The original Xbox, Microsoft‘s bold entry into the console gaming market, arrived in 2001 with a bang. It wasn’t just another console; it was a statement. With its powerful hardware, its built-in hard drive (a rarity at the time), and its pioneering online service, Xbox Live, it challenged the established order and ushered in a new era of console gaming. I remember being absolutely blown away by the graphics, which were a significant leap forward from anything I’d seen on the PlayStation 2 or GameCube. The controller, while initially criticized for its size (the “Duke”), felt substantial and comfortable in my hands. It was clear from the start that Microsoft was serious about gaming, and the Xbox quickly became a favorite among hardcore gamers.

More than just the hardware, the Xbox delivered a library of groundbreaking games. It launched with Halo: Combat Evolved, a title that redefined first-person shooters on consoles and became a cultural phenomenon. It introduced us to franchises like Fable and Forza Motorsport, and it brought us console versions of PC classics like Counter-Strike and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The Xbox wasn’t just about pushing graphical boundaries; it was about delivering innovative gameplay experiences, connecting players online, and building a community. Xbox Live, with its integrated voice chat and seamless online matchmaking, was a game-changer. It made online console gaming accessible and fun, and it set the standard for online services for years to come. Let’s revisit those glory days and count down the top 10 best-selling original Xbox games, starting from number 10 and working our way to number 1.

10. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1.46 million units)

• Release Date: June 7, 2005 (NA), June 10, 2005 (EU)
• Developer: Rockstar North
• Publisher: Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas needs little introduction. It’s one of the most acclaimed and influential video games of all time, and its arrival on the original Xbox was a major event. While the PlayStation 2 version was released earlier, the Xbox version boasted improved graphics, taking advantage of the console’s more powerful hardware. The sheer scale of San Andreas was mind-boggling. The fictional state of San Andreas, encompassing three distinct cities (Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas) and vast stretches of countryside, was a living, breathing world filled with endless possibilities. Stepping into the shoes of Carl “CJ” Johnson, returning to his home in Los Santos after years away, was an instantly captivating experience. The story, a sprawling epic of family, betrayal, gang warfare, and corruption, was incredibly well-written and engaging. It was a story that tackled complex social issues while also delivering the signature dark humor and over-the-top action that the Grand Theft Auto series is known for. But San Andreas was more than just its story; it was about freedom. The freedom to explore the vast open world, to steal cars, to engage in side missions, to customize your character, to buy properties, to build relationships, and to simply cause chaos. The level of player agency was unprecedented, and it made San Andreas a game that you could lose yourself in for hundreds of hours.

The gameplay in San Andreas was a refinement of the formula established in Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City. The driving was smooth and responsive, the shooting was satisfying, and the mission variety was impressive. The addition of new features, such as the ability to swim, to ride bicycles, to customize your character’s physique, and to engage in gang warfare, added even more depth to the gameplay. The soundtrack, as always in the Grand Theft Auto series, was a masterpiece, featuring a diverse selection of licensed music across a variety of radio stations. The music perfectly captured the atmosphere of 1990s California, adding to the game’s immersive quality. The Xbox version of San Andreas also benefited from improved visuals, with higher resolution textures, better draw distances, and more detailed character models. It was the definitive console version of the game, showcasing the power of the Xbox hardware. San Andreas was a landmark achievement in video game design, a sprawling, ambitious, and unforgettable experience that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in an open-world game. It remains a classic, and its influence can still be seen in games today. The map was just so big, especially for the time, it really set it apart from similar games.

9. Ninja Gaiden (1.5 million units)

• Release Date: March 2, 2004 (NA), March 1, 2004 (JP), May 28, 2004 (EU)
• Developer: Team Ninja
• Publisher: Tecmo

Ninja Gaiden, a reboot of the classic NES series, was a brutal, unforgiving, and utterly exhilarating action game that redefined the genre on the original Xbox. Developed by Team Ninja, led by the notoriously demanding Tomonobu Itagaki, Ninja Gaiden was a game that demanded skill, precision, and patience. It wasn’t just about button-mashing; it was about mastering the intricate combat system, learning enemy attack patterns, and executing precise moves with perfect timing. Playing as Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja on a quest for revenge, you faced off against hordes of relentless enemies, from demonic fiends to heavily armed soldiers. The combat was fast-paced, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. Ryu had a wide array of weapons at his disposal, from his trusty Dragon Sword to shurikens, bows, and powerful Ninpo magic. Each weapon had its own unique moveset and combos, and mastering them was essential for survival. The game was notoriously difficult, even on the normal difficulty setting. Enemies were aggressive and unforgiving, and even the smallest mistake could lead to a quick and brutal death. But the difficulty was also part of the game’s appeal. Overcoming the challenges, mastering the combat, and finally defeating a particularly tough boss was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a game that tested your skills and your patience, but it rewarded those who persevered with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

