Highlights
The Xbox 360's success was largely due to its extensive library of great games.
The Xbox 360 was renowned for its extensive library of both first-party and third-party titles, many of which outperformed rival consoles or were exclusive to the platform. Although its prime has passed, gamers can now relish in the nostalgia of its iconic games thanks to backward compatibility on newer Xbox consoles.
The Xbox 360 experienced tremendous success for Microsoft, largely due to its impressive array of games. At one point, it dominated console sales during the seventh generation, only to be surpassed by the Nintendo Wii and PS3 in terms of sales later on. Nevertheless, it managed to establish one of the most exceptional gaming collections in the industry's history. Notably, the Xbox 360 boasted not only an extensive selection of first-party Xbox games but also numerous high-profile third-party releases. These games often excelled on Microsoft's console and, in certain instances, were even exclusive. While the console's final years may have been somewhat challenging, the impact of its golden age should not be underestimated.
YouTuber Crowbcat has recently released a timeline video highlighting what they consider to be the golden age of the Xbox 360, which covers the period from 2006 to 2011. Starting with Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter in 2006, the video showcases the time gap between each notable release on the console. Just 11 days later, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion was released, followed by Hitman: Blood Money, the first-person shooter game Prey, Dead Rising, Saints Row, F.E.A.R., and so on.
The video concludes in 2011, featuring six significant games: Portal 2, Dead Island, Gears of War 3, Dark Souls, Battlefield 3, and the highly anticipated release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. This doesn't imply that there were no major Xbox 360 games released after 2011. However, it was during the 2006-2011 timeframe that the Xbox 360 received a remarkable series of major releases, whereas the frequency of such landmark releases diminished considerably after 2011. At the time of writing, the video has gathered over 292,000 views, making it a must-watch for anyone wanting to reminisce.
After watching the video, nostalgic gamers may feel inclined to retrieve their Xbox 360 consoles. However, it is important to mention that several of the showcased games are readily accessible on Microsoft's latest consoles. Thanks to the Xbox backward compatibility program, esteemed Xbox 360 games can now be played on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. Although Microsoft is no longer adding games to the backward compatibility lineup, Xbox 360 enthusiasts still have a vast array of games available to enjoy on the newer consoles.
