50 Xbox 360 Games You Should Play Before You Die

40. Shadow Complex

The side-scrolling genre is back with Shadow Complex, and it’s better than ever. Developed by Epic Games, the spectacular developers of the Gears of War series, Shadow Complex can hardly be classified as an “arcade” game. Mixing elements from many successful shooters and side-scrollers, Shadow Complex has often been cited as the Contra of XBL, and for good reason. Shadow Complex is, in all but name, a Contra game- relentless, fun, action-packed gameplay that will always keep you on your toes. If anyone has an Xbox Live account, and most people do, they’d definitely not want to miss Shadow Complex.

39. Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy is always- always- tough and demanding. You’ll die a hell lot of times in SMB, but never, ever will you feel like the game is pulling off cheap tricks on you. Each puzzle feels authentic and you feel like you have to have a proper plan of action to get through each and every one of them. Trial and error is the meat of Super Meat Boy. It is because of these mind-wrenching puzzles and surplus amounts of fun that no one should miss out on this brilliant game.

38. BioShock 2

If you are expecting BioShock 2 to be a revolution or a new step in gaming like BioShock was, do one thing- go away and never look back at the game. But if you are expecting an atmospheric adventure like no other that will immerse you, engross you and pull you into its rich world, with awesome gameplay and a deep story to boot, you should look no further. While BioShock 2 doesn’t do a lot of stuff that the first BioShock game didn’t it is as awesome as its predecessor, if not more, in some departments.

37. Forza Motorsport 2

Forza Motorsport 3 is often called the best racing sim, but Forza Motorsport 2 wasn’t any less good either. It looked and sounded awesome. Car models were beautifully detailed and frame rate was constant throughout. Menus were slick and accessible. Audio was totally top notch with great sound effects and an amazing licensed soundtrack. Forza Motorsport 2 offered a mind blowing package overall which sure raised the bar high for racing genre in general. Simulation fan or not, this game is a must buy for each and every racing fan.

36. Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XIII has to be the most bashed Final Fantasy game in history (other than XIV of course). And why shouldn’t it be? It had been in development for so many years, and after all those years of hype, when it finally got released, it failed to match up to the expectations. But you see, Final Fantasy XIII is a bit of a conundrum. While some- many- people simply despise FFXIII, fans of the series will find it to be a wondrous game. Yes, it does have a combat system that takes some getting used to, and yes, it is too linear for its own good, but in the end it all comes together to deliver a wonderful experience that no fan of the series should miss.

35. Left 4 Dead

Having a tense atmosphere that perfectly repliates a zombie hollywood blockbuster, a perfectly designed campaign, awesome co-op and possibly one of the best multiplayer modes Valve has given us, Left 4 Dead is, quite honestly, one of the best zombie shooting games any gamer can ever even hope to come across. It’s addictive, has a great multiplayer/co-op component, and exciting campaign and before I forget, dismembering zombies is just plain fun.

34. Rock Band 3

Is Rock band 3 the best Rock Band game ever? Yes. Is Rock Band 3 the best music game ever? Hell yes. Is Rock Band 3 one of the best games to have come out in 2010? Oh yes, it is. Why? Here’s why- Rock Band 3 has the best tracklist ever in any music game, that’s for sure. The keyboard peripheral makes the game much more diverse, and adds the possibility of many new songs in the tracklist. The new controller is just plain awesome, and the gameplay simply rocks. So, is Rock Band 3 a must have for all 360 owners? Yes.

33. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction

Splinter Cell: Conviction is a true sequel to the past Splinter Cell games that has sought after a new style of gameplay, but is set it in the same world that old fans of the series will find pleasing and familiar. It took a leap of faith and is all the better for it. While the game has a few faults and errors, in the end, it comes across as a wonderful addition to the series. If Ubi can build on the mistakes of Conviction, then the next Splinter Cell will be  force to be reckoned with.

32. Fable II

Let me begin with saying Fable II is awesome. It is addictive. It is innovative, and it is one of the few titles this generation that actually tries something new. And while Fable II doesn’t do everything it tries perfectly- far from it- it comes across as an ambitious title that no one should miss out on. Yes, it’s full to the brim of glitches, bugs, flaws and errors, but at the end of the day, Fable II is a charming, fun and addictive Role Playing Game, one that can be picked up and played anytime, and every time you play it, you have a hell lot of fun.

31. Alan Wake

Alan Wake is a lot like the horror novels it so oft references. It’s short and sweet as well as memorable and chilling while it lasts. The shooting aspects are robust, but if you are expecting something along the lines of Quake then you will be disappointed by the action on offer. If however, you want an intelligent and gripping story set in a fantastical world then you’ve come to the right place. It’s nice to see a new title jump into the horror game scene that isn’t a Resident Evil or Silent Hill game, and it’s even nicer that Alan Wake is able to hold it’s own against the big boys. Remedy knew their target audience for Alan Wake and if you think you might be a part of that demographic then we strongly recommend you pick up a copy the next chance you get.