The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered officially launched on April 22, 2025, bringing one of the most beloved RPGs of the 2000s into the modern era. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the remaster transforms the 2006 classic with sweeping visual and gameplay enhancements. It’s available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC—and included with Xbox Game Pass—making it more accessible than ever to both new players and returning fans.
A Ground-Up Visual Overhaul
One of the most immediate and striking changes is the complete graphical overhaul. Using advanced rendering techniques like ray tracing, global illumination, and high-fidelity textures, Oblivion’s fantasy world of Cyrodiil has never looked better. Weather effects are dynamic and realistic, lighting shifts naturally with time of day, and character models now boast greater detail and fluid animations.
The remaster also benefits from modern performance standards, offering 4K resolution at 60fps on consoles and uncapped frame rates on PC. Load times have been drastically reduced thanks to SSD optimization, ensuring seamless fast-travel and dungeon exploration.
Smarter AI and Smoother Combat
Bethesda didn’t stop at just graphics. Oblivion Remastered features a significant upgrade to AI behavior, refining the game’s once-clunky Radiant AI system. NPCs now act more believably—engaging in conversations, responding to player actions more intelligently, and managing their daily schedules with greater realism.
Combat has also been refined. While still faithful to the original mechanics, improvements in hit detection, animation blending, and input response make melee and magic feel more responsive and satisfying. The magic system has been expanded with new visual effects and better spell impact feedback.
Enhanced UI and Accessibility
The interface has been completely redesigned for modern displays, shedding the original’s bulky menus in favor of cleaner, more intuitive layouts. Inventory management, quest tracking, and map navigation have been improved significantly, and the new HUD adapts to both controller and mouse/keyboard inputs.
Accessibility features now include full subtitle customization, colorblind modes, controller remapping, and scalable UI elements, ensuring a smoother experience for a wider range of players.
All DLC Included
The remaster includes all previously released downloadable content, including Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. These expansions bring dozens of hours of content, new locations, factions, gear, and some of the most memorable quests in Elder Scrolls history.
Massive Launch Success
Within three days of launch, Oblivion Remastered had reached over 4 million players, with a peak of 216,000 concurrent users on Steam. By early May 2025, it had already become the third-best-selling game of the year in the United States by dollar sales—surpassing the original game’s 15-month sales total in just a single week.
Critics have praised the remaster’s balance of nostalgia and modernization, while long-time fans have celebrated its faithful recreation of the original’s tone, charm, and depth.
Skyblivion Still Coming
Interestingly, Oblivion Remastered doesn’t render the fan-made Skyblivion project obsolete. This volunteer-driven remake, which aims to rebuild Oblivion within Skyrim’s engine, is also slated for release in 2025. The Skyblivion team has publicly supported the remaster, saying the two versions offer “complementary” experiences—one official and visually cutting-edge, the other a labor of love built with deep modding potential.
A New Gold Standard for Remasters?
With its modern visuals, smart gameplay tweaks, and preserved storytelling charm, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered stands as one of the best examples of how to update a classic RPG for a new generation. Whether you’re rediscovering the Hero of Kvatch’s journey or experiencing Cyrodiil for the first time, this remaster offers a compelling reason to return to the heart of Tamriel.
Best Xbox 360 Games to Play in 2025
The Xbox 360 stands as one of the most beloved gaming consoles of all time, with a library spanning thousands of titles across various genres. Released in 2005, this Microsoft console dominated the gaming landscape for nearly a decade and helped define modern gaming experiences. Its impressive catalog offers something for every type of player.
Finding the best Xbox 360 games can help you rediscover classic gaming experiences that still hold up today. From action-adventure titles like Grand Theft Auto IV to shooters like Halo 3 and RPGs such as Mass Effect 2, the platform features countless critically acclaimed games worth revisiting. Whether you still own your original console or are exploring these games through backward compatibility, these titles represent gaming at its finest.
1: Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV stands as one of the most influential games on Xbox 360. Released in 2008, it brought players into the gritty world of Liberty City through the eyes of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant seeking the American Dream.
The game’s story rivals quality films with memorable characters and compelling narrative arcs. You’ll find yourself invested in Niko’s journey as he navigates the criminal underworld of Liberty City. The story is as good as a movie with impressive graphics that create countless incredible moments.
