Summary
Microsoft’s first foray into the video game console market was wildly successful with the originalXbox, managing to outsell the Sega Dreamcast and the Nintendo GameCube, even trying to challenge the almighty PlayStation 2. Some classic titles likeHalo: Combat EvolvedandFableemerged from this debut console, both spawning multiple sequels.
Naturally, like many others, these two Xbox exclusives have been re-released on later consoles, either in the form of a remaster or a remake. Other great games likeDead or Alive 3andPanzer Dragoon Ortahave been made available to purchase digitally on modern hardware, but there is still an ever-decreasing number ofexcellent games that can only be played on the original black Xbox.
10Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix
High Octane Dancing Action
While not technically exclusive to the Xbox, since a slightly different version was available in arcades,Dance Dance Revolution Ultramixis a stellar entry in the series, paving the way for later boogie-based rhythm games likeJust Dance. Featuring over 50 songs, plus dozens more through DLC, it was regarded by many in its day as one of thebest dance games.
This entry was such a success that several sequels were released exclusively on Xbox and its successor consoles, with some narrowly missing out on this list. Making use of the brand new Xbox Live online service was a brilliant touch too, meaning many players could dance their socks off in multiplayer madness.
More high-octane action, this time taking to the slopes inAmped 2, a sequel to the Xbox launch titleAmped. Utilizing Xbox Live for online play, this game features lots of character customization options and plenty of levels for players to sink their teeth into, performing tricks and searching for collectibles as they zoom down steep inclines.
A further unlockable game mode involves snow skating, a sort of hybrid between skateboarding and snowboarding, which really highlights the similarities with the wildly popularTony Hawk’s Pro Skatergames. There are 14 professionals to control, tons of tricks to perform, and the game even earned a sequel on the Xbox 360.
Nowadays, it would be virtually impossible to put a game likeSteel Battalionon the market, with itsunique 44-button controller. Even in 2002, many of the developers working on it were skeptical, yet there was such a demand for the game that stocks quickly ran dry, and another batch of controllers had to be made.
Despite this, it barely turned a profit, but remains highly collectible to this day, especially the original controllers with their distinguishing green buttons. In terms of gameplay, it’s incredibly immersive, with every button serving a function and players having to manage every aspect of their bipedal mecha as they enter intense combat.
7Steel Battalion: Line Of Contact
The Unique Online Only Sequel
Capitalizing on the slightly unwieldy peripheral from the first game, a sequel was released, but now with online functionality, making use of Xbox Live.Steel Battalion: Line of Contactallows up to ten players to compete in 5-on-5 action, once again taking to the battlefield in theirlarge Vertical Tanks.
Sadly, the servers for the Campaign Mode have since closed down, but anySteel Battalionenthusiast, or players who are curious, can still engage in the Free Mission game modes. The same intense gameplay is present here, just as in the first game, but now with the unpredictability of human opponents.
6RalliSport Challenge 2
One Of The Best Racing Games Of Its Time
Vastly improving on its predecessor,RalliSport Challenge 2, is a car racing game by Swedish developers DICE. Several new features were added to great effect, including a Career Mode, environmental changes, and more of a focus on realism, especially in terms of handling and damage to the vehicles.
Over 90 tracks and 40 vehicles make for endless replayability, and this is another title to utilize Xbox Live functionality. The graphics were incredibly stylish for the time and there are myriad types of races to choose from, such as:
5MechAssault
Approachable Mechanized Warfare
A moreapproachable mech gamewith no fancy peripherals,MechAssaultis perhaps best known for being one of the first games to make use of Xbox Live. While there is a perfectly enjoyable campaign, the online component was somewhat pioneering for the time, introducing many modes that are now staples of multiplayer.
Everything a player would expect is here, from Capture the Flag to Team Deathmatch, and the simpler controls thanSteel Battalionare perhaps one of the reasons that this game vastly outsold it. While many may feel that the immersive experience in the latter is better, sometimes simplified gameplay using a normal controller is enough for maximum enjoyment, especially for more casual players.
Thefirst game in this serieswas already regarded as great, butProject Gotham Racing 2is generally thought to be even better. Expanding the number of cars to over 120 and including many real-world cities, plus the famous Nurburgring in Germany, there is plenty on offer for racing fans.
Just as in the first game, the Kudos system is once again in place, encouraging players to not only drive fast, but also drive with style, in order to unlock new vehicles. Additionally, players have access to an in-game garage where they can playGeometry Wars, an arcade-style game that was so enjoyable it spawned its own series.
3Unreal Championship
Bringing The Arena Battling Action To Consoles
Essentially a console version of the popular FPSUnreal Tournament,Unreal Championshipis yet another game to take advantage of the Xbox Live service and is even famous for being the first game to receive a post-launch patch update. The single-player campaign sees players form a team and climb the ranking ladder until the final matches crown a champion.
It was widely praised as one of the best games in the FPS genre at the time, especially for a console game. As always with theUnrealseries, there is a large focus on online gameplay, although the online modes can also be played offline with bots.
Seemingly made to compete with PlayStation’s juggernautGran Turismoseries,Forza Motorsportis the first of many games in the franchise. Getting off to a flying start, this entry was thoroughly praised for its high levels of car customization, realistic damage, and the ease with which anyone could start playing.
There arewell over 200 carsto control, from low-end commuter vehicles to high-performance racing cars, all of which can be modified in many ways, both visually and to upgrade various statistics. Multiple real-world tracks are featured, and the ‘Drivatar’ A.I. that learns to drive from the player was a refreshing concept at the time.
The GGs are back in what is regarded as a masterpiece by many. The cel-shaded animation style helpsJet Set Radio Futuremaintain a timeless feel, and the excellent gameplay builds upon thesuperb Dreamcast game, with both games being very good reasons to own the two respective consoles.
Multiplayer, larger open-world environments, new characters, and a lot of refinement to the gameplay really set this game apart, not to mention the sublime soundtrack. Flowing effortlessly from one trick to another and seeking out graffiti tags make for very satisfying gameplay that still holds up over two decades from the initial release.
