The Xbox 360 era of gaming is one of the most iconic in recent times with a library of fantastic titles that may even rival that of the legendary PS2.
From gripping action to expansive RPGs, the best Xbox 360 games offer a variety of experiences that certainly stand the test of time.
Below, we’ll dive into the ten best games that made the Xbox 360 era unforgettable, highlighting what makes each game special and why it deserves its place on this list.
Best Xbox 360 games: A top 10 list
10. Dead Rising
The original Dead Rising pushed the Xbox 360 to its limits with the sheer amount of zombies that you could hack and slash your way through.
Combine this with the game’s protagonist of Frank West, a plethora of wild and wacky characters, and some crazy weapons, you’ve got an undead killing experience that is still fun in 2024.
It really was revolutionary for its time, offering an open-world zombie experience with incredible replay value that no other franchise has replicated.
You just need to play Dead Rising to see why it’s so special and you’ll likely jump into the sequels after.
9. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
While some may instantly go to Modern Warfare 2 as the peak Call of Duty game from the Xbox 360 era, we believe Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare just about trumps it.
One reason why is because it truly redefined the first-person shooter genre with its cinematic storytelling and cutting-edge multiplayer that hadn’t been explored before.
Stepping away from the World War II settings of its predecessors, it introduces a contemporary battlefield, where combat is far faster and more frantic both in the campaign and multiplayer.
Touching on the campaign, with missions like “All Ghillied Up,” the game has one of the most memorable campaigns in FPS history and should be experienced regardless of if you’re a fan of the franchise or not.
While the multiplayer portion has fallen to hackers, if you were around when the game was at its peak, nothing could match how good it was.
8. Halo Reach
Following Halo 3 would always be challenging but Bungie signed off their legacy with a gem that many regard as not only one of the best Xbox 360 games but also of all time.
This prequel to the original Halo trilogy offered a different narrative than that of those focusing on Master Chief, exploring the fall of Reach to the ever-present Covenant.
While still having the tight shooting mechanics of its predecessors, the introduction of sprint and additional abilities changed the gameplay up enough to keep things fresh and interesting.
The fantastic campaign coupled with an even more refined multiplayer experience make Halo Reach a pretty complete package that holds up even today.
7. Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time thanks to its rich post-apocalyptic setting where every decision has lasting consequences
The world Bethesda created is filled with engaging characters, detailed lore, and countless quests, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay that you can simply lose yourself in.
The various gameplay systems such as VATS make the experience really unique and not something you can see anywhere else.
While New Vegas did build on the formula Fallout 3 created, we believe that you just can’t beat this first iteration of open world 3D Fallout and how it informed the franchise moving forward.
6. Dark Souls
Known for its brutally challenging gameplay, the original Dark Souls quickly became a cult classic that is firmly mainstream today.
Its combat system is punishing yet rewarding, requiring you to master timing, patience, and strategy, coupled with juggling item management to ensure you aren’t ‘overweight’.
Even though Demon’s Souls paved the way for this spiritual sequel, Dark Souls is so stand out because of the deeply interconnected world and lore, which was subtly presented through item descriptions and environmental storytelling.
While it isn’t for the faint-hearted, its influence on gaming and its unique design make it a standout title for the Xbox 360 and ‘created’ a genre that millions are playing today.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The fact that so many are still playing Skyrim today truly shows that it has cemented itself as not only one of the best Xbox 360 games but also as an all time hall of famer.
Following Oblivion is a tough ask but Bethesda created a captivating experience with a massive world, filled with dragons, magic, and endless quests.
You can literally lose yourself for hundreds of hours in the province of Skyrim, mastering spells, crafting weapons, or simply exploring the breathtaking landscapes that take the franchise to new heights.
The replayability is off the charts too with a plethora of races, skills, and more to choose from, not to mention the different sides you can take as you progress.
4. Halo 3
The Halo franchise is synonymous with Xbox, and Halo 3 is the pinnacle of the series on the 360 in our opinion.
Bungie delivers a ‘conclusion’ to the Master Chief story arc at the time that was both emotional and fitting ‘send off’ for the super soldier.
With a robust campaign, and a multiplayer that kept players coming back for years, Halo 3 is a cornerstone of the Xbox 360’s success, something that is no mean feat.
The aforementioned elements and the introduction of Forge mode allowed the creation of custom maps and game modes, expanding its replayability greatly, cementing its place as one of those games where you can blink and four hours have gone by.
3. Red Dead Redemption
Coming after the lesser known Red Dead Revolver games, Red Dead Redemption is a masterpiece in storytelling and open-world design that breathed new life into the franchise.
Utilizing the same protagonist as its predecessors, John Marston, the game really explores what it would be like in the Wild West, with a world that feels not only alive but is also full of random events, side quests, and interesting characters.
The actual in-game mechanics aren’t half bad either with shooting, horse riding, and more that almost borrow what Rockstar has created with GTA and ported into an old fashioned setting.
The Undead Nightmare expansion for the game is definitely something that needs to be experienced too, creating a spooky setting that some regard as one of the best DLCs ever made.
2. Bioshock
Bioshock is one of those games that just needs to be played, no matter what year it is.
Its combination of FPS gameplay, coupled with a plethora of abilities, keeps things really interesting and when paired with the atmosphere of Rapture, you’ve got the whole package.
Without spoiling too much, the twists and turns in its story are still regarded as some of the greatest moments in video game history. Yes, the final one of these is really that good, and you need to play Bioshock for this alone.
While the sequels are fantastic experiences, the original definitely pushed the envelope and should be the entry point of the franchise.
1. Mass Effect 2
At the top of the list is Mass Effect 2, an RPG that masterfully combines deep storytelling, character development, and action-packed gameplay.
Continuing the story of Commander Shepard, you’re able to form a squad of truly memorable characters that take on a suicide mission to save the galaxy.
The decisions made in the game have real consequences, and the relationships built with the squad members add real emotional weight to the story, something that hasn’t really been replicated in other titles.
The combat isn’t too shabby either, building on what was formed in the original, the tweaks that were made for Mass Effect 2 take things to new heights.
With its captivating narrative, cinematic presentation, and polished combat, Mass Effect 2 stands as one of the greatest games ever released, not just on the Xbox 360.
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