Great Xbox Exclusive Games That You Cannot Buy Anymore

Key Takeaways

As digital titles become more common, physical ones are becoming rarer, leading to the loss of some hidden gems.
Some forgotten Xbox exclusive games are now unable to be purchased, sparking discussions around their worthiness and uniqueness.
Titles like
Crimson Sea, Jet Set Radio Future,
and
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
are praised for their engaging gameplay and unique features.

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless digital worlds and battled numerous virtual foes, I must say that these three games – Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Chromehounds, and Phantom Crash – are hidden gems that deserve more recognition than they received at their time of release.

The shift towards a digital world has its advantages, such as reducing landfill and helping those who often misplace their physical documents. However, it’s not all positive for the preservation of media. As more physical copies become scarce and older digital titles get removed from platforms, a significant amount of content, including much shovelware, is lost to time. Regrettably, among the vast quantities of forgotten titles, some true treasures have been overlooked.

As an ardent gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to admit that unlike some other platforms, the Xbox doesn’t often leave its hidden treasures unearthed. It’s no surprise that exclusivity hasn’t always been Xbox’s forte, and while it might not be a disadvantage, it does mean that numerous overlooked Xbox games could possibly remain forgotten. In fact, this scarcity only amplifies the significance of these exceptional Xbox exclusive games, which are now difficult to acquire through mainstream channels, making them all the more intriguing topics for conversation.

5 Crimson Sea

A Sci-Fi Action Adventure

Developer: Koei
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Release Date: 2002

Title “Crimson Sea” for Xbox is quite intriguing and distinctive. It blends the atmospheric neo-noir ambiance of a production like “Blade Runner” with the space opera flair common in games such as “Mass Effect.” Players assume the role of Sho, a detective hired by a covert intergalactic organization called the IAG, or Intelligence Agency of the Galaxy. The narrative exudes a pop sci-fi feel, reminiscent of animated shows that played on Saturday mornings, yet retaining a 3D visual style popular in many Japanese games from that period.

Instead of encompassing numerous aspects of science fiction as many others do, Crimson Sea concentrates on the intricate details, specifically a solitary star system filled with captivating planets. The protagonists, G-Squad, are tasked with thwarting the malevolent Mutons (a nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons) before they can exterminate humanity from the system. The narrative holds an unexpected turn of events as well. This space-themed game exudes a delightful sci-fi ambiance while maintaining a playful tone, and offers Sho a variety of customizable weapon options that might catch players off guard. Despite not garnering significant attention initially, it did spawn a sequel on the PS2 at a later point.

4 Jet Set Radio Future

A Beloved Sequel To A Cult Classic

Jet Set Radio, with its vibrant and eccentric style, is one of the video games that most embodies the spirit of the 2000s. From the quirky typography of its title, the bold use of aggressive yellows and blues, to its overall aesthetic, it’s as 2000s as it gets. This game resonates with many, given the rumors that a remake of this cherished classic, allegedly from Sega, is in development. Another game that evokes similar nostalgia, although harder to find, is the sequel to this original title, commonly known as Jet Set Radio Future.

Just like the revamped Pokemon games such as Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Jet Set Radio Future can be seen as both a sequel and a remake of its original Dreamcast version. The narrative deviates slightly from the original but is not an entirely new tale. Instead, it expands upon the original, offering larger, smoother, and more dynamic gameplay, along with multiplayer options that were unprecedented on the Dreamcast. It was a critically acclaimed follow-up to the cult classic, and the upcoming remake promises to incorporate as many features from this game as it does the original one.

3 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2002)

An Under-Performing Beat ‘Em Up Gem

Back in the day when “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (2002) graced our screens, it somehow managed to fly under the radar, even though it’s part of the expansive Buffyverse. Yet, this often overlooked game is a treasure trove of conversation for fans like me. It shares many qualities with legendary beat ’em up games: smooth, gratifying combat mechanics and multiple means to upgrade our heroine’s skills.

The tale shares similarities with extended and more intricately plotted versions of the beloved Buffy episodes that left such a lasting impact on viewers. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like a re-release is imminent, but when it was first out, this title offered an immersive and thrilling action adventure experience.

2 Chromehounds

An Engaging Relic From FromSoftware’s More Obscure Titles

Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: FromSoftware, Sega
Release Date: 2006

Today, FromSoftware is widely recognized for its challenging and captivating games that showcase remarkable creativity, detail, and ingenuity. Games like Demon’s Souls and the subsequent Dark Souls series have sparked a whole genre of critically acclaimed games that have drawn inspiration from their core mechanics. However, before the massive success of Demon’s Souls, Chromehounds was one of FromSoftware’s lesser-known titles, released amidst a sea of other mid-tier games that helped keep the company financially stable, but didn’t achieve the level of success it enjoys today.

Chromehounds takes gamers on a journey through various campaigns set in an alternate universe where fictional nations wage covert operations and spying against each other. The game’s single-player mode served as a prologue to the vast online multiplayer, establishing the backdrop for the perpetual war in that region. However, FromSoft shut down the multiplayer servers at the beginning of 2010, leaving the game largely forgotten. Still, those who played it find it an intriguing departure from the Armored Core series.

1 Phantom Crash

A Mech Title Chock-Full Of Customization

Developer: Genki
Publisher: Encore Games
Release Date: 2002

Here’s another lesser-known, yet exceptional mech game, available exclusively on Xbox. Regrettably, it seems to have slipped under the radar, making it hard to find. Perhaps the mecha genre is simply not getting the recognition it deserves – but maybe Armored Core 6 has managed to alter that trend. In any event, gamers in 2002 could have anticipated a robust third-person shooter from Phantom Crash, with its genuine allure lying in the remarkable level of customization it offers.

In this tournament-based game, players earn winnings following each battle, which they can then accumulate to construct their own merciless mech within the ruins of post-war Tokyo. The gameplay was robust, character customization was excellent, and it had a unique, gritty feel reminiscent of televised combat – quite an appealing blend of brutality and charm.

2024-09-27 02:35