.
11 – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Five years ago, Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas, a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Now, it’s the early 90’s. Carl’s got to go home, but his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are heading towards disaster. To make matters worse, he’s just been framed for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.
12 – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
When a young prince discovers an ancient dagger, it leads to a great evil befalling his father’s land. The only way to contain these dark powers is through the impossible feat of controlling the Sands Of Time. With no other choice, our hero aims to try. So begins a new adventure in the haunted, scorching sands of Persia.
13 – Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport is the first fully customizable driving simulator for Xbox. With authentic handling and damage physics, lifelike graphics, and realistic tuning options, Forza Motorsport brings the automotive lifestyle to life. Feel the pride of owning over 200 models from Nissan, Honda, Ferrari, Porsche, Tommy Kiara, and over 40 other manufacturers. Players express themselves with endless visual customization options from 150 aftermarket brands, a million unique paint schemes, and enough decals for every car imaginable – then make it roar on the road with engine upgrades from turbo kits to engine swaps.
14 – SSX 3
Over 1000 customizations and rewards. Explore the open mountain. Survive backcountry hazards. Dominate slopestyle, big air, and super pipe freestyle events.
15 – SoulCalibur II
After the ancient sword called Soul Edge was broken to pieces, the shards were scattered across the world. The mighty weapon that destroyed it, Soul Calibur, has since disappeared — and the evil magic of the sword has begun reasserting itself.
16 – Half-Life 2
The sequel to Half-Life, one of the most popular action games ever made, features the return of former Black Mesa research associate Gordon Freeman. In Half-Life 2, Freeman can expect to encounter several characters from the previous game, including Barney the security guard and the mysterious G-man, for whom Freeman now works. Freeman will also meet a new female character, Alyx, whose mother was killed during the events of the original game.
17 – Panzer Dragoon Orta
In the land of Panzer Dragoon Orta, distant times dropped from human memory and drifted into myth and legend. The human race has been scattered into small groups devastated by years of war and violence. Now the planet is in its darkest days as a new empire rules with a viscous iron grip. An unlikely hero must lead the people in revolt and teach them to be masters of their destiny once again.
18 – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
So you think you’ve got what it takes to be a skateboard pro? Now with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 you can test all your best moves through 9 levels of amateur ranks as you fight your way into the pros. Conquer your pro’s challenge, and you too can bust through to skate in the more difficult professional world.
19 – Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack – a collection of multiplayer maps, with non-playable video content. Learn about your favorite game and play on all-new maps to add to the thrills.
20 – Burnout Revenge
This time it’s not about winning. It’s not about riding on dubs or gaudy neon lights. It’s about an utter disregard for the rules of road and total domination. This time it’s personal. This time it’s about revenge.
The sequel to 2004’s racing game of the year, Burnout Revenge straps gamers into the fastest, most dangerous racer on the road. Fight dirty or go down in flames – the only rule is complete automotive anarchy. Built for unprecedented destruction, Burnout Revengechallenges gamers to exact their revenge on rush hour traffic, vindictive rival racers and anything else that gets between them and the finish line.
21 – Jade Empire
Jade Empire is a fast-paced martial-arts role-playing game (RPG), from Knights of the Old Republic RPG-developer BioWare. It’s set in a new, fantastical world based on mythical China, where sinister events have upset the peaceful harmony of an isolated martial-arts school. Featuring furious action previously found only in Hong Kong cinema, the game lets players master more than 30 fighting styles and a wide range of mystical powers as they embark on a perilous journey, stretching from the Land of Howling Spirits to the lush gardens of the Imperial City.
22 – Max Payne
Max Payne is a stylish, urban, revenge-driven action game based in New York City’s grimy underground. A groundbreaking rendering engine allows for heart-stopping, photorealistic visuals and breathtaking, movie-quality effects as Max Payne fights his way to uncover the truth. The game combines elements from Hollywood action thrillers with the latest in video game technology to deliver a highly original gameplay experience.
23 – Top Spin
Top Spin, part of the new XSN Sports brand, is the complete tennis experience that allows gamers to define their playing style, take risks, pull off world-class tennis shots, argue calls and work the crowd to develop a unique image on the court. Utilising revolutionary new Web-based technology, tennis gamers and sports fans can easily organise tournaments and schedules using Xbox Live. In addition, gamers can train with a coach to master shots and playing surfaces, and work their way up the online rankings to become the best in the world. Top Spin offers gamers singles or doubles matches with 16 of the world’s top professionals, including Anna Kournikova, tennis legend Pete Sampras and one of the world’s top players, Lleyton Hewitt.
24 – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004
This year you have the chance to create and build the ultimate golfer to take on the TOUR and dominate the world. Whether you play the prestigious PGA TOUR courses or the original design characters, there is something for every golf fan in this game. EA SPORTS, continuing its exclusive partnership with the PGA TOUR and the world’s best and most famous golfer, Tiger Woods, delivers the most realistic golf simulation for fans of console golf.
25 – Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
Based on a true story. Set during the famous airdrop before the invasion at Normandy, Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad of 101st Airborne paratroopers were scattered over the French countryside. As the story unfolds, the player (Baker) must choose between the success of his mission and the lives of his men – his brothers in arms.
26 – Fight Night Round 2
Unleash the most fearsome punches in video game history with EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2. You now have total control of your boxer with 360 degree Sticking and Moving and the ability to punch and block while dancing around the ring. For the first time, a single Haymaker can crumble your opponent to the canvas like he was hit by a wrecking ball, but miss and you’re in trouble. Every devastating punch inflicts massive punishment and reduces a fighter’s ability to defend himself — swollen eyes impair vision and broken ribs reduce mobility. During each fight use the all–new Cut Man between rounds to minimize the damage because nagging injuries persist from fight to fight and haunt you throughout your career.
