The Best Undiscovered XBox Games

The Best XBox Games You Haven't Played

When you acquire a pre-owned console, it's common to recall popular games to try. Yet, what if you crave a fresh gaming experience? This is where discovering the lesser-known "Hidden Gems" becomes essential.
Read More About My Criteria For Hidden Gems
See All The Hidden Gems Articles

These games are valuable assets for any original Xbox game collection and are also compatible with Xbox 360. For those owning a 360, I've indicated the backward-compatible games with a special icon. XBox 360 Compatible .

This list is subject to updates as I continue discovering new games to include.
Kindly share your suggestions by commenting below. Your input is highly valued.

Platformer

Obvious Choices:
Classic games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Spyro, Blinx, Conker: Live & Reloaded.
Featured Game: Psychonauts
“ Psychonauts Fundamentally, the game is a platformer, but it stands out from the current generation by offering a free-roaming adventure that eliminates most constraints. The expansive campgrounds provide ample space for exploration, featuring challenging areas that will test your platforming skills. To complete the game and gather all items, precise execution is key. Psychonauts To uncover all the secrets, thoroughly investigate every corner of the campsite. There are many discoveries awaiting. a lot to collect…

While the gameplay was enjoyable, the humor is what stood out the most. Psychonauts Truly rewarding. Commencing the initial stage. Psychonauts Creating a humorous game is a delicate balance. The challenge lies in maintaining the humor throughout the entire experience. Once the comedy fades, its absence becomes starkly apparent. Psychonauts Although sprinkled with humor, the latest content lacks the same level of outrageousness that would make you burst out laughing and wake up your partner.

Actually, Psychonauts The game's appeal lies in its distinctive personality, despite some shortcomings in texture quality and character animations. The vibrant and unique environments stand out, providing a refreshing change from the monotonous settings found in many first-person shooters. The game's visual aesthetics are truly captivating and offer a welcome departure from the usual dull and repetitive landscapes. Psychonauts Every level is distinct, preventing any elements from being recycled. Repetition is completely avoided, ensuring each setting matches the context. Art involves not just high-resolution textures and specular highlights but also thoughtful design. Psychonauts has design out the wazoo.
IGN’s Review of Psychonauts
Find Psychonauts: eBay / Amazon )
Featured Game: Voodoo Vince
"Voodoo Vince is an entertaining and well-crafted action/platform game that is on a quest for some magic. Players control an adorable voodoo doll on a mission to save its maker from a wicked sorcerer and bring back harmony to the mystical realm of New Orleans. The vibrant settings of The Big Easy enhance the cartoonish graphics, earning high marks for style, while also providing a perfect backdrop for the delightful Dixieland-style jazz soundtrack."

The game resembles a tribute to classic platformer games like Donkey Kong. While it evokes nostalgia, its lack of originality teeters on the edge between homage and unoriginality, making it a delicate balance to maintain freshness.

Vince, however, features one-of-a-kind combat action in keeping with his voodoo-doll origins. Beat him up in all manner of goofy, insane ways, and you don’t hurt him, but you will damage his enemies. For instance, summoning a magic anvil smashes Vince, but his foes wind up flatter than yesterday’s pancakes! The 30 voodoo attacks are a little masochistic but they’re a ton of fun. The controls do a masterful job of keeping that voodoo you do in order, too. Vehicle races with mini-jets and fanboats, and a nice array of mini-games round out Vince’s challenges.”
GamePro’s Review of Voodoo Vince
Find Voodoo Vince: eBay / Amazon )

More Great Games:
Whiplash ( eBay / Amazon )
Vexx ( eBay / Amazon )
ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth ( eBay / Amazon )
Grabbed by the Ghoulies ( eBay / Amazon )

Action

Obvious Choices:
Popular games: Ninja Gaiden, Spiderman, Star Wars, MechAssault, Advent Rising, and many more.

