Backward compatibility has been a big demand from gamers for current-gen consoles, and Microsoft has answered this demand with76 new titles added to their backward compatible seriesfor the 20th anniversary ofXbox. With such a huge number of Xbox and Xbox 360 games now being playable on current and last-gen consoles, there’s potential for a huge number of gamers to engage in some nostalgia-driven fun. However, Microsoft has also announced no further plans to make more games backward compatible, so fans shouldn’t expect any further additions beyond those listed below.
Microsoft promises players can expect enhancements on these games, with Auto HDR (when supported), higher resolutions, and a select number of games will haveXbox’s FPS Boost. A number of highly sought-after and fan-favorite games are included in the list, and Xbox is making some concrete efforts to show they are listening to fans. One of the biggest benefits of this list is the variety in genre and playstyle throughout, meaning this list will have something for almost every gamer.
The Full List
Here is every game included in thisbackward compatibility update:
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Highlights and Omissions
As mentioned, this list includes games that a lot of fans will be very happy to see. While Rockstar fans may have been disappointed byGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edtion,they’ll now have a chance to play some classic Rockstar games other thanGTAremasters. The entireMax Payneseries is included for one, which many fans have been calling for a remake of, and the controversialManhuntis also included. Finally, the originalRed Dead Revolver,which sets the scene forRed Dead Redemptionbut follows Red in a quest to avenge his father, is included.
For horror fans, the list includes theF.E.A.R.series, which has been long praised for its horror experience. There’s alsoResident Evil: Operation Racoon City,which unlike otherResident Evilgames is a squad-based third-person shooter. ForStar Warsfans, there’s a number ofStar Warsgames too, including the very well-receivedStar Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast.
Skate 2was a particularly highly requested game for backward compatibility, while the infamous50 Cent: Blood on the Sandis a fun addition. TheTimeSplittersandDead or Alivetitles included in the list will certainly see a lot of fans returning nostalgically to these games.TheOddworldseries has proved its enduring popularityover the years, and now gamers have the chance to play the third game in the series,Oddworld: Munch’s Odysee,on the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. This was also the first 3D game of the series, making it a great choice for backward compatibility. Similarly,BeautifulKatamarioffers some stress-free, whacky gaming, especially for fans of theKatamariseries.
Some omissions to the list, largely due to licensing issues, includingSpider-Manand other Marvel properties games. However,Spongebobgames andLego The Lord of the Ringswere possible to include in the list. Since Xbox has no plans to add to this list anytime soon, it’s a safe bet that anything not yet backward compatible will not become so. There are many classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games that are available to play through different means, but this massive backward compatibility update has made a lot of titles much more accessible.
Xbox has made sure to credit the fans for the selection of games on this list, making it likely that omissions were unavoidable. In direct acknowledgment of this,Microsofthas announced that:
“This latest and final addition of 70+ titles to the backward compatibility program was only possible through the passion and feedback from the community. Your constant requests for specific titles and enhancements encouraged the Backwards Compatibility team to partner with the original creators to preserve thousands of games from over four generations of Xbox. While we continue to stay focused on preserving and enhancing the art form of games, we have reached the limit of our ability to bring new games to the catalog from the past due to licensing, legal and technical constraints. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.”
This hugeXbox updateis not only exciting for the games now available, but also as a big move by a gaming giant to acknowledge the fans/their customers and answer their requests. While there’s still a big desire for new IPs in the gaming industry, theseXboxand Xbox 360 games are sure to satiate gamers for now.
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