Microsoft isn’t necessarily known for incredible runs with its Xbox hardware. The OG Xbox launched with tons of hype but didn’t quite compete with Sony or Nintendo (while weighing enough to break your foot if dropped). The Xbox One shot itself multiple times in the foot and took years to recover. The Xbox Series X/S started stronger but struggled to consistently deliver worthwhile exclusives, to say nothing of dropping hardware revenue. However, at one point, there was the Xbox 360.
It was a magical time when Halo, Gears of War, and Forza had multiple follow-ups and extensive respect. Even before Microsoft slowed down on the exclusives and delved further into Kinect, the Xbox 360 generation offered some legendary releases. Here are our picks for the top 15, as of 2024.
Grand Theft Auto 4
Going from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to Grand Theft Auto 4 on a new generation of consoles wasn’t easy for Rockstar. However, while the latter had its shortcomings, it’s still a phenomenal entry in the series, with Niko Bellic’s rise through crime showcased in grim, unrelenting fashion. Its improvements to character models and motion capture, the sheer amount of dialogue, the increased scale of Liberty City, and more all made for an incredible sequel.