Featured Game: Jet Set Radio Future
In Jet Set Radio Future, gameplay seamlessly blends classic and modern elements, much like its storyline. The fundamental gameplay remains familiar - navigating the urban streets on magnetically powered skates and gathering spray paint for graffiti art. However, the game introduces refined mechanics and controls. The control scheme resembles that of Jet Grind Radio but offers additional options. For instance, the left analog stick allows precise speed control for the skater. Additionally, pressing down on the stick enables a controlled grind essential for executing graffiti tags.
If you’ve played Jet Grind Radio, you’ll notice several changes to the way the new game handles. Tagging has been simplified to a single press of the R trigger when you’re near tagging icons. Holding down the trigger will automatically tag the larger pieces of graffiti made up of multiple icons. The mechanics for dashing have also changed–the basic dash used in Jet Grind Radio has been replaced by the much more potent “boost dash.” Essentially a turbo boost that uses up 10 cans of paint, boost dashing can be useful in many situations. Aside from the obvious increase in speed, the boost dash will also serve as an offensive attack that’s vital to dealing with Rokkaku forces later in the game.

Jet Set Radio Future also includes a complete trick system that is actually integral to gameplay. Performing tricks will increase your speed when grinding, which is essential for making some of the seemingly impossible jumps you’ll have to make. Trick combos are also vital to your success in other ways, as they will often let you reach new areas… Visually, Jet Set Radio Future stands as one of the Xbox’s best-looking games yet, and that’s saying a lot. The game’s cel-shaded graphics and distinct art style are incredibly beautiful–a definite improvement upon those of the Dreamcast predecessor, which also looked spectacular for its time…. Jet Set Radio Future’s sound is almost as good as its graphics. In keeping with the game’s massive size, Smilebit has assembled a truly eclectic mix of music that mingles tunes by JGR Vets Hideki Naganuma and Richard Jacques with pieces from the Latch Brothers and Cibo Matto. The end result doesn’t provide quite as cohesive an auditory experience as that found in the original Jet Grind Radio, due to some dissonant and sometimes grating tunes that stick out, but the music still suits the action very well overall, and there’s plenty of it.
GameSpot’s Review of Jet Set Radio Future
Find Jet Set Radio Future: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: GunValkyrie
“I have a deep appreciation for GUNVALKYRIE in the same way that a boxer respects an opponent that he just KO’d in the 12th round. It’s about respect. It’s a game that will test your skill as a gamer because it’s so unforgiving and requires you to learn its deep and sophisticated philosophies. If you come into GV thinking you know how to handle it, you’ll spend a lot of time spinning your wheels playing the same levels over and over again. I like how GUNVALKYRIE smacks you down time and time again if you don’t learn the proper techniques that it’s trying to teach you and then perfect them. That’s immersion in a game at its finest….I don’t want to be overly critical of GUNVALKYRIE’s steep learning curve because all of the answers are right there in front of you, somewhere, while you’re playing and it all makes sense once you get the hang of it. But, in fact, that is the game’s one shortcoming: just an overall feeling of making things difficult for you. Even though it’s done on purpose and with good reason, I can easily see how this can turn off many gamers these days. With so many easy choices out there and so many instant gratification games on all systems, gamers have no reason to bang their heads against this Xbox game.”
IGN’s Review of GunValkyrie
Find GunValkyrie: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: Breakdown
Breakdown's gameplay is centered around its immersive first-person perspective, offering a unique experience for players to engage with the action and narrative. Unlike typical first-person shooter games, Breakdown delves deeper into realism by presenting the viewpoint through Derrick's eyes. Players not only see the world as Derrick does but also feel the physical effects he endures. For instance, when Derrick is attacked, players will witness him struggle to maintain balance under the impact of blows from formidable T'lan warriors. The disorienting experience of Derrick falling or being overturned is mirrored in the players' view, adding a layer of challenge as they must quickly readjust and recover. This dynamic gameplay element introduces complexities, especially when attacks are launched unexpectedly from behind, requiring players to swiftly respond by repositioning Derrick to confront the assailant and avoid further confrontation.

The game Breakdown offers a unique perspective on the first-person genre by paying close attention to intricate details, providing a more immersive experience than usual. In this game, the protagonist, Derrick, exhibits signs of fatigue as he moves around, displaying heavier breathing when running. These physical manifestations are subtly integrated into the first-person view, adding a layer of realism. Even simple actions like climbing a ladder or moving sideways while hanging from a ledge are portrayed realistically, requiring a significant amount of effort from the player. Unlike many other games where climbing a ladder is a straightforward task of looking up and pressing forward, Breakdown introduces a more intricate mechanic. Players must extend Derrick's hand using the action button to grab the ladder's first rung before proceeding. As Derrick ascends or descends, the player can freely adjust the viewpoint to survey the surroundings. Each rung of the ladder is meticulously depicted, with Derrick visibly grasping and moving along each step, regardless of the ladder's height. This level of detail enhances the player's engagement, making each movement in the game feel deliberate and authentic.
TeamXBox’s Review of Breakdown
Find Breakdown: eBay / Amazon

