Top 10 Xbox 360 Exclusives You Must Play

Historically, there have been numerous instances of console rivalries in the world of video games. More recently, these battles have primarily pitted Xbox against PlayStation, a trend that has persisted for some time now. Following the release of the original Xbox, we saw the emergence of its successor, the Xbox 360, which squared off against the PlayStation 3 in the console competition of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Back in the day, I was all about choosing my gaming console, and both platforms had their own special perks to tempt gamers like me. PlayStation, with its current reputation for exclusive games, is no exception. But let’s not forget the Xbox 360, a console that truly shone with its unique lineup of titles. From pulse-pounding shooters to heart-racing racers, the 360 was the talk of the town, and many were drawn in by its exclusive games alone, making it worth every penny for us enthusiasts.

10. Saints Row

A Series That Once Rivaled GTA

In its heyday, Saints Row was known as a strong competitor to Grand Theft Auto. As a crime-themed game, the initial release of Saints Row allowed players to join the 3rd Street Saints and work their way up through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the dominant figures in the gang.

In this game, you’ll experience the action from an outside viewpoint (third-person perspective). You’ll find various weapons for battling opponents, including guns, melee combat options, and explosives. Primarily a shooting game, it offers other ways to fight too. You can roam freely in the vast open world, complete missions, shop to tailor your character, or participate in activities to gain reputation.

9. Ninja Gaiden 2

A Confusingly Exclusive Game

The Ninja Gaiden series has generally flown under the mainstream gaming radar. Known as one of the most challenging video game franchises, there are two main versions of Ninja Gaiden 2: the release for the Xbox 360 and the modified version, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, which was specifically designed for the PlayStation 3.

In simpler terms, Ninja Gaiden 2 is an intense, multi-enemy battle game where players quickly take down foes using combination moves in a swift and thrilling environment. Players can engage in combat with different weapons, such as melee, projectiles, or ninpo – which are similar to elemental abilities.

8. Perfect Dark (2010)

A Remaster Of An N64 Classic

Platform	Xbox 360
Released	2010-03-17
Developer	4J Studios
Genre	FPS, Stealth

Back in the year 2000, I was totally hooked on a game called “Perfect Dark” that dropped for the Nintendo 64. It was like the spiritual sequel to “Goldeneye 007,” and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. Later down the line, in 2010, I got even more excited when a remastered version of the game popped up exclusively on the Xbox 360.

In this first-person shooter game, you’ll find plenty of weapons at your disposal – they range from long-distance rifles to close-combat melee ones. The game Perfect Dark offers multiple play modes, one being a storyline mode that unfolds across diverse stages. This campaign can be enjoyed cooperatively with another player, or you can switch to the multiplayer mode for some competitive action. In the multiplayer, there are various game types like deathmatch and capture the flag, where players engage in exciting duels.

7. Fable 2

One Of Xbox’s Premier RPGs

During its active years, the Xbox 360 hosted a variety of role-playing games (RPGs), including some Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) and Western RPGs. The Fable series falls under the category of Western RPGs, primarily designed for exclusive play on the Xbox console. This series was critically acclaimed, with many gamers recalling Fable 2 as a must-play RPG with fondness.

In an RPG setting, the choices a player makes significantly impact the game’s narrative, with a moral compass shaping the character’s visual representation. Although it isn’t an open-world game, it expands upon its predecessor in size, offering areas that can be purchased to generate income and unlock new quests. Players engage in combat using various weapons, some of which are projectile while others require close-quarters engagement. Magic spells are also available, as is the faithful canine companion, useful not only in battle but also for finding hidden treasures and guiding players toward their objectives throughout the game world.

6. Forza Motorsport 4

A Pinnacle Of Racing Games

Although Forza Horizon has gained widespread recognition as an Xbox exclusive franchise, it’s important to note that Forza Motorsport was actually the original series in the Forza family. The Motorsport games are designed to offer a more authentic racing experience compared to the Horizon series, as they focus on racetracks rather than open-world environments. Amongst fans, the fourth game in the Motorsport series is often highlighted as a particular favorite.

In Forza Motorsport 4, you’ll find an extensive collection of vehicles, each one offering intricate details that can be examined up close. These vehicles are ready for action across multiple tracks, many modeled after real-world locations. The game offers various types of races to participate in, where you can compete against computer-controlled opponents or other players – even if there’s no one around for a live race, you’ll still have some competition! The immersive sound design is another standout feature of Forza Motorsport 4, enhancing the overall experience of driving all those cars.

5. Gears Of War 3

The Finale Main Xbox 360 Gears Of War

The third installment in the Gears of War series, Gears of War 3, was the last primary game to debut on the Xbox 360, following up from Gears of War 2. However, it wasn’t the last game altogether for the 360, as that honor went to Gears of War: Judgment.

In this new installment of Gears of War, gameplay is similar to its predecessors, focusing on third-person shooting and cover mechanics. Familiar characters reappear for players to engage in battles against the Locust and Lambent once more. Multiplayer returns as well, featuring familiar modes along with fresh additions like Beast Mode. Co-op remains a key aspect of the game, enabling both local and online play.

4. Forza Horizon

The Beginning Of The Horizon Festival

Before the arrival of Forza Horizon, Forza Motorsport had been around for quite some time. Unlike its predecessor, Forza Horizon offered a more laid-back and thrilling experience, set in an open-world Colorado environment as opposed to the structured gameplay of Motorsport.

In this open world, a variety of races are available for participants, each featuring numerous vehicles to control. These automobiles can undergo upgrades, personalization, or even be sold. Beyond racing, extra features abound, such as discovering hidden cars in barns, challenging yourself to reach maximum speed at speed traps, and earning points by destroying signboards for your advantage.

3. Gears Of War 2

Continuing The Gears Of War Series

In the sequel to the original Gears of War, combat resumed against the Locust foe. The narrative progressed, bringing back characters like Marcus and Dom who employed fresh weaponry and gaming mechanics in their struggle. This enhanced experience could be enjoyed cooperatively by players.

In the sequel to “Gears of War 2”, multiplayer returns, offering battles across diverse maps and various game modes. Some of these modes are fresh, while others were part of the original release. Players can compete against each other, but “Gears of War 2” also included a cooperative game mode where players work together to fend off waves of enemies.

2. Halo: Reach

Ending Off Bungie’s Tenure On Halo

It’s important to acknowledge the impact of the Halo games on the Xbox 360, particularly Halo: Reach, as they became popular and cherished titles despite being exclusive to that platform. These games left a significant mark on the console’s history.

Unlike previous Halo games, Halo: Reach introduced several novel elements like gunfire bloom, armor abilities, and the implementation of health instead of shields, similar to Combat Evolved. The campaign delved into the grimmer aspects of the Human-Covenant conflict, portraying the raw horror and devastation inflicted by the Covenant, offering a prelude to the events leading up to the first game. The multiplayer experience was once again well-received, with players engaging in battles on newly designed maps, wielding distinct weapons and vehicles, spanning new and familiar game modes.

1. Halo 3

The Xbox 360’s Flagship Game

It’s hard to think of another game as synonymous with Xbox as the Halo series. In the 2000s, Halo was one of the most powerful gaming franchises, and Halo 3 was practically a must-have for anyone owning an Xbox 360.

Wrapping up the initial Halo trilogy, Halo 3 maintained the gameplay that made the series a hit to begin with, while introducing fresh elements – a characteristic of a successful sequel. It concluded the storyline as a fulfilling and well-loved ending, and continued its multiplayer mode. With innovative maps, vehicles, weapons, and gear, the multiplayer aspect further cemented its popularity, extending it beyond the campaign’s conclusion.

2025-02-10 19:37