Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Top 10 Xbox 360 Hidden Gems



10. Gun


Years before Rockstar took us to a violent and unforgiving open-world vision of the Old West, Activision gave us Gun. In the boots and spurs of Colton White, you will travel across the frontier avoiding bandit attacks, taking part in poker tournaments, herding cattle, bounty hunting and more. This richly detailed and complex open-world experience is criminally underrated and holds up today as a stunning precursor to Red Dead Redemption.


9. Eat Lead: The Return of Mark Hazard


Eat Lead puts players in control of legendary gaming hero Matt Hazard, returning to glory 25 years after his debut game. Except…it’s all made up. Yes, Eat Lead is a parody game that spoofs over-the-top action-gaming clichés and video game iconography, with hilarious references throughout to Duke Nukem, Wolfenstein, Mortal Kombat and more. With a stellar voice cast – including Bojack Horseman’s Will Arnett as Hazard – this is one of the funniest games on the Xbox 360.


8. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows


Easily one of the finest superhero games ever released, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows assembles a great roster of heroes and villains, combines them with an engrossing story, and ties it all together with a richly detailed and intuitive control scheme and combat system. The result is one of the most entertaining and exciting action games on the Xbox 360, putting you into the spandex of Spider-Man with unparalleled authenticity.


7. The Saboteur


With a thrilling setting and immersive atmosphere, The Saboteur is a deeply packed and astonishing open-world action title that drops you into German-occupied France, circa WWII. The game’s innovative USP is its use of colour; areas heavily controlled by Nazis are presented in black & white with the exception of the intimidating German military symbols. This deeply cinematic and rewarding thriller boasts satisfying action, exploration and an intense narrative.


6. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway


In a world of FPS titles dominated by Call of Duty and Battlefield, it’s easy to overlook Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway. Those willing to give it a try will be richly rewarded, however – an engaging and emotional story that doesn’t shy away from the brutality of WWII, Hell’s Highway is an utterly gripping and action-packed experience that feels far more complex and layered than anything Call of Duty has ever put out.


5. Conan


Let’s face it, we’ve all wanted to be Conan. This storming adventure from THQ gave us the chance to do just that, putting us into the sandals of the fearless barbarian as we hack and slash our way to brutal victory. With a deep and gratifying combat system, this violent epic is the Xbox 360’s answer to God of War and the result is a game every bit as satisfying. A totally thrilling experience full of blood, guts and monsters.


4. Alpha Protocol


This underrated espionage adventure makes you feel like a real spy, complete with research-based legwork and heavy dialogue over gunplay. Packed with RPG elements woven into the narrative, this is a game of immense choice that gives the player freedom to mould their spy with combat techniques, marksman skills and gadget proficiency. An immensely addictive and intriguing title that deserves classic status within the RPG genre.


3. Lost Odyssey


If you’re a fan of traditional JRPG with hours to kill, look no further than this long, arduous journey. Filled with an engrossing story that fleshes out all of its characters, a powerful turn-based strategy system, stunning presentation and a beautiful score, Lost Odyssey is a stunning masterpiece that excels across the board. This is a definitive JRPG that feels like a passionate throwback to the early masterpieces of the genre.


2. Condemned


This dark and disturbing title feels heavily inspired by David Fincher’s Se7en, as you control FBI Agent Thomas and use instinct, forensic tools and ultimately combat to bring serial killers to justice. One of the most harrowing experiences on the Xbox 360, this is a game that will leave you emotionally and physically drained – the twisted atmosphere and violent shocks hit you like a sledgehammer. This is how horror gaming should be.


1. Deadly Premonition


The closest we ever got to a Twin Peaks video game, Deadly Premonition is a Lynchian masterpiece that puts you in the role of an FBI agent investigating a mysterious murder in a remote rural town. Filled with frightening surrealism, twisted humour and truly impactful shocks, this totally unique gaming masterpiece is an unforgettable experience like no other. If you haven’t experienced Deadly Premonition, you are in for a hell of a treat.