Best Xbox 360 games of all time, ranked

When the Xbox 360 launched in 2005, playing games online on consoles was quickly becoming the norm. Alongside competitors like the PlayStation 3 and Wii, Microsoft embraced this trend, creating a system focused on multiplayer gaming, digital game purchases, and building online communities. The Xbox 360 wasn’t just a console for playing good games; it fundamentally changed how people connected with those games.

The Xbox 360 hosted some truly iconic game series. Games like Halo 3 and Gears of War transformed Xbox Live into a place where players loved to connect. Call of Duty 4 and Modern Warfare 2 revolutionized online shooting games. Huge role-playing games such as Mass Effect 2, Skyrim, Fallout: New Vegas, and Dark Souls offered players unprecedented freedom and immersive worlds. Meanwhile, innovative titles like Portal 2, BioShock, and The Orange Box proved that clever design and storytelling could succeed alongside big-budget action games.

The Xbox 360 was a defining console generation, fostering everything from fun couch co-op experiences to intense online competitions that created lasting friendships and rivalries, and ultimately helped create the console gaming landscape we know today.

With that in mind, here’s our ranking of the best Xbox 360 games.

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Halo 4

Release date:

November 6, 2012

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Xbox One

More info

What it’s about: Halo 4 marks the start of an epic new saga within the award-winning Halo universe. The Master Chief returns in this award-winning first-person shooter developed by 343 Industries. Shipwrecked on a mysterious world, faced with new enemies and deadly technology, the Chief returns to battle against an ancient evil bent on vengeance and annihilation…the universe will never be the same.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Release date:

October 9, 2012

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Android
iOS

More info

What it’s about: XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics.
The original XCOM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth.
You will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2

Release date:

July 30, 2008

4(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360
Xbox One

More info

What it’s about: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 contains six different game modes: Deadline, King, Evolved, Pacifism, Waves and Sequence. Multiplayer was introduced in this sequel.

Trials Evolution

Release date:

April 18, 2012

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Trials Evolution is a downloadable 2.5D platform racing game developed by RedLynx and published by Microsoft Studios. Successor to 2009’s critically acclaimed Trials HD. The game uses 3D graphics, but is played on a 2D plane, so the rider can only move forwards and backwards. Players can also control the bike’s pitch at slow speeds or while in the air. Players can also design and share their own maps utilizing the in-game editor. As with its predecessor, Trials HD.

Bayonetta

Release date:

October 29, 2009

5(15 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: A member of an ancient witch clan and possessing powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Release date:

November 16, 2010

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Become Seacrest County’s top cop or most wanted racer!

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas

Release date:

November 22, 2006

4(4 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
PlayStation Portable

More info

What it’s about: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six makes its next-generation hardware debut in the most dramatic installment of the renowned first-person shooter franchise to date. Experience Las Vegas like never before – through revolutionary next-generation technology as you work against the clock to keep one of the world’s most recognizable cities from utter devastation.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Release date:

March 9, 2006

5(4 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 2
PlayStation 3
Xbox
Xbox 360
Nintendo GameCube

More info

What it’s about: The year is 2013 and you play as Captain Mitchell, commander of a Ghost Recon team, on a mission in Mexico City where rebels are attempting a coup, putting Mexico and the USA in danger.

To deal with the different situations you have to face, taking out AA-guns or defending injured personnel until the rescue team arrives, you do not only have access to top-notch weapons like the different versions of the MR-C, but also to futuristic equipment like a drone that flies over the battlefield to spot enemy units.

Skate

Release date:

September 14, 2007

4(5 reviews)

Platforms:

PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: SKATE delivers the feel of skating through innovative controls, authentic cameras and a fully reactive skateboarding city. The game features professional skaters such as Danny Way and PJ Ladd, as well as a reactive city and relevant in-game cameras. SKATE’s unique control scheme captures the true feel of skating versus the typical button mashing gameplay of past skating games. Featuring physics-driven animations, gamers will have a unique gaming experience every time they pick up the controller since no two tricks will ever be the same.

