The console-defining game for every Xbox system

When Microsoft launched the original Xbox in 2001, it changed the video game industry forever, and its impact is still felt more than 25 years later. Three successors, the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, eventually followed, all of which had their peaks and controversies. Currently, the Xbox is probably at an all-time low, and there are even fears that sooner or later Microsoft may move out of the console business. Will there ever be a fifth console, as the rumors suggest, or will it be something completely new, like a downloadable app on a PC similar to Xbox Game Pass?

It's hard to predict the future because technology is odd right now in terms of parts and storage, but for now, let's look back at the games that defined these four consoles. The Halo franchise will appear, but on which console? All of them? Let's go ahead and find out.

Original Xbox: Halo: Combat Evolved

Xbox's reason for success

Halo: Combat Evolved launched with the original console, forever cementing the idea that Halo is the Xbox series. It wasn't just a great launch game; it redefined what first-person shooters could be on consoles and became the blueprint for them going forward. There's a reason studios tried to make “Halo Killers” in the 2000s, and this game, along with its sequels, is it. The game had everything from solid controls that felt right, a story that felt epic and immersive, and a main character that, while silent, was completely insane. Master Chief became iconic despite being just one of many super soldiers in a space shooter.

Somehow, Master Chief managed to stand out, thanks in part to his massive size, shiny green armor, and AI companion, Cortana. The alien enemies, The Covenant, also became iconic, from the screams of the frightened Grunts to the laughter uttered by the Elite. Another good thing about the game was the more open level design, which allows players to explore on foot or in one of several vehicles. Whether players pop in the original version or enjoy the remaster as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo: Combat Evolved holds up incredibly well as one of the best first-person shooters of all time. If it weren't for this game, it's hard to think of another Xbox original that could have skyrocketed the brand on launch day.

Xbox 360: Gears Of War

Chainsaws up the competition on Xbox 360

While several Halo game was released on the Xbox 360, the next generation was more about highlighting a certain cover shooter. Gears of War was the next evolution of Microsoft's shooter, which took place on a fictional planet called Sera with gruff soldiers battling brutal enemies known as the Locusts. Everyone in the game looked like they had been craving protein since they were twelve, giving them an iconic look. Another iconic thing was the main guns that had chainsaw mounts, which will forever be called Gears of War arms. Players could run up to the Locusts and chainsaw them in half, and the developer, Epic Games, didn't hold back on the gore.

There is something different Gears of War from Halo even more: the excessive blood and language. Beyond the gritty stuff, the nuke-based shooting and team tactics were also solid. Players could take cover, blindly fire, or take a precise kill shot before jumping back to safety. And if the ammo ran out, an active reload function filled the guns faster. All about Gears of War was well thought out, leading to a great trilogy, a fine Xbox 360 prequel, a solid strategy game, a new era of two pretty good games, and the upcoming E-day.

Gears of War finally left Xbox consoles for the first time via Reloading 2025, allowing PlayStation fans to finally get a taste of this remarkable first entry.

Xbox One: Cuphead

An indie hit on Xbox One

Cuphead

9/10

Released

September 29, 2017

Cuphead wasn't designed by a Microsoft studio, but it was set up as a console exclusive for the Xbox One, and it was one of the biggest games of this generation. Its effects have slowly seeped into other games, including the recently released ones Mouse: PI for hire and Into the sickwhich should hit Early Access pretty soon. The developer, Studio MDHR, has yet to make a game other than DLC and later ports of Cupheadbut there have been other expansions, including a Netflix cartoon. Indie games rarely get this big this quickly, but it's easy to see why this happened Cuphead. First, the visual style was striking.

There are many games with hand-drawn animations or cel-shading that make players reflect and think it looks like a cartoon in motion. Real, Cuphead was on a whole new level since its inspirations went back to the 1930s. Challenge was also a factor, and it found a niche fan base that sought out punishing yet rewarding gameplay. The focus on bosses was also unique for this type of platformer, and all the fights are pretty epic. Not a first of its kind, but the way bosses evolved over rounds and how players could counterattack was genius. Cuphead may be a smaller game in scope next to something similar Halo 4but it definitely had more impact.

Xbox Series: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle

A limited but amazing Xbox Series X/S exclusive

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one of the best timed exclusives for the current Xbox generation. It was developed by MachineGames, which is now owned by Microsoft, thanks to their overall acquisition of Bethesda. MachineGames proved capable of reviving old franchises when they started manufacturing Wolfenstein game, starting in 2014 with Wolfenstein: The New Order. In a way, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is similar in that Indy also fights Nazis, though in different situations. Perhaps the best thing about the game is the dedication to Indiana Jones films.

Indy looks like Indy, and he sounds like him too, thanks to his portrayal by Troy Baker. It's creepy, though Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is more than just a bunch of pretty faces and great sound work. It's all about the mood this game brings to the table, like a big long movie. Exploring crypts and city streets as Indy feels as natural as when the camera switches to third person for certain segments, such as climbing walls. Solving a word or tile-based puzzle is as intuitive as cracking Indy's whip or punching a thug in the jaw. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a new benchmark in licensed gaming, and hopefully MachineGames will be able to make a sequel one day.