Xbox Live transformed online multiplayer gaming in the console space as we know it. Before it's launch, Xbox players were playing large multiplayer games through System Link. Halo made it commonplace to see flickering CRTs lined up side by side with crowds playing Slayer matches for hours on end. These days it's tough to imagine going back to the original Xbox, but it left a legacy of several great multiplayer classics among the many titles that deserve a comeback.
Even without an original Xbox console, Microsoft has made it easier to play some of it's best games on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. As long as the game is compatible, you can system link games with any type of Xbox console. Xbox Live features no longer work on these games. But, those looking for some of the best multiplayer titles to play besides Halo, try these games.
10 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 was where the series took off with longer tricks, tighter controls, and larger skate parks. The introduction of revert tricks made it possible to string along larger combos making for some of the most intense multiplayer sessions of arcade sports. Tony Hawk 3 works on both Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles.
The Xbox version sports better performance, one exclusive level, and 4 player system link. Each level starts out in Free Skate making it easy to explore levels. The host can change between game modes at-will including Trick Attack, King of the Hill, Slap, and Graffiti. Several popular skaters including special guest characters offer a variety of character types including the ability to create your own skater.
9 MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf
The sequel to the original MechAssault puts players on a massive battlefield. Hidden throughout are Mechs of different shapes and sizes. Fast, light mechs make it easy to scout around while slow, heavy mechs weld more destructive power. MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf is also backwards compatible with Xbox 360. Limited Edition copies come with a bonus disc with two DLC maps.
12 players can compete in several game modes. Aside from Skirmish and team-based modes, game types also include Control Point, Tag, and Base War modes. Teams can work together by helping other players via voice chat as well as assisting players by latching to friendly 'Mechs to help with transportation.
8 Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is a sequel to the original PC flight sim. The Xbox sequel takes a more arcade-like approach to the genre by streamlining the controls to help with maneuverability and dodging enemy fire. This game is compatible with all Xbox consoles.
Sixteen players can compete with everyone fighting solo or in teams. Game modes include standard dogfighting, Keep Away and Capture the Flag. Players choose from a host of unique air crafts that sport their own firepower. A variety of combat zones include canyons, tall skyscrapers, and shantytowns.
7 OutRun 2
SEGA’s classic arcade racer got a sequel with a home version of OutRun 2 developed only for Xbox with compatibility for Xbox 360 consoles. Up to eight systems can connect for an OutRun Race to compete for the lead. The race can take place in a predetermined route or can opt for a more traditional OutRun experience where the race leader determines which route racers will take. Trickier routes make it harder for the competition while easier routes can help play it safe.
An enhanced version of the game named Outrun 2006: Coast to Coast does offer more features, but the Xbox version is hard to find and expensive in the aftermarket. Otherwise, the original Outrun 2 release is great to go back to.
6 Unreal Championship 2 - The Liandri Conflict
Epic Games’ Unreal series' received an Xbox exclusive title that is also compatible with all Xbox consoles. The arena-based shooter introduces a greater focus to mêlée -weapons combat. Characters sport unique stats and abilities with Adrenaline Powers that allow for an offensive and defensive strategy. The game also features finisher moves as well as Mortal Kombat’s own Raiden as a playable combatant.
Up to eight players can battle through six game modes. A large variety of maps can fit the desired play style. Map filters can allow emphasis on vertical mobility, mêlée or map size based on however many players are participating.
5 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
Free Radical's Goldeneye inspired shooter is the third game in the series. Tons of game modes and features are in store for customization. A built-in Map Maker also makes it easy to create sharable levels through an easy to use block map editor. Future Perfect is only compatible with original Xbox consoles.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect controls more like a traditional modern shooter while adhering to Goldeneye's gameplay. Maps and characters based on several different time periods are available with options to mix and match weapons. Power-ups, vehicles and alternate firing modes can drastically change the already fast-pace of matches.
4 Star Wars Battlefront II
Pandemic’s Star Wars Battlefront series introduced Star Wars to large-scale team-based battles. Maps include locations from the Clone Wars and Galactic Civil War. It’s also the only console version that supports up to 32 players with dedicated servers. Any combination of Xbox consoles can play together.
Star Wars Battlefront II introduces several key features over the original. Space battles are introduced featuring dog-fighting between X-Wing and Tie Fighter crafts. Skilled players can also earn the ability to play as key characters such as Luke Skywalker or Darth Maul to gain a serious advantage over the opposing team.
3 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the third entry in Tom Clancy's stealth-action series. Included is an updated four-player Spies VS. Mercs mode that originated from the second game, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. Chaos Theory also includes a co-op campaign that allows two players to go through a set of levels that are separate from Sam Fischer’s story. All Xbox console variants are compatible with the Splinter Cell series with Chaos Theory edging out the original trilogy with the most multiplayer modes and features.
The Spies VS. Mercs mode in Chaos Theory includes three game modes. The story mode provides several objectives to complete while simplified modes feature fewer tasks and introduce player handicaps. Making use of voice chat and co-op moves open up new ways to complete objectives. Spies play through missions like a typical Splinter Cell game while making use of gadgets and stealth to take out the counter-operatives and complete objectives. Mercs play more like a typical first-person shooter with the aid of defense systems and safeguards used to catch intruders.
2 Phantom Dust
Phantom Dust has you fighting against foes by using skills and abilities to take part in active tactical combat. Before battle players set up their skills much like a card game to build a unique arsenal of offensive and defensive abilities. The main game allows players to buy and sell skills to trade with other players while teaching you how to play. Several game modes are available including free-for-all and team modes. Even without building an “Arsenal” players can jump in with a randomized skill set.
This game is also compatible with Xbox 360. Microsoft released a remastered version in 2017 on Xbox One and Windows 10. For those curious enough to try it, this version is available for free with Xbox Live support.
1 Halo 2
Halo was one of the first console-based first-person shooters where playing with a controller made sense. Halo 2 introduces new gameplay modes and multiplayer options. The simplicity of the mechanics right down to the set-up process makes Halo 2 an easy game to recommend for LAN parties. Even after all these years, it’s easy to go back to despite the many sequels and iterations.
The disc-based expansion pack, Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, is an essential find. It provides a patch as well as nine multiplayer maps. An updated version of the game comes bundled with Halo: The Master Chief Collection for Xbox One. This version includes all previously released DLC.