Beyond the challenging combat, Ninja Gaiden featured stunning visuals for its time. The character models were detailed and beautifully animated, the environments were richly textured, and the special effects were spectacular. The game ran smoothly and consistently, even during the most intense action sequences. The sound design was also excellent, with the clang of steel, the whoosh of Ryu’s movements, and the screams of his enemies creating a visceral and immersive soundscape. The story, while relatively simple, was engaging and provided a compelling motivation for Ryu’s quest. The game also featured a variety of unlockable content, including new weapons, costumes, and even the original NES Ninja Gaiden trilogy. Ninja Gaiden was a masterpiece of action game design, a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable experience that set a new standard for the genre. It was a game that demanded respect, and it rewarded those who were willing to put in the time and effort to master its intricacies. It was punishing but also extremely rewarding. It’s a game that still holds up today, and it remains a must-play for fans of challenging action games.

8. Counter-Strike (1.5 million units)

• Release Date: November 18, 2003
• Developer: Valve
• Publisher: Sierra Studios

Counter-Strike, originally a mod for Half-Life, became a global phenomenon, defining the team-based tactical first-person shooter genre. Its arrival on the original Xbox was a significant event, bringing the intense, competitive gameplay to a console audience. While the PC version remained the definitive Counter-Strike experience, the Xbox port was a surprisingly faithful and well-executed adaptation, taking advantage of Xbox Live for online multiplayer. The core gameplay of Counter-Strike is deceptively simple: two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, face off in a variety of objective-based scenarios, such as bomb defusal, hostage rescue, and assassination. The game is round-based, with each round ending when one team is eliminated or the objective is completed (or failed). The emphasis is on teamwork, communication, and strategic planning. Players must coordinate their attacks, cover each other’s flanks, and utilize their weapons and equipment effectively. The game features a variety of realistic weapons, each with its own unique recoil patterns, accuracy, and damage. Learning the nuances of each weapon, mastering the recoil control, and knowing when to use which weapon is crucial for success. The maps in Counter-Strike are meticulously designed, with multiple routes, choke points, and strategic locations. Knowing the maps, understanding the best vantage points, and anticipating enemy movements is essential for victory.

The Xbox version of Counter-Strike included a single-player mode with bots, but the real draw was the online multiplayer. Xbox Live provided a seamless and stable online experience, allowing players to connect with others from around the world and engage in intense, competitive matches. The integrated voice chat was a crucial feature, allowing players to communicate with their teammates in real-time, coordinate strategies, and call out enemy positions. The Xbox version also featured improved graphics compared to the original PC version, with higher resolution textures and more detailed character models. While it lacked the modding capabilities of the PC version, the Xbox port of Counter-Strike still offered a compelling and addictive online multiplayer experience. It brought the intense, tactical gameplay to a console audience, and it helped to popularize the team-based first-person shooter genre on consoles. It was a game that rewarded skill, teamwork, and strategic thinking, and it remains a classic to this day. The tension as you waited for the enemy team was palpable. The gunplay was crisp and satisfying.

7. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (1.58 million units)

• Release Date: July 15, 2003
• Developer: BioWare
• Publisher: LucasArts

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (often abbreviated as KOTOR) wasn’t just a great Star Wars game; it was one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. Developed by BioWare, the studio renowned for its deep, story-driven RPGs, KOTOR took players on an epic journey through the Star Wars universe, set thousands of years before the events of the original films. You create your own character, choosing from a variety of classes, and embark on a quest to stop Darth Malak, a powerful Sith Lord who threatens to conquer the galaxy. The story is the heart of KOTOR, and it’s a masterpiece of interactive storytelling. The narrative is filled with memorable characters, compelling choices, and unexpected twists. You’ll assemble a diverse party of companions, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and motivations. Your interactions with these companions, and the choices you make throughout the game, have a profound impact on the story and the fate of the galaxy. The game features a morality system, where your actions determine whether you align with the light side or the dark side of the Force. This adds a layer of replayability, as you can experience the story from different perspectives and make different choices to see how they affect the outcome.

