Top 10 Original Xbox Games That Need an HD Makeover

Aside from including one of the most ridiculous controllers ever, Microsoft’s first Xbox will always be remembered for its online capabilities and strong library of games. Just like the Xbox 360, it didn’t have the largest collection of exclusives, but it still had some memorable original titles. Of course, Halo was easily the top draw for that console, and the first entry in Bungie’s famed franchise is now getting a snazzy HD remake. What other Xbox games deserve a visual makeover and gameplay enhancements? What 10 games would we like to see remade for the current console generation?

10. Hunter: The Reckoning

Hunter: The Reckoning was only an Xbox exclusive for a short period of time, but whether you were playing it on Microsoft’s first foray into the console space or on the Nintendo GameCube a few months later, there’s no denying the sheer amount of fun that this monster-slaying fest had to offer. Teaming up with friends to take on hordes of undead creatures, vampires, and other gruesome monsters was delightful and satisfying. The hack-and-slash mechanics of Hunter: The Reckoning made it an easy game to pick up and play. With a graphical upgrade and some additional tweaks, this title would be a great deal of fun on the Xbox 360. Heck, we’ll even take the slightly less awesome Hunter: The Reckoning Redeemer.

9. Forza Motorsport

The Forza series has come a long way as Microsoft’s exclusive racing franchise. The first game in the series properly combines satisfying racing gameplay with a great level of challenge. Forza Motorsport 4 is currently slated for an October release on the Xbox 360. Why not let longtime fans of the series relive their memories by re-releasing an HD version of the game that first put this great franchise on the map?

8. Breakdown

When Breakdown hit the Xbox years ago, it offered something pretty fresh. Though the game was in first-person perspective, it was more of an action-adventure game than an FPS. Breakdown offered some compelling gameplay, and though the story wasn’t told especially well, a remake of this title could do plenty to remedy that. Update the visuals sufficiently, rebuild the story so that gamers actually care about it, and tweak the gameplay a bit, and you’ve got a nice little download. Breakdown offered some fun action gameplay, and with the proper refinements, a remake could resurrect this largely forgotten IP.

7. Fable

Peter Molyneux has pretty much used up any hype that the Fable series could ever have. That said, when the first game launched in 2004, Xbox owners were treated to a fantastic action RPG experience that was both unique and creative. Sure, Fable III left plenty of gamers somewhat unsatisfied, but a throwback to the original could definitely bring some joy to longtime fans. How about it, Mr. Molyneux? Care to bring Fable HD to Xbox 360 owners? Umm… just don’t, you know, promote it like it’s the second coming of Christ.

6. Conker: Live & Reloaded

OK, so we all know that Conker: Live & Reloaded has its origins rooted on the Nintendo 64, but this remake was one hell of a game on the Xbox. We really think that with the right modifications and additions, it can fare quite well on the Xbox 360. Plus, it would be pretty funny to see a remake of a remake. Oh, come on, Microsoft! You have to put the Conker franchise to some use! At least give us Conker: Live & Reloaded HD! This poor, unused series is fermenting more than the beer ol’ Conker enjoys so much.

5. Phantom Dust

Phantom Dust was built around the concept of online gaming. Though the original game is no longer supported on Xbox Live (which makes sense given its status as an original Xbox game from 2005), we think a proper HD remake with a fully online multiplayer component and Achievements would be a great buy for Xbox 360 owners. Though Phantom Dust offered an enjoyable single-player campaign, it was the online multiplayer–rife with shooting and stellar action gameplay–that really made this a sweet buy. Back in 2005, the game launched for $20. It would make an awesome $10 download on Xbox Live Marketplace today.

4. Panzer Dragoon Orta

The rail shooter is a tough genre to get behind. In order for it to work, a developer has to get absolutely every aspect right. Smilebit did exactly that with the Sega-published Panzer Dragoon Orta for the original Xbox. The game offered a riveting story, impressive visuals, and outstanding on-rails action. Each of the game’s levels was compelling, rewarding, and challenging. If that wasn’t enough, the game included a bevy of unlockables, such as the original Panzer Dragoon. Hey, Sega, what say you remake Panzer Dragoon Orta and release it in glorious HD?

3. Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict

Though some may argue that the first Unreal Championship deserves a spot on this list, you have to remember that this is a top 10. Yes, we love Unreal Championship, but we love Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict a whole lot more. Why? Because it improved upon everything that its predecessor brought to the table and provided an incredibly addictive multiplayer experience. We think it’s time for some more Unreal Championship. What better way to start than by treating the series to a proper HD makeover? You can bet we’d be eagerly looking forward to Unreal Championship 2!

2. Shenmue II

OK, so Shenmue II wasn’t technically an Xbox exclusive, but we’d be crazy to exclude such a celebrated RPG from the list. Also, we’re really afraid to think what fans of the game would do to us if we did leave it out of this top 10. Plus, Shenmue II really was an awesome game, and the fact that a third entry in the series hasn’t been released is a bit of a bummer. The game’s varied gameplay and satisfying mechanics made it a hit among fans of the original Shenmue, and we’re pretty sure that an HD re-release would garner a big payout for Sega and Microsoft. How about it? Shenmue II HD? While you’re at it, give us a remake of the first Shenmue!

1. Jet Set Radio Future

When Jet Set Radio Future launched for the Xbox, it was a stylish-looking platformer with catchy music and excellent gameplay. Now, imagine if it were to receive an HD overhaul. We’re pretty much ready for a sequel to this awesome title, but if we can’t have that, we’ll gladly take a chance to relive some fond memories with this Xbox original. Jet Set Radio Future was easy to get into, and it allowed gamers to take their characters across Tokyo, skating through sweet locales and tagging the whole place up, all the while listening to a killer soundtrack. The game was intuitive and offered a nice level of challenge, and there was a lot to see and play around with for those who took advantage of the game’s trick system. Sega, work your magic with the folks over at Microsoft and give us an HD remake of Jet Set Radio Future. If not, we’ll take it on the PlayStation 3 or the upcoming Wii U! Just let us play this game once more!

Fans of the original Xbox are sure to be familiar with at least a few of the titles mentioned on this list. We’re certain that many of you would like a chance to experience these games with snazzy graphics, online features, and Achievements. We would love to see any of the games listed here get a proper HD makeover, so let’s hope it happens for at least a few of these titles. What original Xbox games would you be stoked to see get the remake treatment?