The best original Xbox games

Microsoft was looking to make a big first impression in the console space with its original Xbox (not to be confused with the Xbox One) and did far better than anyone would’ve thought. This generation had some stiff competition when looking at the best PlayStation 2 games and best GameCube games that the Xbox would need to compete with. However, this little green machine carved out its own space in the market and would set itself up to do even better when it would get a chance to hit us with the best Xbox 360 games the next generation.

We always enjoy going down memory lane to find the best games of all time, and it would be irresponsible to ignore the original Xbox. These are our picks for the best original Xbox games.

Forza Motorsport

83% Platforms Xbox Genre Racing, Simulator, Sport Developer Turn 10 Studios Publisher Microsoft Game Studios Release May 03, 2005 In an attempt to rival Sony’s Gran Turismo series, Microsoft published Forza Motorsport, a sim racer with realistic visuals and physics. We didn’t know it at the time, but Forza would go on to become one of Microsoft’s tentpole franchises and best racing game. In total, it had 231 different licensed cars, a career mode (as well as quickplay), and lots of tracks — many of which are based on real locations. It offered a variety of car tuning options, allowing players to customize their vehicles. Despite being a sim racer, Forza Motorsport featured a number of assist settings, allowing players to ease into the more difficult tracks. Forza Motorsport Xbox Trailer — TGS 2004 Trailer

Panzer Dragoon Orta

82% Platforms Xbox Genre Shooter Developer Smilebit Publisher Sega Release December 19, 2002 Here’s a blast from the past: Panzer Dragoon Orta is an Xbox-exclusive rail shooter and it’s surprisingly excellent. In it, you play as Orta, a teenage girl who rides atop a dragon. You control the dragon’s movement onscreen and have the ability to utilize multiple weapon types against your foes. In the early stages,