When it comes to video game development, it’s fascinating to see how muchthe console warshave changed and developed over the simpler days of the medium. Sega and Nintendo initially led the pack, but it wasn’t long until Sony and Microsoft jumped into the fray in massive ways.
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Another brand that needs to be mentioned in this regardis Microsoft’s Xboxhas grown into an amazing console and it looks to have a bright future. The hardware capabilities of a console are important to consumers, but the exclusive franchises that pop up on each system are also a major way to bolster sales.
Updated on August 10, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:Many people love the Xbox and how Microsoft has pushed many important aspects of gaming culture like a riveting online community, support for indie developers, and the idea of gaming being accessible to all by releasing a console that is budget-friendly. However, there are some people who feel that there is one aspect where Xbox is lagging behind its competitors—namely, the fact that they simply don’t have too many big-name exclusives to boast about. While there is some truth to this statement, there’s no denying that theXbox has many franchises exclusive to their consolethat are a blast to play in their own right.
13Ninety-Nine Nights (Average Metacritic Score: 53)
Ninety-Nine Nightsand its sequel,Ninety-Nine Nights 2were popularhack-and-slashtitles for the Xbox 360 that come from prolific game designer, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. The bloody and busy fantasy titles operate at a breakneck pace that was very appealing back during the 360’s life.
Hack-and-slash action games have evolved a lot over the past generation, which is likely whyNinety-Nine Nightshasn’t seen a comeback. That being said, the games are still an interesting series from their time and there are still fans for the titles out there.
12NightCaster (Average Metacritic Score: 54)
NightCasterandNightCaster 2: Equinoxwere valiant efforts to cash inone third-person RPG genre. Xbox still needed more titles in the genre and while theNightCastergames can feel derivative at times, they’re not without their charms.
The series does a good job in terms of the magical abilities and dangerous monsters that are encountered, but the gameplay is problematic.NightCaster 2came out only a year after its predecessor, but its addition of two-player cooperative play makes it a more enjoyable experience, even if it couldn’t keep the franchise alive.
11Steel Battalion (Average Metacritic Score: 64)
Xbox’sSteel Battalionfranchise is mostly brought up in terms of its odd sensibilities and the fact that the original game in the series features one of themost expensive and elaborate game controllersever made.
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Steel Battalionoffers an incredibly immersive simulation game, but even though the series caters to niche interests, several titles have been made. The biggest shame is that the first two games in the series have scores in the high 70s and 80s, whereas the latest title on theXbox 360drags down the average with its middling score in the 30s.
10Blinx The Time Sweeper (Average Metacritic Score: 69)
Mascot platformersare a genre of gaming that can really connect with audiences. It’s become more of a lost art, but the appeal of stumbling upon the next Mario or Sonic is too tempting to ignore. The Xbox has struggled in this regard, but that’s not because they never tried.
Blinx the Time Sweeperand its sequel are third-person platformers that showcase ridiculous characters and a sprawling scope as Blinx must save Dimension B1Q64 & his damsel in distress. Described as the first “4D video game,”Blinxhas faded into obscurity and isn’t likely to get a next-gen sequel.
9Crackdown (Average Metacritic Score: 71)
TheCrackdownseries has its fair share of fans, with the first game being a joyful romp through a simple but engaging open world that prioritized player fun and freedom over everything else. However, it seems that the developers were at a loss on how to innovate on this franchise, given that the two sequels that released since have been fairly unremarkable—even if the second game has its fair share of fans.
Many people feel like the poor critical and commercial performance of the third game has served as the final nail in the coffin for this series. It’s a shame since theCrackdownseries has a ton of potential that was never realized despite the breakout success of the first game.
8Viva Pinata (Average Metacritic Score: 76)
Viva Pinataisa series of party gamesthat were quite a blast to play through, even if more mature console gamers scoffed at the seemingly cute graphics of this title. Players who round up a group of friends would be more than happy with what this title brings to the table, withViva Pinata: Party Animalsbeing the only outright bad game in a series that is pretty entertaining otherwise.
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However, it seems that Microsoft themselves have decided to bury this franchise for good, given the sheer amount of time that has passed since the lastViva Pinatagame. However, fans are still hopeful that they’ll be able to play as their favorite stuffed animals and have a great time with friends and family once again.
7Otogi (Average Metacritic Score: 80)
Otogi: Myth of Demonsand its sequel,Otogi: Immortal Warriors, were two hack-and-slash action titles for the original Xbox that gained major acclaim upon release, but have since become more obscure titles.
It’s worth pointing out that the Otogi games come from FromSoftware, the developers responsible for such current-gen action masterpieces as theDark Soulsgames. That manic energy is still present in the monster-slaying madness ofOtogi. Even though the games are slightly more primitive, they’re still very satisfying experiences that deserve more recognition.
6Fable (Average Metacritic Score: 85)
Peter Molyneux is one of the most innovative game developers of all time and his major Xbox contribution,Fable, marks some of his best work.Fabletackles the standardfantasy RPG genre, but the titles have a deep focus on moralistic choices and the consequences of the player’s decisions.
Each game in the series takes a radical leap into the future and adds more to the already-polished gameplay.Fable 3goes the furthest and adds political quandaries as a corrupt King must be overthrown.Fable 3may have migrated to the PC, but it’s still seen as an Xbox series.
5Microsoft Flight Simulator (Average Metacritic Score: 86)
Most people would assume that simulating the act of flying a game isn’t all that engaging in the slightest, but they would be wrong. After all, there’s a reason whyMicrosoft Flight Simulatorhas such a large and dedicated fanbase who love the actof understanding how planes workbefore flying them through realistic and jaw-dropping environments that look as close to real life as possible.
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The graphics and addictive simulation gameplay of this title make it a great game to check out for fans of the genre. It can be a bit complex, but the attention to detail when it comes to the aviation mechanics in this title makes it worthwhile for players with specific tastes and interests.
4Gears Of War (Average Metacritic Score: 88)
Gears of Waris another pivotal franchise for Microsoft that’s been around since the original Xbox. The games are a brilliant mix of third-person shooters and tactical gameplay that also works in a complex story and alien enemies that are fun to exterminate.
TheGearsgames have remained consistent over the years and the recent return to the franchise,Gears 5,is proof that the magic isn’t lost and that this franchise isn’t going anywhere. The addition of robustcooperative gameplayhas only given the titles more appeal.