The detailed open world remains impressive even by today’s standards. You can spend hours simply exploring Liberty City’s boroughs, each with distinct personality and atmosphere. The attention to small details helps create a living, breathing world.
However, GTA IV isn’t without flaws. Some players find the car handling problematic and certain control mechanisms frustrating. The game also occasionally suffers from performance issues on the Xbox 360.
The online multiplayer mode provides additional entertainment value, though it can sometimes lag more than it should. Despite these issues, the multiplayer remains fun and extends the game’s replay value considerably.
When compared to other GTA titles on the platform, opinions vary. Some players argue that GTA IV gets boring after completing the main story, while others consider it superior to other entries like the Xbox 360 version of San Andreas.
2: Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is widely considered one of the best games ever released on the Xbox 360. The game blends storytelling and gameplay in innovative ways, letting you experience the lives of three different characters throughout the story.
The Xbox 360 version delivered an impressive open world experience despite the console’s hardware limitations. You can explore Los Santos and Blaine County, areas filled with activities, missions, and hidden collectibles to discover.
What makes GTA V stand out is its most dynamic and diverse open world on the platform. You can spend hours just driving around, causing chaos, or following the compelling main storyline.
The game’s character-switching mechanic was revolutionary for its time. You can jump between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with unique personalities and storylines that interweave throughout the game.
Even in 2025, some players still enjoy revisiting GTA V on Xbox 360. The graphics hold up surprisingly well considering the hardware’s age, and the gameplay remains engaging years after release.
Online multiplayer extended the game’s longevity significantly. You could team up with friends for heists or engage in competitive modes, adding hundreds of potential gameplay hours beyond the single-player campaign.
While newer versions exist on modern platforms with improved visuals, the Xbox 360 release remains a technical achievement. You’ll find the core experience that made GTA V such a beloved title is fully intact in this version.
3: BioShock
BioShock stands as one of the most celebrated games on the Xbox 360. This atmospheric first-person shooter takes you to the underwater city of Rapture, where you’ll experience a unique blend of horror, action, and storytelling.
The game’s story is often praised as insanely good, with a twist that changed gaming narratives forever. You’ll be guided through Rapture by Atlas, who later reveals himself to be Frank Fontaine – a moment that shocked players worldwide.
What makes BioShock special is its perfect ambience. The art deco design of Rapture creates an unforgettable setting that remains distinctive in gaming history. You’ll find yourself fully immersed in this fallen utopia.
The gameplay combines shooting mechanics with special abilities called plasmids. These give you powers like shooting electricity or fire from your hands, adding strategic depth to combat encounters.
Many consider BioShock one of the best games of the year during its release, even competing with juggernauts like Halo 3. The series expanded with BioShock 2 and BioShock Infinite, though many fans rank the original as their favorite.
You’ll find the complete BioShock collection available for modern consoles, but experiencing it on the Xbox 360 delivers the authentic experience as originally intended.
4: Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 stands as one of the greatest games ever made for the Xbox 360. Released in 2010, this sci-fi RPG masterpiece continues Commander Shepard’s mission to save the galaxy, but with significant improvements over its predecessor.
The game’s visuals are so impressive that it could easily be mistaken for a much more recent title. You’ll notice the stunning environments immediately, which surpass even the beautiful settings from the first game.
When you play Mass Effect 2, you experience a world that feels well-defined with thematic, bite-sized chunks. The game offers a perfect balance between storytelling and action.
What truly sets this game apart is the cast of characters. You’ll form genuine connections with your squad members through loyalty missions that reveal their personal stories and motivations.
Combat received a complete overhaul, making firefights more exciting and strategic. You’ll find the cover system more intuitive and the powers more impactful than before.
Critics widely praised Mass Effect 2, with many outlets naming it one of 2010’s best games. It’s considered by many fans to be the best game in the trilogy, despite the argument that the overall plot might not be as crucial as in parts 1 or 3.
If you’ve never experienced this incredible adventure, you’re missing out on one of the Xbox 360’s defining titles.
5: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim stands as one of the most impressive open-world RPGs ever released on the Xbox 360. When you first step into its vast nordic landscape, you’ll immediately understand why this game captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.