27- Doom 3
A massive demonic invasion has overwhelmed the UAC’s Mars Research Facility leaving only chaos and horror in its wake. As one of only a few survivors, players must struggle with shock, fear, and an all-out assault on their senses as they fight their way to Hell and back, in an epic clash against pure evil. Built on id’s revolutionary new 3D graphics engine, DOOM III draws players into the most frightening and gripping 3D gaming experience ever created.
28 – Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Players step into the role of the Stranger, a western-style bounty hunter, who chases outlaws throughout the enthralling new frontier of the Oddworld universe. Set to award-winning visuals, players will be moved by the complex and inspiring story as the Stranger comes to grips with his true nature in the hunt for the ultimate bounty.
29 – Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance is a radical new take on Hideo Kojima’s best-selling tale of stealth, heroism and double-crossing. Featuring new missions, characters and settings created by Kojima-san and his team, Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance retains the ground breaking stealth-based action of its predecessor, with players guiding a series of characters through key terrorist situations. Solid Snake and his protégé Raiden return to the PlayStation 2 fold, and their various abilities are further showcased in 150 alternative missions, and across 350 VR missions designed to test their agility, stealth and weapons skills within virtual reality scenarios where the normal rules of combat are altered to push the player to new levels.
30 – Shenmue II
Shenmue II is an epic adventure with all the elements of a great movie: drama, mystery, suspense and action. It offers a unique game-playing experience that seamlessly blends elements of action, adventure, fighting and role-playing games. In Shenmue II players assume the role of Ryo Hazuki, a young man dedicated to the task of tracking his father’s murderer and unlocking the mysteries of the Phoenix Mirror. Shenmue II continues where Shenmue left off, bringing Ryo to Hong Kong with many unanswered questions as he follows the trail of Lan Di, the man who killed his father.
31 – Yager
Original, provoking and rich in storyline. Yager captures your imagination as your battle for your life in tomorrow’s hostile skies. But is it all what it seems…? Keep your wits about you, and use what you learn, as your struggle evolves to become the fight against constitutional power, conspiracy and control. With the genre-busting mix of 3D action-adventure and air combat, coupled with the highly motivating storyline and nail-biting campaigns, Yager is next generation gaming at its finest.
32 – Vexx
Vexx is an original platform action title that allows players to assume the role of the title character as he embarks on a dark quest to seek vengeance on those who enslaved his people and murdered his grandfather. Armed with the last pair of Astani Battlegauntlets, which leapt from their chest onto Vexx’s outstretched hands bonding to his arms and giving him special powers, Vexx embarks upon an heroic journey to confront the evil Dark Yabu, save his people, and avenge the death of his grandfather.
33 – Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
In this version of Sonic Team’s award-winning Phantasy Star Online series, you get two games in one. Episode I contains all the hit content from the original Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Online ver.2, while Episode II brings a brand new full-length adventure. With real-time combat and enemies that are more powerful than ever before, you’ll venture deep into lush worlds filled with mystery and intrigue.
34 – Destroy All Humans! 2
With his previous genocidal plans foiled, he’s now trying his luck in the 60s. No longer restricted to America, you can now tour the world with missions set in the USSR, Britain and Japan which revolves around a bizarre conspiracy involving ninjas and rival aliens. The first sensible change to the gameplay though is the reduction of the stealth elements from the first game and the addition of new weapons like the meteor strike gun and the killer Frisbee throwing Disclocator. Combat is still pretty shallow, but Crypto’s psychic powers and the chance to wreck whole cities with your flying saucer provide plenty of amusement.
35 – Worms 4: Mayhem
How satisfying it is to unleash a weapon of your own creation – from the downright vicious to the comical – on your opponents? So what’s to stop players from creating something all-powerful? Well, that’s the clever bit: each weapon element costs points. If you choose a feature like “Homing”, then there are less points to spend on damage. Simple! Grenades, projectiles, air strikes, and guns are all in there and there are plenty of comedy components for you engineer weapons with too, including monkeys, buckets of sick, hamsters, and a ton weight for that classic drop-n-splat tactic!
36 – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them… The Return of the King video game once again puts the fate of Middle-earth in the hands of the gamer. Mirroring the final installment of the blockbuster movie trilogy, the game charges players with destroying the One Ring by casting it into Mount Doom and thus freeing Middle-earth from the clutches of the Dark Lord Sauron.
37 – NASCAR Thunder 2004
The green flag has dropped with NASCAR Thunder 2004. From 200 MPH super-speedways to hairpin turns on 11 fantasy tracks, tuning your car and finding the line is no longer enough. Now you’re running to the edge against 42 other unique NASCAR personalities every race, drivers who remember your every move and won’t think twice about paying you back. Out-smart and out-drive them as you battle three-wide from green to checkers. Online or on your own, racing just became a contact sport.
38 – Hitman: Blood Money
Hitman: Blood Money brings back the world’s greatest assassin, Agent 47. A series of hits have eliminated a number of assassins from the ICA, Agent 47’s contract killing firm. Sensing that he may be the next target, he travels to America where he attempts to carry on with business as usual. That means killing — a lot of it.
39 – The Sims Bustin’ Out
The insanely popular The Sims series is back on the consoles in a huge way! Over one hundred unlockable items and social moves, only available on the console, await your Sim’s unique lifestyle. Choose from a dozen new careers and take your Sim out on the town to meet over 25 outrageous new friends. Two-player ability allows for you and a friend to Sim as friends or enemies. Dive into The Sims Bustin’ Out, and live life with your wildest imagination!
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