The gameplay in KOTOR is a blend of real-time exploration and turn-based combat. You explore a variety of richly detailed environments, from the bustling cities of Taris to the lush forests of Dantooine to the desolate sands of Tatooine. You’ll interact with NPCs, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets as you progress through the story. The combat system is based on the Dungeons & Dragons d20 system, but it’s streamlined and adapted for a real-time experience. You can pause the action at any time to issue commands to your party members, choosing their attacks, abilities, and targets. The combat is strategic and engaging, requiring you to utilize your party’s strengths and exploit enemy weaknesses. The game also features a deep character progression system, allowing you to customize your character’s skills, abilities, and Force powers. You can become a powerful Jedi Knight, a skilled scoundrel, or a master of the dark side, depending on your choices and playstyle. KOTOR was a technical marvel on the original Xbox, with stunning graphics, detailed character models, and impressive voice acting. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, was epic and evocative, capturing the spirit of the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was a landmark achievement in RPG design, a game that set a new standard for interactive storytelling and character development. It remains a beloved classic, and its influence can still be seen in RPGs today.

6. Dead or Alive 3 (2 million units)

• Release Date: November 15, 2001
• Developer: Team Ninja
• Publisher: Tecmo (WW), Microsoft Game Studios (EU)

Dead or Alive 3, a launch title for the original Xbox, was a visually stunning and technically impressive fighting game that showcased the power of Microsoft’s new console. Developed by Team Ninja, the studio known for its fast-paced and fluid action games, Dead or Alive 3 built upon the foundations of its predecessors, refining the combat system, adding new characters, and pushing the boundaries of graphical fidelity. The game was a showcase for the Xbox’s capabilities, with incredibly detailed character models, beautifully rendered stages, and smooth, 60-frames-per-second action. The characters were expressive and lifelike, with realistic clothing physics and impressive lighting effects. The stages were interactive and dynamic, with destructible elements and environmental hazards that could be used to your advantage. The game looked and felt like a next-generation fighting game, and it set a new standard for visual quality in the genre.

The gameplay in Dead or Alive 3 was fast-paced, fluid, and accessible, but also offered a surprising amount of depth for those willing to master its intricacies. The core of the combat system was the “triangle system,” a rock-paper-scissors mechanic where strikes beat throws, throws beat holds, and holds beat strikes. This created a dynamic and unpredictable flow to the combat, forcing players to anticipate their opponent’s moves and react accordingly. The game also featured a variety of counterattacks, reversals, and special moves, adding to the strategic depth. The roster of characters was diverse and well-balanced, each with their own unique fighting style and personality. From the nimble ninja Kasumi to the powerful wrestler Bass Armstrong to the enigmatic newcomer Hitomi, there was a character to suit every playstyle. The game also featured a robust story mode, which explored the backgrounds and motivations of each character, adding a layer of narrative depth to the fighting action. Dead or Alive 3 was more than just a pretty face; it was a well-crafted and engaging fighting game that offered both accessibility for newcomers and depth for hardcore fans. It was a showcase for the Xbox’s power, a testament to Team Ninja’s skill, and a defining fighting game of its generation. It was just a joy to behold, the graphics were just that good for the time.

5. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2.4 million units)

• Release Date: November 17, 2002
• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Publisher: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell was a groundbreaking stealth-action game that redefined the genre on the original Xbox. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Splinter Cell put you in the boots of Sam Fisher, a highly skilled operative working for a top-secret branch of the NSA known as Third Echelon. Unlike many action games of the time, Splinter Cell emphasized stealth, patience, and strategic thinking over run-and-gun action. You were encouraged to stay in the shadows, to avoid detection, and to use your gadgets and skills to overcome obstacles and neutralize enemies silently. The game’s lighting and shadow system was revolutionary for its time. Darkness was your ally, and light was your enemy. You had to carefully observe your surroundings, use your night vision goggles, and manipulate light sources to your advantage. The level design was intricate and realistic, with multiple paths and approaches to each objective. You could choose to sneak past guards, disable security systems, or take down enemies silently with your silenced pistol or hand-to-hand combat. The game rewarded patience and planning, and it punished recklessness.

