Our compilation of the best Xbox 360 exclusives has something for fans of all genres. Ever since its launch in 2005, Microsoft’s console has been getting special titles from developers who pledge their loyalties to the company and not release them on other machines. There have been games from franchises like Gears of War and Halo that have turned out to be definitive of the 360’s amazing capabilities.
We’ve gone down memory lane and plucked out the finest games that can be enjoyed by you on your consoles. Just yesterday, we published our picks for the top PS3-only games. Have a glance at them if you’re in ownership of Sony’s console. For now, here are the ten games (in no particular order) we think should be given a go by all those who possess the Xbox 360.
1 – Lost Odyssey
The PS3 does have a large share of JRPGs to boast of, but 360 gamers who wish to explore the genre, can go for Lost Odyssey which came out back in 2008. The game features an excellent art style which is complemented well by its smooth graphics. Its engaging story has you playing the role of Kaim, who has lived for a thousand years, but has no memory of his past.
For its combat, the game makes use of a traditional turn-based system that is a staple of Japanese role-playing games. And if that’s not enough, the game has been produced by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the celebrated Final Fantasy series.
2 – Dance Central 2
With the coming of the motion-controlled generation of gaming, Microsoft entered the scene with the Kinect accessory which gave the Wii and PS Move a run for their money. Its launch title, Dance Central did well to get gamers off their couches and indulge in rigorous dancing activities. Dance Central 2 is its sequel which brings to the table a number of fresh features.
These include voice control, multiplayer gameplay in co-op or competitive modes with support for the drop in/drop out functionality as well as other enhanced modes, which make it a worthy addition to our roster.
3 – Halo: Reach
Few games have managed achieve as much popularity and sustain it over a long period as Halo games have. Halo: Reach, which released in 2010, went way beyond everyone’s expectations with its high-class first-person shooter gameplay.
Developed by series-creator Bungie, this game acts as a prequel to the trilogy, and offers fans with a recreation of the events portrayed in the novel, Halo: The Fall of Reach. Apart from the campaign, it also includes a grand multiplayer mode with support for competitive and cooperative play, either online or offline.
4 – Forza Motorsport 4
If realistic racing games are you cup of tea, you just can’t afford to give Forza Motorsport 4 a miss. This title’s forte lies in the fact that it recreates actual cars with such details that they look like their genuine real-world versions. And it even has a special mode called Autovista mode, which has been dedicated to letting gamers have a detailed look at each and every nook and corner of the cars; from their engines to their interior gauges and so on.
Also new to the series is the Kinect-integration which uses head-tracking to allow gamers to look around their surroundings. They can even use this feature to drive cars, but the catch here is that the acceleration and deceleration would be controlled automatically.
5 – Trials Evolution
One of top contenders for 2012’s downloadable game of year honors, Trials Evolution is a 2.5D platform racing game with a strong emphasis on level editing tools reminiscent of the ones we so loved in the classic Excitebike.
With these, players can design their own maps and share them online for others to revel in. While the Lite version of this editor offers simple building tools, the Pro version grants gamers access to the title’s visual programming language, rendering them with near infinite customization options. This fifth entry to the list can now be downloaded via Xbox Live.
6 – Dead or Alive 4
Dead or Alive games are often branded as downright gimmicky, but they do possess the core gameplay that one expects from fighting titles. With its 22 playable characters as well as it diverse fighting arenas, the game packs quite a punch.
It features a Story mode, a Time Attack mode, a Survival mode, a Team Battle mode, a Versus mode as well as online gameplay for head-to-head fights. This title has been praised particularly for its innovative fighting system which has received quite a complex implementation.
7 – Gears of War 3
Launched for the 360 only last year, Gears of War 3 marked an end to the trilogy, and it did that in style. The incredibly engaging story that was being recited from the first game was given a rightful closure by this title. With the very third-person shooter mechanics it gave to the industry, Epic Games has crafted this beauty to utter perfection.
It’s even got some great graphics, amazing gunplay and a spectacular soundtrack to tag along. We advise you to play the entire Gears trilogy if you haven’t, in order to get set for Gears of War: Judgment – a prequel releasing in March next year.
8 – The Gunstringer
Our next choice for this compilation is another downloadable title released last year. It’s a game that takes full advantage of the Kinect’s body-tracking attributes. With a wild west setting, it transpires as if event are being played out on a theater stage. Players step into the shoes of The Gunstringer, an undead puppet sheriff who was stabbed in the back by his counterparts.
You need control his movements by gesturing your left hands, whereas the shooting part needs to be taken care of by the right hand. It is this model which has proven to be the most exciting aspect of the game.
9 – Fable II
For open world RPG fans, Fable II is another 360-only game that will easily manage to keep you busy for weeks. Taking place in the fictional land of Albion, it immerses you fully in its vast sandbox world.
To add to that, there’s a family and relationships system, job provisions, character morphing, co-op play and a lot more to explore. It was first released in 2008, and it now sells in the form of a Game of the Year edition which also contains two DLC packs.
10 – Kinect Sports: Season Two
If you enjoy playing sports, Kinect Sports: Season Two is your access to participate in them right from your living rooms.
It takes advantage of the Kinect sensor, and presents you with activities like golf, darts, baseball, skiing, tennis and American football, which can all be played in single-player and multiplayer modes (offline as well as over Xbox Live.
Conclusion:
That ends our long rant about the best Xbox 360 exclusives that you can indulge in. All these games are guaranteed to be excellent additions to you game catalogs, and can be described as must-haves for anyone who owns Microsoft’s console.