The freedom Skyrim offers is unmatched. You can explore snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and ancient ruins at your own pace. The main questline involves dragons returning to the land, but you might spend dozens of hours without even touching it.
Combat in Skyrim gives you plenty of options. You can become a stealthy archer, a powerful mage, or a sword-and-shield warrior. The crafting and spellcasting systems are robust, allowing you to create unique builds that match your playstyle.
One of Skyrim’s greatest strengths is how the world reacts to your choices. The story evolves based on your decisions, creating a personalized adventure that feels meaningful.
Side quests in Skyrim often contain more interesting stories than many games’ main campaigns. From joining the thieves guild to becoming an assassin, these questlines offer hours of engaging content.
The Xbox 360 version holds up remarkably well despite hardware limitations. While you might encounter occasional bugs, they rarely detract from what critics have called “Bethesda’s best game yet” and “an unique and spectacular world filled with fun.”
6: Halo 3
Halo 3 stands as one of the most beloved games in the Xbox 360 library. Released as the concluding chapter of Master Chief’s original trilogy, this game delivered on the massive hype surrounding it.
The campaign picks up right where Halo 2 left off. You’ll experience an epic story with memorable missions and intense battles against the Covenant and Flood. The narrative brings a satisfying conclusion to the storyline that began in the original Halo.
The graphics were impressive for 2007, with high-definition visuals and an advanced lighting engine. The environments are varied and detailed, from Earth’s lush jungles to alien structures.
Gameplay in Halo 3 feels refined and responsive. The controls are tighter than previous entries, and the gunplay is excellent. New weapons and vehicles add fresh strategies to both campaign and multiplayer modes.
Speaking of multiplayer, many fans consider Halo 3’s online experience to be the best in the franchise. The matchmaking system was revolutionary for its time, and custom game options let you create countless variations.
Forge mode allowed you to build and share custom maps, extending the game’s lifespan dramatically. This feature helped build a strong community around the game that lasted for years.
The polished experience and endless configurability of Halo 3 make it a must-play Xbox 360 title. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this game deserves a spot in your collection.
7: Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption stands as one of the best games ever released for the Xbox 360. This Rockstar Games masterpiece takes you to the American frontier during the early 1900s, immersing you in a world where the Wild West era is slowly fading away.
You play as John Marston, a former outlaw forced to hunt down members of his old gang. The game drops you into a dusty world at the turn of the century as a character with a mysterious past and compelling motivations.
The vast open world is truly breathtaking. You can ride your horse across sprawling plains, rugged mountains, and small frontier towns. Each location feels authentic and lived-in, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The gameplay combines third-person shooting, horseback riding, and various Wild West activities. You can hunt animals, play poker, capture bounties, and engage in intense shootouts using the game’s excellent “Dead Eye” targeting system.
Many Xbox 360 owners consider Red Dead Redemption a must-play experience. The compelling story, memorable characters, and incredible attention to detail create a gaming experience that truly stands the test of time.
If you want to experience this classic today, you can still find physical copies at retailers like GameStop. The game also has an excellent expansion called Undead Nightmare that’s worth checking out.
8: Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas stands as one of the most beloved RPGs on the Xbox 360. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this post-apocalyptic adventure takes you to the Mojave Wasteland where your choices truly matter.
The game features an immersive storyline with multiple factions vying for control of New Vegas. You’ll find yourself making difficult decisions that shape the outcome of the wasteland. Each choice carries weight and consequences that affect how characters and factions respond to you.
The Xbox 360 version of New Vegas is surprisingly stable compared to other platforms. Many players consider it the most reliable version outside of modded PC versions.
With the Ultimate Edition, you get all DLC expansions including Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road. These add substantial content to an already massive game, providing over 100 hours of gameplay.
The game excels in creating a world filled with dark humor and post-apocalyptic charm. You’ll encounter memorable characters, quirky companions, and morally ambiguous situations that keep you engaged.
Combat offers flexibility with the V.A.T.S. system, allowing you to target specific body parts during firefights. You can build your character with various skills and perks that completely change how you approach challenges.
The rich storytelling and branching dialogue options make each playthrough unique. You can be a diplomatic courier or a ruthless wasteland survivor – the choice is yours in this definitive Xbox 360 RPG experience.
9: Portal 2
Portal 2 stands as one of the most innovative games ever released for the Xbox 360. This first-person puzzle-platformer expands on everything that made the original Portal great while adding new mechanics and a more developed story.
The game challenges you to think creatively as you use the portal gun to solve increasingly complex puzzles. You’ll create your own paths through sealed surfaces and open spaces, making for a uniquely satisfying gameplay experience.
Portal 2 features amazing single player AND co-op experiences. The single player campaign alone is worth the price of admission, especially if you enjoyed the first game.
The humor in Portal 2 is top-notch, with memorable characters and witty dialogue throughout. GLaDOS returns with her sarcastic comments, and you’ll meet new characters like Wheatley and Cave Johnson.
Critics widely regard Portal 2 as brilliant, with everyone encouraged to play it. The puzzles strike the perfect balance between challenging and satisfying.
Portal 2 is the epitome of a great sequel – it takes what you liked about the first game and completely turns it on its head with new concepts.
The game’s ingenious design tests your ability to think and act creatively. You’ll use momentum, special gels, light bridges, and tractor beams to overcome obstacles in the Aperture Science facility.
10: The Orange Box
The Orange Box is one of the most valuable gaming packages ever released for the Xbox 360. For a single price, you get five complete games from Valve: Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2.
Half-Life 2 and its episodes deliver an immersive first-person shooter experience with a compelling storyline. These games showcase innovative physics-based gameplay that was groundbreaking when first released and still holds up well today.
Portal might be the standout title in the collection. This puzzle game works particularly well with a controller on the Xbox 360, offering a unique experience where you solve challenges using a portal gun that creates linked gateways.
Team Fortress 2 provides countless hours of multiplayer fun with its class-based competitive gameplay. The distinct art style and balanced character classes make it accessible yet deeply strategic.
Many gamers consider The Orange Box the greatest gaming deal in history. You get three critically acclaimed Half-Life games, the innovative Portal, and the endlessly replayable Team Fortress 2 all in one package.
The Orange Box represents exceptional value for your money. Each game offers something different, from story-driven single-player experiences to addictive multiplayer action. If you’re building your Xbox 360 collection, this title deserves a spot on your shelf.
Impact on Gaming Industry
The Xbox 360 revolutionized gaming with groundbreaking features and exclusive titles that shaped how games are developed and played today. Its influence extended beyond technical innovations to create lasting cultural touchpoints that still resonate with gamers worldwide.
Influence on Game Development
The Xbox 360 introduced game-changing features that developers quickly embraced. The console’s powerful hardware allowed for impressive graphics and gameplay experiences that weren’t possible on previous generations.
Games like Gears of War established new benchmarks for visual quality and third-person combat mechanics. This pushed other developers to improve their technical standards.
The 360’s Xbox Live service transformed online multiplayer gaming. Achievements became an industry standard that you still see in games across all platforms today.
Despite early hardware issues like the infamous “Red Ring of Death”, the 360 maintained strong developer support throughout its lifecycle. Many studios created exclusive partnerships with Microsoft, resulting in unique titles you couldn’t play elsewhere.
Cultural Significance
The Xbox 360 era introduced franchises that became cultural phenomena. Games like Halo 3 transcended gaming to become mainstream entertainment events, with midnight launches drawing thousands of eager fans.
Kinect Adventures! became the console’s best-selling game with 24 million units sold, bringing motion gaming to a wide audience. This accessibility helped expand gaming demographics beyond traditional players.
The 360 also popularized digital distribution through Xbox Live Arcade. This platform gave you access to smaller, innovative titles that might not have found success through traditional retail channels.
Many of the most influential Xbox games changed how stories are told in interactive media. Titles like Mass Effect allowed for unprecedented player choice, influencing storytelling approaches across the industry.
Technological Advancements
The Xbox 360 brought revolutionary technological improvements that changed how we play games. These advancements elevated gaming experiences through stunning visuals and introduced gameplay mechanics that would influence the industry for years to come.
Graphics and Performance Enhancements
The Xbox 360 marked a massive leap in visual capabilities compared to its predecessor. Games like Crysis 3 showcased the console’s impressive lighting effects and detailed environments, pushing hardware boundaries.
Many titles utilized the Xbox 360’s unified shader architecture to create more realistic textures and lighting. Forza Motorsport 4 demonstrated photorealistic car models and tracks that were unprecedented at the time.
