Summary
The originalXboxis adored by many, and the console is an absolute classic that holds some leading competing games against the best consoles. From the likes of Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s GameCube, Xbox held the baton, leading the charge against the best of them with some truly amazing games, featuring on the originalXboxfrom 2001 to 2006.
Despite a lack of years dedicated to the original Xbox, the console is still fondly remembered for the games that feature, and the debut of some stellar titles that still hold as the blueprints of the best games of all time. Without the original Xbox, the competition and strive for better video games may be non-existent as players are thrust into the 2020s with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Halo: Combat Evolved, better known as simplyHalo, was the game that single-handedly gave the Xbox the most successful launch in console history. It also sparked one of the most legendary first-person shooter franchises ever made, spawning various tie-in books, comics, and live-action series,including a Paramount+ originalthat just launched its second season.
Set in the 26th century, super soldier Master Chief and artificial intelligence Cortana work together to stop the Covenant from destroying all life in the galaxy. The futuristic setting, fun weapon designs, and split-screen multiplayer cementedHaloas one of the best games on the system — and of all time.
Morrowindwas one of the most popular open-world action RPGs around, only surpassed bySkyrim, one of the best RPGs of the 2010s.years later. To this day, this Bethesda bestseller is an Xbox exclusive, as well as the winner of the 2005 Game of the Year award.
Like allElder Scrollstitles,Morrowindputs player freedom at the forefront. Players fully take the reigns when it comes to character creation, class, roleplaying, and exploration, giving the game massive replay value. The land of Morrowind is a dangerous place, and players must be both careful and daring to survive their quests.
It can’t be understated just how influential the originalKnights of the Old Republicgame was. Fans of theStar Warsfranchise had been itching for a game that let them live out their Jedi dreams.KOTOR’ssmash-hit successeventually led to the critically acclaimed MMOStar Wars: The Old Republic.
The story and setting are an ingenious departure from the films. Rather than tying into the Prequel trilogy which was premiering at the time,KOTORtakes place far in the Jedi’s distant past. Players get to explore the often-mentioned Old Republic long before the rise of the Galactic Empire. The ability to create their own character with a unique background, explore the galaxy, and defeat a Sith Lord in the Jedi’s golden years was a dream come true for film and game fans alike.
San Andreasis often lauded as one of the best entries in the Grand Theft Auto series. It follows CJ, a gangster who’s forced to cooperate with a corrupt police force or else be framed for murdering an officer. The story of corruption versus redemption struck a chord with many fans, especially thanks to stellar performances from the likes of Samuel L. Jackson.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreaswas Rockstar’s first grand attempt at bringing forth a series that wasn’t just about violence and mayhem, and thisGrand Theft Autoset the tone for the seriesgoing forward, with great immersion within the open world, and a riveting and tense story with the cast of characters, it’s definitely one to check out.
It wasn’t just major franchises likeHaloandGrand Theft Autothat thrived on the Xbox. Several indie game developers also managed to make their mark. One of the biggest cult classics of that generation wasPsychonauts, theplatformer adventure gamethat mixed funky visuals withZelda-esque puzzle-solving.
Psychic agent Ratzputin takes the player on a journey through the mind, exploring levels straight out of the works of M.C. Escher. The gameplay elements were a ton of fun, and the whacky character designs and stories involved made for a stellar experience that had fans waiting for a sequel.
As the Xbox lifespan entered its final year, the game-changing console managed to pull off one final stunt. It brought new life to a franchise that fans had begun to feel had lost its way. TheTomb Raidergames were on the decline in terms of quality.The Angel of Darknessis often considered the worst in the series. And so, Eidos Interactive decided to make their next installment a true return to form.
Tomb Raider: Legenddidn’t justreboot the franchise. It rebooted Lara Croft herself. Everything from her design to her origins got a massive rehaul while still keeping true to what long-time fans had expected. Their efforts paid off, with Lara retaining her hard-earned iconic status among video game protagonists.
