Since we're getting so close to the launch of the first of the next-generation consoles, the Xbox 360, we've decided to take a look back at some of the games that have helped to make the Xbox a worldwide phenomenon. Our editors have sifted through all of the titles that have landed on the system, then argued and brawled with each other until we came up with the 25 games that best embody the spirit of the system. Don't agree with our rankings? See something we missed? Just want to compliment us on our hard work and dedication to our readers? Drop us a line and let us know what you think!



Madden NFL 2005

For some gamers, there's only one thing that matters every year: Madden. For 15 years, we've gathered around the TV with our buddies to heave Hail Mary's down the field, and it's hard to imagine any Xbox collection without at least one version of Madden in it.

The Madden games have always excelled at being simple enough for anyone to pick up and start playing, and yet have enough depth to keep diehard players busy for months. On the field, there's no shortage of plays to run, and every new installment offers more and more options: special moves, Hot Routes, Playmaker plays, the Hit Stick, and others. Off the field, you can play GM, go through the draft, sign free agents, and attempt to build your own dynasty. In Madden NFL 2005, EA finally brought Xbox Live play to the series, allowing gamers across the globe to go head-to-head.

There was a lot of noise in the off-season when EA bought the license that made it the exclusive publisher of NFL football games. With some franchises, that might have been a problem, but while we'll miss the competition of up-and-comers like the ESPN NFL 2K series, the Madden series has never failed to give us all the football we can handle.


Sluggo: I didn't buy an Xbox when the console was released in November 2001. I waited. And when I did buy an Xbox, it wasn't to play Halo. It was to play Madden. As a long-time Madden fanatic, it was obviously the best platform for it -- it had the best graphics, the hard drive meant no memory card juggling, and I was partial to the small Xbox controller. It's true that I really enjoyed ESPN NFL 2K5 last year, but I still put in four full seasons with Madden 2005, and expect I'll be doing the same again this year.

Will: Once again, Madden was hoisting the trophy at the end of the year, and EA's recent exclusivity agreement with the NFL means that John and friends will be back for many years to come. Although I wasn't totally sold on the much-ballyhooed Hit Stick at first, I gradually became comfortable with it after a forcing a few fumbles on my opponents. Rib-crushing hits are now just a flick away!

The other big addition to this year's game (at least for me) was the ability to play against your friends via Xbox Live. There were some initial bugs (including one doozy), but it's now solid as a rock, and there are still lots of people who want to play. Much like my beloved New England Patriots, Live play allows me to lay the smack down on teams from around the country.

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