It’s clear that Microsoft’s main strategy going into the ninth generation of home console revolves around its value for money Game Pass service. However, Game Pass isn’t the only area where Xbox is excelling, as the console is also doing a fantastic job of standing out from its competitors with its backward compatibility feature. Whereas Nintendo is charging AAA prices for ports likeSkyward SwordandSony are removing their PS3, PS Vita, and PSP stores, Microsoft is continuing to offer multiple generations of games to itsXboxplayers.
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The original Xbox was undoubtedly overshadowed by Sony’s PlayStation 2 in terms of commercial success, though the consoles were closer than some may think in terms ofthe quality of games. For those interested in playing some of the original Xbox’s top games, here are the ten best, according to Metacritic, that are playable on theXbox Series Xin either their original state or in the form of a remaster.
10Burnout Revenge – 89
TheBurnoutfranchise was a staple ofthe street racing genreduring the early and mid-2000s, which is why it’s ironic that the series' open-world gameBurnout Paradisewas largely responsible for street racing’s drop in prominence. This is becausedata showed that most players were utilizing the open-world and social featuresrather than competing in street racing events.
Thankfully, players can revisit the street racing’s golden age on Xbox Series X withBurnout Revenge,a quintessentialBurnoutgame that features the franchise’s classic modes like Crash, Eliminator, and Burning Lap.
9SSX 3 – 92
From one extreme sports game to another,SSX3was released by Electronic Arts in 2003 and continued the snowboarding series' high quality. Much likeBurnoutRevenge,SSX 3doesn’t worry too much about realism. Instead, it simply tries to provide the most enjoyable experience possible by letting players perform extreme moves and over-the-top stunts.
SSX 3looked to improve upon its predecessors by introducing an open world, an implementation that was well-received by fans and critics.
8Soulcalibur II – 92
There aren’t many genres that have maintained a consistent level of popularity since the days of arcades. However, fighting games are still going strong today. Although visual designs and effects have greatly improved since the arcade days, much of the core gameplay remains the same, a testament to the developers of classic games like the originalStreet Fighter.
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Soulcaliburdifferentiates itself from most fighting games with its emphasis on weapon-based combat, a style of gameplay that Project Souls nailed withSoulcalibur II. The game is playable on Xbox Series X via the 2013 HD re-release.
7Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – 93
Prior to the release ofGrand Theft Auto V, 2004’sSan Andreaswas widely regarded as the bestGrand Theft Autogame, a title that some fans still bestow upon it. The game’s main difference from the latestGrand Theft Autorelease, along with the nostalgic blocky visuals, is the game’s emphasis on nonsensical fun. The nonsensical fun is available to players thanks to readily available cheat codes such as Chaos Mode and in-game mechanics and items like the jetpack.
Much likeSoulcalibur II, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasis playable on Xbox Series X via an HD re-release.
6Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – 93
Ubisoft has always been shrewd when it comes to its business decisions. One such example is when the PlayStation 2’s release saw the gaming industry leaveits mascot platformersbehind in favor of more realistic action titles, which prompted Ubisoft to leave their limbless heroRaymanbehind to let franchises likeGhost Recon,Rainbow Six,and of course,Splinter Cellthrive. Unfortunately for Sam Fisher, what goes around comes around, and the stealth franchise has now been dropped in favor of Ubisoft’s numerous open-world franchises.
Thankfully, the originalSplinter Cellis available on Series X, so players can revisit the series' classic first game.
5Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory – 94
The originalSplinter Cellisn’t the only original Xbox game that is playable on Series X, asChaos Theoryis can also be purchased via the backward compatibility feature.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theoryis considered by many to be one of, if notthe greatest stealth game of all time, which is extremely high praise when considering that the game has iconic titles likeMetal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater,Hitman: Blood MoneyandDishonoredas competition.
4Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – 94
A role-playing game set in theStar Warsuniverse sounds like the kind of idea that gamers will fantasize about but never see come to fruition. However, BioWare and LucasArts made the dream into a reality when they teamed up to releaseStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,an excellent RPG that is considered one of BioWare’s best releases in the genre, along with titles likeMass Effect 2andDragon Age: Origins.
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AlthoughKnights of the Old Republicwas guaranteed to sell tons of copies thanks to the promise of an RPG set in theStar Warsuniverse, BioWare didn’t hold back on the quality and created a game that would have been iconic even without theStar Warsbranding.
3Ninja Gaiden Black – 94
2005’sNinja Gaiden Blackis a re-worked version of 2004’sNinja Gaiden,with the game’s two DLCs included. The pair of games marked a significant shift in direction for the franchise, as the side-scrolling action that the series was built upon was ditched in favor of a modern over-the-shoulder, third-person perspective.
Although the perspectives were changed, the series stayed true to its roots in terms of difficulty and became recognized as one of the original Xbox’s toughest hack and slash games, as well as one of its best.
2Halo 2 – 95
Despite releasing almost 20 years ago,Halo 2is still considered to be one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. The game sits among a rare crowd of titles such asDOOM,GoldenEye 007,and the originalCall of Duty: Modern Warfare,in the sense that both its single-player campaign and multiplayer mode were of extremely high quality.
Halo 2can be played on Series X via theMaster Chief Collection, either in its original state or with updated visuals.
1Halo: Combat Evolved – 97
Halo: Combat Evolvedmay not have aged as well as its aforementioned sequel, though it still provides a thoroughly enjoyable10-hour campaignthat will be dripping in nostalgia for anyone who played the game when it first released.Combat Evolvedis regarded as one of the greatest launch titles of all time, as it immediately put Microsoft’s first console on the gaming industry map and proved that it would be a serious contender to both Nintendo and Sony.
