10 Best Xbox Exclusives Of All Time

Over the years, Best Xbox consoles have been a treasure trove of thrilling game exclusives, and here we delve into the absolute best!

Xbox has faced challenges when it comes to exclusive titles. Some people don’t think the console has games that make you rush out to buy it, like God of War does for PlayStation. However, over time, Xbox consoles have gathered some really awesome exclusive games.

From the good old days of the Xbox 360 to the exciting arrival of Starfield on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox has released games that can make you want to grab their consoles. We’ve gathered some of the finest here, but remember, for a game to make the list, it has to be an actual Xbox console exclusive and still remain one. Games that have ventured onto other platforms like the Switch or PlayStation, such as Dead Rising, won’t make the cut.

10: The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Xbox holds a significant place in gaming history because it brought the PC gaming experience to consoles. While there were some compromises, it managed to deliver exceptional PC titles like Deus Ex: Invisible War, Thief: Deadly Shadows, and Doom 3 as Xbox console exclusives. But the true game-changer was Morrowind.

Morrowind, a standout game in its own right, made its way to Xbox in 2002 and set the stage for future PC-to-console conversions. Today, its graphics may seem dated, and the controls a bit perplexing, but its historical significance and enduring status as a fantastic RPG make it one of the finest original Xbox exclusives.

9: Halo 2

Halo was a game-changer in the world of console FPS titles, much like how GoldenEye 007 revolutionized the genre four years earlier. However, when Halo 2 came along, it took everything to a whole new level, surpassing even the original masterpiece. Its FPS campaign remains one of the best, boasting an engaging story, exceptional level design, sheer fun, and memorable music. Bungie also introduced the Arbiter as a secondary protagonist, a move that could have been risky but turned out brilliantly.

Often, fans resist accepting a new character alongside their beloved protagonist, but Bungie nailed the Arbiter’s character development. What set Halo 2 apart even further was its groundbreaking online multiplayer, a feature that still shapes gaming today. For many, Halo 2 is synonymous with the original Xbox, and its enduring appeal is crystal clear.

8: Call Of Duty 2

Here’s a game that might surprise you as an Xbox exclusive. With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the possibility of Call of Duty becoming an Xbox exclusive has sparked interest. However, there’s already an Xbox-exclusive COD title, and that’s Call of Duty 2 from 2005. As a launch title for the Xbox 360, COD2 may not have had the phenomenal or game-changing multiplayer seen in future entries, but its campaign more than compensates for it.

This game remains one of the finest World War II experiences, effectively immersing players in the heart of the conflict. Featuring Russian, British, and American campaigns, each one offers memorable moments and compelling storytelling. Additionally, COD2 played a pivotal role in popularizing the concept of regenerating health, a mechanic that became a staple in many FPS games that followed.

7. Lost Odyssey

When Lost Odyssey hit the gaming scene in 2007, most gamers believed that the next mainline installment of Final Fantasy would remain a PlayStation exclusive. Therefore, it came as a genuine surprise when it was unveiled that Final Fantasy XIII would be available on multiple platforms. To truly understand the significance of this, it’s essential to recognize that Lost Odyssey was essentially presented as Xbox’s answer to Final Fantasy. It went to great lengths, even enlisting the talents of sure Final Fantasy developers like the creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and composer Nobuo Uematsu, to make this ambitious project a reality.

Lost Odyssey is indeed a hidden gem in the RPG world, and it often doesn’t get the attention it truly deserves these days. It carries the spirit of old-school RPGs and excels in delivering a memorable experience that can easily outshine titles like FF13 and even some of their sequels. Despite being published by Xbox Game Studios, it’s worth noting that Lost Odyssey is not available on Game Pass. However, gamers can take advantage of its frequent sales, providing an excellent opportunity to grab this fantastic RPG and embark on a captivating journey.

6: Ninja Gaiden 2

It’s pretty amusing that while many action game enthusiasts might consider Ninja Gaiden Black as the objectively superior title between the two, a significant number will still proclaim Ninja Gaiden 2 as their personal favorite. There’s a unique charm to it that’s hard to replicate, characterized by its lightning-fast, brutally intense, and wildly chaotic combat.

Ninja Gaiden 2 isn’t afraid to take risks, and that’s a big part of its appeal. Admittedly, the game does have its fair share of issues, such as bugs and lackluster boss fights. However, it compensates with what might be the finest blend of raw combat prowess, a diverse array of adversaries, and meticulously designed levels in the realm of action gaming.

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5: Left 4 Dead 2

Back in the day, if you were a PlayStation 3 owner, there was one game that probably had you longing for an Xbox 360: Left 4 Dead. Let’s face it, Left 4 Dead 2, in particular, was a massive draw for many, a must-have exclusive title for those without a modern gaming PC.

This game was another game-changer, but this time in the realm of multiplayer cooperative shooters. What’s even more astonishing is that it’s still an absolute blast to play and boasts an active Xbox 360 player base. You can jump into the game today and surprisingly find fellow players rather swiftly. Left 4 Dead 2 continues to reign supreme in the world of zombie games, and it’s tough to envision that changing anytime soon.

4: The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings

Here’s another Xbox-exclusive title that might have slipped under your radar. The entire Witcher trilogy is a masterpiece, and although most players have experienced the third installment, the first two are gems in their own right.

Witcher 2, positioned as the middle chapter, lays the foundation for what unfolds in Witcher 3 and seamlessly connects if you play them in succession. While it may not match the sheer scale of Witcher 3, the game offers a substantial adventure divided into three distinct chapters. With engaging quests and the exceptional writing quality that CD Projekt Red is known for, it’s an RPG that should be on every gamer’s must-play list.

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3: Forza Horizon 5

When it comes to all-time great exclusives for newer Xbox consoles, they might be a rare find, but Forza Horizon 5 unquestionably falls into that category. It stands tall as one of the most incredible and most visually stunning racing games ever made, surpassing even the latest Gran Turismo, which arrived a year later.

A decade ago, Gran Turismo held a firm grip on the racing genre, but in recent years, Forza has claimed the title of the best racing game on the market. It’s a bit unfortunate that Forza might not be a console seller in the traditional sense, but regardless, Forza Horizon 5 is a timeless masterpiece in the racing game realm. Its achievement, including winning IGN’s Game of the Year award for 2021, is incredibly impressive.

2: Hi-Fi Rush

One of the most pleasantly surprising gems of 2023 has to be Hi-Fi Rush. What sets it apart is the fact that it was announced and released on the very same day. It’s a rhythm-based hack-and-slash game with charming cel-shaded visuals. For seasoned action game veterans, it might initially feel a bit unusual because the exploration and combat aspects are pretty distinct from each other.

You won’t be juggling both elements simultaneously, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes an absolute blast. The game exudes a lot of heart, and its characters have a way of growing on you over time. Hi-Fi Rush marks Tango Gamework’s finest work yet, and it even comes with some stellar DLC content to sweeten the deal.

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1: Starfield

Starfield, the highly anticipated Xbox exclusive, truly lived up to the hype. Returning to Bethesda’s roots and serving as a spiritual successor to Daggerfall, Starfield ventures into the realm of action RPGs set in the vastness of space. In a nod to its predecessor, you can traverse the stars in real-time, a journey that can consume a significant number of hours, reminiscent of Daggerfall’s travel system.

Starfield masterfully delivers on various fronts, including exploration, RPG mechanics, character customization, and sheer scale. Notably, it stands out as the most bug-free Bethesda game to date, which is a welcome improvement. As the years roll on, when game developers are asked about their inspirations, Starfield will undoubtedly be on that list. It’s that exceptional and precisely the kind of exclusive Xbox needed.