Xbox 360 Video Game Reccomendations

[TnAdct1]

The following post is for people who own an Xbox 360.

Just recently, I picked up an Xbox 360 system myself, and I’m interested in checking out some games for the system. However, outside of a few titles listed below, I’m stumped as to which titles to check out (and in the case of Xbox Live Arcade, which games to download). So, can someone please give me a few additional recommendations for Xbox 360 games that are worth playing?

My current list of games on my list:

360 GAMES THAT I ALREADY HAVE:

-Dead Rising
-Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged (definitely got hooked on Geometry Wars Evolved)

360 GAMES THAT I’M THINKING OF BUYING:

-Dance Dance Revolution Universe
-DOAX 2 (may be pushed back to rental after hearing negative feedback about it)
-Gears of War
-Lost Planet
-Saint’s Row

360 GAMES ON MY GAMEFLY GAMEQ:

-Crackdown
-Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
-Spiderman III

XBOX LIVE ARCADE GAMES THAT I’VE DOWNLOADED:

-Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

XBOX LIVE ARCADE GAMES THAT I’M THINKING OF DOWNLOADING:

-Double Dragon
-Pac-Man C.E.
-TMNT Arcade

[ape2020]

XBLA games I got and enjoyed are:

Centipede/Millipede (Arcade Classic) 400 points - Got the old mode and the evolved mode that a blast of frantic action.

Settlers of Cantan (Board Game) 800 points - Great game and one of the more civilized online experances along with UNO.

Aegis Wing (Side shooter) FREE - A home grown SHUMP that not bad especially in co-op mode.

Prince of Persia® Classic (Platform Classic) 800 points - Comes out tommorrow and the trailers look great as they updated beautifully the look of the game.

As for the the other games. LP, CD, and GoW all have their supporters. Right now I know Gears of War best and it is very good 3rd person shooter. Helluva lot of fun in co-op and multi-player mode.

A lot of good racing games as well Project Gotham Racing 3, Forza 2, Ridge Racer 6 (johnny's darling), and Test Drive Unlimited (that not only different but relatively cheap).

-ape2020

[Johnny]

Righty, my pick of the 360 games worth owning:

Shutokou Battle X (known as Import Tuner Challenge outside Japan) - If you've ever played any of the previous Shutokou Battle games, you'll know what to expect - a "CarPG" where you drive around Tokyo's Highways challenging rivals and levelling up. Incredibly addictive. An early 360 release so it doesn't look all that impressive graphically, but for my money it's the second best in the series after 01 on the PS2 and should be fairly cheap by now.

Bullet Witch - 3rd person shooter than does nothing at all new but looks pretty and is a decent enough game. Again, should be fairly cheap, especially online.

Dead Rising - You already own this. A winner is you.

Senko no Ronde - Oh God yes. Just had it's US release as "Wartech: Senko no Ronde" but it's been out in Japan for a year or so and has gained quite a following both in and outside of Japan. Hard to describe, but it's essentially a 2D fighter dressed up to look like a 3D one, mixed with a "bullet hell" shmup. Sounds messy but plays like a dream. One of the "WTF? How is this on the 360?" titles as a rare Japanese developed, niche hardcore arcade shmup.

Ridge Racer 6 - Ape referred to this as my baby and even though I prefer RR4 and RR7, this is a great game and one of the games that made me pick up a 360 last year. You'll probably know what to expect - arcade racer with crazy drifting, cool music and a decent Live experience. Avoid only if you're more of a sim-racer fan and dislike arcadey racers.

Saints Row - Not mentioned a lot anymore but, for my money, it's the best GTA clone we've seen yet. Has a gangsta, San Andreas setting (which will likely make or break the game for you) but I found it to be entertaining enough although if time and/or money is tight, just hold out for GTA IV or even Saints Row 2.

Tenchu Senran - recently (or soon to be) released in the US and Tenchu Z, this is the latest installment in the series and IMO the best one yet aside from the PSX original. Customizable characters, awesome stealth kills and more detailed deaths all add up into something great.

