Xbox once used to be the go-to platform for gaming, especially during the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 era, which gave us some of the greatest and most innovative games of all time.
Over the years, some Xbox exclusives have changed gaming in big ways. Whether it’s bringing new ideas, setting a bar for others, or creating something that just sticks with players, these nine games have stood out for multiple reasons.
9. Psychonauts
Psychonauts brought something fresh with its unique take on platforming and storytelling. The game’s quirky characters and imaginative levels stood out from the usual titles. It didn’t just focus on gameplay but really leaned into telling a story in an unusual way, mixing humor with serious themes.
Its originality inspired many games after it, showing that you could mix deep narrative with fun gameplay without losing out on either, and its sequel was just as good.
8. Jade Empire
Jade Empire was a BioWare action RPG set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology. It gave players a blend of martial arts combat and storytelling, which was pretty different from what people were used to at that time.
The game showed that an action RPG could have depth, with choices that affected the story’s outcome. It opened up more ideas about how to mix different genres, leaving a mark on how future RPGs were designed.
7. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
Splinter Cell really put stealth gameplay on the map. It took the idea of sneaking around to a new level with its focus on shadows, gadgets, and silent takedowns. This game made players think more about how they approach each situation, rather than just charging in.
It made stealth a core part of the experience, and many games after it tried to capture that same feeling, making it a benchmark for the genre. Many forget that this game was exclusive to Xbox for a year, before launching on PS2 in 2003.
6. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator brought realism to gaming in a way that hadn’t been seen before. It wasn’t just a game but rather an experience that made players feel like real pilots. The attention to detail, from the planes to the weather, was groundbreaking.
It set a new standard for simulation games, showing how far you could push realism in gaming. This game had people looking at simulators in a whole new way.
5. Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport changed up the racing game genre with its focus on realism and detail. It wasn’t just about racing fast but also about mastering different cars and tracks. The game’s physics and customization options were top-notch, giving players a deeper connection with the game.
It set the standard for what racing games could be, with many others following its lead in terms of realism and customization.
4. Fable
Fable brought the idea of choices in gaming to the forefront. The game allowed players to shape their character’s path, with decisions that had real consequences. It was one of the first games where what you did in the world actually mattered in how the story played out.
This focus on choices made it stand out, and many games since then have taken inspiration from this game’s approach to player-driven storytelling, as well as its fantasy vibe.
3. Morrowind
Bethesda’s Morrowind was a game-changer in the RPG space for its time. It gave players a massive world to explore, filled with lore and deep storytelling. The game was one of the first to offer such a vast, open world where you could go anywhere and do almost anything.
It made the idea of an open-world RPG a reality, influencing countless games that came after it, including the studio’s own Oblivion and Skyrim. It definitely set a new standard for RPGs.
2. Gears of War
The original Gears of War was a big deal for third-person shooters. It introduced a new cover system that became a staple in many games after it. The game also had a dark, gritty, and intense style that set it apart from others in the genre, and it was also about using strategy and teamwork to survive.
This game, as well as the rest of the trilogy, showed how third-person shooters could be both tactical and action-packed, with great story and characters.
1. Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved is easily one of the most revolutionary and important games of all time. It brought first-person shooters to consoles in a big way, with tight controls and an epic story in a great setting.
The game’s multiplayer mode also set the stage for what would become a huge part of gaming culture. This game, along with its sequel, showed that first-person shooters could be just as good on consoles as on PCs, and it also led to the rise of competitive multiplayer gaming on consoles.
Which of these classic Xbox games is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