More Great Games:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer ( eBay / Amazon )
American McGee Presents Scrapland ( eBay / Amazon )
Otogi ( eBay / Amazon )
Otogi 2 ( eBay / Amazon )
Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel Without A Pulse ( eBay / Amazon )
Rogue Trooper ( eBay / Amazon )
I-Ninja ( eBay / Amazon )
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction ( eBay / Amazon )
Armed and Dangerous ( eBay / Amazon )
Robotech: Battlecry ( eBay / Amazon )
Spartan: Total Warrior ( eBay / Amazon )
Red Dead Revolver ( eBay / Amazon )
Phantom Crash ( eBay / Amazon )
Nightcaster ( eBay / Amazon )

On-Rails Shooter

Featured Game: Panzer Dragoon Orta
"Immersive gameplay, captivating plot, impressive visuals, and excellent audio quality." Panzer Dragoon Orta Seeks to uphold the legacy of its forerunners. For numerous individuals, this serves as their initial genuine exposure to the franchise. Rest assured, Panzer Newcomers will find the game enjoyable, while those familiar with the previous versions are likely to be satisfied. Panzer Dragoon Orta Embark on a new adventure and experience the ultimate rail shooter game. Period.
Panzer This game places a strong emphasis on shooting. You'll hardly find another game with such intense shooting mechanics. Unlike typical shooters where survival depends on killing, here, many enemies can be tackled through strategic maneuvers. Orta Progress doesn't require pain. That's the essence. Panzer Gaming is not just about winning, but also about immersing yourself in the virtual world and enjoying the visuals. Panzer’s The game involves exploring different realms and improving performance by replaying stages. It features a wide variety of unique characters. Orta No need for violence, yet securing a high rating in this game requires eliminating numerous adversaries. Aim well to enhance your gaming experience.

That’s, perhaps, what makes the Panzer This formula is truly captivating. Despite its visual appeal, the gameplay remains straightforward: annihilate enemies and evade death. There are no obstacles to navigate or riddles to unravel. Your objective is clear - eliminate as many foes as you can. Orta This game is a nostalgic nod to classic gaming, where completing it only took a couple of hours, yet the gameplay was so captivating that you kept coming back for more. Frogger , Ms. Pac-Man , Super Mario Bros. , Contra , or the original Sonic , Panzer Dragoon Orta Possesses an elusive quality that compels repeated engagement.

Enthusiasts of classic gaming and its unique gameplay are likely to appreciate the nostalgic experience. Orta For those seeking absolute dominion over a dragon, longing to soar freely as if in a game, patience is key. Crimson Skies Potential initial disappointment might arise as "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is a rail shooter, not a dragon flight simulator. However, embracing its essence of replay value, self-improvement, and immersive world-building will lead to genuine enjoyment and admiration for this outstanding game.
IGN’s Review of Panzer Dragoon Orta
Find Panzer Dragoon Orta: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: House of the Dead III
The gameplay itself is truly captivating, offering a plethora of fun moments. From the very moment you step into the haunted house, zombies, bats, and other eerie beings waste no time in attacking you. The heads-up display is elegantly simple, providing essential details such as remaining ammunition and your current health status. Engaged in a relentless battle on the screen, you must frequently "reload" your weapon by aiming off-screen. Each enemy hit reduces your health meter by one, and you possess a limited number of lives before needing to utilize a continue. Monitoring the remaining continues is crucial, as they are also finite. In a two-player mode, the game compensates for reduced difficulty by sharing the continues between both players.

In House of the Dead III, the variety of paths you can take depends on your shooting accuracy. Essentially, the game doesn't stray far from its predecessors. Nevertheless, it's worth highlighting the significant modifications introduced by the developer, WOW Entertainment.

