1. Halo 2 (2004)

Developer(s): Bungie

Publisher(s): Microsoft

For any of those who’ve enjoyed Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 definitely ups the ante in nearly every way.  This game introduced dual stories following Master Chief leading humanity against its war with the Covenant and the Arbiter who tries to quell a rebellion with the Covenant ranks.  The multiplayer was epic and still holds up as still one of the best competitive multiplayers in video game to date.

2. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2003)

Developer(s): Starbreeze AB

Publisher(s): Vivendi Games

The game follows Riddick, the anti-hero of the two films Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick, as he attempts to escape from a maximum-security prison called Butcher Bay. If there was ever a video game that captured the full badassery of a character, it’s this game.  Richard B. Riddick is probably one of my favorite movie characters and this game does him justice.  A great factor of the game is just how good the game looks in terms of character designs as well as the combat which can get pretty intense.

3. Jet Set Radio Future (2002)

Developer(s): Smilebit

Publisher(s): SEGA

Depicts a future Tokyo where freedom of expression is outlawed. The user plays a character in the GG’s, a gang of in-line skating graffiti artists who skate around Tokyo covering up rival gangs’ graffiti, knocking over Rokkaku police, and dancing to the electric soundtrack.  Never has a game made skating seem as badass as Jet Set Radio Future.  One of the best aspects of the game is the cel-shaded animation and graphics that gives it a very vibrant look.  The various level designs are pretty impressive with many branching paths, diverse topography, and an overall awesome creative look. Not to mention this game has one of the most awesome soundtracks.

4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

Developer(s): Rockstar North

Publisher(s): Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was a great game, but Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas took the series to the next level.  Carl Johnson’s journey to find his mother’s killer and restore his family and community takes him down a dark road of murder, corruption, and betrayal.  If the story does get you, then the near limitless amount of freedom will grab players by the balls.

5. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Developer(s): Bungie Studios

Publisher(s): Microsoft Game Studios

Set in the twenty-sixth century, players control the Master Chief, a cybernetically enhanced supersoldier who battles various aliens as he attempt to uncover the secrets of the eponymous Halo, a ring-shaped artificial world.  The original Xbox’s calling card that put the system on the map, Halo: Combat Evolved is one of the best first-person shooters around.  The world was introduced to the badass super soldier Spartan 117, also known as Master Chief, and his sarcastic AI companion, Cortana.  Both fun and challenging, Combat Evolved offers a pretty unique experience.

6. Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge (2003)

Developer(s): Fasa Studio

Publisher(s): Microsoft Game Studios

Set in an alternate 1930s in which the plane and Zeppelin become the primary means of transportation, the game focuses on the adventures of Nathan Zachary, leader of the Fortune Hunters air pirate gang. Players assume his role as he undertakes a crusade to avenge the death of his old friend, “Doc” Fassenbiender. Never really been a fan of simulator games but High Road to Revenge made me a believer.  Flying planes is actually pretty cool and the dogfights are actually done really good with some good gaming mechanics.

7. Kung Fu Chaos

Developer(s):  Just Add Monsters

Publisher(s):  Microsoft Game Studios

Kung Fu Chaos is as chaotic as it’s title suggests.  The best thing about this game is just how original the game feels in terms of gameplay and graphics.  Players play a scenario while fighting each other, and the game records it like an actual movie studio setup with cameras, microphones, and background props.

8. Star Wars: Battlefront II

Developer(s):  Pandemic Studios

Publisher(s):  LucasArts

The ultimate Star Wars experience and the best Star Wars game of its time.  Battlefront II does a fantastic job of letting players get into the feel of the being in the Clone Wars.  But perhaps the best part of the game is the Hero Assault which allows players to take the role of their favorite characters in a fight between two teams which was done better by the multiplayer.

9. State of Emergency

Developer(s): VIS Entertainment

Publisher(s): Rockstar Games, Global Star Software

State of Emergency is a “man against the mob” arcade-like fighting game where you are a member of an underground resistance movement, dedicated to liberating your people from the oppressive Corporation.
Although not Grand Theft Auto nor Saints Row, State of Emergency is a pretty decent effort at running around creating havoc.  This is definitely a game for those who have no shame with killing innocents and collateral damage.

10. Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction (2005)

Developer(s): Pandemic Studios

Publisher(s): LucasArts

The player takes control of one of three mercenary characters and completes contracts in the war-torn country for profit and to prevent a nuclear war. If playing Grand Theft Auto isn’t enough for your need to cause needless destruction, check out Playground of Destruction.  The open world is awesome but it’s truly the level of destruction players can unleash upon their foes that makes the game awesome.

Thanks for checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what your favorite Xbox video games are.