5 Best Xbox 360 Games Of All Time, Ranked

After entering the home console market with the original Xbox in 2001, Microsoft upped the ante with the Xbox 360. Launched in 2005, the console doubled down on online functionality, both with gameplay and an extensive digital marketplace for games and updates. Though the console gained a notorious reputation for faulty hardware, linked to its red ring of death, it also boasted an impressive library of games. The console featured a healthy mix of third-party titles and games that were console exclusives at the time of their debut.

The Xbox 360 enjoyed a robust run before coming to an end with the launch of the Xbox One in 2013. Many of the Xbox's biggest original franchises released multiple titles on the Xbox 360 while other properties made their debut. Given that many cross-platform titles were virtually indistinguishable on rival consoles like the PlayStation 3, we're focusing on games that were at least initially console exclusives. These are the five best Xbox 360 games of all time ranked, showcasing Microsoft's sophomore home console.

There are loads of racing games on the Xbox 360, including plenty of titles that started out exclusive to the console. The genre highlight for the console is 2009's "Forza Motorsport 3," the penultimate title in the series released for the 360. The game's single-player mode significantly expanded upon the experience, both with the numbers of vehicles and real-world tracks. Similarly, the multiplayer modes are much more refined, particularly when it comes to online technical performances and the sheer amount of features available.

While PlayStation has "Gran Turismo," Xbox has "Forza," and the series' third mainline title really solidified what it was all about. With hundreds of cars and tracks available, the game's wealth of content meant that "Forza Motorsport 3" was actually shipped on two discs to assist with the installation. The game also puts a greater emphasis on accessibility, including an assist mode that automatically helps players with their velocity at key moments when navigating tracks. One of the best racing games of its generation, "Forza Motorsport 3" is a massive level-up title for its franchise.

Before Bungie went on to other projects, the last entry in the "Halo" franchise that it created went back to that story's beginning. The 2010 game "Halo: Reach" serves as a prequel to the prior titles, revolving around the fall of an off-world colony to the alien alliance known as the Covenant. The story centers on a squad of elite Spartan warriors investigating the Covenant's early invasion efforts before becoming the frontline of a full-on war. The Spartans lead a desperate last stand against the full might of the Covenant, setting the stage for the story of "Halo: Combat Evolved."

Easily one of the best "Halo" games of any generation, "Reach" features one of the most emotionally affecting campaigns. The game also features the franchise's signature flair for excellent multiplayer experiences, and it's one that has stuck with fans for over a decade. When "Halo: Reach" was added to "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" in 2019, it saw a record concurrent 161,000 players, creating a visible testament to its enduring appeal. Completing the circle that Bungie began in 2001, "Halo: Reach" set a bar that its follow-ups have yet to reach.

When "Mass Effect" debuted in November 2007, it was exclusive on the Xbox 360 until it came to PCs six months later and the PlayStation 3 five years later. The game introduces a 22nd century where humanity has achieved faster-than-light travel and begun to play an increasingly prominent role in galactic politics. The story's protagonist, Commander Shepard, discovers one of the interstellar council's top agents has gone rogue in favor of serving sentient machines plotting to eradicate organic life. Shepard leads their crew, recruiting warriors and scientists from other species, to help him stop the rogue Turian, Saren, with each of their major choices carrying their own consequences.

The original "Mass Effect" played up its action RPG elements more than its eventual sequels while retaining the third-person action the series is known for. The game offers a sweeping sci-fi story with impressive world-building, and a cinematic-level presentation makes the whole experience feel especially operatic. Beyond its scale and narrative, the original "Mass Effect" still maintains engaging gameplay, particularly its shooting mechanics. Though it feels like Electronic Arts won't release another "Mass Effect" game, at least anytime soon, the 2007 title still holds up nearly 20 years later.

The original 2006 "Gears of War" gave the Xbox 360 its first true console-exclusive hit not directly based on an existing franchise. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a monstrously subterranean army known as the Locust, the "Gears of War" story was expanded with its 2008 sequel. Returning protagonists Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago take the fight to the Locust, delving below the planet's surface to confront their hellish enemy. The game also revamps the multiplayer modes compared to its predecessor, both in terms of technical performance and number of gameplay modes available.

While the first "Gears of War" still holds up as an excellent debut, "Gears of War 2" is an all-around improvement by any comparison. The cover system that the gameplay revolves around so tightly has been refined while the cooperative gameplay remains just as rewarding as ever. Even released just two years after its predecessor, the sequel's technical presentation has been significantly upgraded as well. A masterclass in avoiding the sophomore slump, "Gears of War 2" stands as the arguable pinnacle of the franchise to date.

Just as the first two "Halo" games stand as the original Xbox at its best, 2007's "Halo 3" brought the Xbox 360 to new heights. The game follows Master Chief as he regroups with his allies on Earth to face the continued Covenant invasion of the planet. Discovering an ancient structure that can control all Halo rings outside of the galaxy, Master Chief, the Covenant, and the Flood battle for the fate of the cosmos. Whereas prior entries offered solo or two-player co-op for its main campaign, "Halo 3" allows for up to four people to play the campaign cooperatively.

Nearly 20 years later and "Halo 3" is still the best "Halo" game by a considerable margin on multiple fronts. The campaign is the most epic of the series while the multiplayer modes remain unsurpassed, at least during the franchise's tenure on the Xbox 360. The game also introduces Forge mode, letting players edit existing multiplayer maps and share them online. The ultimate realization of Bungie's vision for the series, "Halo 3" is a sci-fi game everyone needs to play, regardless of platform.