I must confess that I splurged nearly fifty dollars on House of the Dead when it was in the arcades. The sheer enjoyment it brought was undeniable. Playing the game truly evokes an adrenaline rush. The rapid combat and moderately captivating storyline ensure that you remain engaged until the very end. In summary, Sega's revitalization of the series with refreshing elements has resulted in an incredibly thrilling and entertaining experience, perfect for both fans of the franchise and the genre as a whole. The nostalgia factor alone makes it a must-have.
TeamXBox’s Review of House of the Dead III
Find House of the Dead III: eBay / Amazon

First-Person & Third Person Shooters

Obvious Choices:
Top-tier games: Halo, Half-Life 2, DOOM 3, Far Cry, Timesplitters, and more.

Featured Game: Metal Arms: Glitch in the System
"Metal Arms showcases a distinctive style and vibrant color palette. The cinematic sequences feature genuinely humorous dialogue, occasionally sprinkled with unexpected bleeped profanity. This comedic tone carries through to the gameplay as well. The protagonist, Glitch, interacts with robots who peddle weapons and gadgets during his journey, delivering comic one-liners along the way. Upon completing a challenging level, Glitch displays a sense of accomplishment, only to be met with a dry remark from his commander: "Let's not celebrate prematurely." When Glitch engages enemy droids, they react by frantically running around, simulating panic and adding to the game's well-executed delivery. While Metal Arms offers various gameplay elements, its essence lies in fast-paced and intense gunfights. Glitch wields a diverse array of weapons, ranging from lasers and automatic rifles to shotguns, rockets, slingshots, grenades, and sniper rifles, all serving their unique purposes in combat. The ability to equip different weapons on each hand and simultaneously shoot, throw, or sling them using the R and L buttons enhances the gameplay experience. Navigating the expansive 3D environments, Glitch confronts swarms of enemies, leading to intense skirmishes that form the core of the gameplay."

The game offers a robust and delightfully entertaining experience. There are 40 distinct areas, each with unique goals and objectives, featuring a diverse range of scripted events that tie everything together seamlessly. Throughout his missions, Glitch is accompanied by loyal droids who engage in combat, showcasing stunning choreographed routines. The environment is rich in realistic physics, constantly evolving with semi-dynamic elements that crumble, explode, and react to Glitch's weaponry. This high level of interactivity sets the game apart, demonstrating a level of immersion that few developers can match. As structures crumble, droids meet their demise, and explosions rock the surroundings, the gameplay becomes truly immersive and intense.
IGN’s Review of Metal Arms: Glich in the System
Find Metal Arms: eBay / Amazon

More Great Games:
Brute Force ( eBay / Amazon )
Psi-Ops ( eBay / Amazon )
Destroy All Humans! ( eBay / Amazon )
Destroy All Humans! 2 ( eBay / Amazon )
The Punisher ( eBay / Amazon )
Pariah ( eBay / Amazon )

Action Adventure

Obvious Choices:
Prominent titles like Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, and Grand Theft Auto.
Featured Game: Beyond Good & Evil
â€ In one sense, itâ€™s easy to describe Beyond Good & Evil , the latest game from Rayman Developed by Michel Ancel, the game's fundamental gameplay closely resembles recent trends. Zelda titles, especially the generally excellent The Wind Waker This video game features complex puzzles in dungeons, various vehicles to explore the game world, an easy-to-use combat system, and heart containers for health. Additionally, players can enjoy stealth missions, hovercraft races, traditional shooting challenges, and platformer elements without difficult jumping mechanics. The game is complemented by a compelling narrative with well-developed characters set in a visually stunning world. In short, it offers a diverse and immersive gaming experience. Zelda Tailored for adults, minus the tedious fetch missions...

Itâ€™s easy enough to tally up Beyond Good & Evil Recognizing the achievements in gameplay, level design, and visual appeal is essential, but there is a deeper layer beyond these technical aspects. They serve as a pathway to a greater purpose. BG&E is one of those rare games that shines from all points with an unmistakable quality of intelligence and personality. Itâ€™s in the sharp writing and excellent voice acting. Itâ€™s in the constantly inventive yet believable world of Hyllis and in the storyâ€™s intriguing twists and emotional impact. Or in little details, wonderfully presented: Peyâ€™j and Jade leaping into an embrace after a big fight, or Jadeâ€™s face registering pity and horror with the subtlest change of expression. Itâ€™s one thing to create a game full of pretty graphics and big action; itâ€™s something else to give us a story worth caring about involving characters we believe in.Ultimately, for all its similarities to Zelda , this is where Beyond Good & Evil Establishes a unique identity, steering clear of common pitfalls from its source material. A refreshing take on familiar concepts. Zelda Despite its uneventful plot and monotonous quest for items, the narrative is infused with humor, wit, and compassion. Although it ends prematurely, leaving you wanting more, Beyond Good & Evil Portrays its narrative with remarkable flair and sophistication. Moreover, it's a narrative truly deserving of being told.
IGNâ€™s Review of Beyond Good & Evil
Find Beyond Good & Evil: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Oddworld Inhabitants, the mastermind behind the distinctive Oddworld universe, has created several unique games within this fantastical world. The latest addition to the Oddworld series, Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, marks a significant departure from its predecessors. By blending elements of third-person platforming and first-person shooting, this new installment offers a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Despite its departure from the traditional Oddworld games, Stranger’s Wrath stands out as a remarkable achievement, seamlessly combining different gameplay styles into a cohesive and captivating experience.

