7 Best Things About the Original Xbox That Aren't Halo, Ranked

When Microsoft entered the console market with its Xbox brand in the early 2000s, many outside the company were skeptical of its success. However, Microsoft aimed to change that perception and delivered several compelling reasons to give the brand a chance. Halo: Combat Evolved was undoubtedly the most well-known title on the original Xbox, but it was not the only reason to own the console. Here are seven of the best things about the original Xbox that aren't Halo.

Despite being the successor to the Dreamcast, Sega found itself in a difficult position upon the launch of the Xbox. The Dreamcast had faced numerous hardware failures, and its demise left Sega looking for a new way to present its vision for the future. Microsoft stepped in to help Sega, and a variety of excellent Sega titles hit the Xbox during its early years, including Jet Set Radio Future, Sega GT 2002, and Gun Valkyrie.

These games received strong support from Microsoft, along with Panzer Dragoon Orta, one of the finest games on the system.

Burger King tried to capitalize on the popularity of video games during the Atari 2600 era by releasing its own series of three titles: Sneak King, PocketBike Racer, and Big Bumpin'. The games were advertised heavily in print and on TV, and players could purchase them through their value meal orders. Although the Burger King games may not have made a significant impact, they were a part of the original Xbox's unique offerings.

Microsoft's decision to include a hard drive in the original Xbox set it apart from its competitors. This hard drive allowed players to store game saves directly, eliminating the need for separate memory cards. Additionally, players could install games directly onto the hard drive, making it easy to manage large libraries of games. This feature, combined with the ability to rip audio CDs and play them through the console, made the original Xbox an attractive option for gamers seeking a more immersive experience.

One of the most significant contributions from Microsoft Game Studios during the original Xbox's lifespan was its support for the Ninja Gaiden series. Ninja Gaiden, as well as its expanded form, Ninja Gaiden Black, became among the console's biggest successes. Tecmo, a traditionally Japanese publisher, demonstrated its commitment to the Xbox hardware by releasing several of its original console games on the platform, including Ninja Gaiden and the popular Dead or Alive fighting game series. These titles showcased the Xbox's graphical capabilities and helped define the 2000s gaming scene.