Xbox Originals: Worth a Double Dip?

Released alongside the 2007 Xbox Fall update, a new download service dubbed Xbox Originals made it's debut. Each title is available for 1200 MS points each or $15 Each one works exactly the same as the disk version. Nothing new has been added to any of the games. The only reason to buy any online this way is if you can't find them at the store. But are the game any good? Read on to find out.


Halo: Combat Evolved
The game that kept the Xbox 1 alive during a shaky launch. Arguably the best in the series, Halo is just as fun today as it was six years ago.

Pros
Perfect Control and Level Design (Yes, even the Library areas)
Great Story
Fantastic A.I.

Cons
Dated Graphics
No online mode so far
Some environment are reused to artificially lengthen game

Verdict
Chances are that you've already played this, but if not it's definitely worth a play though to see how it all started. Just don't expect anything the later installments have like duel wielding or online play.

Fable
Lionhead studios much hyped Action RPG initially disappointed fans, but sold well due to the game still being really good. The vast number of upgrades available in addition to the well done voice acting and easy to use combat system helped players forget about features that got cut. (Like online play)

Pros
Solid combat system and robust customization options
Faster load times on Xbox 360 versus Xbox 1
Funny Dialog

Cons
Linear feeling world
Somewhat predicable story
Framerate drops occasionally

Verdict
A fun action RPG that didn't redefine RPGs but still managed to be a highly polished and well made game. However, if you want the best version of Fable, it's worth it to look for Fable: The Lost Chapters for extra quests, additional locations and a longer ending.

Indigo Prophecy
This gritty, story driven action game allows players to control the actions of multiple people to tell a sort of interactive story. This is one of the only games to really make you care about what happens to the characters. The movie like picture in picture camera views, fantastic animation and superb voice acting make this feel like a movie. Action sections also help to keep the player entertained until the end.

Pros
Interesting Story with alternate outcomes and multiple controllable characters
Great Voice Acting
Unique controls

Cons
Some plot lines can get confusing
Graphics can look fuzzy in places
The camera and controls can hamper the experience sometimes

Verdict
This may be the only way you'll be able to play it, seeing as it was hard to find when it was new. Indigo Prophecy is worth it for a adventure fans or anyone looking for a intriguing and gritty, story with deep replayability.

Crash Bandicoot : The Wrath of Cortex
After Naughty Dog left behind the Crash Bandicoot Franchise, the first game to come from new developer Traveler's Tales was a safe rehash of previous games in the series. Feature the same crate breaking gameplay the seris is known for. A few problems hurt the the overall experience. Balancing issues where levels can be too easy one moment and too hard another being the biggest one. It's strange that Microsoft decided to release such a antiquated relic.

Pros
Classic Crash Bandicoot gameplay is still fun
Easy controls
Vehicle levels help add variety

Cons
Weak Story
One hit deaths and uneven difficulty hamper fun
Too short

Verdict
Almost exactly the same as previous Crash games, this will entertain fans of Platforming and Crash Bandicoot games while it lasts. It's not the worst game ever but, you're better off going with something more polished like Psychonauts.

Fusion Frenzy
In the Xbox 360 early days Fusion Frenzy was developed as a party game intended to help fill out the lineup. It turned out to be a mediocre collection of uninspired and mind numbingly boring minigames. If you want a quick easy game to play with a few friends, this is not a terrible choice, but this is certainly not anything groundbreaking.

Pros
Some minigames are kind of fun
Playing with friends can be fun for a little while
Easy to pick up and play

Cons
While running on the Xbox 360 the framerate stutters sometimes.
Most minigames are mindless and boring
Lame character selection

Verdict
Save your money for better games.

Psychonauts
From the same people who made Full Throttle and the Upcoming Brutal Legend, Psychonauts was highly reviewed, but sold poorly. Now that it has been re-released, anyone who missed out will finally be able to play this funny platformer.

Pros
Hilarious story and dialog
Solid controls
Fantastic level design and variety

Cons
Gameplay is nothing different from platforming norms
Some puzzles are unclear at first
Lots of item collection

Verdict
This is one of the funnest games I've ever played. The gameplay is pretty standard for platforming but, you'll keep playing just to see what happens next. Unfortunately, because it didn't sell very well, a sequel is unlikely. Which is too bad because it's just too original to pass up.


Most of these games can be found for less then the price offered here. However, some are quite hard to come by (Especially Indigo Prophecy). Just be sure to be completely sure you can't get it any other way before you take the plunge and buy a non refundable game.

Grand Theft Auto IV Trailer "Move up, ladies"

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