Dishonored

Release date:

October 9, 2012

5(14 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored’s flexible combat system, creatively eliminate your targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

NBA 2K12

Release date:

October 4, 2011

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
OnLive Game System

More info

What it’s about: With over 5 million copies sold worldwide and over 20 Sports Game of Year awards, last year NBA 2K11 allowed you to BECOME THE GREATEST with MJ & the Jordan Challenge mode. This year the NBA 2K franchise is back and bigger than ever, providing fans with the opportunity they’ve always dreamed of – to finally END THE DEBATE as to who are the best teams and players of all time. Featuring such NBA legends as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as well as all of your favorite NBA players of today, NBA 2K12 will be packed with new and exciting features that will be revealed in the weeks and months ahead that, come October 4th, will put fans center court of an unprecedented basketball experience.

Alan Wake

Release date:

May 14, 2010

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Alan Wake is a psychological horror action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment. The narrative centres on Alan Wake, a bestselling thriller novelist experiencing writer’s block. He travels to the small town of Bright Falls with his wife, Alice, seeking a change of environment. Shortly after their arrival, Alice vanishes under mysterious circumstances. As Alan searches for her, he discovers pages of a thriller novel he does not recall writing. The events described in these pages begin to manifest in reality, and Alan encounters hostile supernatural entities known as the “Taken,” who are controlled by darkness. The gameplay involves navigating Bright Falls and using light to combat these dark forces. The storyline explores themes of reality and fiction, along with the influence of the written word.

FIFA Soccer 10

Release date:

October 1, 2009

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Last year’s game topped the league and now the all-new FIFA 10 is looking to defend its title as the number one football action game. More realistic than ever, this latest sequel has greatly improved artificial intelligence, ball physics and graphics. Brand new this year is the 360 degree dribbling system, giving you the most precise control ever. There are also changes to how the defensive line is formed, as well as improvements to crosses, freekicks and goalkeepers (who can now receive red cards). Naturally the game retains its hugely successful on and offline multiplayer modes, with new options and better stability for online play. The manager mode has also seen a massive update to make it just as deep and complex as the main game. With all these new features and more EA Sports are betting on FIFA remaining the champions for a long time to come.

Dead Space 2

Release date:

January 25, 2011

5(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Three years after the Necromorph infestation aboard the USS Ishimura, Isaac Clarke awakens from a coma, confused, disoriented, and on a space station called The Sprawl. Just as his health begins to improve, The Sprawl is overrun with even more advanced forms of the alien-zombie hybrids.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

Release date:

October 28, 2007

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 2
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Rock out to the third entry in in Red Octane’s music series for guitar gods! Songs for Guitar Hero III include Barracuda by Heart, Sabotage by Beastie Boys, Rock And Roll All Nite by Kiss, and much more! In addition, players can experience an incredible number of added features and explosive content including a new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content and authentic rock venues.

Max Payne 3

Release date:

May 15, 2012

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Max Payne 3 is a third-person shooter in which the player assumes the role of its titular character, Max Payne. A new feature to the series, introduced in Max Payne 3, is the cover system, which allows players to gain a tactical advantage, and avoid taking damage from enemies. To progress through the linear story, players take on enemies throughout levels. The game features interactive cutscenes which transition seamlessly into continuing gameplay; there are no loading screens across gameplay and cutscenes.

Forza Horizon

Release date:

October 23, 2012

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Forza Horizon is an action racing game set on the epic open roads of Colorado with a thrilling music festival backdrop. Combining stunning graphics and cutting-edge music with legendary Forza authenticity and a superb collection of cars to drive, Forza Horizon is an open-world automotive playground that puts a spotlight on speed, style, and the freedom of the open road. This is where cars belong!