Gears of War - the 360's first hype machine which delivered in spades. Truly epic experience and, although it's a different sort of game, will still be much better than the other 360 hype machine coming in November...

Dead or Alive 4 - Hardcore fighter featuring big breasted chicks. Cheap as chips. Buy.

Ninety Nine Nights - Hack n Slash on a Dynasty Warriors scale with some gorgeous visuals. Gets a little repetitive doing the same combos over and over to kill 10 million enemies but if you're a fan of the genre, well worth a look.

Project Gotham Racing 3 - Overshadowed by Forza 2 but a great racer which sits nicely between all out sim and Ridge Racer style arcade game. Should be cheap but #4 is due out soon-ish...

Blue Dragon - Another of those "is this really on a MS console" games. Very traditional Japanese RPG with Toriyama (Dragonball Z) art and several staff who worked on Final Fantasy games in the past. If you're into old-school RPGs (random battles etc) then you will LOVE this. Even if you're not, check it out when it comes to the US in a few months.

Lost Planet - Another Capcom 360 success story. Not quite the GoW beater it could have been but a gorgeous looking 3rd person shooter in an old school vein. If you're familiar with other Capcom games in this genre, you'll know what to expect. Buy this.

Just Cause - Another 3rd person sandbox game. Pretty cool although the Cuban theme and endless green trees/beaches wears a bit thin too quickly. Worth a rent at least if you're a genre fan.

iDOLM@STER - Cult game if there ever was one and the grandaddy of "I can't believe it's not on the PS2/3, can you?" 360 games. Pick your girl! Train her! Make her a successful all singing, all dancing idol! Repeat and repeat until addiction and obsession sets in and your credit card melts from buying school uniform DLC!
Highly unlikely to get a non-Japanese release but if it ever does, preorder on day one!

Crackdown - Kinda like a less serious, more comic book style GTA. Plays like that game features the ability to jump crazy heights, lift cars and so on. Well worth checking out.

Chikyuu Boueigun 3 - (Earth Defence Force 2017). Old school run and gun shooter which has you taking down everything from ants to spiders to Godzilla clones. Another cult 360 title with a budget price. If you like simple, old-school inspired games you'll love this.

Test Drive Unlimited - MMO Racer with a really cool online mode and a decent enough single player experience. Take Just Cause's setting and add exotic sports cars and you have TDU.

Guitar Hero 2 - Sadly, the guitar isn't wireless but that doesn't matter much as you get the PS2 games tracks plus more and also DLC. Expensive but very, very worth it!

Viva Pinata - Haven't actually played my copy yet but for all intents and purposes, this is an Animal Crossing style game where you raise Pinatas in your garden and look after them from day to day. Nothing else like this on the console really so worth it in that regard.

Forza Motorsport 2 - Amazing, absolutely amazing racer. Best described as the 360's answer to Gran Turismo, this is an in-depth racing game with plenty of tuning and customisation options and great online play. Hottest thing on the 360 at the minute. Don't miss out, buy it now!

[Jarred]

I just picked up the 360 a couple months ago, so I don't quite have the breadth of knowledge on games like johnny's master list above, but I'll chime in on a couple games.

For music related games, I'd personally pick Guitar Hero II over DDR, but again that's just what I prefer. Unless you want DDR for exercise, as GHII is really the lazy-person's DDR (unless you perform jump kicks and power knee slides like myself while playing).

For the sandbox, GTA style games, I'd go for Crackdown over Saints Row. With everyone trading in their copies now that that Halo 3 Beta is over, you should be able to find it at a good used price as well. It's all about the orb hunting and fun achievements, which really stretch out the replay value of the game.

For XBLA games, the two I keep coming back to play are Catan and now Pac-Man CE. I'd also say check out the trial version of Boom Boom Rocket, as it's a nice, hypnotic (and at times frantic) music game. The great thing about XBLA is that you can download the trials for all the games and try them out yourself!

