Hidden Gems!

[Rocket2049]

absolutely Phantom Crash

there's Dungeons and Dragons heroes, if you like gauntlet legends/dark legacy it's pretty much like that

Blinx the time sweeper was kinda fun in a platformer kinda way, rewinding and time control stuff

other games i Liked on old Xbox and i think aren't anywhere else:
Bruce Lee quest of the dragon, this is pure Bruce lee shit, so many inputs and moves, this game is HARD but if you're good at stuff like tekken or DOA you'll get it done eventually.

Bloodwake, boat combat, its pretty crazy and surprised not many other games like that

Fusion frenzy, Xbox's answer to mario party, it's fun with friends

Midtown madness 3, open world car driving and missions.

 

[Turbo Kid]

The Kingdom Under Fire games
Metal Wolf Chaos
Otogi
Otogi 2
Armed and Dangerous
The Chronicles of Riddick
The Bloodrayne games
Freedom Fighters
Evil Dead Regeneration
Dr. Muto
Full Spectrum Warrior
Gunvalkyrie
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath
Phantom Dust
Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
Sega Soccer Slam
Psychonauts
Spartan: Total Warrior
Steel Battalion
Panzer Dragoon Orta
The Thing
The Warriors
Spyhunter (2001)
King Kong
Indiana Jones
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

 

[AlmaElma123]

Metal Dungeon shoutout, wow! I had this and thought it was pretty decent but had forgotten about it until I saw this post. Xicat had another title called Blackstone that I remember having too, but I remember zero about the game itself.

Blackstone is basically Gauntlet but anime from what I remember. It was alright but I find the other 2 games I mentioned better!

 

[Deleted member 660650]

This list is why I wanna buy an XBOX:

- Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

- Phantom Crash

- Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

- ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth

- Far Cry games (They are XBOX exclusive and not to be confused with Far Cry games on PC)

- Shin Megami Tensei NINE

+ lots of old games also on PC that I wouldn't wanna bother keeping and playing on a PC at this time and age. I like to use consoles to separate how I play games.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I’m able to emulate the original Xbox on my Steam Deck, which I’m pretty excited about since I’ve never owned a Xbox, but I can’t seem to find a ton of games for it. Does anyone have any recommendations for exclusives or even games whose best versions are on the Xbox? For context, here are the games I have so far:

• Burnout 3 - Takedown
• Fable
• Halo
• Halo 2
• Indigo Prophecy
• Jet Set Radio Future
• Ninja Gaiden Black
• Panzer Dragoon Orta
• Psychonauts

Just played Crazy Taxi 3. Crazy good deal. It’s the first, second, and third games all in one. I can never go back to playing without being able to pick up groups of people.

Post automatically merged: Sep 17, 2025

Forgot about Blinx lol. I'll definitely be getting that one. Also I heard Max Payne on the PS2 isn't the greatest version so I might just get the Xbox one instead.

People bring up Blinx 1, but I’ve been singing the praises of Blinx 2 since I came to the forum lol.

Blinx 2 is a 3D action platformer with many charming gimmicks and features, two sides that you play as, a full character creator, and much more streamlined and less confusing design than the original. It’s never been re-released, and was totally overshadowed back at release by Halo 2’s launch. It’s a fun game, dude! :3

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

This list is why I wanna buy an XBOX:

- Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

- Phantom Crash

- Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

- ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth

- Far Cry games (They are XBOX exclusive and not to be confused with Far Cry games on PC)

- Shin Megami Tensei NINE

+ lots of old games also on PC that I wouldn't wanna bother keeping and playing on a PC at this time and age. I like to use consoles to separate how I play games.

SMT NINE is high on my list of games I want to play at some point!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

SMT NINE is high on my list of games I want to play at some point!

I need to play it at some point! It’s the biggest name in Original XBox regional exclusives!

Well, aside from Metal Wolf Chaos

 

[myhosea]

Breakdown and Metal Dungeon come to mind. Breakdown being a fantastic FPS with a great combat system, characters and story while Metal Dungeon is an RPG dungeon crawler that has a pretty solid RPG system, a good handful of classes with secret classes and a lot of fun extras too.

View attachment 111522

HELL YEAH BREAKDOWN RULES
(i bought a new xbox just to play it...... and also other things like Lost Odyssey, the Perfect Dark remaster from the xbox 360, the og version of Deadly Premonition, etc etc)

 

[Deleted member 660650]

SMT NINE is high on my list of games I want to play at some point!

