Microsoft has done a tremendous job when it comes to preserving past Xbox generations. There are countless games you can go back and play right now on your shiny Xbox Series X or S. The fact that Microsoft seeks to make Xbox the go-to source for backwards compatibility means that you can own a legacy library of your favorite games.
On top of the impressive number of original Xbox and Xbox 360 games you can play on your Series X or S, Microsoft has also prioritized ensuring most titles receives the best possible version of those original games. From better frame rates to boosted visual fidelity, now is the best time to jump into some excellent Xbox games that may have passed you by.
10 Jade Empire
Jade Empire is a truly underrated action-RPG classic that was developed by Bioware, yes the same Bioware of Mass Effect and Dragon Age fame. Jade Empire is a remarkable martial arts RPG that also happens to be an original Xbox console exclusive.
This narrative-rich RPG takes place in an illustrious Japanese landscape where you are pursuing your dreams of becoming a martial arts master. However, things are quite that simple as your home is quickly ransacked and you must use your newfound mystical powers to survive and thrive.
9 Silent Hill Homecoming
Silent Hill Homecoming is certainly not the best Silent Hill game, far from it. However, this entry in the long-running series still manages to bring a spooky and mysterious story to the table as well as a macabre setting in the form of Shepherd's Glen.
You take the reins of Alex Shepherd, a pretty bog-standard protagonist who returns to Shepherd's Glen to care for his ailing mother while also looking after his brother. Of course, in true Silent Hill fashion, events very quickly turn dark and ominous with the famous Toluca Lake playing a major part in this game.
8 BloodRayne 2
BloodRayne 2 is an original Xbox game that was lauded back in the day for its fun, visceral vampire action. Starring Rayne, this follow-up to the original game refined the third-person action-focused combat and exploration and tied it to a moody, gothic tale.
BloodRayne 2 has received a newer remade version of the original game, however, the backwards compatible version on Xbox Series X or S far outweighs this "updated" version in terms of playability and fidelity. If you missed BloodRayne 2 back in the early 2000s then be sure to remedy that right away.
7 F.E.A.R. 2
F.E.A.R. 2 is easily one of the most criminally underrated horror shooters from the Xbox 360 gaming generation. While the original F.E.A.R. set the bar for first-person action horror where you had to face off against the terrifying visage of Alma Wade, F.E.A.R. 2 upped the ante in terms of scares and firepower.
It might not sound like an action shooter would be able to provide enough tension and scares, however, F.E.A.R. 2 nicely tows the line between spooky factor and all-out action. Don't miss out on this gem of a game on your Series X or S.
6 Blinx: The Time Sweeper
Microsoft's attempt at offering up its own mascot platformer to compete with the likes of Mario and Sonic came in the form of Blinx. Blinx is a radical cat who starred in two games on the original Xbox with the first one being The Time Sweeper.
As the game's name might imply, you control Blinx in a time-bending, item-sucking experience. While Blinx sadly never became a household name in platformers, The Time Sweeper provided a fun, compelling, and challenging adventure where you had to control various time elements while collecting items and defeating baddies.
5 Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow
While 3d Castlevania outings have done particularly well in comparison to their 2d counterparts, Lords of Shadow is easily the exception. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a truly epic and remarkable gothic adventure starring Gabriel Belmont.
After losing his wife at the start of the game, Gabriel Belmont, a member of the Brotherhood of Light, vows to do whatever it takes to save her soul and bring her back to the land of the living. Lords of Shadow packs in a lengthy narrative-rich adventure with plenty of intense action and outstanding setpiece moments.
4 Hunter: The Reckoning
For those longing for the return of couch co-op gaming then look no further than Hunter: The Reckoning. This cult classic original Xbox title is steeped in macabre gothic horror goodness. You play as a band of hunters who must quell the encroaching darkness in their city.
Hunter: The Reckoning is a fantastic game to play on your Series X or S since it makes it easy to enjoy the local multiplayer with better visual fidelity. Just be aware that this is a tough game and in order to survive the isometric onslaught of hellish enemies, you will need to work as a team.
3 Max Payne
The original Max Payne probably needs no introduction given how impressive its time-bending bullet action was back in the very early 2000s. The original Max Payne was commended for its dark and gritty story and pervasive, enthralling third-person action.
Interestingly, Max Payne still manages to hold up today, and playing it via backwards compatibility is the ultimate way to enjoy this gritty crime noir story. Although that also means the harrowing stage where you must follow along the threads of the bloodline will haunt your nightmares all over again.
2 SSX 3
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&dpr=1.5)
While the SSX snowboarding franchise desperately needs a return on modern hardware, those looking for that nostalgic kick can still enjoy the likes of SSX 3 on Xbox Series X or S. SSX 3 took what made the original games, specifically SSX Tricky, and upped the ante with explorable mountain areas.
SSX 3 is a masterpiece of an extreme sports game, the likes of which we rarely see on modern consoles. You play as one of a various band of misfits who seek to shred the slopes with gnarly style. The tricks you can pull off are downright dazzling and make you feel like a true pro shredder.
1 The Darkness 2
It's a shame that The Darkness 2 isn't talked about all that much in the regular gaming discourse. Starring the ominous and moody Jackie Estacado, The Darkness 2 sees you taking on a horror-tinged noir adventure through asylums, cityscapes, and even derelict amusement parks.
The Darkness 2 perfectly blends first-person power fantasy action where you wield the titular Darkness while also sending baddies to their demise with a host of powerful weapons. This comic book style noir adventure deserves your time and attention if you missed out on it. Plus, the original Darkness game is on backwards compatibility as well.