Eleven of the best single player first person shooters on the Xbox. Why eleven? Because ten is so last year.
Criteria – Must be a First Person Only Game and cannot have tactical elements (Brothers in Arms or Rainbow 6) or RPG (Deus Ex Invisible War) beyond that we rate each one based on its single player game play and the overall fun factor.
Publisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
One of the original First Person Shooters gets a make over and is released on both the PC and Xbox console. This remake has high production values mixed with the classic game in new settings with a new story and some great lighting effects. But deep down some really annoying aspects of the game slow it down and really make this a good rather then great game.
This is a game that is worth renting or buying only at bargain bin price because little replay and the annoying game aspects of the PDA.
Publisher – Eidos
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Originally Snowblind was going to be Deus Ex 3, but the lack luster sales of Deus Ex Invisible War ended the series and allowed Crystal Dynamics to turn this game into a full first person shooter with some nice augments to your character, from invisibility, EMP, bullet time and more.
The game does have a couple of issues that hurt it, way to many cut scenes and some out of place voice over work that sounds like it came from a bad movie then a game. But these do not take too much away from a solid fun game that is still a solid shooter today.
This game is worth renting but only a purchase at bargain bin prices.
Publisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
The last Call of Duty game on the original Xbox and is one of the best in the console series. CoD2-BR1 focuses on the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army and not several different countries like the other CoD games.
Big Red 1 has all the great Call of Duty features, great voice over work with cinematic story telling that pushes you into the game like no other. Hectic action through out the game keeps the action set at maximum and when finishing some of these levels you feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Many of the actors from HBO’s Band of Brothers lend their voices and likenesses to the game which adds to the excitement factor making this game a must buy for World War 2 game fans.
Publisher – Dreamcatcher
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible - No
A direct port of the PC game doesn’t take away the sheer fast pace shooting in this great game. Hard hitting action, some insane weapons, good physics and some wicked level design give the players some insane action moments, but this is not a game to turn your back on, because there are always some monsters running at you from all directions.
This game could easily have been in the top 5, but due to constant delays (well over a year of delays) the game saw little fan faire and did not really see sales due to the launch of the 360. A bigger crime is the lack of being Backwards Compatible, something that Dreamcatcher, People Can Fly and Microsoft need to remedy.
This is a must buy for FPS fans if they don’t own the PC version. One of the best Xbox FPS games that is still fun.
Publisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
If Soldier of Fortune was released today every two bit politician would be up in arms at the violence, limbs being blown off, intestines hanging out and the constant gore being thrust onto the screen at all times, and we love the game for every moment.
SoF2 was a solid Xbox Live game with a great single player game, a random mission generator (that I still play today) and some of the hardest levels seen in a game.
You play real life merc err.. contractor John Mullins in a fictional anti-terrorist mission that spans the globe, from jungles, cities, snowy mountains and Asian waterfronts. Each level is unique and doesn’t look like the other ones which really add to the games replay value. This is a game that graphically at times doesn’t stack up to the newer games, but really is fun to play.
Recommend to buy it if you can find it cheap, it is really worth playing it over and over if you enjoy single player games.
Publisher – Ubisoft
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Not a port of the PC classic game, but based in the same setting with a different story and locations, this Far Cry give great visuals with a fun story and new game play. While the Artificial Intelligence is not on par with the PC version and the roam anywhere aspect is missing (sadly) the game does not disappoint action fans.
One great addition to this game is the predator mode, where you become faster, stronger and a better killing machine. This aspect really adds to the game because you can go predator or all guns or a combo of both. New vehicles and a mix of the PC vehicles add more to the game with the hovercraft and hang glider a real treat to fly.
If you only have a Xbox console you can pick this up and its expansion FC-Predator for fairly cheap which really is a great set of games and worth the cost. But if you have a 360 the 360 version of the game is really only worth a rent due to controls.
Publisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Wolfenstein 3D was really the first decent PC First Person Shooter and gave us a look at where games are heading. The Xbox version of its spiritual sequel Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War amps up the game and really give the player some fun Nazi and Zombie killing action.
Plenty of value in this game especially after finishing the game you are given access to the original Wolf 3D (worth the cost of the game alone). Tides still has some great single player levels and fun action sequences that at times are better then some of the current FPS on the market.
Not a must buy, but worth having if you enjoy the original game or just want it for some Nazi and Zombie killing action.
Publisher – Microsoft Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
Does anyone not know of the beast called Halo? Really the most successful game franchise on the Xbox console, this sequel is a great game mixed with some of the best designed levels, two different main characters to play, voice acting that really is over the top in quality and one of the biggest endings in gaming history where a million fans cried out.. ILL FINISH THE FIGHT NOW!
If you own any Xbox console and have not played this game, you should beat your self and go buy it as soon as possible. If you have not played the first one, beat your self harder and pick it up as well.
