When it comes to video game development, it’s fascinating to see how much the console wars have changed and developed over the simpler days of the medium. Sega and Nintendo initially led the pack, but it wasn’t long until Sony and Microsoft jumped into the fray in massive ways. Microsoft’s Xbox has grown into an amazing console and it looks to have a bright future.
The hardware capabilities of a console is important to consumers, but the exclusive franchises that pop up on each system is also a major way to move product. Accordingly, here are the 10 best Xbox exclusive franchises ranked, according to Metacritic.
10 Halo (Score: 88)
The Xbox had a bit of a difficult start when it debuted as the newest console, but the addition of the first-person shooter, Halo: Combat Evolved, instantly gave the console legitimacy. The Halo games are a major step forward for the FPS genre. They proved that the Xbox could confidently lead when it came to multiplayer and online gaming.
The series has taken its breaks, but it’s remarkable that after a dozen games the franchise has been able to maintain its high mark of quality. The Halo franchise remains synonymous with not only the Xbox, but pristine shooters in general.
9 Forza (Score: 88)
Plenty of video games capitalize on large open-world environments and how much they can push the console’s hardware to the limit, but there’s something very soothing in the reliability of racing games. All sorts of racing franchises exist, but Xbox has worked hard to make their Forza games some of the most memorable in the genre.
Xbox has gone in hard on the Forza brand with both the Forza Horizon and Motorsport series having multiple entries. Despite steady releases, the Forza games haven’t sacrificed quality and are still benchmarks of the genre.
8 Gears of War (Score: 87)
Gears of War is another pivotal franchise for Microsoft that’s been around since the original Xbox. The games are a brilliant mix of third-person shooters and tactical gameplay that also works in a complex story and alien enemies that are fun to exterminate. The Gears games have remained consistent over the years and the recent return to the franchise, Gears 5, is proof that the magic isn’t lost and that this franchise isn’t going anywhere. The addition of robust co-operative gameplay has only given the titles more appeal.
7 Fable (Score: 84)
Peter Molyneux is one of the most innovative game developers of all time and his major Xbox contribution, Fable, marks some of his best work. Fable tackles the standard fantasy RPG genre, but the titles have a deep focus on moralistic choices and consequences to the players’ decisions. Each game in the series takes a radical leap into the future and adds more to the already-polished gameplay. Fable III goes the furthest and adds political quandaries as a corrupt King must be overthrown. Fable III may have migrated to the PC, but it’s still seen as an Xbox series.
6 Otogi (Score: 80)
Otogi: Myth of Demons and its sequel, Otogi: Immortal Warriors, were two hack-and-slash action titles for the original Xbox that gained major acclaim upon release, but have since become more obscure titles. It’s worth pointing out that the Otogi games come from FromSoftware, the developers responsible for such current-gen action masterpieces as the Dark Souls games. That manic energy is still present in the monster-slaying madness of Otogi. Even though the games are slightly more primitive, they’re still very satisfying experiences that deserve more recognition.
5 Blinx The Time Sweeper (Score: 69)
Mascot platformers are a genre of gaming that can really connect with audiences. It’s become more of a lost art, but the appeal of stumbling upon the next Mario or Sonic is too tempting to ignore. The Xbox has struggled in this regard, but that’s not because they never tried. Blinx the Time Sweeper and its sequel are third-person platformers that showcase ridiculous characters and a sprawling scope as Blinx must save Dimension B1Q64 & his damsel in distress. Described as the first “4D video game,” Blinx has faded into obscurity and isn’t likely to get a next-gen sequel.
4 Steel Battalion (Score: 64)
Xbox’s Steel Battalion franchise is mostly brought up in terms of its odd sensibilities and the fact that the original game in the series features one of the most expensive and elaborate game controllers ever made. Steel Battalion offers an incredibly immersive simulation game, but even though the series caters to niche interests, several titles have been made. The biggest shame is that the first two games in the series have scores in the high 70s and 80s, whereas the latest title on the Xbox 360 drags down the average with its middling score in the 30s.
3 Crimson Dragon (Score: 55)
After Sega got out of the console game, the company’s Panzer Dragoon series temporarily became an exclusive to Xbox consoles. Panzer Dragoon has recently gained new life on the Switch, but Xbox saw its own take on the genre that some considered to be just as satisfying as its inspiration. Crimson Dragon is an on-rails dragon shooter that’s very much the spiritual successor to Panzer Dragoon. Crimson Dragon wasn’t able to connect big with critics, but audiences were receptive even if the series wasn’t able to grow beyond its humble beginnings.
2 NightCaster (Score: 54)
NightCaster and NightCaster II: Equinox were valiant efforts to cash in one third-person RPG genre. Xbox still needed more titles in the genre and while the NightCaster games can feel derivative at times, they’re not without their charms. The series does a good job in terms of the magical abilities and dangerous monsters that are encountered, but gameplay is problematic. NightCaster II came out only a year after its predecessor, but its addition of two-player cooperative play make it a more enjoyable experience, even if it couldn’t keep the franchise alive.
1 Ninety-Nine Nights (Score: 53)
Ninety-Nine Nights and its sequel, Ninety-Nine Nights II were popular hack-and-slash titles for the Xbox 360 that come from prolific game designer, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. The bloody and busy fantasy titles operate at a breakneck pace that was very appealing back during the 360’s life. Hack-and-slash action games have evolved a lot over the past generation, which is likely why Ninety-Nine Nights hasn’t seen a comeback. That being said, the games are still an interesting series from their time and there’s still fans for the titles out there.
Next: How Gears 5 Should Shape the Future of Xbox Exclusive Games
