The original Xbox hit the market in the U.S. on November 15, 2001, challenging the dominance of Sony and Nintendo consoles. Despite not matching the PS2 in sales, the Xbox offered a lineup of impressive exclusives that left a mark on the gaming landscape.
Updated February 22, 2024, by Tom Bowen:Microsoft's strategic move to secure exclusive titles for the Xbox paid off, with many becoming iconic franchises that are cherished even now.
20 Fuzion Frenzy
Metacritic Rating: 70 (Xbox)
Released in 2001, Fuzion Frenzy offered simple yet entertaining gameplay akin to Nintendo's Mario Party series, garnering decent sales despite average reviews.
19 Blinx: The Time Sweeper
Metacritic Rating: 71 (Xbox)
Blinx: The Time Sweeper aimed to be Microsoft's platforming mascot, though it fell short of expectations. Despite a sequel, the franchise faded quickly after mixed responses.
18 Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball
Metacritic Rating: 73 (Xbox)
Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball faced criticism but found commercial success, offering a unique spinoff in the fighting game genre.
17 Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout
Metacritic Rating: 74 (Xbox)
Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout introduced MMA gaming to the Xbox, showcasing a range of fighting styles and even featuring rapper Ice T.
16 Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon
Metacritic Rating: 77 (Xbox)
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon brought the classic franchise to the Xbox, offering an engaging adventure despite limited exclusivity.
15 Steel Battalion
Metacritic Rating: 83 (Xbox)
Steel Battalion stood out with its unique controller and immersive gameplay, becoming a rare and sought-after title for Xbox enthusiasts.
14 Conker: Live & Reloaded
Metacritic Rating: 78 (Xbox)
Conker: Live & Reloaded revamped the N64 classic, showcasing improved graphics and online features, solidifying its place as a standout Xbox exclusive.
13 The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay
Metacritic Rating: 89 (Xbox)
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay merged a popular franchise with gaming, earning critical acclaim for its storytelling and gameplay innovation.
12 Project Gotham Racing 2
Metacritic Rating: 90 (Xbox)
Project Gotham Racing 2 set a high standard for racing games, offering impressive visuals and engaging gameplay that still captivates players today.
11 Jet Set Radio Future
Metacritic Rating: 88 (Xbox)
Jet Set Radio Future brought style and flair to the Xbox, showcasing Sega's creativity and delivering a unique gaming experience.
10 Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Metacritic Rating: 88 (Xbox)
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath redefined the series with a fresh direction, blending unique gameplay elements and storytelling to create a memorable experience for players.
9 Ninja Gaiden Black
Metacritic Rating: 94 (Xbox)
Ninja Gaiden Black showcased intense combat and challenging gameplay, solidifying its place as a standout Xbox exclusive that pushed the boundaries of action games.
8 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Metacritic Rating: 87 (Xbox)
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind introduced console players to a vast open world RPG, setting the stage for the acclaimed franchise that followed and reshaping the fantasy gaming landscape.
7 Jade Empire
Metacritic Rating: 89 (Xbox)
Jade Empire blended kung fu action with RPG elements, delivering a captivating experience that remains a hidden gem in gaming history.
6 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Metacritic Rating: 93 (Xbox)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell redefined stealth gaming, offering a thrilling experience that influenced future titles and set a high standard for espionage action.
5 Halo 2
Metacritic Rating: 95 (Xbox)
Halo 2 elevated the iconic franchise with enhanced multiplayer features, solidifying its status as a must-play title that revolutionized online gaming on consoles.
4 Shenmue 2
Metacritic Rating: 80 (Xbox)
Shenmue 2 continued the epic saga with immersive storytelling and intricate gameplay, further solidifying its status as a cult classic among Xbox enthusiasts.
3 Fable
Metacritic Rating: 85 (Xbox)
Fable captivated players with its expansive world and moral choices, setting a new standard for fantasy RPGs and leaving a lasting impact on the gaming community.
2 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Metacritic Rating: 94 (Xbox)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic redefined Star Wars gaming with its compelling narrative and deep role-playing mechanics, establishing itself as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with players.
1 Halo: Combat Evolved
Metacritic Rating: 97 (Xbox)
Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized console FPS games with its compelling story and innovative multiplayer, setting a new standard for the genre and solidifying its place as a gaming legend.