Publisher – Electronic Arts
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
The best First Person Shooter on a PC ever comes to the Xbox (a 360 version is coming with tons of extras) and plays almost perfectly with a solid frame rate, identical physics, some of the best weapons, vehicles, characters and monsters ever seen in a game.
While visually it could never compete against a PC, for those who do not play games on their PC (according to the commercials it is just for my check book and email) this is the best way to experience Half Life 2.
This is not a must buy if you own a 360 or plan on getting one soon since there is an amazing looking Xbox 360 version coming with Portal (new game), Episode 1 and 2 (expansions to Half Life 2) and we can expect more as downloadable content after its release.
If you only own an Xbox, rent or buy it. Certainly worth the play through as the game doesn’t get old and even on a second and third play through is still fun and feels fresh.
Publisher – Microsoft Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
Really one of the best FPS ever and is still played to death today as a single player and LAN game (as well as Halo 2), this launch game after 5 (yes 5) years still has one of the best game stories, action and overall fun.
There really isn’t anything wrong with this game and for a launch game to come across this perfect it’s a game that other developers wish they had and other console manufactures wish they had a launch title with similar staying power.
If you don’t own it, pick it up. Seriously not owning a copy of this goes against every gaming geek code of ethics.
Publisher – Vivendi Universal Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
The best single player first person shooter game for the Xbox, that was just knocked out of game of the year on OXM by Halo 2 due to the multiplayer game in Halo 2, this game really gives any FPS fan hope that we will still see great story driven games that are not made by Bungie.
Visceral action, great weapons, stealthy action and the best graphics and voice over work in a game at the time pushes Riddick over the top. But many people did not play it due to Halo 2 and the horrid Riddick movie that many thought this was a game based on that movie, when it is actually a prequel to Pitch Black.
Going for the sweet spot takes on a new meaning in this game when you can snap necks, shank in the neck, make guards shoot them selves when wrestling for their gun (wicked), hand to hand combat for credits, tons of unlockables and really a story that doesn’t pull any punches makes this a must have.
Microsoft and Vivendi need to get this on the back compatible library for some 720p High Definition glory even though it did not sell as well as they expected, they also need to work and make a sequel to this game for the Xbox 360 and give Riddick a chance to break some necks in High Definition.
Falelorn played every First Person Shooter on the Xbox to come up with this list.
Criteria – Must be a First Person Only Game and cannot have tactical elements (Brothers in Arms or Rainbow 6) or RPG (Deus Ex Invisible War) beyond that we rate each one based on its single player game play and the overall fun factor.
11 – Doom 3
Developer – iD SoftwarePublisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
One of the original First Person Shooters gets a make over and is released on both the PC and Xbox console. This remake has high production values mixed with the classic game in new settings with a new story and some great lighting effects. But deep down some really annoying aspects of the game slow it down and really make this a good rather then great game.
This is a game that is worth renting or buying only at bargain bin price because little replay and the annoying game aspects of the PDA.
10 – Project: Snowblind
Developer – Crystal DynamicsPublisher – Eidos
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Originally Snowblind was going to be Deus Ex 3, but the lack luster sales of Deus Ex Invisible War ended the series and allowed Crystal Dynamics to turn this game into a full first person shooter with some nice augments to your character, from invisibility, EMP, bullet time and more.
The game does have a couple of issues that hurt it, way to many cut scenes and some out of place voice over work that sounds like it came from a bad movie then a game. But these do not take too much away from a solid fun game that is still a solid shooter today.
This game is worth renting but only a purchase at bargain bin prices.
9 – Call of Duty 2 – Big Red 1
Developer – Gray Matter StudiosPublisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
The last Call of Duty game on the original Xbox and is one of the best in the console series. CoD2-BR1 focuses on the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army and not several different countries like the other CoD games.
Big Red 1 has all the great Call of Duty features, great voice over work with cinematic story telling that pushes you into the game like no other. Hectic action through out the game keeps the action set at maximum and when finishing some of these levels you feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Many of the actors from HBO’s Band of Brothers lend their voices and likenesses to the game which adds to the excitement factor making this game a must buy for World War 2 game fans.
8 – Painkiller
Developer – People Can FlyPublisher – Dreamcatcher
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible - No
A direct port of the PC game doesn’t take away the sheer fast pace shooting in this great game. Hard hitting action, some insane weapons, good physics and some wicked level design give the players some insane action moments, but this is not a game to turn your back on, because there are always some monsters running at you from all directions.
This game could easily have been in the top 5, but due to constant delays (well over a year of delays) the game saw little fan faire and did not really see sales due to the launch of the 360. A bigger crime is the lack of being Backwards Compatible, something that Dreamcatcher, People Can Fly and Microsoft need to remedy.
This is a must buy for FPS fans if they don’t own the PC version. One of the best Xbox FPS games that is still fun.
7 – Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix
Developer – Gratuitous GamesPublisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
If Soldier of Fortune was released today every two bit politician would be up in arms at the violence, limbs being blown off, intestines hanging out and the constant gore being thrust onto the screen at all times, and we love the game for every moment.