[TnAdct1]

An update when it comes to games on my various lists, based on the comments that I've received here and on the Toonzone boards:

-After hearing some good word of mouth on the Toonzone boards, I put Earth Defense Force 2017 on my Gamefly GameQ;
-Project Gotham Racing 3 has been added to my list of games that I may buy (since I did enjoy PGR 2);
-Downloaded Aegis Wing last night after Ape2020 mentioned it.

Thanks guys. Keep up the suggestions.

BTW, does anyone have an opinion on Enchanted Arms, since I am an RPG fan.

[Jarred]

BTW, does anyone have an opinion on Enchanted Arms, since I am an RPG fan.
I'd probably save my money for Blue Dragon (Aug 07) and Eternal Sonata (Sept 07), 360 exclusive JRPG's that are coming out here soon!

[Johnny]

BTW, does anyone have an opinion on Enchanted Arms, since I am an RPG fan.
I'd probably save my money for Blue Dragon (Aug 07) and Eternal Sonata (Sept 07), 360 exclusive JRPG's that are coming out here soon!


Definitely agree. BD is definitely worth your money ahead of Enchanted Arms which I haven't played but hear is very dull, and Trusty Bell is shaping up to be just as good (my JP copy shipped today so impressions soon ;) )

[jecca-neko]

For music related games, I'd personally pick Guitar Hero II over DDR, but again that's just what I prefer. Unless you want DDR for exercise, as GHII is really the lazy-person's DDR (unless you perform jump kicks and power knee slides like myself while playing).

I do move around quite a bit while playing GH but I don't do all of that now. I'd be afraid to damage my very expensive equipment in the living room. That or I'd do something incredibly stupid and hurt myself. :sd:

Anyway, I don't have a 360... yet... but I'll also recommend Guitar Hero 2. I've got the PS2 version but, other than the fact that it comes with a different guitar controller and the 360 version has extra song packs, they're more or less the same game.

[Chuplayer]

Get DOAX2 if you can get it for cheap. It's good for whacking off to.

F.E.A.R. is a good game. Very awesome.

Rumble Roses is good for the same reason as DOAX2.

[Azumangaman]

BTW, does anyone have an opinion on Enchanted Arms, since I am an RPG fan.
It's ok. I guess I've only clocked a couple hours in because I have about 25 non-XBLA games (7 XBLA) to keep me going. The voice acting for both English and Japanese is pretty painful. Its an interesting turn-based tile game (tile meaning you move you character to a certain square). If you can find it for cheap, you might like it.

BUT, you should take a look at these games:

Dead Or Alive 4: This is my favourite 360 game right now (which will probably change once Blue Dragon and Eternal Sonata come here). Amazing fighter with good graphics. Extremely addicting play, and really difficult achievements to keep you going. Highly reccomended. Should be inexpensive.

Gears Of War: Well, this game really goes without saying. Awesome co-op, single player and online modes and a great 3rd-person-shooter with STUNNING graphics. If you like shooters, you need this now.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance: I'll talk about this one because its on your list... If you like superheroes and the previous X-Men Legends games, this one is definetly for you. Same gameplay with more moves, nice graphics, and a cool plot involving major villains from the Marvel Universe.

Viva Pinata: One of the most fascinatingly unique games I've ever seen. Think "The Sims". This game is great fun as you build your garden and try to attract more pinatas. Should be able to find it for $20-$30.

Just Cause: It's a big sandbox game thats good fun. Like Johnny said, it gets a little tedious as you go along, but you could go into the streets and blow up everything (and everyone) you see to keep the fun level up. Should find for cheap.

Virtua Tennis 3: IF you enjoy tennis of course :P . Addicting mini-games, and an awesome World Tour mode. Great tennis game.

[DustoMan]

Crackdown
Gears of War
PGR3
Lost Planet
Dead Rising
Viva Pinata
Forza 2
C&C 3
Saints Row

[Dylonius Funk]

For music related games, I'd personally pick Guitar Hero II over DDR, but again that's just what I prefer. Unless you want DDR for exercise, as GHII is really the lazy-person's DDR (unless you perform jump kicks and power knee slides like myself while playing).

