Original Xbox games are now compatible with the Xbox One and it is awesome! Microsoft has made a fantastic emulator that not only up res-es each game, but also irons out any framerate issues found in the original titles. As of this writing, 13 games of the original Xbox library are playable on the Xbox One with the promise of more to come. While it is up to the publishers if a game can be released for the service, these are my dream games that I would love to see!
10. Burnout 3: Takedown
Released back in 2004, Burnout 3: Takedown is still one of the greatest arcade racing games of all time. With multiple game modes and unlocks, anyone could still find hours of enjoyment with Burnout 3: Takedown. What’s even better is the fact that the game is still for sale digitally on the Xbox 360, so its chances of being included in a future wave of titles is high!
9. Freedom Fighters
By far one of the most underrated games of its time. Freedom Fighters has players assume the role of Chris Stone as his world dramatically changes when the Soviet Union invades the United States. With awesome squad mechanics and interconnected missions, this third person shooter is still fun to play even today. You can see my full thoughts about Freedom Fighters in my Retro Review Here.
8. Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is an RTS/RPG hybrid that was exclusive to the original Xbox. The blend of RTS elements and real-time hack-n-slash combat made for a fantastic mix. Upgrading units as the game progressed also led to some fun army combinations. A sequel has been in development for PS4 since 2014, but until then I would love to replay Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders in upscaled glory.
7. Psi Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
Oh, Psi Ops, What a fun game! Developed by the now defunct Midway, Psi Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy puts you in the psionic boots of Nick Scryer as he tries to regain his lost memories. Involving both third person shooter mechanics and psychic powers led to exceptionally fun ways to deal with enemies. Although a sequel was never made, the original game still holds up well even after 13 years.
6. Robotech: Battlecry
I joined the Robotech party extremely late, having only watched through the entire series only a year before Robotech: Battlecry was released. Combining both missions from the show and original content, I had a blast “blasting” Battlepods and other Zentraedi units. Seeing the stylized cel shading running on an Xbox One would look fantastic!
5. Shenmue 2
Shenmue 2 finally made its way stateside on the Xbox console after the untimely demise of Sega’s last console, the Dreamcast. Continuing where the first game left off, Ryo has now found himself in Hong Kong. Players must explore the city gathering clues that will finally lead Ryo to his fathers killer: Lan Di. With Shenmue 3 on the horizon, being able to re-explore one of these classics on modern hardware would be amazing!
4. Mechassault
While Mechassault 2 would become backwards compatible on the Xbox 360, the only way to enjoy the original, and in my opinion better, Mechassault game was to pull out your original Xbox. Being one of the launch titles for the original Xbox Live service, Mechassault combined a great single player and multiplayer experience into one great package. Even though Xbox Live is no longer active for original Xbox titles, substitute services are in place that can capitalize on the games system link feature!
3. Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast
Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast was one of the first games to truly make me feel like a Jedi! Starting out as a “Doomesque” first person shooter, Jedi Knight 2 quickly shows you the ways of the force within a couple of levels. The remainder of the game can then be spent tossing around storm troopers to your hearts content! Jedi Knight 2 also offers a split screen multiplayer mode that had a ton of game modes and options to choose from to keep the fun going for hours!
2. Jet Set Radio Future
Jet Set Radio Future is another sequel to a Dreamcast classic. Jet Set Radio Future is a blast to play even today and was an entry point into the Xbox games library for many. With its unique art, music and gameplay, this classic deserves new life on the Xbox One.
1. Splinter Cell
Sam Fishers first outing and the first game to truly realize the potential of the Xbox hardware. Being unbound from the power restraints of the PlayStation 2 and GameCube hardware, Ubisoft was able to deliver a stealth game unlike any other of the time. Relying heavily on light and noise, Splinter Cell was a true technological marvel for its time. As the series progressed the games only got better, but it’s this first adventure that has stuck with me for all these years.
Bonus: Steel Battalion
While every other game on this list has the potential to be included in the backwards compatibility program, Steel Battalion does not. For those of you unfamiliar with the game, Steel Battalion was a mech game from Capcom that included an entire cockpit setup as its controller! While I have faith that a USB adapter could be made to make the huge peripheral work on the Xbox One, it would be such a niche product that it wouldn’t be worth the effort. It really is a shame though, a mech game this legit hasn’t existed since.
Which original Xbox games do you hope will be added to backwards compatibility? Leave a comment below!
