The latest backward compatibility update is likely the last we’ll see, according to Xbox, but it’s also packed with some incredible, must-play titles from the Xbox 360 and Xbox Original eras.
Though not all of the 70+ titles can be purchased digitally due to licensing issues. For those titles you’ll need to track down a physical copy if you don’t already own it digitally.
And yes, that includes one of the greatest games ever made: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.
Titles such as these will not make an appearance on the list. Instead we’ll be focusing on must-play titles that can be purchased and played by everyone.
Must-Play Titles Xbox Added in Final Backward Compatibility Update
Otogi: Myth of Demons and Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
I have not personally played either of the Otogi games but I’ve always wanted to. Games being released and available to audiences again is the best part about Xbox’s backward compatibility program.
People like me can play Otogi 1 and 2 for the first time without having to find a physical disc or deal with emulation. The Otogi games were developed by FromSoftware and released exclusively for Microsoft’s Original Xbox.
The titles sound pretty rad but don’t go in expecting anything like Dark Souls. FromSoftware’s Otogi games are hack and slash action adventures starring undead warriors tasked with purging Japan of swarms of demons that have overrun the land.
I’m going to go play both of these and you should too!
Switchball
Play Switchball before or after slaughtering demons in Otogi, depending on how it goes. It’s a simple game — and so relaxing. You move a ball around cute environments that feature occasional puzzles and frequent hazards.
Fall off the edge or into a trap and you’re back to a previous checkpoint. The music is atmospheric but also peaceful. Don’t miss the cute vibes and good times that are waiting within Switchball!
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith is a trim action title with a story that jumps between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, often mirroring moments from the film of the same name.
The combat is incredibly basic, especially compared to more recent games, such as 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but there’s elegance in simplicity. Easy combos and fun skill trees are a breeze to sort through, especially compared to modern games and their Battle Passes.
Maybe Nintendo can work something out with Ubisoft and Disney so we can play the Game Boy Advance version on Nintendo Switch. It’s much different from the console version and deserves to be preserved too!
These are just some of the must-play titles within Xbox’s backward compatibility program. There are thousands of games to choose from across Xbox generations, including some very bad games, but each game has a story.
And every game deserves to have its story told. That’s part of what makes games so special and Xbox’s preservation efforts so crucial.
Related: The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass
