12-05-2024, 01:12 PM
The original Xbox was nothing short of revolutionary when it hit shelves in 2001. In an era where storage options were limited, the ability to store music directly on the console's hard drive and ditch the memory card was a game-changer. The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter in gaming, and with it, a host of groundbreaking titles that would define the early 2000s. In this week’s episode of Waypoint Wishlist, we discuss some of the standout games from the original Xbox generation that we’d love to see get another shot at glory—whether through a full remake or a well-deserved remaster.
Burnout 3: Takedown – The Ultimate Arcade Racer
Let’s kick things off with a classic that has stood the test of time: Burnout 3: Takedown. While the series has continued with Revenge and Paradise, nothing quite compares to the chaos and thrill of Takedown. As someone who never found the appeal of realistic racing sims, Burnout 3 was my perfect match. The game’s core mechanic wasn’t about lap times or tight turns—it was all about causing destruction. The crashes felt more impactful, the driving more intense, and the game modes were absolutely packed with fun.
In a world full of Gran Turismos and Assetto Corsas, it’s hard not to yearn for a Burnout 3 revival. Sure, simulators are great for some, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about side-swiping rivals into oncoming traffic and watching the wreckage unfold in slow-motion.
Mad Dash Racing – A Goofy Classic with Gex
Next up is a game that often gets overlooked: Mad Dash Racing. It might not have had the same lasting appeal as some other titles, but for me, it was special. One of the major draws? Gex. Yes, the eccentric gecko who found his way into everything from Hot Shots Golf 2 to his own quirky games. In Mad Dash Racing, Gex was an unlockable character, and as a fan, it was a delightful addition.
The game itself was a wacky mix of power-ups and bipedal creatures racing across vibrant tracks. But more than anything, it was just plain fun. The lack of serious competition from the likes of Mario Kart at the time made Mad Dash Racing an enjoyable, goofy alternative to the more serious racers. It’s about time we got some fresh, fun racing games back on the market, and Mad Dash would be the perfect candidate for a comeback.
Voodoo Vince – The Wacky Platformer Deserving of a Remake
For many, the Voodoo Vince platformer is a forgotten gem. While it did get a remaster a few years ago, it still doesn’t feel like the full remake it deserves. Voodoo Vince stood out as one of the most unusual titles on the original Xbox. You played as Vince, a voodoo doll on a mission to save his creator, Madam Charmaine. The game took inspiration from the American Deep South, bringing a unique atmosphere to its settings.
What set Voodoo Vince apart was its innovative mechanics. Vince could harm himself to unleash powerful voodoo abilities, which made for some truly bizarre (and often humorous) animations. The game also involved solving puzzles and taking on bosses with a mix of platforming and combat. A top-to-bottom remake could breathe new life into this quirky adventure while honoring its original spirit.
Jade Empire – BioWare’s Lost Masterpiece
And then there’s Jade Empire—a game that has remained my unrequited love. The martial arts RPG was one of BioWare’s finest creations, blending rich storylines, enjoyable combat, and an immersive world that felt like a breath of fresh air in an age dominated by fantasy RPGs. It’s mind-boggling that Jade Empire never received a sequel, especially considering how well it was received.
The game’s hand-to-hand combat system was a highlight, and it would be fantastic to see it revitalized with modern mechanics. If there’s one game I’d love to see return, it’s Jade Empire. Whether through a remake or remaster, I’ll continue to hold out hope that we see a return to the world of martial arts and mysticism BioWare so masterfully created.
The Legacy of the Original Xbox
The original Xbox was more than just a console; it was a technological marvel that set the stage for future innovations in gaming. With its powerful hardware, expansive game library, and iconic games, it’s no wonder that we’re still talking about these classics today. While we’ve only touched on a few, there are countless titles from that era that deserve another chance. Whether through a complete overhaul or a simple remaster, the original Xbox’s legacy is one worth preserving. Until next time, keep on gaming and keep celebrating the classics that made it all possible.
As we celebrate the timeless classics of the original Xbox, it's important to remember that the world of gaming continues to evolve. If you're looking to expand your gaming library or enhance your Xbox experience, you might want to check out the Z2U.COM website. Offering a wide range of services, Z2U provides options like Xbox Games Top Up Online, ensuring you have the resources to enjoy a vast selection of titles at your fingertips. Whether you're looking for Cheap Microsoft Games For Sale or need to top up your account to purchase your next favorite game, Z2U is the go-to platform for competitive pricing and a seamless shopping experience. Keep your gaming collection fresh and full of new adventures, and make sure you don’t miss out on the latest deals available.
Burnout 3: Takedown – The Ultimate Arcade Racer
Let’s kick things off with a classic that has stood the test of time: Burnout 3: Takedown. While the series has continued with Revenge and Paradise, nothing quite compares to the chaos and thrill of Takedown. As someone who never found the appeal of realistic racing sims, Burnout 3 was my perfect match. The game’s core mechanic wasn’t about lap times or tight turns—it was all about causing destruction. The crashes felt more impactful, the driving more intense, and the game modes were absolutely packed with fun.
In a world full of Gran Turismos and Assetto Corsas, it’s hard not to yearn for a Burnout 3 revival. Sure, simulators are great for some, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about side-swiping rivals into oncoming traffic and watching the wreckage unfold in slow-motion.
Mad Dash Racing – A Goofy Classic with Gex
Next up is a game that often gets overlooked: Mad Dash Racing. It might not have had the same lasting appeal as some other titles, but for me, it was special. One of the major draws? Gex. Yes, the eccentric gecko who found his way into everything from Hot Shots Golf 2 to his own quirky games. In Mad Dash Racing, Gex was an unlockable character, and as a fan, it was a delightful addition.
The game itself was a wacky mix of power-ups and bipedal creatures racing across vibrant tracks. But more than anything, it was just plain fun. The lack of serious competition from the likes of Mario Kart at the time made Mad Dash Racing an enjoyable, goofy alternative to the more serious racers. It’s about time we got some fresh, fun racing games back on the market, and Mad Dash would be the perfect candidate for a comeback.
Voodoo Vince – The Wacky Platformer Deserving of a Remake
For many, the Voodoo Vince platformer is a forgotten gem. While it did get a remaster a few years ago, it still doesn’t feel like the full remake it deserves. Voodoo Vince stood out as one of the most unusual titles on the original Xbox. You played as Vince, a voodoo doll on a mission to save his creator, Madam Charmaine. The game took inspiration from the American Deep South, bringing a unique atmosphere to its settings.
What set Voodoo Vince apart was its innovative mechanics. Vince could harm himself to unleash powerful voodoo abilities, which made for some truly bizarre (and often humorous) animations. The game also involved solving puzzles and taking on bosses with a mix of platforming and combat. A top-to-bottom remake could breathe new life into this quirky adventure while honoring its original spirit.
Jade Empire – BioWare’s Lost Masterpiece
And then there’s Jade Empire—a game that has remained my unrequited love. The martial arts RPG was one of BioWare’s finest creations, blending rich storylines, enjoyable combat, and an immersive world that felt like a breath of fresh air in an age dominated by fantasy RPGs. It’s mind-boggling that Jade Empire never received a sequel, especially considering how well it was received.
The game’s hand-to-hand combat system was a highlight, and it would be fantastic to see it revitalized with modern mechanics. If there’s one game I’d love to see return, it’s Jade Empire. Whether through a remake or remaster, I’ll continue to hold out hope that we see a return to the world of martial arts and mysticism BioWare so masterfully created.
The Legacy of the Original Xbox
The original Xbox was more than just a console; it was a technological marvel that set the stage for future innovations in gaming. With its powerful hardware, expansive game library, and iconic games, it’s no wonder that we’re still talking about these classics today. While we’ve only touched on a few, there are countless titles from that era that deserve another chance. Whether through a complete overhaul or a simple remaster, the original Xbox’s legacy is one worth preserving. Until next time, keep on gaming and keep celebrating the classics that made it all possible.
As we celebrate the timeless classics of the original Xbox, it's important to remember that the world of gaming continues to evolve. If you're looking to expand your gaming library or enhance your Xbox experience, you might want to check out the Z2U.COM website. Offering a wide range of services, Z2U provides options like Xbox Games Top Up Online, ensuring you have the resources to enjoy a vast selection of titles at your fingertips. Whether you're looking for Cheap Microsoft Games For Sale or need to top up your account to purchase your next favorite game, Z2U is the go-to platform for competitive pricing and a seamless shopping experience. Keep your gaming collection fresh and full of new adventures, and make sure you don’t miss out on the latest deals available.