The 12 Games of Xbox Article

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7. Fable

• Review
• Xbox 360 compatible? Yes

What we said then:

'Fable is, essentially, a Christmas Tree of a game. It uses the solid Action RPG as a frame to hand every random, glorious, playful bauble Lionhead and Big Blue Box could construct off. It'll certainly gain the ire of the sort of person who furiously states that the vast majority of the decisions don't "matter" in games like Knights of the Old Republic or Deus Ex. For those of us who understand that while true non-linear storytelling is never going to happen, personalising a linear narrative in meaningful ways according to your own inclinations is far from inconsequential, then it's another significant step into the future.'

What we say now:

Rob: Yes, Molyneux' famous promises regarding the game didn't come true, and features he clearly made up on the spot in interviews had to be dropped just to get the damn thing onto the market - but if you looked past the controversy and the hype, Fable was an absolute stunner. Completely unlike anything which had come before it in the RPG genre, it gave players the opportunity to really influence both their character and the world he inhabited - a degree of freedom which, despite the disappointingly linear storyline at the heart of the game, makes it into a real gem.

Kristan: Another games that's 'too good to trade in'. I'm sure one day I'll play it and see what the fuss is about.

How well has it aged?

A Fabled screenshot.

Rob: Nobody has really done what Fable did since, so many aspects of the game still feel as fresh as ever - and in places, the graphics are truly stunning, with Lionhead's decision to go with stylised characters rather than aiming for realism really paying off. There's some dodgy texturing about, but overall it's a great looking game even now - and little touches like the Danny Elfman penned theme tune really push the production values of the game. If it were made now, we expect there'd be more options available to show off your character online, and so on - but aside from that, there's little here which has really dated.

8. Forza Motorsport

• Review
• Xbox 360 compatible? Yes

What we said then:

'Forza succeeds by being one of the very few racing games that has the potential to appeal to all driving game fans...its a quite staggering achievement for a first attempt and is a must have for any driving game fan - even if that means buying an Xbox in order to play it.'

What we say now:

Kristan: The Xbox's answer to Gran Turismo took a far more exciting, accessible approach to simulating racing than Polyphony ever managed. Upping the ante in just about every way that matters, Forza was like a racing fan's wish list, complete with such holy grails as online play, proper damage modeling and a deep and entertaining career mode. The sequel can't come soon enough.

Rob: It's probably just too hardcore for me - I like going fast as much as the next man, and things like Ridge Racer and Burnout get my blood pumping, but Forza just seemed dull and a bit ponderous, frankly. Most people I know who like this game also like arrogant right-wing tossbag Jeremy Clarkson, which probably explains a lot.

How well has it aged?

Not bad. Looks especially lovely on the 360 with a succession of detailed tracks and a great array of cars. The only limiting factor is the 30fps cap - something the upcoming sequel will apparently do away with.

9. Rallisport Challenge 1 and 2

• Review
• Xbox 360 compatible? Yes (RSC1) No (RSC2)

What we said then:

'Honestly, if you come away unimpressed from playing RSC 2, we'd advise you to seek medical attention... no other title comes close to its startlingly lifelike environments, its impressively realistic yet fun handling system nor the overwhelming sense of fun that permeates the single player and most of all the multiplayer. Just buy it; it's as simple as that.'

What we say now:

The challenge these days is finding a copy.

Kristan: The Xbox graveyard is littered with overlooked gems like this one. It's really hard to fathom why the public consistently thumbed their nose at such obviously brilliant games like Rallisport Challenge and it incredible system-pushing sequel, but it comes down to timing. With competing rally games like Colin McRae and WRC already well established, it was a case of genre fatigue. Shame, because DICE's excellent take on the muddy branch of driving games trumped the lot of them in every sense, with the sequel boasting by far the best visuals, an accessible handling model, great damage system and excellent online play. Pick it up cheap and enjoy the best rally game on any system, ever.

Rob: I'm constantly surprised by how few people know about these games. They're absolutely fantastic fun, look gorgeous, and are the definitive rally games on any console - and they're dirt cheap now, too. Definitely one for the collection.

How well has it aged?

Simply put, RSC2 was one of the finest looking driving games ever made when it launched in 2004, and still looks the part thanks to the incredible attention to detail and stunning environments. Even the 2002 original looks great, and has the added benefit of being playable in cleaned up form on the 360.

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