The original Xbox was massive, with a controller so large it could double as a blunt weapon. Despite that, the console’s library of games was so robust that aesthetics didn’t even matter. If you want to relive the glory days, here are the 10 best original Xbox games to play on Series X
The top 10 best original Xbox games on the Series X
The Xbox Series X has impressive backward compatibility features and can even play some discs from previous consoles. The titles on this list can all be downloaded directly from the Xbox Store, and no physical media is required.
#10 Fuzion Frenzy
Fuzion Frenzy is a superb party title full of simple but intuitive mini-games. If you’re up for some friendly competition, nothing beats throwing down in the arena with short events that don’t overstay their welcome.
As Fuzion Frenzy is an original Xbox title, you’ll need to be in the same room as your friends to enjoy it. That said, the game holds up remarkably well, and I recommend giving it a go if you get the opportunity. Whether you’re a fan of racing or rhythm games or consider yourself a strategist, there’s something for everyone. The game can be quite competitive, but it’s good, clean fun.
#9 Oddworld Munch’s Oddysee
Munch Oddysee is the 3rd game in the Oddworld series and has one of the saddest intros to any game I’ve ever played.
After recovering from the emotional damage, you can play the first 3D Oddworld game. While the controls aren’t perfect, they are serviceable.
The 2D games focused on Abe’s adventures, but you swap between Munch and Abe in this title. There’s a mix of puzzle-solving, humor, and platforming. The fantastic ‘Game Speak’ feature returns from the old games, allowing you to talk to inhabitants around Oddworld. Munch’s Oddysee feels slightly less refined than its 2D predecessors, but if you enjoy Abe’s adventures, there’s plenty to appreciate here.
#8 SSX 3
I know the fan favorite is SSX: Tricky, but I’ve always preferred SSX 3, one of my favorite racing games of all time. Snowboarding games were quite popular in the early 2000s, but the series to beat was always SSX.
SSX 3 has a colorful cast of characters and many races to participate in. Tricks are satisfying, and different events cater to various skills, from airborne lunacy to racing. SSX 3 is set on a mountain with three peaks, and you will eventually gain access to all of them.
Some courses even scale the entire mountain range, which can take 25 mins + to beat. EA knocked it out of the park with SSX 3, only to ruin it with a reboot in 2012. If you want to play the series at its best, SSX 3 is the way to go.
#7 Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Max Payne 2 is a dark, gritty, and superbly well-written third-person shooter. The voice acting is decent, and the story is told across stylish comic book-style entries.
The presentation is top-notch, but the star of the show is the combat. In Max Payne 2, you can slow down time to avoid gunfire. It’s so satisfying to win fights against groups of enemies unscathed, and it never gets old.
The time mechanic makes some incredible plays possible, but don’t be fooled into thinking Max Payne 2 is easy. You’re always a couple of mistakes away from death, and a shotgun blast is all it takes to end the game. Although Max Payne 3 came out on a newer console, I still think two is the best in the series with a more engaging plot.
#6 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
The Prince of Persia’s first 3D adventure is unforgettable and a real treat if you’ve not played before. The Prince unwittingly unleashes the Sands of Time, which turns anyone caught in its path into a horrific monster. You must fix your mistake using the Prince’s incredible acrobatic skills, and his skill with a sword.
Combat is tough but fair, and some of the later puzzles will test even the brightest problem solvers. I love how the Prince is portrayed in The Sands of Time, as he’s genuinely funny and has just the right amount of sarcasm.
There’s so much attention to detail, from the gorgeous locales to all the hidden secrets. The Sands of Time is an exceptional adventure game, and I much prefer this iteration of the Prince as he became angry and serious in future games.
#5 Timesplitters: Future Perfect
Timesplitters: Future Perfect is the final game in the Timesplitters trilogy and one of the best first-person shooters on the console. While many shooters try to be realistic or gritty, Timesplitters’ primary focus is fast, frenetic multiplayer shenanigans.
Future Perfect has one of the most creative rosters I’ve ever seen in an FPS. You can play as anything, from a futuristic soldier to a zombie. You can even play as a monkey who’s half the height of everyone else. Trivial things like ‘game balance’ take a back seat in one of the whackiest shooters on the market.
While the focus is clearly on multiplayer, there’s a decent solo challenge mode full of creative scenarios. Many of these are fun, but being chased by living cow carcasses will haunt me for the rest of my life.
#4 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is a third-person adventure game with a unique combat system. When you start, you can choose from a few jobs, but you gain access to several Jedi vocations as you progress.
The world-building is impressive, and NPC conversations flesh out the universe. There’s also a basic Light/Dark decision system, which feels a little archaic nowadays but is still fun to explore.
KOTOR is a little slow for my tastes, but it’s an exceptional Star Wars game nonetheless. Stats and character builds are important, so you’ll this game if you’re a number cruncher or strategist.
#3 Psychonauts
Psychonauts offer a fever dream of bizarre characters and strange locales ripe for exploring.
In Psychonauts, you play Razputin, who can enter the minds of the world’s inhabitants. Levels are varied and often full of surprisingly intelligent humor.
The controls do feel a little stiff compared to modern 3D platformers, but I can overlook this, considering Psychonauts was released in 2005. If you fell in love with Psychonauts, you’ll be pleased to learn the equally superb sequel came out in 2021.
#2 Black
Black is a gritty first-person shooter and arguably one of the best on the system. The controls feel stiff compared to more accomplished modern shooters, but it’s worth overlooking.
You play Jack Kellar as he retells his missions behind enemy lines in Russia. The gunplay feels excellent and is accompanied by some incredibly punchy sound effects. Black is sometimes quite visceral, and the campaign is full of memorable moments.
Approaching a church using gravestones as cover from a Sniper is thrilling, and Black is full of situations like this. Like many games of the time, Black doesn’t hold your hand, but it’s rewarding and enjoyable from start to finish.
#1 Ninja Gaiden Black
From Software games are beloved for being ruthless, punishing titles that can pulverize ‘pro gamers.’ Before we had Dark Souls, we had Ninja Gaiden Black, and oh boy, this is a game for masochists.
You play as Ryu Hayabusa, an acrobatic ninja you’ve likely seen in the Dead or Alive fighting games. The issue is that you’ll need the skill and reflexes of a real ninja to get anywhere in Ninja Gaiden Black.
The odds are never in your favor, mistakes are heavily punished, and one false step is all it takes to be slapped with a ‘game over’ screen. While punishing, Ninja Gaiden Black is well-made and looks pretty good for the time. If you’re patient and enjoy games that will test your resolve, Ninja Gaiden Black by the aptly named Team Ninja is right up your alley.
The original Xbox has many superb games in its library, and while many are playable on PC, some remain exclusive to the platform. If you can overlook the hardware limitations, there’s plenty to enjoy on older consoles.
