During Microsoft’s E3 2015 press conference, the company made the shocking announcement that Xbox 360 games would be made backward compatible on Xbox One. Since then, a slew of Xbox 360 games have been added to the service, with Microsoft even adding some original Xbox games to the lineup as well. However, there is still room for theXbox backward compatibility programto grow, especially as Microsoft moves into the next-generation of consoles with Xbox Series X.
Microsoft has slowed down on adding new games to the Xbox backward compatibility program, but there are some key titles that still have yet to be added. Recent developments likeMicrosoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Mediamake some of these additions more likely than they were before, though fans may want to keep their expectations in check.
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If Microsoft does add more games to the Xbox backward compatibility program, these 10 games would be the most exciting.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Xbox 360)
Condemned: Criminal Originswas one of the bright spots of theXbox 360 launch lineup, and a few years later, it was followed up by the well-received sequel,Condemned 2: Bloodshot. InCondemned 2, protagonist Ethan Thomas finds himself homeless and struggling with alcoholism. The game introduces a new hand-to-hand combat mechanic that enhances the franchise’s famously brutal melee gameplay, and also introduced an online versus multiplayer mode as well.
The originalCondemnedwas added to the Xbox backward compatibility program all the way back in 2015, and so it’s about time the sequel was added to the lineup as well.
Doom 3 (Xbox)
Doom 3is technically playable on Xbox One through the BFG Edition, but the originalDoom 3for the Xbox has an extra feature that still makes it a worthwhile addition to the Xbox backward compatibility lineup. For those who may not know,Doom 3on the original Xbox actually allowed players to go through the campaign in split-screen co-op. Since theBFG Edition ofDoom 3is based on the PC version of the game, split-screen support wasn’t included.
Microsoft’s purchase of ZeniMax Media means it now owns id Software and rights to theDoomfranchise in general. Considering this, the chances of the originalDoom 3coming to the Xbox backward compatibility program is higher than it ever was before.
ESPN NFL 2K5 (Xbox)
This is a longshot and unlikely to ever happen to due licensing issues, but it would still be great to seeESPN NFL 2K5added to the Xbox backward compatibility lineup.ESPN NFL 2K5is widely considered to be one of the best football games of all time, and it’s also noticeable for being the last NFL-branded game to be released before EA gained exclusive rights to NFL sports games. TheNFL 2Kserieswill be making a comeback of sorts soon, but it remains to be seen if 2K Sports can produce anything that lives up to the legacy of this particular game.
F.E.A.R. Series (Xbox 360)
TheCondemnedgames weren’t the only horror FPS titles released by Monolith Productions on the Xbox 360. The studio also developed theF.E.A.R.franchise, with each game in the series earning some acclaim. The originalF.E.A.R.game was particularly well-received, but the sequel and the third game have their fans as well. Monolith has been working exclusively on theMiddle-earthfranchise sinceShadow of Mordor’s big success in 2014, so it would be great for fans to get the chance to re-live some of the studio’s previous games.
Guitar Hero Series (Xbox 360)
Recently, it was confirmed thatRock Band 4instruments will be backward compatible with Xbox Series X, but there are older music/rhythm games that unfortunately aren’t getting the same treatment. The earlyGuitar Herogames were some of the most popular titles of their time, particularlyGuitar Hero 2and3: Legends of Rock, but anyone that still has their plastic guitars will need to dig out their Xbox 360 consoles to play them. It’s a shame that the oldGuitar Herotitles are trapped on last-generation consoles, and since it doesn’t look like the series will be making any kind of comeback anytime soon, it would be nice for the older games to be added to the backward compatibility program so fans can re-live the genre’s glory days.
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Max Payne Series (Xbox/Xbox 360)
The first twoMax Paynegames were big hits for the original Xbox, and withMax Payne 3having been developed by Rockstar Games, it’s an even higher profile release. Unfortunately, not a single one of theMax Paynegamesare available to play through the backward compatibility program, making them completely inaccessible to Xbox One owners. A properMax Payne 3remaster may be a bit more appealing in the grand scheme of things, but if Rockstar has no plans to pursue anything like that, hopefully it eventually allows theMax Paynetitles to be made backward compatible.
Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Mortal Kombat XandMortal Kombat 11are two of the most popular fighting game available on the Xbox One, but it would still be great to see the 2011Mortal Kombatreboot join the Xbox backward compatibility program. After all,Mortal Kombat XandMK11continue the story established by theMortal Kombatreboot, and this way, fans would be able to experience the entire story from start to finish on a single console.
Not only that, but the 2011Mortal Kombatreboot has some characters that aren’t available in the latest releases. Among these is popular guest character Freddy Krueger ofA Nightmare on Elm Streetfame, so it would be a shame for theMortal Kombatreboot to be trapped in a previous generation.
Project Gotham Racing Series (Xbox/Xbox 360)
Microsoft’s current flagship racing franchise isForza, with newForza HorizonandForza Motorsportgames released almost every year. However, there once was a time when Microsoft had more than one exclusive racing series under its belt, with the other beingProject Gotham Racing. All of the games in theProject Gotham Racingseries earned critical acclaim, yet none of them have been added to the Xbox backward compatibility lineup. This likely boils down to music licensing issues of some kind sinceMicrosoft owns the rightsProject Gotham RacingIP, but if those issues could get sorted out, many racing fans would likely jump at the opportunity to return to the popular series.
The Chronicles of Riddick Series (Xbox/Xbox 360)
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bayis a cult classic on the original Xbox, but sadly neither it nor its sequel/remake have been made available to play on Xbox One. While it would be nice to have the originalEscape from Butcher Bayadded to the backward compatibility lineup, it may actually be preferable forAssault on Dark Athenato be added instead.The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athenaincludes a remake of the originalEscape from Butcher Bay, and features a number of other enhancements as well.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Xbox 360)
In 2016, Bethesda releasedThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim’s Special Edition, which is essentially the same game as the original release, but with improved visuals and mod support. SinceThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis playable on Xbox One through the Special Edition, one might think that there is no good reason to add the Xbox 360 version to the backward compatibility lineup. However, Xbox 360 players can’t transfer their saves to theSkyrimSpecial Edition, meaning anyone that wants to play their original saves will have to dig their 360 out of the closet to do so. Now that Microsoft owns the rights to Bethesda andThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, maybe the 360 version ofSkyrimcan finally join the backward compatibility lineup.
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