Stranger’s Wrath may take place in Oddworld, but it also starts out with an Old West theme. You play as Stranger, a bounty hunter of unknown origins. You seem to be the only one of your kind around, and you’ll spend most of the game taking on outlaws who are terrorizing various towns full of chicken-men. Why? To pay for your operation, of course… The game’s plot, conveyed through the occasional cutscene, is definitely one of its strong points. It starts slow, but the gradual buildup pays off at the end of the game’s roughly 15-hour adventure, which makes up for a lack of extras or alternate modes of play.

In Stranger’s Wrath, various control methods are combined to create a unique blend of gaming styles. Most actions, such as jumping, rope climbing, and executing melee attacks, take place in the game’s third-person perspective. In this mode, the protagonist, Stranger, can use head-butts and spin punches reminiscent of Crash Bandicoot. Switching to a first-person view is possible by manipulating the right analog stick. While transitioning from third-person to first-person is a common feature in many games, in Stranger’s Wrath, the first-person perspective transforms the gameplay into a full-fledged first-person shooter experience. Even though double-jumping is still feasible in this mode, movement speed is slightly reduced.

In Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, various outstanding features contribute to its appeal. The seamless integration of third-person and first-person perspectives is particularly noteworthy. The innovative concept of utilizing bugs and rodents as ammunition adds a distinct flavor to the gameplay. The game’s ability to present fresh interpretations of traditional action elements is truly engaging. Despite occasional shortcomings in voice acting, they do not significantly detract from the overall gaming experience. For those seeking an exhilarating action game characterized by a distinctive style, Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath is a highly recommended choice.
GameSpot’s Review of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath
Find Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath: eBay / Amazon

More Great Games:
Freedom Fighters ( eBay / Amazon )
Thief: Deadly Shadows ( eBay / Amazon )
Galleon ( eBay / Amazon )
Second Sight ( eBay / Amazon )
Futurama ( eBay / Amazon )

Adventure

Obvious Choices:
Pirates!, Myst IV, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee

Featured Game: Indigo Prophecy
From the moment you start playing, you will notice that this game is more akin to an independent movie rather than a traditional video game, hence its label as "interactive cinema." The experience it offers is reminiscent of films like Se7en, Memento, and the works of David Lynch, setting it apart from the majority of games available. The story unfolds through the eyes of Lucas Kane, the protagonist, revealing intriguing mysteries along the way. Blending elements of reality with surrealism, the game kicks off with Lucas seated in a diner restroom on a cold January day. Instead of mundane restroom activities, you witness Lucas engaging in a disturbing ritual, carving into his own wrists while seemingly in a trance. Subsequently, he emerges from the stall, approaches a man washing his hands, startles him, and commits a brutal murder. Quite the attention-grabbing start, isn't it? As you snap out of this trance-like state following the inexplicable act of violence, you assume control of Lucas, navigating the consequences of his actions...

This is an adventure game, but there sure is a hell of a lot of tense moments that rival or surpass many action games, so for those who think adventure = boring, youâ€™re dead wrong. The gameplay has a focus on exploration, investigation, intrigue and most of all, choice. Indigo Prophecy puts you in the shoes of Lucas Kane with a vast immersion factor. You, the gamer, know only what Lucas knows; you just killed a total stranger in cold blood for no reason, only â€œyouâ€ really didnâ€™t do it. There is a huge amount of interaction from the get-go, what do you choose to do now? If youâ€™ve ever read one of those choose your own adventure books, youâ€™ll find Indigo Prophecy to be somewhat similar, as you get to choose your actions. Each choice you make affects the outcome of the game. Interacting in the game couldnâ€™t be easier, because when you can perform an action, an icon pops up indicating the direction of the right thumbstick that you push in order to interact with the object. Some decisions to make include: do you walk Lucas over to the sink to clean yourself up; do you try and hide the body; how about mopping up the blood; and what about the bloody knife you used as a murder weapon?’

This game introduces a fresh approach to the adventure genre, injecting much-needed innovation into a familiar landscape. Its gameplay stands out for its creativity and entertainment value. One minor suggestion would be to adjust the Quick Time Events to occur beforehand, as occasionally missing out on key scenes can be a slight drawback. The game boasts highly detailed graphics and exceptional motion-captured animations. The sound design is impeccable and, despite some minor control issues, the game offers significant replay value for solo players. The surreal twist given to reality in the game enhances its intrigue and suspense, keeping players engaged for extended periods. The characters are memorable, and the storyline, although pushing boundaries towards the end, remains captivating. Games of this caliber truly transcend the label of "games" and can be rightfully regarded as art.
TalkXBox’s Review of Indigo Prophecy
Find Indigo Prophecy: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: Syberia II
In all honesty, the overall game is truly captivating. The icy settings have never appeared so stunning. While most scenes are static, their visual appeal is undeniable. Moreover, the creators have incorporated numerous graphical details that breathe life into each frame. Players can frequently observe animals bustling near frozen lakes, or witness birds and snowy owls gracefully navigating the screen.

The trees sway gently in the cold wind, while snow lazily covers the hills and buildings. The character animation is equally striking. Kate Walker's journey through the landscape is portrayed realistically - she leaves footprints in the snow and reacts to the cold with shudders and coughs if left idle. Every character, no matter their role, is meticulously animated. In a narrative filled with compelling characters, it would be a great loss to have them portrayed as dull and static.

Through its faults, Syberia II conjures a little bit of that magic common during the golden days of adventure games. It has a great, albeit short, storyline that grips you from the get-go. Plus, the story’s sense of urgency does a nice job balancing the languid pace of its gameplay. It’s a bit too slow-paced for consoles, enough that it may frustrate some gamers. Superb graphics, sound and music push Syberia II above being good, and just short of being great. During an adventure game drought though, Syberia II is a real winner — a refreshing game rich in narrative, gameplay and style.”
IGN’s Review of Syberia II
Find Syberia: eBay / Amazon

More Great Games:
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon ( eBay / Amazon )
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth ( eBay / Amazon )
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey ( eBay / Amazon )
Still Life ( eBay / Amazon )

Survival Horror

Obvious Choices:
Silent Hill, Fatal Frame

Featured Game: Obscure
The core of Obscure's innovation lies in its two-player co-op gameplay, although the concept itself is not groundbreaking. Unlike previous games that employed a leapfrog approach to two-player survival, Obscure takes a more practical approach by introducing simultaneous actions. In this gaming experience, players no longer need to take turns activating switches or collecting items; instead, they must collaborate in real-time to progress. This simultaneous gameplay, referred to as the "one-screen system," resembles the dynamic of a buddy cop movie, with one player providing support while the other focuses on completing objectives concurrently. The outcome is a seamless and dynamic adventure, akin to a thrilling two-player party game that promises a fast-paced and engaging experience.

Some additional gameplay elements have also expanded the horizons. For instance, in response to requests from DOOM 3 players, users now have the ability to attach flashlights to their weapons, eliminating the need to switch between light and firearm to identify targets before shooting. The outdated and cumbersome typewriter save system, famously used in the Resident Evil series, has been replaced with a more convenient 'save anywhere' feature, restricted only by the number of available discs. Moreover, enhancements like the introduction of more realistic health items (such as first aid kits and energy drinks) and a unique light boost function (enabling players to repel enemies by shining their flashlight into a dark swarm) contribute a distinctive essence to the game that sets it apart from others. Additionally, a user-friendly quick-select menu system allows players to swiftly access weapons and items without navigating through complex menus. When combined with the exciting cooperative features mentioned earlier, it becomes evident why Obscure could be a compelling choice for enthusiasts of horror games.
IGN’s Review of Obscure
Find Obscure: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: Cold Fear
With its glossy graphics and gameplay reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, Cold Fear stands out as a remarkably impactful game. The unique setting aboard a storm-battered whaling ship adds a distinctive twist. The constant swaying of the ship intensifies the suspense, restricting visibility and aiming precision. The relentless downpour not only creates a captivating visual atmosphere but also elevates tension by obscuring adversaries. Speaking of adversaries, they are truly formidable in Cold Fear. The stunning graphics of Cold Fear shine brightly, exuding high-resolution malevolence at every corner. This raises the question of why Sony and Microsoft rush to release costly new consoles when such impressive visuals suffice. The abandoned whaling ship, with its rusted appearance and eerie details, almost becomes a character with its many unsettling nooks and crannies.