The gameplay in Splinter Cell was tense and challenging, requiring you to think like a spy and to use your wits and skills to survive. The controls were intuitive, allowing you to seamlessly move between cover, peek around corners, and perform a variety of acrobatic maneuvers. Sam Fisher had a wide array of gadgets at his disposal, from his iconic multi-vision goggles (which provided night vision, thermal vision, and electromagnetic field vision) to sticky cameras, lockpicks, and non-lethal weapons like the ring airfoil projectile. The game also featured a compelling story, inspired by the works of Tom Clancy, that dealt with themes of espionage, political intrigue, and the threat of terrorism. The narrative was well-written and engaging, and it kept you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Splinter Cell was a technical marvel on the Xbox, with stunning graphics, realistic lighting and shadow effects, and impressive sound design. The game’s atmosphere was thick with tension, and the sound of your own footsteps, the creaking of doors, and the whispers of guards added to the immersive experience. The dynamic shadows were a sight to behold. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell was a groundbreaking game that redefined the stealth-action genre. It was a tense, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience that proved that stealth could be just as exciting as action.

4. Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2.49 million units) (Double Pack)

• Release Date: October 21, 2003
• Developer: DMA Design (III), Rockstar North (Vice City), Rockstar Vienna (Xbox Ports)
• Publisher: Rockstar Games

This double pack, combining two of the most influential and groundbreaking games of all time, Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, was an incredible value and a must-have for any Xbox owner. Both games had already revolutionized the open-world genre on the PlayStation 2, and their arrival on the Xbox, with improved graphics and performance, was a major event. Grand Theft Auto III, originally released in 2001, was a game-changer. It took the top-down perspective of the previous GTA games and transformed it into a fully 3D, open-world experience. Stepping onto the streets of Liberty City, a gritty and darkly humorous take on New York City, was a revelation. The sense of freedom was unparalleled; you could steal cars, engage in shootouts, complete missions, or simply explore the city at your own pace. The story, while relatively simple, was engaging and filled with memorable characters. You played as Claude, a silent protagonist who is betrayed during a bank robbery and left for dead. Seeking revenge, Claude becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld of Liberty City, working his way up the ranks by completing missions for various gangs and crime bosses.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, released in 2002, built upon the foundations of GTA III and took the series in a new and exciting direction. Set in the 1980s in Vice City, a fictionalized Miami, the game was a stylistic masterpiece. The vibrant, neon-soaked aesthetic, the unforgettable soundtrack featuring a killer selection of 80s hits, and the compelling story of Tommy Vercetti, a mobster sent to Vice City to establish a new drug operation, made Vice City an instant classic. The gameplay was refined and expanded upon from GTA III, with more vehicles, weapons, and activities. The Xbox versions of both games benefited from improved visuals, with higher resolution textures, better draw distances, and more detailed character models. The double pack offered an incredible amount of content, with two massive open worlds to explore, two compelling stories to experience, and countless hours of gameplay. It was a testament to the enduring power of the Grand Theft Auto series and a showcase for the capabilities of the original Xbox.

3. Fable (3 million units)

• Release Date: September 14, 2004 (NA), October 8, 2004 (EU)
• Developer: Big Blue Box Studios
• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Fable, developed by Lionhead Studios’ satellite studio Big Blue Box, was an ambitious action RPG that promised players the ability to shape their own destiny in a dynamic and reactive world. While it didn’t fully deliver on all of its ambitious promises, Fable was still a charming, engaging, and highly enjoyable game that offered a unique blend of action, adventure, and moral choice. You begin the game as a young boy in the idyllic village of Oakvale. Your peaceful life is shattered when bandits raid the village, killing your family and leaving you orphaned. You are taken in by a mysterious figure known as Maze and trained to become a Hero at the Heroes’ Guild. The game follows your journey from childhood to adulthood, as you complete quests, battle monsters, and make choices that shape your character’s personality and appearance. The core of Fable‘s gameplay was its morality system. Your actions, both good and evil, had consequences, affecting not only the story but also your character’s appearance. If you performed heroic deeds, you would develop a halo and a more angelic appearance. If you chose a darker path, you would grow horns and a more demonic visage. This visual representation of your morality was a unique and compelling feature, and it made you feel like your choices truly mattered.

The combat in Fable was real-time and action-oriented, with a focus on melee combat, ranged weapons, and magic spells. The controls were intuitive, and the combat was fluid and satisfying. The game featured a variety of enemies, from bandits and wolves to trolls and undead creatures. The world of Albion was beautifully realized, with lush forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. The game’s art style was whimsical and fairytale-like, and the overall atmosphere was lighthearted and humorous. Fable also featured a robust economic system, allowing you to buy and sell property, invest in businesses, and even get married and have children. The game was filled with secrets to discover, side quests to complete, and quirky characters to interact with. While Fable may not have lived up to all of its pre-release hype, it was still a fantastic action RPG that offered a unique and memorable experience. Its charming world, its engaging gameplay, and its emphasis on player choice made it a standout title on the original Xbox.