The console introduced HD gaming to the mainstream, with many games running at 720p resolution. This visual upgrade made games like Gears of War feel more immersive with their detailed character models and environments.
Motion blur, depth of field, and advanced particle effects became standard features in premium titles, giving you experiences that weren’t possible on previous hardware.
Innovative Gameplay Features
The Xbox 360 controller refined ergonomics and introduced the guide button, transforming how you interact with games. Its precise analog sticks and responsive triggers enabled more precise control in shooters like Batman: Arkham City.
Kinect technology brought motion controls to new heights, allowing you to use your body as the controller in games like Dance Central and Kinect Sports. This opened gaming to entirely new audiences.
Online multiplayer through Xbox Live revolutionized competitive gaming. Games like Gears of War 3 featured sophisticated matchmaking systems and party functionality that defined modern online play.
Achievements transformed how you engage with games, encouraging exploration and completion. This system has since become industry standard across all platforms.
Digital distribution through Xbox Live Arcade brought innovative indie titles like Fez to your console, expanding the types of experiences available beyond traditional retail releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox 360 gamers often have specific questions about game options, ratings, and availability. These FAQs address common inquiries to help you make informed gaming decisions for Microsoft’s popular console.
What are the top-rated titles in the Xbox 360 exclusive games category?
The Xbox 360 boasts several highly-rated exclusive titles that you can’t play on other platforms. Halo 3 stands out as one of the most celebrated Xbox 360 exclusives, offering an unmatched sci-fi shooter experience.
Gears of War and its sequels deliver intense third-person action with stunning visuals and cooperative gameplay. Fable 2 provides a wide variety of combat options and a large semi-open world with plenty of humor.
Forza Motorsport 4 represents the pinnacle of Xbox 360 racing games with realistic driving physics and impressive car selections.
Which Xbox 360 games are most recommended for children?
Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition offers creative gameplay suitable for all ages, teaching problem-solving and design skills in a safe environment.
LEGO games, including LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Batman, provide family-friendly adventures with simple controls and cooperative play options. These titles combine humor with beloved franchises that children enjoy.
Viva Piñata presents a colorful garden simulation where kids can attract and care for various animal species without violent content.
How do the best Xbox 360 games compare to the top Xbox One titles?
The Xbox 360’s top games like Grand Theft Auto V and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim eventually received enhanced versions on Xbox One with improved graphics and performance. You’ll notice significant visual upgrades when playing these titles on newer hardware.
Xbox One games generally feature larger worlds and more complex gameplay systems due to hardware improvements. However, many Xbox 360 classics still hold up remarkably well in terms of gameplay fundamentals.
The Xbox One offers backward compatibility for numerous Xbox 360 titles, allowing you to play many of your favorites with slight performance improvements.
What are the most popular multiplayer games on Xbox 360?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops dominated online multiplayer on Xbox 360, creating intense competitive environments with millions of active players. These games revolutionized console multiplayer gaming.
Halo 3 and Halo: Reach offered both competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes that became iconic for Xbox 360 players. The robust matchmaking systems kept these communities active for years.
Gears of War 2 introduced the popular Horde mode, while Battlefield: Bad Company 2 delivered large-scale warfare with vehicles and destructible environments.
Can you provide a list of the top 100 Xbox 360 games of all time?
According to a comprehensive community ranking, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim tops the list of all-time greatest Xbox 360 games, followed closely by Fallout 3 and Red Dead Redemption.
The top five is completed by Halo 3, confirming the strength of Microsoft’s flagship franchise. Grand Theft Auto IV and V, BioShock, and Mass Effect 2 all rank highly on most comprehensive lists.
You can find complete FAQs and guides for virtually all Xbox 360 titles if you’re looking to master specific games in the extensive library.
How can Xbox 360 games be downloaded and are there any legal considerations?
You can purchase and download digital Xbox 360 games directly through the Xbox 360 marketplace or via the Microsoft Store on newer Xbox consoles. Microsoft still maintains these services for legacy content.
When buying used physical copies, ensure you’re purchasing from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit discs. Region locks may apply to certain titles, so verify compatibility with your console region.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access select Xbox 360 titles through backward compatibility on newer Xbox consoles, providing a legal and affordable way to experience classic games.
