Top 5 High-Definition Xbox Games
By Jeffrey | August 13, 2007
Even though the next-gen systems are now current-gen, there are still plenty of reasons to keep your Xbox connected to your HDTV.
Not only are you certifiably insane if you don’t have your Xbox running Xbox Media Center, which on top of everything else works wonders as an upconvert DVD player, but there’s a few games begging to be played in on your HD set.
Most of them run in 720p, which isn’t too shabby, but one even manages to pull off 1080i - no small feat for its time.
So, without further ramblings, here are the top 5 high-definition Xbox games that demand your attention.
#5 - FIFA 2007
It may not be as “true” a soccer game as the Winning Eleven series, but FIFA has two things that Winning Eleven doesn’t: licenses and 720p.
Not only does the game look beautiful in 720p, but I also experienced very little slowdown. Although, from time to time, it did occur.
Regardless, it’s still a great game, and worth your time - especially if you’re already a fan of the series.
#4 - Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4
Admittedly, this is not the best Tony Hawk game - that honor goes to its predecessor Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 - but it is still darn good.
There’s no sense wasting space describing the game, because you can’t call yourself a gamer if you haven’t played at least one game in the series, so we’ll focus on what matters here: the fact that it supports 720p.
And not only does it support it, but it looks amazing. Unlike some other Xbox games that support high-definition but don’t really look like it, Tony Hawk 4 makes the most of it.
The textures and graphics in the game actually look like they were designed from the ground up for high-def and the payoff is simply beautiful.
#3 - X-Men Legends
A great Hack N’ Slash game in the vein of Gauntlet and Dungeons & Dragons, albeit done much better, X-Men Legends is a blast to play, especially if you’ve got a group of friends. Or one friend. Do you have friends?
Well, nevermind, the point is that it also supports 720p. It doesn’t look quite as good as some other games on this list, but is still a definite improvement over 480p or 480i.
#2 - Soul Calibur 2
Arguably the best 3D fighter on the Xbox, Soul Calibur 2 took everything that made the original great and improved on it.
So why isn’t it number one on the list? For one reason: Although it displays in 720p - and looks absolutely fantastic doing it - it places black bars on either side of the screen to display a 4:3 image. Supposedly this is because the full frame rate couldn’t be supported at the full resolution, but still, it leaves a slightly sour taste in one’s mouth.
But it still looks fantastic, and for that reason more than deserves a spot on this list at number two.
#1 - Dragon’s Lair 3D
If you haven’t played this game then you’re not alone. It kind of fell between the cracks when it was released.
Which is too bad, because it is a great adventure game. Breathtaking cel-shaded graphics, hand-drawn cutscenes, great gameplay, and hilarious tongue-in-cheek humor make up this game, and are all perfect reasons to find yourself a copy.
Not only that, but it is the only true Xbox game - not counting various old game compilations - display in 1080i. At that level everything is gorgeous, although some slowdown does occur. I recommend setting the game to 720p, where I’ve found no slowdown, but either one is beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, none of these games look as good as most current games being released on the 360 and PS3, but if you haven’t yet purchased one of those systems, or you are just looking for some great cheap games to play on your HDTV then this list is perfect for you.
Has anything been left off this list that you think deserved to be on it? Let me know in the comments.
Topics: Guides |
While not a great game, Enter the Matrix ran in 1080I as well.
Ceger
Posted by: Ceger on September 11th, 2007 at 10:50 amYeah, and it didn’t look too shabby. But like you said, the game wasn’t that great, either.
Posted by: Jeffrey on September 11th, 2007 at 3:21 pmwho carez? I have xbox360, but still in these days 90% of game run in 480p except very very few - bio shock, gears of war, etc. aint’ stupid to buy 720p just to play these few titles? better wait for game developers to catch up
Posted by: u tard? on December 5th, 2007 at 10:32 amThe Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction Ran at 720p, Looked incredible and was a great game!
Posted by: mat on May 21st, 2008 at 1:47 pmthe warriors runs in 720p but graphics are not the greatest in this game anyway, however if you have a high def tv like a lcd or plasma, component cables for the xbox are a must. the av cable looks really crappy on high def tv’s.
Posted by: nicklang319 on July 2nd, 2008 at 7:16 pm