SoF2 was a solid Xbox Live game with a great single player game, a random mission generator (that I still play today) and some of the hardest levels seen in a game.
You play real life merc err.. contractor John Mullins in a fictional anti-terrorist mission that spans the globe, from jungles, cities, snowy mountains and Asian waterfronts. Each level is unique and doesn’t look like the other ones which really add to the games replay value. This is a game that graphically at times doesn’t stack up to the newer games, but really is fun to play.
Recommend to buy it if you can find it cheap, it is really worth playing it over and over if you enjoy single player games.
6 – Far Cry Instincts
Developer – UbisoftPublisher – Ubisoft
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Not a port of the PC classic game, but based in the same setting with a different story and locations, this Far Cry give great visuals with a fun story and new game play. While the Artificial Intelligence is not on par with the PC version and the roam anywhere aspect is missing (sadly) the game does not disappoint action fans.
One great addition to this game is the predator mode, where you become faster, stronger and a better killing machine. This aspect really adds to the game because you can go predator or all guns or a combo of both. New vehicles and a mix of the PC vehicles add more to the game with the hovercraft and hang glider a real treat to fly.
If you only have a Xbox console you can pick this up and its expansion FC-Predator for fairly cheap which really is a great set of games and worth the cost. But if you have a 360 the 360 version of the game is really only worth a rent due to controls.
5 – Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War
Developer – Nerve SoftwarePublisher – Activision
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
Wolfenstein 3D was really the first decent PC First Person Shooter and gave us a look at where games are heading. The Xbox version of its spiritual sequel Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War amps up the game and really give the player some fun Nazi and Zombie killing action.
Plenty of value in this game especially after finishing the game you are given access to the original Wolf 3D (worth the cost of the game alone). Tides still has some great single player levels and fun action sequences that at times are better then some of the current FPS on the market.
Not a must buy, but worth having if you enjoy the original game or just want it for some Nazi and Zombie killing action.
4 – Halo 2
Developer – Bungie StudiosPublisher – Microsoft Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
Does anyone not know of the beast called Halo? Really the most successful game franchise on the Xbox console, this sequel is a great game mixed with some of the best designed levels, two different main characters to play, voice acting that really is over the top in quality and one of the biggest endings in gaming history where a million fans cried out.. ILL FINISH THE FIGHT NOW!
If you own any Xbox console and have not played this game, you should beat your self and go buy it as soon as possible. If you have not played the first one, beat your self harder and pick it up as well.
3 – Half Life 2
Developer – ValvePublisher – Electronic Arts
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
The best First Person Shooter on a PC ever comes to the Xbox (a 360 version is coming with tons of extras) and plays almost perfectly with a solid frame rate, identical physics, some of the best weapons, vehicles, characters and monsters ever seen in a game.
While visually it could never compete against a PC, for those who do not play games on their PC (according to the commercials it is just for my check book and email) this is the best way to experience Half Life 2.
This is not a must buy if you own a 360 or plan on getting one soon since there is an amazing looking Xbox 360 version coming with Portal (new game), Episode 1 and 2 (expansions to Half Life 2) and we can expect more as downloadable content after its release.
If you only own an Xbox, rent or buy it. Certainly worth the play through as the game doesn’t get old and even on a second and third play through is still fun and feels fresh.
2 – Halo: Combat Evolved
Developer – Bungie StudioPublisher – Microsoft Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – Yes
Really one of the best FPS ever and is still played to death today as a single player and LAN game (as well as Halo 2), this launch game after 5 (yes 5) years still has one of the best game stories, action and overall fun.
There really isn’t anything wrong with this game and for a launch game to come across this perfect it’s a game that other developers wish they had and other console manufactures wish they had a launch title with similar staying power.
If you don’t own it, pick it up. Seriously not owning a copy of this goes against every gaming geek code of ethics.
1 – Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
Developer – Starbreeze StudiosPublisher – Vivendi Universal Games
Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible – No
The best single player first person shooter game for the Xbox, that was just knocked out of game of the year on OXM by Halo 2 due to the multiplayer game in Halo 2, this game really gives any FPS fan hope that we will still see great story driven games that are not made by Bungie.
Visceral action, great weapons, stealthy action and the best graphics and voice over work in a game at the time pushes Riddick over the top. But many people did not play it due to Halo 2 and the horrid Riddick movie that many thought this was a game based on that movie, when it is actually a prequel to Pitch Black.
Going for the sweet spot takes on a new meaning in this game when you can snap necks, shank in the neck, make guards shoot them selves when wrestling for their gun (wicked), hand to hand combat for credits, tons of unlockables and really a story that doesn’t pull any punches makes this a must have.
Microsoft and Vivendi need to get this on the back compatible library for some 720p High Definition glory even though it did not sell as well as they expected, they also need to work and make a sequel to this game for the Xbox 360 and give Riddick a chance to break some necks in High Definition.
Falelorn played every First Person Shooter on the Xbox to come up with this list.
