We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox open world games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of open world games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox and open world 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.
#10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Release Data: Eurocom/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
In the end, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a marked improvement over the previous Harry Potter game—it has a stronger game design and a lot more polish.
The game’s impressive visuals on the Xbox coupled with its rich gameplay definitely make it one of the better open-world/platformer games on the system.
#9. The Godfather
- Release Data: Page 44 Studios/Electronic Arts, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
With the sheer number of businesses to extort and missions to complete, you can easily spend 20 hours working your way up through the ranks and eliminating other families before finally becoming the Don of New York City.
Even if you’ve never seen the movie, the satisfying combat and challenging missions make this game worth playing.
#8. True Crime: Streets of LA
- Release Data: Luxoflux, Inc./Activision, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
True Crime is an enjoyable game if you can clear your mind of the Grand Theft Auto expectations.
The integration of story and gameplay is very nice, but there’s a strong possibility that the majority of people won’t get it at first because the tendency will be to play this game as if they already know what they’re doing.
#7. Gun
- Release Data: Neversoft Entertainment/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Most all of the right ingredients are here in some quantity.
But the hastily delivered storyline and the lack of any real depth to the game world make Gun much better suited for some quick, fleeting thrills instead of for the long haul.
But, still, it’s a decent game for fans of the genre.
#6. The Simpsons: Hit & Run
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/VU Games, 2003
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The game’s overall sense of humor is delightfully self-referential, and any hardcore Simpsons enthusiast should have a blast exploring the various levels and pointing out the numerous obscure locations and characters that pop up.
If you’re a fan of the show, you owe it to yourself to give The Simpsons: Hit & Run a look.
#5. Shenmue II
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Microsoft Game Studios, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Despite some shortcomings, Shenmue II‘s gameplay and story still make for a solid game, especially considering the absence of anything quite like it for the system.
So while the Xbox version isn’t perfect, there is still a good, atmospheric game with a strong story to be found in Shenmue II if you’re open to it.
#4. Spider-Man 2
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Even with all the repetition, Spider-Man 2 is still a good game, since it does succeed at capturing the sheer thrill of webswinging through a metropolitan area.
However, it also feels like a missed opportunity.
With some more variance in its mission design, Spider-Man 2 actually could have been something truly amazing.
#3. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/VU Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Sure, it isn’t the deepest, longest, or most technically proficient game out there, but fans of the comic book are sure to have a blast smashing their way through every destructible obstacle the game throws at them, and anybody else with a penchant for obliteration ought to at least give Ultimate Destruction a look.
#2. Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction
- Release Data: Pandemic Studios/LucasArts, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Of the games that have tried to borrow the GTA style of play, Mercenaries is one of the most successful.
This is partially because it infuses the structure with its own style, and in the process turns it into something of its own.
#1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA San Andreas has you doing many, many more things than any previous GTA game, and the strength of all these different elements makes for a powerful package that doesn’t disappoint.
With its strong story, well-written dialogue, terrific voice cast, impressive graphics, and extremely entertaining and varied gameplay, GTA San Andreas is a stupendous thrill ride that shouldn’t be missed.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox open world game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