The Xbox version stands out for its superior visual quality, featuring an advanced lighting system that creates real-time shadows similar to Doom 3. This high-tech feature surpasses what the PS2 hardware can deliver. While Cold Fear still impresses on the PS2, its less sophisticated lighting, with simpler flashlight effects and shadows, fails to evoke the same primal fear. The eerie sounds, however, compensate for this, with dynamic music that intensifies based on in-game actions.

Cold Fear stands out as a remarkable accomplishment, being the initial game to present a substantial rival to the long-established Resident Evil series. While Resident Evil 4 boasts an extensive array of weapons, Cold Fear gains a significant edge through its agile controls.
GamePro’s Review of Cold Fear
Find Cold Fear: eBay / Amazon

RPG

Obvious Choices:
Tales, X-Men Legends, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Baldur’s Gate

Featured Game: Phantom Dust
“ Phantom Dust Blending RPG, action, and collectibility, this game resonated with Japanese gamers and gained a strong international following. Its genre-defying nature defies classification. Phantom Dust The game offers a unique blend of role-playing, third-person shooter, strategy, and collectible card game elements, resulting in an incredibly engaging experience. Players will find themselves immersed in intense battles against various foes in a post-apocalyptic setting. Armed with quick reflexes and a set of customized psionic abilities, they must strategize and adapt to overcome challenges.

In the game, players can discover powers randomly appearing on the battlefield as colored orbs or energy sources. They can equip up to four powers simultaneously by approaching an orb and assigning it to any of the four face buttons. This feature intensifies the gameplay dynamics, leading to moments where one can end up without a weapon, facing superior firepower, and far from the nearest power source. At the beginning of the game, getting overwhelmed in combat situations was a common occurrence for me. Phantom Dust The unconventional controls took some time to get used to, but with practice, they became more intuitive. However, I still find it inconvenient to use the left thumbstick for jumping.

After playing Phantom Dust Having explored the single-player mode extensively, I was convinced of the game's worth. Upon joining Xbox Live, I was amazed by the plethora of features accessible to players. It is evident that Microsoft put significant effort into establishing a robust online community for the game. Phantom Dust Through the online platform, I could purchase, sell, and exchange numerous powers to enhance my arsenal. After assembling what I considered a solid arsenal, I tested it in an online match, only to realize it required more improvement than anticipated. Despite this, I must admit that I cannot recall a time when losing a game was so entertaining. This experience was truly enjoyable, and all thanks to. Phantom Dust With downloadable content, the potential for growth knows no bounds.

After my time spent with Phantom Dust It would be regrettable if American gamers missed out on this experience. The game is so rich in content that its value far exceeds its cost. Phantom Dust An exceptional title that every Xbox owner should have in their collection.
GameSpy’s Review of Phantom Dust
Find Phantom Dust: eBay / Amazon

Featured Game: Shenmue II
"Shenmue II offers a moderate level of difficulty, yet demands a substantial time commitment to complete. In certain sections, extensive cutscenes comprise almost 100% of the gameplay, which cannot be fast-forwarded or skipped. Despite its expanded scale compared to its predecessor, Shenmue II concludes leaving players more intrigued than ever, just as the storyline seems to gain momentum. Generally, completing the game may require a slightly longer duration. However, this estimate may vary depending on how much time is devoted to exploring optional features."

