We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is a solid sequel.
Three of the six modes are great fun, with the other three being at least playable.
So, if you love Geometry Wars you’ll love this. And if you’ve never played Geometry Wars before, then now is a perfect time to do so.
#24. Call of Duty 2
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
If you liked the original and have been thirsting for more, Call of Duty 2 will definitely deliver.
And if you haven’t experienced a Call of Duty game before, then get ready for an incredible experience in Call of Duty 2 for the Xbox 360.
#23. The Beatles: Rock Band
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
The Beatles: Rock Band doesn’t just let you play the music of one of the greatest bands in history; it knits your band closer together so that you can better experience the camaraderie and excitement of playing in a unified, talented group.
This makes any Beatles session great fun and makes The Beatles: Rock Band something special in the world.
#22. Mark of the Ninja
- Release Data: Klei Entertainment/Microsoft Game Studios, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mark of the Ninja is that rare game that gets all the hallmarks of a platformer right while distinguishing itself as a unique and fulfilling adventure.
With its tense pacing, its shadowy ambiance, and the satisfying act of doing stealth action, Mark of the Ninja is an excellent adventure that will leave its mark on you for months to come.
#21. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
- Release Data: Ubisoft Paris/Ubisoft, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
If you like shooters or action games, and you own an Xbox 360, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is a must-own for your library.
Even those who don’t necessarily like shooters may want to at least try the game out, as Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter represents the best of what a tactical shooter can offer.
#20. Super Meat Boy
- Release Data: Team Meat, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
It’s impossible to point to just one element that makes Super Meat Boy such an extraordinary game.
From the intense difficulty and the inspired level design, to the pinpoint controls and catchy soundtrack, all of the different aspects converge into something that is truly outstanding.
#19. LIMBO
- Release Data: PLAYDEAD, 2010
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Although this is a game without clear-cut answers, the lack of concrete explanations doesn’t detract one bit from the overall experience.
This is a delicately crafted adventure whose elements tie seamlessly together.
The journey may be over too quickly, but you will be entertained every minute.
#18. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2010
- Genre: Action » Arcade
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX boasts simple, addictive gameplay that will have you competing for high scores on the score boards for months.
This is a master class in game design: you will understand it instantly, enjoy it instantly, and want to play again and again.
#17. Super Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2010
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Super Street Fighter IV is an easy recommendation.
The gameplay is fast, fun and easy to dig into, and deep enough so that you’re always discovering new ways to chain combos and improve your skills.
Whether you’re a franchise veteran or a total newcomer, you can’t go wrong with Super Street Fighter IV.
#16. Gears of War 3
- Release Data: Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2011
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Building on the savage shoot-outs and merciless melees of its predecessors, Gears of War 3 hones the series’ signature action to a wickedly sharp edge.
It’s an exhilarating, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying finale for the series, and it makes Gears of War 3 one of the best shooters on the Xbox 360.
#15. Halo: Reach
- Release Data: Bungie/Microsoft Game Studios, 2010
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Though its deep roots may not win over those who haven’t enjoyed previous games in the series, Halo: Reach is a towering achievement that delivers an enormous amount of engaging content that players will no doubt be enjoying for years to come.
#14. BioShock Infinite
- Release Data: Irrational Games/2K Games, 2013
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
If you are okay with some of the themes and violence, you will find yourself immersed in a beautifully realized world, engaging storyline while also playing a well-crafted shooter.
It is impressive that the developers were able to make Infinite familiar to fans of the original game, while making it stand alone on its own merits as well.
#13. Rock Band
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
All told, Rock Band turns in an absolutely stellar performance.
And it’s not just because of one or two things that it does well while the rest fall by the wayside.
Each individual component of the game is good on its own, but it’s when you put those things together into a collective whole that the game truly shines.
#12. Braid
- Release Data: Number None Inc., 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Braid is worth every penny.
The captivating ending sequence, which makes use of your rewind ability in a jaw-dropping way, provides the exclamation point on this remarkable game, but the adventure is consistently engaging throughout the entire ride.
Braid‘s deep and mesmerizing tale is evergreen: it is outside of and beyond time. It will never get old.
#11. Rock Band 2
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Rock Band 2 delivers about what you’d expect from a game released just 10 months after its predecessor.
That may be a little underwhelming for people who put their lives on hold for the original, but you’re still left with a fantastic experience that’s unmatched as far as party games go.
#10. Guitar Hero II
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
The track list is gigantic, the multiplayer is a great deal of fun, the practice mode is a godsend, and the downloadable content is sure to give this game an absolute replay value.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to try Guitar Hero before, this is the definitive way to do it.
#9. Rock Band 3
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2010
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Rock Band 3 not only introduces new and exciting things to the world of rhythm games, but it does almost everything better than those that have come before it.
When it comes to accessible, inventive, and immensely entertaining music video games, nobody does it better than Rock Band 3.
#8. Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter IV will welcome you with open arms, whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer.
Amazing presentation, intricate and enjoyable fighting gameplay, and long-term appeal make this a must-have.
Street Fighter IV is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the fighting genre in this generation.
#7. Gears of War 2
- Release Data: Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Gears of War 2 has a lot in common with its predecessor, but the darker storyline and epic scale certainly have a lot to offer fans.
The new weapons, melee attacks, and co-op options make for a campaign that you’ll want to complete a few times.
Simply put, it’s a shooter that no action fan will want to miss out on.
#6. Halo 3
- Release Data: Bungie/Microsoft Game Studios, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
On the surface, Halo 3 is every bit the sequel you would expect it to be, in that it delivers meaningful upgrades to both the story-driven and competitive sides of the package.
However, it’s the addition of the Forge level editor and the saved films that give the game an even longer set of legs.
#5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The inelegant campaign plot may make you feel like you’re just along for the ride, but it is such an intense, roaringly great ride that you will be glad just to have played it.
The cooperative missions provide a uniquely fun angle on the action that rounds out the package superbly, making Modern Warfare 2 entertaining and rewarding.
#4. Gears of War
- Release Data: Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Gears of War is a game with a gameplay that is supremely fulfilling from start to finish in all of its various modes.
While there have certainly been plenty of similar shooters before it, the game’s great weapons, amazing graphics, and absolutely thrilling action make it stand out from the pack in a big, big way.
#3. Portal 2
- Release Data: Valve Software, 2011
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
As you journey through the massive Aperture facility, it becomes clear that Portal 2 does not merely come after Portal.
Instead, it radiates outward from its predecessor, simultaneously illuminating the world that gave rise to Portal and continuing the adventure that began there.
#2. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
It’s a shame that the single-player is so brief, but you should only skip out on Call of Duty 4 if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t appreciate great first-person shooter multiplayer.
The quality of the content in the campaign is totally top-shelf, and the multiplayer is some of the best around, making this a truly superb package.
#1. BioShock
- Release Data: Irrational Games/2K Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
If you’re the kind of player who just wants yet another action-packed shooter, BioShock probably isn’t for you.
But BioShock‘s real strengths are as a compelling work of interactive fiction, and as a unique ride through a warped world with some great payoff built into its mysterious plot.
Browse Xbox 360 Games By Genre
See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