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Release date:

March 2, 2010

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Android
iOS

More info

What it’s about: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 brings the award-winning Battlefield gameplay to the forefront of PC gaming with best-in-class vehicular combat and unexpected “Battlefield moments.” New vehicles like the ATV and a transport helicopter allow for all-new multiplayer tactics on the Battlefield. With the Frostbite-enabled Destruction 2.0 system, you can take down entire buildings and create your own fire points by blasting holes through cover. You can also compete in four-player teams in two squad-only game modes, fighting together to unlock exclusive awards and achievements. Battles are set across expansive maps, each with a different tactical focus. The game also sees the return of the B Company squad in a more mature single-player campaign.

Fable II

Release date:

October 21, 2008

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Fable 2 is the second game in the fable series by Lionhead Studios, it is an open world role-playing game. It has a simple story line where the hero needs to save Albion from the evil Lord Lucian by collecting together the other three heroes to defeat him. Interactive cut-scenes are a large part of the game however the main character never speaks and all dialogue is uncontrolled. The game features a large variety of game play and freedom, allowing a player to shape the world around and the characters appearance and moral standing based on decisions throughout the game. The player can also get married both same and opposite sex and bring up children to childhood but no farther, expressions are a lot more interactive with NPC’s than before

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag

Release date:

October 29, 2013

4(21 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag begins in 1715, when pirates established a lawless republic in the Caribbean and ruled the land and seas. These outlaws paralyzed navies, halted international trade, and plundered vast fortunes. They threatened the power structures that ruled Europe, inspired the imaginations of millions, and left a legacy that still endures.

BioShock Infinite

Release date:

March 25, 2013

5(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: BioShock Infinite is the third game in the BioShock series. It is not a direct sequel/prequel to any of the previous BioShock games but takes place in an entirely different setting, although it shares similar features, gameplay and concepts with the previous games. BioShock Infinite features a range of environments that force the player to adapt, with different weapons and strategies for each situation. Interior spaces feature close combat with enemies, but unlike previous games set in Rapture, the setting of Infinite contains open spaces with emphasis on sniping and ranged combat against as many as fifteen enemies at once.

Forza Motorsport 4

Release date:

October 11, 2011

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Forza Motorsport 4 is a racing video game, and the fourth in the Forza Motorsport series. Like Sony’s Gran Turismo franchise, Forza games are racing simulations; heavy emphasis is placed on making the cars drive and look as realistic as possible. Races are conducted on closed circuit tracks. 500 cars are featured in the core game experience, ranging from road cars to race cars. Players can utilize Kinect to look into a corner using a new head tracking feature. This allows them to look toward the apex of a corner or at nearby cars. The controller or steering wheel is used to control the car while Kinect is used independently for viewing around the driver. Players can also use Kinect as a game controller. In this setting the game automatically accelerates and decelerates the player’s vehicle utilizing a modified version of the feature known as Auto Brake in Forza Motorsport 3. The steering is controlled by placing the players arms out as if controlling an invisible steering wheel. Kinect will allow the player to use voice commands to start races and navigate menus.

Halo: Reach

Release date:

September 14, 2010

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Xbox One

More info

What it’s about: Experience the story before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved as you fight to defend the planet Reach from a harrowing Covenant invasion. In this first-person shooter you can customize your own Spartan with armor and accessories to experience both a pulse-pounding campaign and addictive multiplayer mode. Reach will fall, but it won’t go down without a fight.

Gears of War 3

Release date:

September 20, 2011

5(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in videogames. Gears of War 3 plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival and brotherhood. In Gears of War 3, players fight on as Marcus Fenix, the grizzled war hero and leader of Delta Squad. Eighteen months after the fall of the last human city, the war against the Locust rages on. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface, a fearsome new threat is infecting the planet from within. With survivors scattered and civilization in ruins, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Release date:

November 9, 2010

4(13 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Call of Duty: Black Ops is the seventh main Call of Duty game and the sequel to Call of Duty: World at War. The game differs from most previous installments, which would involve a usual three-country campaign, while Call of Duty: Black Ops features two playable countries (Russia and the USA) but only has an American campaign. Several new features are also introduced, such as dive-to-prone and the available use of a flashlight on certain weapons. Furthermore, the campaign’s playable characters now speak while being controlled by the player. Extra game included within: + Zork (Apple II)

Batman: Arkham City

Release date:

October 18, 2011

5(10 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
OnLive Game System
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City, the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.