I wanna first play that game and then enjoy Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine (SMT NINE supposed to have a later online mode but when the game "failed" and ATLUS had problems the project eventually evolved to a PC MMO game called "Imagine".). MMO ain't my thing but on paper it seems like a game I would forget eating and therefore die in a week because of it which I was always jealous of people playing a MMO game they like when I never found my "killer MMO"!!!! lolol

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

Jet Set Radio Future and Panzer Dragoon Orta alone put you in elite territory. Since you’ve got the heavy hitters covered, here are some lesser-known gems and Xbox exclusives that really shine on the OG hardware (and emu beautifully on Steam Deck):

• Otogi: Myth of Demons & Otogi 2 – FromSoftware before Souls fame. Gorgeous destruction physics, haunting atmosphere, and mythic combat. Criminally underrated.
• Brute Force - Squad-based shooter with alien lore and tactical flavor. Not perfect, but fun with the right mindset.
• Breakdown - First-person brawler/shooter hybrid with a wild sci-fi story. You punch, eat burgers, and hallucinate your way through a cult classic.
• Advent Rising - Ambitious space opera with telekinetic powers and a soundtrack by Tommy Tallarico. It’s janky, but it swings big.
• Voodoo Vince - Quirky platformer with New Orleans flair and self-harm-based puzzle mechanics. Very Xbox-core.
• Metal Wolf Chaos XD – Technically a re-release, but if you want peak “America vs. Mechs” chaos, this is it.
• Jade Empire – Bioware’s kung-fu RPG. Often overshadowed by KOTOR, but it’s got style, depth, and a unique setting.

Also, some multiplats that arguably play best on Xbox:

• The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay – Stealth, action, and Vin Diesel’s best gaming moment.
• SoulCalibur II – Spawn is the exclusive character here, and the Xbox version runs smooth as butter.
• TimeSplitters: Future Perfect – Fast-paced FPS with wild characters and mapmaker mode. LAN party gold.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Jet Set Radio Future and Panzer Dragoon Orta alone put you in elite territory. Since you’ve got the heavy hitters covered, here are some lesser-known gems and Xbox exclusives that really shine on the OG hardware (and emu beautifully on Steam Deck):

• Otogi: Myth of Demons & Otogi 2 – FromSoftware before Souls fame. Gorgeous destruction physics, haunting atmosphere, and mythic combat. Criminally underrated.
• Brute Force - Squad-based shooter with alien lore and tactical flavor. Not perfect, but fun with the right mindset.
• Breakdown - First-person brawler/shooter hybrid with a wild sci-fi story. You punch, eat burgers, and hallucinate your way through a cult classic.
• Advent Rising - Ambitious space opera with telekinetic powers and a soundtrack by Tommy Tallarico. It’s janky, but it swings big.
• Voodoo Vince - Quirky platformer with New Orleans flair and self-harm-based puzzle mechanics. Very Xbox-core.
• Metal Wolf Chaos XD – Technically a re-release, but if you want peak “America vs. Mechs” chaos, this is it.
• Jade Empire – Bioware’s kung-fu RPG. Often overshadowed by KOTOR, but it’s got style, depth, and a unique setting.

Also, some multiplats that arguably play best on Xbox:

• The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay – Stealth, action, and Vin Diesel’s best gaming moment.
• SoulCalibur II – Spawn is the exclusive character here, and the Xbox version runs smooth as butter.
• TimeSplitters: Future Perfect – Fast-paced FPS with wild characters and mapmaker mode. LAN party gold.

This is a person who knows their OG XBox.

I have to add in Dead or Alive 3 as an exclusive recommendation. Made a whole thread about it, that’s how goated that game is. There’s also ports of 1 & 2 to the system in one pack, if that interests you!

Also, don’t sleep on Outrun 2/2006 on the XBox. It was released on other consoles! The XBox version is the king.
PLUS, Godzilla games. The best versions of Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save the Earth are on the Box.

 

[bjork]

Otogi: Myth of Demons & Otogi 2 – FromSoftware before Souls fame. Gorgeous destruction physics, haunting atmosphere, and mythic combat. Criminally underrated

Otogi has the distinction of being the only game to ever make me fall asleep while playing it. Don't know if that's a positive or negative, though.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

I wanna first play that game and then enjoy Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine (SMT NINE supposed to have a later online mode but when the game "failed" and ATLUS had problems the project eventually evolved to a PC MMO game called "Imagine".). MMO ain't my thing but on paper it seems like a game I would forget eating and therefore die in a week because of it which I was always jealous of people playing a MMO game they like when I never found my "killer MMO"!!!! lolol

The screenshot on the wikipedia article gives me huge Digimon: Cyber Sleuth vibes, particularly those digital areas with the "wireframe" aesthetic you could visit.

 

[Deleted member 560402]

Voo-Doo Vince
Stubbs The Zombie
Destroy All Humans 1 and 2
Blinx The TImesweeper 1 and 2
Cel Damage
Gun Valkyrie
NightCaster
JSRF
Panzer Dragoon Orta
Otogi 1 and 2
Grabbed By The Ghoulies
Darkwatch
Whacked
Fusion Frenzy
I-Ninja
Jaws Unleashed
Metal Arms
Dr. Muto
the Outlaw Golf series
ToeJam and Earl 3
OutRun 2
OutRun 2006
Shenmue 2
Crazy Taxi 3
Red Dead Revolver
Roadkill
Scaler
Vexx
Van Helsing
Smashing Drive
Sphinx and The Cursed Mummy
Spy Vs. Spy
Whiplash
WinBack 2
Zapper

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

Otogi has the distinction of being the only game to ever make me fall asleep while playing it. Don't know if that's a positive or negative, though.

