While one ofGame Pass’ biggest selling points is playing the newest release on day one, there’s also the incredible library of classic Xbox games available.
These titles offer gamers a chance to take a trip down memory lane or experience classic games for the first time. For example, everyone’s talking about the Oblivion remake, but what about the original release? Or Morrowind? Then, there are the Gears of War games to help you prepare for E-Day’s upcoming release.
8 Games That Owe Their Success To Xbox Game Pass
Games that got Serviced
With that in mind, we wondered: What are the best classic Xbox games available on Game Pass? While some great titles are sadly not available, there are still plenty worth checking out.
As a heads-up, a game needs to be at least 10 years old to be considered a “classic.”
8Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Finish The Fight. Again.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Is it cheating to include the entireMaster Chief Collection? Possibly, but choosing just one entry from theHalo franchiseis hard.
Whether it’s the original trilogy, playing with friends, diving back into online multiplayer, or the incredible Halo: Reach campaign, the Master Chief Collection is a must-play for any Halo fan.
It’s also a fantastic entry point for those who didn’t get the chance to experience the franchise in the past.
Sadly, Halo isn’t as popular today as it once was, but after playing the Master Chief Collection, you’ll grow a deeper appreciation for these games.
7Gears of War
Gears of War
It may be a hot take to say that the originalGears of Waris the best in the franchise, but it’s something I feel strongly about.
No other game has matched its campaign, gameplay, and multiplayer experience.Gears of Warwasthekiller app for Xbox 360. It was a bona fide system seller and helped usher in the third-person cover shooter craze in the late 2000s.
I want to talk more about the multiplayer experience for a minute. There was nothing quite like it. The curb-stomps to finish off your enemies blew me away. Sneaking up on people with the Lancer’s chainsaw never got old.
All this brutal action combined with a strategic, team-oriented experience that I can’t wait to live through again. This time without host advantage, please.
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6The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Close Shut The Jaws Of Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
This one seems obvious, given the runaway success of Oblivion remastered. Yes, the game also launched on PC, but it felt like an Xbox game more than anything.
A former console exclusive for the Xbox 360, Oblivion isn’t the firstElder Scrolls gameto release on an Xbox console. Having said that, it’s the first one to break into the mainstream, thanks to its aggressive marketing campaign.
While Gears of War was still viewed as the killer app, Oblivion was the first must-own game for the 360. Yes, it’s a little janky, but that didn’t matter. The game met the hype.
Whether you’re experiencing it in its original state or the new remaster, Oblivion remains one of the bestopen world RPGsever made.
5Sunset Overdrive
A Forgotten Classic
Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrivefeels less like a thing that actually happened and more like a fever dream. Releasing in 2014 before Sony acquired Insomniac Games, the famed developer brought their iconic style toXbox One.
The gameplay is Insomniac at their best, borrowing elements from iconic games like Jet Set Radio, Tony Hawk, and more. It’s a wonderful hodge-podge of action, shooting, platforming, and rail grinding.
Unfortunately, Sunset Overdrive was released during a dark period for the Xbox brand. The 2010s weren’t exactly a bright spot, with the Xbox One crashing out so poorly that its best games were third-party multiplatform releases.
Still, despite that, Sunset Overdrive is a bright spot in an otherwise dark time for team Xbox. Don’t be afraid to take a trip down memory lane and check it out sometime.
A Real Hidden Gem
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Here’s the thing about Crimson Skies. At a time whenXbox Livewas still in its infancy, most people were sitting and waiting to log in and play Halo online. That time would come with Halo 2, but before that, Crimson Skies came out of nowhere to keep us entertained.
Seriously, I don’t know where this game came from. I remember being told that I needed to rent it (I’m showing my age here, clearly) and spend the weekend playing it. I did just that, and boy, howdy, was I happy with that decision.
The Xbox exclusive is an excellent arcade-style aerial combat game that mixes the gameplay from the Rogue Squadron games and an excellent 1930s presentation. As great as the campaign was, the multiplayer community was thriving. It’s cliché to say that you had to be there, but let me tell you: you had to be there.
If you’re looking for an arcade-style action game you can play in a day, hop on Game Pass and download Crimson Skies.
I Need A Hero
The original Fable was a very good action RPG that had zero chance to live up to its impossible expectations.
Fable 2expands on things and makes for a far better experience. While it still doesn’t come close to Peter Molyneux’s lofty expectations, it’s still a greataction RPGthat reacts to your actions.
I remember the first time I heard people gossiping about me. They were judging my actions. I felt remorse for playing an “evil” character for the first time ever.
It’s a feeling that I haven’t had before in a game. Few others, if any, can match what Fable offers. Here’s to hoping the upcoming reboot can deliver. For those looking to prepare for it, do yourself a favor and relive Fable 2
2Mass Effect
BioWare At Their Best
Mass Effect
Fextralife Wiki
Microsoft published the originalMass Effectbefore EA purchased BioWare, which counts for our list of classic Xbox Games on Game Pass.
What is there to say about Mass Effect that hasn’t been said yet? Yes, the Mako is absolute garbage and should be shot into the sun. Despite that, the mix of enjoyable third-person cover shooter gameplay, an excellent story, and iconic characters makes it so memorable.
It’s janky and rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. I’m willing to put up with some frustrating gameplay elements (scroll back up and reference Oblivion) when I’m being thoroughly entertained. That’s what happens here. The biggest reason is the depth of its characters.
2007 was a time when every game didn’t have enough content to last a lifetime, meaning Mass Effect is a well-paced, streamlined experience. If you’re looking for more meat on the bone, though, you can chat with your squad, develop relationships, and explore random planets.
1Ninja Gaiden
Master Ninja
Ninja Gaiden
The 2004 Xbox exclusive has seen several re-releases over the years. There’s the original 2004 game, 2005’s Ninja Gaiden Black, and then there’s Ninja Gaiden Sigma, the version available on Game Pass.
While every version of the game has its pros and cons, you honestly can’t go wrong with any choice. Following the surprise reveal ofNinja Gaiden 2 Blackearlier this year and the upcomingNinja Gaiden 4, it’s an excellent chance to take a trip down memory lane while preparing for the glorious return of the Ninja Gaiden franchise.
Yes, there will be aspects of the game that feel dated today, but that’s to be expected for any game over 20 years old. 2004’sNinja Gaidenremains a masterpiece today.
It’s fast-paced, brutally difficult, and incredibly satisfying action has stood the test of time. I can’t believe how well this game still holds up today. If, for some reason, you never played it, give it a shot. You won’t regret it.
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The phrase ‘warts and all’ springs to mind.