Borderlands 2

Release date:

September 18, 2012

4(17 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Android
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: A new era of shoot and loot is about to begin. Play as one of four new vault hunters facing off against a massive new world of creatures, psychos and the evil mastermind, Handsome Jack. Make new friends, arm them with a bazillion weapons and fight alongside them in 4 player co-op on a relentless quest for revenge and redemption across the undiscovered and unpredictable living planet.

The Walking Dead

Release date:

April 24, 2012

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Android
iOS
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: The Walking Dead: Season One (also known as The Walking Dead: The Game) is an episodic interactive drama graphic adventure video game developed and published by Telltale Games. Based on Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic book series, the game consists of five episodes, released between April and November 2012. It is available for Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is the first of The Walking Dead video game series published by Telltale.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Release date:

March 20, 2006

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the fourth game in the Elder Scrolls story, is set within the province of Cyrodiil, the heartland and Imperial capital of Tamriel. Emperor Uriel Septim VII is assassinated in flight from his own palace, but just before he dies he passes on to you the mystic Amulet of Kings. The adventure proper begins with the quest to find Uriel’s lost and illegitimate son who is the only heir to the throne. In a world where the forces of darkness seek their ultimate dominion over the ranks of man and mer alike, you alone stand between the future of Tamriel and the gates of Oblivion.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood

Release date:

November 16, 2010

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Live and breathe as Ezio, a legendary Master Assassin, in his enduring struggle against the powerful Templar Order. He must journey into Italy’s greatest city, Rome, center of power, greed and corruption to strike at the heart of the enemy.
Defeating the corrupt tyrants entrenched there will require not only strength, but leadership, as Ezio commands an entire Brotherhood who will rally to his side. Only by working together can the Assassins defeat their mortal enemies.
And for the first time, introducing a never-before-seen multiplayer layer that allows you to choose from a wide range of unique characters, each with their own signature weapons and assassination techniques, and match your skills against other players from around the world.
It’s time to join the Brotherhood.

Fallout 3

Release date:

October 28, 2008

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Fallout 3 from the creators of the award-winning Oblivion, featuring one of the most realized game worlds ever created. Create any kind of character you want and explore the open wastes of post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. Every minute is a fight for survival as you encounter Super Mutants, Ghouls, Raiders and other dangers of the Wasteland. Prepare for the future.

The third game in the Fallout series, Fallout 3 is a singleplayer action role-playing game (RPG) set in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC. Combining the horrific insanity of the Cold War era theory of mutually assured destruction gone terribly wrong, with the kitschy naivety of American 1950s nuclear propaganda, Fallout 3 will satisfy both players familiar with the popular first two games in its series as well as those coming to the franchise for the first time.

Dead Space

Release date:

October 14, 2008

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Dead Space is a 2008 science fiction survival horror video game developed by EA Redwood Shores (now Visceral Games) for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released on all platforms through October 2008. The game puts the player in control of an engineer named Isaac Clarke, who battles the Necromorphs, reanimated human corpses, aboard an interstellar mining ship, the USG Ishimura.

Street Fighter IV

Release date:

July 18, 2008

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Android
iOS
Arcade

More info

What it’s about: Street Fighter IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II, and infusing them with Capcom’s latest advancements in next generation technology to create a truly extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

Newcomers:
– Abel
– C.Viper
– Rufus
– El Fuerte
– Gouken

Left 4 Dead

Release date:

November 17, 2008

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: From Valve (the creators of Counter-Strike, Half-Life and more) comes Left 4 Dead, a co-op action horror game for the PC and Xbox 360 that casts up to four players in an epic struggle for survival against swarming zombie hordes and terrifying mutant monsters. Set in the immediate aftermath of the zombie apocalypse, L4D’s survival co-op mode lets you blast a path through the infected in four unique “movies,” guiding your survivors across the rooftops of an abandoned metropolis, through rural ghost towns and pitch-black forests in your quest to escape a devastated Ground Zero crawling with infected enemies. Each “movie” is comprised of five large maps, and can be played by one to four human players, with an emphasis on team-based strategy and objectives. New technology dubbed “the AI Director” is used to generate a unique gameplay experience every time you play. The Director tailors the frequency and ferocity of the zombie attacks to your performance, putting you in the middle of a fast-paced, but not overwhelming, Hollywood horror movie. Addictive single player, co-op, and multiplayer action gameplay from the makers of Counter-Strike and Half-Life Versus Mode lets you compete four-on-four with friends, playing as a human trying to get rescued, or as a zombie boss monster that will stop at nothing to destroy them.

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Release date:

August 25, 2009

4(5 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Ouya
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Batman: Arkham Asylum is an action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released in 2009, it follows Batman as he battles the Joker, who seizes control of Arkham Asylum and frees its inmates. The game features stealth, combat, and detective elements, with players using Batman’s gadgets and skills to subdue enemies and solve puzzles. Set in a dark, immersive version of Gotham, the story explores Batman’s psychological battle with his foes, including Harley Quinn, Bane, and Scarecrow. The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay, atmosphere, and storytelling, becoming a defining title in superhero video games.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Release date:

November 10, 2009

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles and the Microsoft Windows operating system. Officially announced on February 11, 2009, the game was released worldwide on November 10, 2009. It is the sixth installment of the Call of Duty series and the direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, continuing the same storyline, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 set to end the storyline.

BioShock

Release date:

August 21, 2007

5(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: BioShock is a horror-themed first-person shooter set in a steampunk underwater dystopia. The player is urged to turn everything into a weapon: biologically modifying their own body with Plasmids, hacking devices and systems, upgrading their weapons, crafting new ammo variants, and experimenting with different battle techniques are all possible. The game is described by the developers as a spiritual successor to their previous PC title System Shock 2. BioShock received high praise in critical reviews for its atmospheric audio and visual quality, absorbing and original plot and its unique gaming experience.

Fallout: New Vegas

Release date:

October 19, 2010

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: In this first-person Western RPG, the player takes on the role of Courier 6, barely surviving after being robbed of their cargo, shot and put into a shallow grave by a New Vegas mob boss. The Courier sets out to track down their robbers and retrieve their cargo, and winds up getting tangled in the complex ideological and socioeconomic web of the many factions and settlements of post-nuclear Nevada.

The Orange Box

Release date:

October 10, 2007

5(3 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: The Orange Box is a bundle that includes five titles from Valve: Half-Life 2; Half-Life 2:Episode 1; Half-Life 2: Episode Two; Team Fortress 2, the sequel to the game that put class-based, multiplayer team warfare on the map; and Portal, the game that blends puzzles, first person action, and adventure gaming to produce an experience like no other.

Dark Souls

Release date:

September 22, 2011

5(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Dark Souls is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in September 2011 as a spiritual sequel to Demon’s Souls, it is set in a dark, medieval fantasy world. It is renowned for its challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and deep lore. Players control a customizable character known as the Chosen Undead, embarking on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of the cursed land of Lordran. Dark Souls is known for its punishing difficulty, requiring players to carefully manage combat, stamina, and resources while navigating hostile environments filled with dangerous enemies and formidable bosses. The game features a unique multiplayer component, allowing players to leave messages for others, summon allies for cooperative play, or invade other players’ worlds for PvP combat. The original release of Dark Souls received critical acclaim for its atmospheric world, innovative mechanics, and rewarding gameplay, solidifying its place as a seminal title in the action RPG genre.

