5 Games That Should Be Made Backwards Compatible On Xbox Series X|S

by

Xbox has done a commendable job of keeping many games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 playable on today’s consoles. While not every game is available, a large number are either directly compatible or have been ported, meaning players can still enjoy their physical collections on a Series X. This benefits collectors, helps preserve gaming history, and even allows Microsoft to continue selling older titles – sometimes at a higher price, like with the original Fable.

It’s truly impressive what the Xbox team has achieved with game preservation, though some older titles are still unavailable. It’s disappointing when beloved classics can’t be played on today’s consoles, and for a long time, it seemed like those games would be lost forever. Luckily, with Xbox celebrating its 25th anniversary, the preservation team has hinted at a new backwards compatibility project. This could simply improve existing games, but it might also mean even more titles will be added to the list of backwards-compatible Xbox games. If so, these are the games we’d expect to see first.

5. Two Worlds 2

Most players probably don’t remember Two Worlds 2, or the first game in the series which tried to compete with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Developed by Reality Pump Studios with a limited budget, it was a surprisingly ambitious fantasy adventure. Despite some rough edges and unfinished features, the game had a lot going for it – beautiful landscapes, a fantastic magic system, and deep character progression. While you can still play it on PC, the original Xbox 360 version isn’t compatible with modern consoles, which is disappointing.

With console RPGs becoming rare, Two Worlds 2 is a welcome addition, even if it’s not flawless. What sets it apart is its ingenuity – it makes the most of its limitations, offering a level of creativity we don’t often see in modern games. The unique spell-creation system and the world’s responsiveness are great examples of this. While the story and graphics aren’t amazing, Two Worlds 2 deserves a second look, and hopefully, it will be updated for newer consoles.

4. The Godfather 2

Let’s be real, most games based on movies are pretty terrible. That’s why I was so surprised when I actually loved Visceral Games’ The Godfather 2, the sequel to the first game. I have a ton of great memories playing this when I was a kid, even though it was super violent and definitely for mature audiences. What really hooked me was building up my criminal empire. Seriously, I spent hours managing businesses, hiring protection, and running around shooting anyone who tried to muscle in on my territory – stuff an eleven-year-old probably shouldn’t be so into, but I totally was!

The game lets you build a team with unique characters – my personal favorite is Bill Bardi, the demolition expert. Together, you’d explore beautiful open-world cities, fight enemies, and eliminate your rivals. The Godfather 2 is a standout title in the *GTAstyle genre, arguably the best, but it’s frustratingly difficult to play today. Licensing problems seem to be the issue, but it deserves to be preserved. Currently, you need a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 to enjoy cruising the streets of Miami with Bill Bardi.

3. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

While many remember Spider-Man: Web of Shadows for its dramatic opening cutscene – which became a popular online clip after its 2008 release – the game was a genuinely good Spider-Man adaptation, and arguably the best one until Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man came out ten years later. The game stood out from previous titles with its unique reputation system, offering a more mature experience. Players enjoyed seeing how their choices affected who they could call for help, and the reactions of citizens as they leaned towards becoming more villainous.

Many Xbox 360 fans still ask for Web of Shadows to be added to the backwards compatibility list, and it’s easy to see why. Though newer Spider-Man games have surpassed it, Web of Shadows did a lot of things well, especially its web-swinging. While the game’s world isn’t as detailed as in Marvel’s Spider-Man, it was impressive for its time and offered something previous Spider-Man games didn’t. If you played it when it came out in 2008 and loved Spider-Man as much as I did, it was a really enjoyable experience and a fun adaptation that deserves to be remembered.

2. Lord of the Rings: Conquest

Many fans consider LOTR: Conquest to be one of the best Lord of the Rings video games. It essentially asked, “What if we created a Star Wars: Battlefrontstyle game set in Middle-earth?” and then delivered. The game was made by the same team behind the Star Wars title – Pandemic Studios – who brought their skill in creating large battles to a fantasy setting. While it’s not quite as polished as Battlefront, Conquest is still incredibly enjoyable, particularly when played with a friend on the same couch. It also does a great job of depicting the large-scale battles from The Lord of the Rings*, which is something I and many other fans really appreciate.

It’s unlikely we’ll see this game on current consoles, even though it really deserves a modern release. EA no longer owns the rights, which severely limits what they can do with it. While we can still hope for a revival, the chances of it appearing on Xbox Series X/S are very low – about as likely as Frodo sneaking past the Black Gate undetected.

1. The Simpsons: Hit & Run

Out of all the games mentioned, The Simpsons: Hit & Run seems like the most likely to be remastered. Originally released in 2003 by Radical Entertainment, Hit & Run was incredibly popular – it felt like everyone owned it! I remember all my friends having a copy constantly ready to play, and it’s a game that gaming YouTubers consistently praise. It still plays great today, has inspired a lot of fan-led revival projects, and really deserves to be playable on current systems.

Fortunately, the original game’s creator is back as New Radical Games, a studio focused on updating older titles. Matt Selman, who runs The Simpsons, hinted in an interview with People that a revival of Hit & Run isn’t out of the question – he said, “Never say never!” Let’s hope this happens, as many fans believe the game would be perfect for Xbox Series X/S, and 2026 might finally be the year it comes true.

What Xbox games from the past would you love to play on your Xbox today? Share your suggestions in the comments below and discuss with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/best-xbox-games-360-one-x-s/embed/#

Read More

2026-03-19 02:23