2005 was a turning point for theXboxbrand. Building on the momentum ofHaloand Xbox Live, several major hits were released in 2005 for an Xbox console.
The headline, of course, is the release of theXbox 360, ushering in the edge of HD gaming and becoming one of the most successful consoles ever. That was the future; our list will highlight the best games on the 360 and Xbox from 20 years ago.
The Xbox brand’s strength in 2005 was only due to the high-quality third-party games it saw. We’re highlighting titles from not just Microsoft themselves, but also external developers such as BioWare, Double Fine, and others.
10Conker: Live and Reloaded
Conker: Live & Reloaded
Conker: Live and Reloadedis a clever remake ofConker’s Bad FurDay. It featuresoverhauled visuals, online multiplayer, and some clever nods and winks to the fourth wall.
While it’s disappointing that the onlyConkergames we’ve seen are, well, the exact same thing, this is a testament to how good the game is.
Conker: Live and Reloadedalso doubles as one of the best looking games of 2005, which is saying something considering that it was released on outdated hardware.
9Project Gotham Racing 3
Start your engines
Microsoft needed to start the Xbox 360 era with a bang. It does that withProject Gotham Racing 3, easily the best Xbox 360 launch title.
This is the best-looking game out of Microsoft’s trio of first-party launch titles, showcasing the power of the Xbox 360 hardware.
Its attention to detail is any racing fan’s dream come true, and the gameplay is an excellent throwback to arcade racers of old while still giving a realistic approach to driving.
8Fable: The Lost Chapters
A return to Albion
Fable: The Lost Chapters
Fable: The Lost Chaptersis just moreFable, which is always a good thing.
The Lost Chaptersfeature new questions, areas, gameplay, and more. While the game still doesn’t meet Peter Molyneux’s impossible expectations, the enhanced version is still the definitive way to play the originalFable.
With the reboot slated for release in the near future, this is a great starting point to get acquainted with the series.
7Jade Empire
BioWare’s unsung RPG
Jade Empire
When talking aboutBioWare’s history,Knights of the Old Republic,Dragon Age, andMass Effectget all the limelight. There’s a good reason for that: they’re great games!
Unfortunately,Jade Empire, a 2005 Xbox exclusive, doesn’t see the same recognition. It’s a shame because it’s just as good as these classics.
Its combat doesn’t reach its full potential, but that’s not why you’re playing a 2000s-era BioWare game. You’re playing it for its story and characters, andJade Empiredelivers this in spades.
6Forza Motorsport
You are what you race
Forza Motorsport
WhilePGR3balances arcade and simulation racing,Forza Motorsportis a true-blue sim racer akin toGran Turismo.
Forzaoffers the complete customization that exists within the game. You can drive superpowered cars, yes, but you also take a Mitsubishi Eclipse and tune it to compete with those supercars.
As expected,Forza Motorsportrivals any other Xbox game that was released in 2005, includingProject Gotham Racing 3. Like every other sim racer, it’s a visual dream that offers the best graphics possible.
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Get ready…Fight!
Dead or Alive 4
Another Xbox 360 launch title,Dead or Alive 4feels like a next-gen experience from the very beginning.
The gameplay is fast and frantic, as expected from theDead or Alivefranchise. The real star here, though, is the game’s stages, allowing for an impressive amount of freedom as you’re fighting in each arena.
The introduction of obstacles to these expansive stages helps each fight feel more alive, and it’s an excellent addition with the new combo system that allows for more devastating attacks.
Saving Private Baker
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
In an age whereWorld War II shooterssaturate the market,Brothers in Armsoffers a unique take on the oversaturated genre.
It opts for a more historically accurate approach, which is evident in its gameplay and presentation.
Brothers in Armsfollows the true story of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the famed 101st Airborne Division, featuring gameplay that centers around commanding your troops and supplying suppressing fire against enemy battalions.
It’s a unique take on the WWII shooter that, even today, remains fresh and inspired.
3Star Wars: Battlefront II
May the force be with you
Much has been made about the failures of the modernBattlefrontgames. The classic titles, though, remain an absolute delight in their original state.
There’s a reason why the re-release of the classicStar Wars Battlefrontcollection was so welcome: these games capture the magic ofStar Warsin a way few games can.
It lets us live out our wildest fantasies, playing as our favorite characters without worrying about progression grinds or unlocking a Battle Pass.
For some reason, modern developers can’t unlock the formula of multiplayerStar Warsgames. In reality, all they have to do is look to the past.
2Psychonauts
A super clever platformer
Psychonauts
Psychonauts, the debut game from Tim Schafer’s Double Fine, is one of the most unique and creative platformers ever created.
It’s by no means a perfect game, as its difficulty curve is incredibly erratic, but the characters and storytelling rival those of anything released 20 years ago.
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1Ninja Gaiden Black
Team Ninja
Ninja Gaiden Black
Never mind the best Xbox games from 20 years ago,Ninja Gaiden Blackis one of the best games made, period.
Improving on the already great 2004Ninja Gaiden, 2005’sNinja Gaiden Blackis the game’s ultimate edition.
Featuring reworked gameplay, additional content, and a difficult mode that taunts you for repeatedly dying, this was the brutally difficult game people played beforeDark Soulsexisted.
