The Xbox 360 is the lead console in North America, the firs HD console, and a fantastic device delivering what most would say is the best online experience of this past generation. Now, the 360 may not have the exclusives that Sony boasts on their platform, but the Exclusives there really do shine through.
See some of the “must-plays” from the Xbox 360 as we move into the new age of the Xbox One.
Shadow Complex
Super Metroid is second only to The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past as the best games to be released on the SNES as far as I am concerned. When I saw the E3 press conference where Shadow Complex premiered as a true return-to-form Metroidvania, very much in the style of Super Metroid, I was nothing but giddy.
Shadow Complex is one of those games where it really is a driven, mechanical, and nothing-but-fun experience. Everything in the way that game plays is in favor of the player, from challenging platforming to an incredibly smart upgrade-mechanic.
Past that, there were great bosses, amazing set pieces, and stunning visuals for a genre that had never seen any of those aspects. It was as if a AAA developer decided to make Super Metroid today, and it was awesome. On top of that, it was just a $15 downloadable title from the Summer of Arcade, which just exemplifies its worth.
Now I can only pray for a Shadow Complex 2, because I don’t think I’ll be seeing Super Metroid 2 any time soon.
-Alex
Gears of War
When I first laid hands onto an Xbox 360, its soul purpose was for Guitar Hero. For the longest time, I neglected franchises like Halo and Gears of War, until about a year ago when I decided to pick up a copy of Gears of War, and to be honest, I haven’t looked back since.
The way this game was able to blend the science fiction genre around a militarized model in order to create a third-person shooter is second to none. The two elements of military and scifi may seem like an odd pairing, but the way these two feed off of one another to progress the story sets a high standard for any game to reach, whether it involves the two or not.
Even though Marcus Fenix may not be Link or Mario, the characters in Gears of War grow on you quickly. They develop their own unique characteristics that set them aside from more iconic figures, because they are the grit-and-grind heroes needed every once in awhile. From ripping apart Locust with the lancer to following the progression of the characters in their estranged environment, Gears of War locks the player into wanting more every time they have to set the controller down.
Although there isn’t any news in regards to another Gears of War title for the Xbox One, the prequel, Judgement, and the Gears of War Trilogy, is enough to keep us coming back to the 360 time and time again.
-Zack
Fable 2
It’s not very often a game captures my heart as well as Fable 2 managed to do. As a child, I loved fairytales, wizards and mystical lands. Fable 2 is practically a projection of my childhood fantasies, one which I am free to explore at will.
Fable 2 isn’t your standard action-adventure game. Throughout your playthrough you’re able to develop relationships, have children and participate in various jobs through the land of Albion. Choice was also a big part of Fable 2, players had the option to be good or evil depending on how pure or corrupt they were. Players would be able to help the people in need to gain some purity or if feeling a little evil, smite them down with some powerful magic to gain corruption. This, in turn, would morph the characters appearance to fit their personality; if you’re ‘Pure,’ you’ll be a classic hero with a dazzling smile and big muscles, however, if you’re ‘Corrupt,’ be prepared to grow horns and look menacing.
Fable 2 was a beautiful game at the time of it’s release, mainly due to it’s cartoon aesthetics and fantastic scenery throughout the world. If like me, you’re also a fan of classic fairytales and mystical lands, try Fable 2. I recommend picking it up immediately. Fable 2 is my favourite game on Xbox 360.
-Niall