Otogi: the only game where you can obliterate ancient demons and accidentally astral project mid-boss fight. That’s not a nap, that’s transcendence. You didn’t fall asleep, you ascended.

 

[Turbo Kid]

Stubbs is a good mention, forgot about that one. Otogi is brilliant, back when FromSoftware was awesome instead of today where they just pump out endless Demon Souls clones

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

This is a person who knows their OG XBox.

I have to add in Dead or Alive 3 as an exclusive recommendation. Made a whole thread about it, that’s how goated that game is. There’s also ports of 1 & 2 to the system in one pack, if that interests you!

Also, don’t sleep on Outrun 2/2006 on the XBox. It was released on other consoles! The XBox version is the king.
PLUS, Godzilla games. The best versions of Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save the Earth are on the Box.

You’re speaking my language. Dead or Alive 3 was basically the Xbox’s flex at launch, those stage transitions and particle effects were wild for the time. And yeah, the ports of DOA1 & 2 in that Ultimate pack are a must for fighting game historians.

Outrun 2/2006 on Xbox? Absolutely the definitive version. The bonus tracks from Scud Race and Daytona USA 2 are pure arcade gold.

And the Godzilla picks? Respect. The Xbox versions had extra content, better visuals, and AI support for 4-player chaos.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

And the Godzilla picks? Respect. The Xbox versions had extra content, better visuals, and AI support for 4-player chaos.

I had so much fun back in the day playing those Godzilla arena fighting games with friends. Made me so disappointed with the PS4 Godzilla game because I thought it would be an update on that formula

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

I had so much fun back in the day playing those Godzilla arena fighting games with friends. Made me so disappointed with the PS4 Godzilla game because I thought it would be an update on that formula

Right? Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save the Earth were pure couch chaos, tag-team beam spam, building-smashing joy, and actual movement. The PS4 Godzilla game felt like someone watched those classics, then said, “What if we made it slower… and sadder?” I wanted kaiju mayhem, not a radioactive shuffle simulator.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

Right? Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save the Earth were pure couch chaos, tag-team beam spam, building-smashing joy, and actual movement. The PS4 Godzilla game felt like someone watched those classics, then said, “What if we made it slower… and sadder?” I wanted kaiju mayhem, not a radioactive shuffle simulator.

Plus any multiplayer aspect was online only! At least the diorama mode was pretty cool

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

Plus any multiplayer aspect was online only! At least the diorama mode was pretty cool

Right? The lack of local multiplayer was such a missed opportunity, especially for a franchise built on city-leveling chaos and monster-on-monster mayhem. It’s wild that the PS4 Godzilla game leaned so hard into solo destruction and online-only battles, when the Xbox-era titles were basically kaiju party games.

That said, I’ll give credit where it’s due: Diorama Mode was surprisingly cool. The ability to pose monsters in custom scenes, recreate iconic battles, or just build your own kaiju fanfic setups? That was pure fan service. It’s like they gave us a toy box but forgot the actual playroom.

Still holding out hope for a proper revival arena combat, destructible cities, full roster, and yes, couch co-op. Until then, the OG Xbox versions still wear the crown.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

Still holding out hope for a proper revival arena combat, destructible cities, full roster, and yes, couch co-op. Until then, the OG Xbox versions still wear the crown.

Some games still do local multiplayer, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility. Does feel a bit unlikely though

 

[Ryderdog1332]

This list is why I wanna buy an XBOX:

- Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

- Phantom Crash

- Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

- ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth

- Far Cry games (They are XBOX exclusive and not to be confused with Far Cry games on PC)

- Shin Megami Tensei NINE

+ lots of old games also on PC that I wouldn't wanna bother keeping and playing on a PC at this time and age. I like to use consoles to separate how I play games.

Shin Megami Tensei on the Xbox? Holy shit.

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

Some games still do local multiplayer, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility. Does feel a bit unlikely though

True local multiplayer isn’t extinct, but it definitely feels like it’s living in the indie scene or nostalgia zone these days. Games like Overcooked, Cuphead, and TowerFall keep the couch co-op spirit alive, but big-budget titles seem to treat it like a relic.

Still, I’m holding out hope. If kaiju arena brawlers ever make a comeback, they need split-screen chaos. No online-only nonsense, just four monsters, one city, and a whole lot of destruction.

 

[Turbo Kid]

Otogi: the only game where you can obliterate ancient demons and accidentally astral project mid-boss fight. That’s not a nap, that’s transcendence. You didn’t fall asleep, you ascended.

I still remember floaty, ethereal combat and sending enemies smashing through the environment Dragonball Z style