I do move around quite a bit while playing GH but I don't do all of that now. I'd be afraid to damage my very expensive equipment in the living room. That or I'd do something incredibly stupid and hurt myself. :sd:

Anyway, I don't have a 360... yet... but I'll also recommend Guitar Hero 2. I've got the PS2 version but, other than the fact that it comes with a different guitar controller and the 360 version has extra song packs, they're more or less the same game.


In theroy they have the same controller but the XBOX one is much smaller than the PS2 one and i find it harder to use. But it shouldn't be an issue if you've never played the game before and aren't used to the controller. I hope someone comes out with a PS2 sized controller, that would be enough for me to consider buying an XBOX for GH2 because i like the extra tracks and the future download possibilities, plus it looks like GH3 may not even come out for PS2.

[ape2020]

-Project Gotham Racing 3 has been added to my list of games that I may buy (since I did enjoy PGR 2);

You should note that if your interested in racing games and using a wheel. MS has a very good one for about $120-130 depending on where you get it. I comes with a copy of PGR3 that was tuned to the force feedback wheel. The wireless was especially made for Forza 2 in mind. Also Dirt the off road game is coming soon and the trailer of of looked very good.

-Downloaded Aegis Wing last night after Ape2020 mentioned it.
Play the co-op as its the one were you can combine for a limited time to a big ship.

BTW, does anyone have an opinion on Enchanted Arms, since I am an RPG fan.

I have it and it was okay for awhile until I got past the first meeting with the major baddie. then I got to a point where I'm running round and encounting monsters every 2 minutes that are easy to take down but drain off my resources. I got annoyed and haven't played again yet. Of course you should be able to get it cheap so if you can wait go for it.

I'm waiting for Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, Lost Odassy, and Bioshock. The last two might not come out until holiday season or 08. Oh and I'm getting excited about the next Alone In The Dark series that is coming out.

-ape2020

[Zorak]

Condemned: Criminal Origins

Very creepy game that's best played with the lights out. Having a good sound system for this one is a plus.

[El Santos]

360-
Splinter Cell DA can't wait for convictions
GRAW 1 and 2
Need For Speed MW and Carbon
Condemned
GOW
Call of Duty 2 it's better than 3
DOA 4 for a while
Fight Night R3
Rainbow 6 Vegas- love at 1st play
Virtual Tennis 3
Guitar Hero 2 for a while after you beat it is like what next. Need online play, but 3 is coming

Arcade-
SOTN
Contra
There is a free game that play like SuperR type and Darius series.

[itsuka]

You said you were an RPG fan - don't know if you tried Oblivion yet? There is nothing on the market with the sheer scope and beauty of that game (if you like non-railroaded gameplay), though some people seem to hate it because the monsters level up with the player. It's still my favourite RPG of the last years.

[indigo0086]

I need to get back on viva pinata. It's a great game, though I lost one of my pinata and never saw him again after sending it to a party.

I personally recommend
Crackdown - It seems like it can get old fast, and it's just you against weak peons, but you'll see how fun it is if you mow down the local gang, go driving at high speed, then get sideswiped off the overpass by a heavily armored gang tank. The amount of mayham to be caused on the freeway in volk territory is tremendous. Down one car and you'll see just a bunch of cars come at high speed trying to avoid it, some making it, some flying into the air into the water. The driving aspect of this game is so well done (minus the lack of different views) that you can spend a lot of the game in the car like a sunday drive. Not forgetting to mention the amount of fun it is running and gunning into a boss area and trying to jolt over to a boss only to get pincussioned by a ton of guards. It's really awesome.

Oblivion was great for a while, I traded it in because I just don't have time for an epic game now, I'll pick it up later.

Gears of war is fun. Some people don't like the shortness of the campaign but I think of it as a big non-stop "mission" as though you were in an action movie, it's really a run on adrenaline game.

