The early 2000s saw a massive shake-up in the gaming world with the unexpected arrival of the Xbox. While Microsoft was already a dominant force in PC gaming, the idea of entering the console market seemed like a bold, even odd, move. For years, the competition had been largely between Nintendo and Sega, and with Sega's departure after the Dreamcast, it was mainly a two-horse race. But the Xbox changed everything. With its bulky controller, thick cables, and a focus on Western-developed titles, Microsoft brought something fresh to the console space.
At first, the original Xbox seemed like an unconventional contender. But as more third-party games hit the system and Xbox Live revolutionized online multiplayer gaming, it became clear that this new console was here to stay. When asked about the best Xbox exclusives, many fans immediately think of Halo, but the Xbox library offers much more than just this iconic shooter. From tactical shooters to unique action adventures, the Xbox quickly built a diverse and impressive lineup of exclusives.
Take Armed and Dangerous, for example. A rare breed of run-and-gun shooter, it doesn’t just deliver on gameplay but leans into humor and creativity. The arsenal of over-the-top weapons includes the Topsy-Turvy Gun, which flips the world upside down, and the Shark Gun, which summons a massive shark to devour enemies. With sharp writing and the voice talent of Tony Jay, Armed and Dangerous remains a standout for its quirky humor and offbeat charm.
Then there’s Crimson Sea, a game that set itself apart from the military shooters the Xbox was known for. This anime-inspired hack-and-slash RPG follows Sho, a detective drawn into a conspiracy that could alter the fate of the star system. Crimson Sea offers a deep combat system, with a variety of weapons and magical abilities, and stands as one of the most unique action games on the console.
Murakumo, another Xbox exclusive, mixed rail-shooter mechanics with fast-paced third-person combat. Set in the future, it pits players against rogue machines known as ARKs. While it might not have been as widely recognized as Armored Core, its fast-paced gameplay and engaging mech battles proved that FromSoftware was equally adept at crafting original sci-fi experiences.
In Breakdown, players take on the role of Derrick Cole, a soldier with amnesia trapped in a bizarre facility. The game innovates by incorporating realistic actions into the first-person shooter genre. From manually opening doors to bending down to pick up ammo, Breakdown forces players to interact with the world in a way that no other FPS had done before. While it may feel clunky at times, its unique blend of hand-to-hand combat and FPS elements still makes it one of the most distinct experiences on the Xbox.
Panzer Dragoon Orta, an entry in Sega’s beloved Panzer Dragoon series, raised the bar for rail shooters on the original Xbox. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it tells the story of Orta, a girl with the potential to bring peace to a ravaged world. The game is a visual masterpiece and remains one of the standout titles in the console's library.
Another unforgettable Xbox exclusive, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, delivers high-flying action in a world where sky pirates rule the skies. As Nathan Zacchary, players engage in thrilling aerial dogfights, with the game's arcade-style mechanics making for a fast-paced, exhilarating experience. Even though it wasn’t the first to take advantage of Xbox Live, it was one of the standout titles to make full use of the platform’s multiplayer features.
Fable offered players a world of choice, where a single character could become either a hero or a villain, depending on their actions. The game was one of the earliest to blend traditional RPG elements with life simulation mechanics, allowing players to marry, build homes, and shape the world around them. Despite its ambitious scope, the original Fable remains the definitive entry in the series, offering a depth of gameplay that its sequels failed to replicate.
Following the massive success of the original Halo, Halo 2 had enormous shoes to fill, but it did so with ease. Expanding on the original’s gameplay, Halo 2 introduced new weapons, enemies, and, most importantly, a robust online multiplayer mode via Xbox Live. It became the best-selling title for the original Xbox and remains one of the most influential first-person shooters ever made.
Jade Empire, an action RPG from BioWare, transported players to a martial arts-inspired world steeped in Chinese mythology. As the Spirit Monk, players had the power to shape the fate of the kingdom. The game was notable not only for its deep combat system but for its branching storylines and the moral choices players could make. Jade Empire stood apart from BioWare's other RPGs thanks to its unique setting, offering a rich blend of action and narrative.
Of course, no discussion of the original Xbox is complete without Halo. The game that arguably defined the console’s success, Halo was more than just another first-person shooter. It revolutionized the genre, combining strategic gameplay with cinematic storytelling. From its unforgettable music to its engaging multiplayer modes, Halo helped cement the Xbox’s place in gaming history. The LAN parties, where friends connected multiple Xbox consoles for 16-player matches, became legendary—and are still fondly remembered by fans to this day.
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