2. Halo: Combat Evolved (5 million units)

• Release Date: November 15, 2001
• Developer: Bungie
• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Halo: Combat Evolved wasn’t just a launch title for the original Xbox; it was a system seller, a game that redefined first-person shooters on consoles and became a cultural phenomenon. Developed by Bungie, Halo took players on an epic sci-fi adventure, introducing them to the iconic Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super-soldier, and the mysterious alien ringworld known as Halo. The story was immediately captivating, with its blend of military sci-fi, ancient mysteries, and a desperate fight for survival against a relentless alien enemy known as the Covenant. The Master Chief, with his stoic demeanor and his powerful MJOLNIR armor, became an instant icon, a symbol of the Xbox and a gaming legend. The world of Halo was richly detailed and immersive, with stunning environments, from the lush forests and rolling hills of the ringworld to the futuristic interiors of Covenant ships.

The gameplay in Halo was revolutionary for its time. The controls were intuitive and responsive, making first-person shooting on a console feel natural and fluid. The game featured a variety of weapons, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The combat was dynamic and engaging, with intelligent AI enemies that would flank you, take cover, and use grenades. The game also featured a variety of vehicles, from the iconic Warthog jeep to the agile Banshee fighter, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. The “two-weapon” system, where you could only carry two weapons at a time, forced you to make strategic choices about your loadout. But perhaps the most significant contribution of Halo was its multiplayer. The game featured a robust split-screen multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to compete on the same console. This was a revelation for console gamers, who were used to the limitations of previous-generation systems. Halo‘s multiplayer was fast-paced, fun, and incredibly addictive, and it spawned countless LAN parties and competitive tournaments. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, was epic and unforgettable, with its iconic Gregorian chants and soaring orchestral scores. Halo: Combat Evolved was a masterpiece of game design, a title that set a new standard for first-person shooters on consoles and launched a franchise that would become one of the biggest in gaming history. The game felt so different to anything else available at the time.

1. Halo 2 (8.46 million units)

• Release Date: November 9, 2004
• Developer: Bungie
• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Halo 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Halo: Combat Evolved, didn’t just meet expectations; it exceeded them, becoming the best-selling game on the original Xbox and a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Building upon the foundations of its predecessor, Halo 2 expanded the scope of the story, refined the gameplay, and introduced groundbreaking online multiplayer features that would revolutionize console gaming. The story in Halo 2 was more ambitious and complex than the original, telling a dual narrative that followed both the Master Chief and a new playable character, the Arbiter, a Covenant Elite warrior. This dual perspective provided a new and fascinating look at the conflict between humanity and the Covenant, exploring the motivations and beliefs of both sides. The narrative was filled with epic set pieces, memorable characters, and unexpected twists, keeping players on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The ending, while controversial for its cliffhanger, was a testament to Bungie’s willingness to take risks and to challenge players’ expectations.

The gameplay in Halo 2 was refined and expanded upon from the original. The combat was even more fluid and dynamic, with improved AI, new weapons (including the iconic dual-wielding capability), and new vehicles. The addition of the Energy Sword, a powerful melee weapon, added a new layer of strategic depth to the combat. The level design was more varied and intricate, with larger environments and more opportunities for exploration. But the biggest innovation in Halo 2 was its online multiplayer. The game fully embraced Xbox Live, introducing a seamless and integrated matchmaking system that made it easy to find and join online matches. The game featured a variety of multiplayer modes, from classic Slayer and Capture the Flag to new and innovative modes like Assault and Territories. Halo 2‘s online multiplayer was a revelation, setting a new standard for console gaming. It fostered a massive online community, with players from around the world competing, collaborating, and forming lasting friendships. The game also introduced the concept of “playlists,” curated lists of maps and game modes that were constantly updated by Bungie, keeping the online experience fresh and engaging. The impact on gaming was huge. Halo 2 was a technical marvel on the Xbox, with stunning graphics, detailed environments, and impressive special effects. The game’s soundtrack, once again composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, was epic and unforgettable. Halo 2 was more than just a sequel; it was a cultural event, a game that redefined online console gaming and solidified the Halo franchise as one of the biggest in the industry.

Do you know the best selling XBOX 360 game?