Shenmue II can be perceived as an upgraded graphical adventure game for the next generation. The game offers a rich variety of activities and sights, making Ryo's journey engaging, captivating, and sometimes enlightening. While the Xbox version shows more refinement compared to the original on Dreamcast, I personally would have opted to experience this game on less advanced hardware a year earlier if it accelerated the release of Shenmue III. Players who previously indulged in the Japanese version on Dreamcast might find value in the English adaptation, even though the core game remains unchanged. Regardless of prior exposure to the first installment of Shenmue, Xbox users seeking a compelling, grand adventure should undoubtedly acquire Shenmue II. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it stands out as my top choice for the best Xbox adventure game of the year.
Gaming Age’s Review of Shenmue II
Find Shenmue II: eBay / Amazon

More Great Games:
Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes ( eBay / Amazon )
The Bard’s Tale ( eBay / Amazon )
Sudeki ( eBay / Amazon )
Arx Fatalis ( eBay / Amazon )

Fighting

Obvious Choices:
Top fighting games: Dead or Alive 3, Soul Calibur II, Street Fighter Series, Guilty Gear X.

Featured Game: Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus
"Tobias has harbored a strong desire to bring his complete vision of a combat game to life, yet lacked the necessary support and platform to achieve it. With." Tao Feng He possesses both qualities. But what was this vision exactly? It aimed to create a fighting game with expansive arenas, incentives for bold tactics, elimination of the classic "round" structure, and a strong emphasis on chaining combos. And, for the most part, Tao Feng A resounding triumph. Players opting to acquire Tao Feng Those who decide to try it out will encounter a formidable opponent, one of the toughest out there, determined to neutralize the cheesy tactics that martial arts masters have been using for years. Tao Feng While it may not immediately appear as the typical fighting game progression, it serves as a commendable beginning. Once you become accustomed to wall jumps as a strategic escape, transitioning back to a game where you feel cornered and vulnerable to cheap tactics becomes challenging.

Employing the surroundings to maneuver around poles and beams, harnessing your Chi abilities to unleash potent (yet simple) strikes on adversaries, and maintaining an assertive approach to deplete your opponent's defenses and ultimately incapacitate them by fracturing their limbs introduces a distinctive and innovative combat gaming encounter. The absence of a timer or structured rounds also contributes to this fresh experience. Combined with the impressive graphics and extensive voice-over dialogues, this game promises a novel and thrilling journey. Tao Feng is certainly that.”
IGN’s Review of Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus
Find Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus: eBay / Amazon
More Great Games:
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee ( eBay / Amazon )
Barbarian ( eBay / Amazon )

Sports

Obvious Choices:
Madden, NBA Live, 2K Sports, etc

Featured Game: Sega Soccer Slam
For individuals intrigued by sports games yet put off by intricate menus and excessive details, Soccer Slam offers a thrilling alternative. The Xbox version introduces fresh features like additional players and multiplayer modes, catering to both newcomers and GameCube fans seeking a dynamic and engaging experience.

Slam's simplicity is a key factor contributing to its popularity. The three-on-three gameplay features user-friendly controls with exciting slow-motion power shots, skillful dekes, and precise passes. Engage in a dynamic contest to gain ball possession by strategically bumping into opponents. The gameplay occasionally transforms into a chaotic showdown rather than a traditional soccer match. While extra multiplayer modes like a free-for-all battle and a hot potato game offer variety, they may lose their appeal after a few rounds.

Slam's graphics are truly impressive, especially the cartoonish players reminiscent of Tex Avery's iconic style. The game features distinctive theme music and victory chants that add to the overall experience. Despite its smooth controls that maintain excitement throughout, there is one drawback - the passing system can be a bit clumsy, as the control stick for player movement also controls passing direction.

Soccer Slam is a game where kicking an opponent in the head is more satisfying than scoring a goal, making it a refreshing departure from traditional soccer simulations. If you prefer sports games that prioritize excitement over realism, Soccer Slam is the perfect choice for you.
GamePro’s Review of Sega Soccer Slam
Find Sega Soccer Slam: eBay / Amazon

July 23rd, 2007 at 10:24am by racketboy

January 14th, 2022 at 1:38pm

XBox

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69 Comments

racketboy says:

July 23, 2007 at 10:56 am

Just a few things worth noting…
While I primarily focus on retro content, I acknowledge the demand for XBox coverage and aim to complete the series to meet audience requests.

Furthermore, there is a section labelled "other" which WordPress is currently not supporting. I will make an effort to include it later on.

gnome says:

July 23, 2007 at 12:02 pm

It's remarkable how many of my favorite games, which are also considered of high quality, have made it to the list! Titles like Psychonauts, Beyond Good and Evil, Fahrenheit, Shenmue... They truly are gems, shining brightly with brilliance!