5 Original Xbox Classic Games That Deserve a Comeback After 20+ Years

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It’s amazing to think the first Xbox came out 25 years ago, in November 2001! That original console introduced many of the popular game series that Xbox is known for today, laying the groundwork for those franchises. Though it was only available for four years before the Xbox 360 was released, the original Xbox still boasted over 100 games you couldn’t play anywhere else.

Classic games are experiencing a revival with remakes and remasters, and Xbox Game Pass offers access to many older titles. However, some of the best original Xbox exclusives haven’t received the updated treatment they deserve after two decades. Here are five games that are ripe for a modern comeback, and the reasons why.

5)The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

While The Elder Scrolls series remains popular, Skyrim often receives the most attention. Many players recently discovered Oblivion through its remaster. However, Morrowind deserves recognition for establishing the groundwork that led to Skyrim. Released in 2002, Morrowind was initially exclusive to the Xbox, marking the first time Bethesda brought its previously PC-only Elder Scrolls franchise to consoles.

With Bethesda and Virtuous already successfully remastering one older Elder Scrolls game, fans are eager to see Morrowind make a comeback. The original was a huge hit on Xbox, becoming its best-selling RPG when it launched and staying popular for a long time. While the original game is available through Xbox Game Pass, it truly deserves a full remake or remaster so a new generation of players can experience this classic Elder Scrolls title.

4) Halo: Combat Evolved

For many Xbox players, Halo is the most iconic franchise the system has ever seen. It’s won countless awards and remains hugely popular. While Halo 2 is fondly remembered for its early online multiplayer, the series began with Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. The franchise has been consistently updated, with Halo Infinite releasing in 2021. Now, fans are hoping for a strong revival with upcoming releases, potentially ushering in a new era for Halo.

As many fans know, the original Halo: Combat Evolved is being completely rebuilt as Halo: Campaign Evolved. If the developers at Halo Studios can successfully remake the game, it could reignite widespread interest in the Halo series. This remake will likely introduce Halo‘s classic campaign to a new generation of gamers and, for the first time ever, bring the series to PlayStation. If Halo returns to its former popularity, it will be well-earned. However, we’re still waiting for an official release date for Halo: Campaign Evolved, so it’s unclear when fans of the original Xbox game will finally get to experience this revival.

3) Project Gotham Racing

I still remember when the original Project Gotham Racing came out on the very first Xbox back in 2001 – it was one of the launch titles and totally blew me away! The sequel, Project Gotham Racing 2, was just as amazing when it followed in 2003, and both games were huge hits with racing fans like me. It’s been way too long, though. The last game, Project Gotham Racing 4, came out during the Xbox 360 days, and honestly, it’s time for a new one. As an arcade racing fan, I’m really hoping the series makes a comeback!

While Project Gotham Racing was the main racing game for the original Xbox and Xbox 360, the studio that made it closed in 2011. Since then, the Forza Horizon series has become the go-to racing game on Xbox. Even though Forza Horizon is popular, many players still hope to see a revival of the classic arcade racer that first drew them to Xbox. Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to bring it back.

2) Jade Empire

Released in 2005, Jade Empire is an action RPG from BioWare, the studio that would later create popular franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. This game was originally an Xbox exclusive and drew inspiration from Chinese mythology. While it didn’t receive a sequel – potentially due to the success of BioWare’s later games – Jade Empire offered a unique martial arts experience that stood out from their *Dungeons & Dragonsbased RPGs. It remains a beloved and memorable title for many players.

While not a blockbuster, Jade Empire was a solid performer on the original Xbox. Its release timing, just before the Xbox 360 came out, likely held it back from reaching the same level of success as other classic Xbox titles. Still, it’s been too long since we’ve revisited the world of Jade Empire. The game is fondly remembered for its fun and straightforward martial arts combat and easy-to-learn RPG elements. Given the renewed interest in martial arts games in 2026, now is the ideal time for Jade Empire to make a return.

1) Fable

While many Xbox series could use a revival, Fable is a strong contender. Fortunately, a new Fable game is in development and scheduled for release in 2026. This game is a reboot of the franchise and, interestingly, won’t be exclusive to Xbox consoles. However, it remains to be seen if this new installment will truly deliver the comeback that Fable fans have been hoping for.

I first played Fable when it came out on the original Xbox in 2004, and it totally blew me away with the world of Albion. We got two pretty great sequels after that, but things went quiet for over a decade. Then, in 2014, Fable Anniversary came out for the Xbox 360 and gave the original a nice HD update, though even that’s starting to look a little dated now. I’m really hoping the new reboot finally brings Fable back to its former glory and does the original justice. But honestly, if the reboot doesn’t quite hit the mark, a lot of us are still dreaming of a complete remake of the first Fable.

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2026-05-22 23:13