Gears of War 2

Release date:

November 7, 2008

5(5 reviews)

Platforms:

Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: In Gears of War 2, The COG continues its fight against the Locust horde, who are attempting to sink all of the cities on the planet Sera by using a big riftworm to eat the ground beneath them. Sergeant Marcus Fenix leads Delta Squad into the depths of the planet to try to stop the worm from eating but instead they discover the true intent of the Locust actions.

Portal 2

Release date:

April 18, 2011

5(9 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Sequel to the acclaimed Portal (2007), Portal 2 pits the protagonist of the original game, Chell, and her new robot friend, Wheatley, against more puzzles conceived by GLaDOS, an A.I. with the sole purpose of testing the Portal Gun’s mechanics and taking revenge on Chell for the events of Portal. As a result of several interactions and revelations, Chell once again pushes to escape Aperture Science Labs.

Grand Theft Auto V

Release date:

September 17, 2013

4(27 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
PlayStation 4
Xbox One

More info

What it’s about: Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. The game blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Release date:

November 5, 2007

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac

More info

What it’s about: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare differs from previous installments of the Call of Duty series. Previous Call of Duty games have a distinct three country-specific campaign style, while Call of Duty 4 has a more film-like plot with interlaced story lines from the perspectives of Sgt. Paul Jackson of the Marines 1st Force Recon and Sgt. ‘Soap’ MacTavish of the British 22nd SAS Regiment.

Red Dead Redemption

Release date:

May 18, 2010

5(8 reviews)

Platforms:

PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: A modern-day Western epic, Red Dead Redemption takes John Marston, a relic from the fast-closing time of the gunslinger, through an open world filled with wildlife, mini-games, and shootouts. Marston sets out to hunt down his old gang mates for the government, who have taken away his family. Along his journey, he meets many characters emblematic of the Wild West, heroism, and the new civilization.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Release date:

November 10, 2011

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose. Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.

Mass Effect 2

Release date:

January 26, 2010

5(9 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Are you prepared to lose everything to save the galaxy? You’ll need to be, Commander Shephard. It’s time to bring together your greatest allies and recruit the galaxy’s fighting elite to continue the resistance against the invading Reapers. So steel yourself, because this is an astronomical mission where sacrifices must be made. You’ll face tougher choices and new, deadlier enemies. Arm yourself and prepare for an unforgettable intergalactic adventure. Game Features: Shift the fight in your favour. Equip yourself with powerful new weapons almost instantly thanks to a new inventory system. Plus, an improved health regeneration system means you’ll spend less time hunting for restorative items. Make every decision matter. Divisive crew members are just the tip of the iceberg, Commander, because you’ll also be tasked with issues of intergalactic diplomacy. And time’s a wastin’ so don’t be afraid to use new prompt-based actions that let you interrupt conversations, even if they could alter the fate of your crew…and the galaxy. Forge new alliances, carefully. You’ll fight alongside some of your most trustworthy crew members, but you’ll also get the opportunity to recruit new talent. Just choose your new partners with care because the fate of the galaxy rests on your shoulders, Commander.

Halo 3

Release date:

September 25, 2007

5(4 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Xbox One

More info

What it’s about: Halo 3 is a shooter game where players primarily experience gameplay from a first-person perspective. Much of the gameplay takes place on foot, but also includes segments focused on vehicular combat. The balance of weapons and objects in the game was adjusted to better adhere to the “Golden Triangle of Halo”: these are weapons, grenades, and melee attacks, which are available to a player in most situations. Players may dual-wield some weapons, forgoing the use of grenades and melee attacks in favor of the combined firepower of two weapons. Many weapons available in previous installments of the series return with minor cosmetic and power alterations. Unlike previous installments, the player’s secondary weapon is visible on their player model, holstered or slung across the player’s back. Halo 3 introduces “support weapons”, which are cumbersome two-handed weapons that slow the player, but offer greatly increased firepower in return. In addition to weapons, the game contains a new class of gear called equipment; these items have various effects, ranging from defensive screens to shield regeneration and flares. Only one piece of equipment can be carried at a time. The game’s vehicular component has been expanded with new drivable and AI-only vehicles.

2026-01-17 05:55