Condemned - Buried Treasure truly. An incredibly creepy game, especially when you go up in levels. The sequel is coming as well, which I'm glad of. The game has some neat CSI elements to it but mostly it has a lot of shock value.

As for arcade - Pac Man, Pack Man, Pac man. Championship edition that is. It's truly an awesome experience.

[CrazyAsano]

You said you were an RPG fan - don't know if you tried Oblivion yet? There is nothing on the market with the sheer scope and beauty of that game (if you like non-railroaded gameplay), though some people seem to hate it because the monsters level up with the player. It's still my favourite RPG of the last years.
I'm one of the people who hate the level system, but Oblivion is still a good game. It's just that the less your character is combat-oriented the more impossible combat gets. After a few levels with my thief character, it would literally take like 40-60 arrows for me to kill anything. Bows were my main weapon. It just doesn't make any sense to tie the difficulty of combat to your level in a game where you can advance in level purely through non-combat activities while gaining only some or even no combat skill.

[Jarred]

After a few levels with my thief character, it would literally take like 40-60 arrows for me to kill anything. Bows were my main weapon.
Hmm, thanks for the heads up. I just picked up Oblivion myself the other day after doing some trade-ins, and being a thief was the type of character I wanted to start with. Are there any strategies then that help sway that imbalance back to the middle for a thief?

Right now though it's sitting on my shelf, staring at me with wanting eyes, waiting for me to get over my video game commitment issues. :D

[CrazyAsano]

After a few levels with my thief character, it would literally take like 40-60 arrows for me to kill anything. Bows were my main weapon.
Hmm, thanks for the heads up. I just picked up Oblivion myself the other day after doing some trade-ins, and being a thief was the type of character I wanted to start with. Are there any strategies then that help sway that imbalance back to the middle for a thief?

Right now though it's sitting on my shelf, staring at me with wanting eyes, waiting for me to get over my video game commitment issues. :D

The best way is a powergaming method that I personally find distasteful, that being picking 7 major skills that you never use, thus never leveling up no matter how good you get at combat. Personally, I just make sure my combat skills are the ones driving my levelling because if you let stealth and such outstrip them and gain too many levels, you'll get way behind. Also don't pick skills that are too easy to improve as major skills, like athletics or acrobatics. Pick your weapon, armor, and possibly shield skill, your main magic skill if any, etc. I personally don't recommend choosing more than one weapon/destruction magic because any secondary weapon you don't keep caught up with your primary will essentially be useless.

[indigo0086]

I found my thief character to be quite effective given that I also master in blade/short blade as well as sneaking and arrow skills. With a good sneak attack I can take off half the hp of highly armored and strong enemies I've met while adventuring. Granted they'd cream me if they got up close, and regular bow attacks are pretty ineffective. And since I did a lot of roaming above ground I'd often find myself in a confrontation with a bandit or something and would have to switch to blade attacks.

[Starwind Amada]

Sneak King. Not.

I just got my 360 about two weeks ago and I've already picked up Gears of War and Saints Row. Crackdown is extremely addictive, especially if you download the Keys to the City cheat mode from XBox Live. Another good game, although I think it's multi-platform so it doesn't really make good use of the 360's power, is Condemned: Criminal Origins. The enemies in that game will jump out and scare the shit out of you. Dead Rising is also fun, even though the concept of being in a mall infested with zombified shoppers is somewhat silly. Good upcoming games are GTA 4 and MGS 4, as well as Ace Combat 6.

Also, I just discovered that XBox Live Marketplace has an anime section. Now I can watch the rest of Basilisk without having to buy the DVDs. Oh, and they also have Lupin the 3rd, and that just wins Microsoft 2500 achievement points right there.

[indigo0086]

condemned was an awesome game. I beat it but it took some courage because later in the game it gets freaking scary as hell. I couldn't wait for those moments where you have another person to call in to separate you from the crazy druggies around.