OGXbox Archive

Microsoft launched the original Xbox on March 14, 2002 (PAL UK - Europe). Marking its bold debut in the gaming console industry. The system featured a custom Intel Pentium III processor, delivering strong performance for its era. It included a built in hard drive, a unique addition at the time, which eliminated the need for memory cards in many cases. The console's NVIDIA GeForce 3 based graphics processing unit enabled advanced visuals, setting a new standard for home gaming. Designed to compete with established players, the Xbox showcased Microsoft’s commitment to pushing gaming technology forward, ultimately shaping future gaming.

The original Xbox's game library was diverse and instrumental in establishing the console's reputation. Launched with standout titles like "Halo: Combat Evolved," the library quickly grew to encompass various genres, appealing to a wide audience. "Halo" became the flagship title, setting new standards for first-person shooters with its engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer features. In addition to "Halo," the Xbox featured other popular exclusives such as "Fable," a role-playing game known for its moral choices and immersive world, and "Project Gotham Racing," which combined arcade racing with real-world cities and cars. "Forza Motorsport" further solidified Xbox's presence in the racing genre with its realistic simulation. The console also saw successful ports and original titles like "Splinter Cell," which showcased the Xbox's graphical capabilities, and "Ninja Gaiden," celebrated for its challenging gameplay. Multiplayer experiences were enhanced by Xbox Live, with games like "MechAssault" and "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" offering robust online play. The library wasn't limited to exclusives; it included notable third-party games such as "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic," "Grand Theft Auto III," and "Morrowind." This rich and varied game library played a crucial role in the original Xbox's success and lasting legacy in the gaming industry.

The original Xbox, launched in 2001, had several ground breaking titles that defined its legacy. Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized console first-person shooters and became the system's killer app, introducing Master Chief and establishing a franchise cornerstone. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic delivered an epic RPG experience with compelling storytelling and moral choices. Jade Empire offered a unique martial arts RPG from BioWare with an engaging Chinese mythology-inspired world. Project Gotham Racing brought innovative racing mechanics with its Kudos system, while Forza Motorsport established a new standard for racing simulation. Fable created an expansive fantasy world where player choices influenced their character's development. Ninja Gaiden redefined action gaming with its precise combat and challenging gameplay. Other standout titles included Jet Set Radio Future's cel-shaded skating adventure, Panzer Dragoon Orta's rail-shooting excellence, and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay's blend of stealth and action.

Prima Games' original Xbox strategy guides stood out particularly for their comprehensive coverage of major titles from 2001-2005. The Halo: Combat Evolved guide was arguably their finest work for the platform, featuring detailed weapon statistics, multiplayer strategies, and meticulously mapped campaign levels with skull locations. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind guide was another standout, offering an exhaustive 200+ page compilation of quest walkthroughs, rare item locations, and character build recommendations. Their guides for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Fable were also highly regarded, containing extensive character creation advice, full quest trees, and multiple ending pathways. The Jade Empire guide demonstrated exceptional attention to detail with its martial arts combo listings and moral choice impact breakdowns. These guides were known for their high-quality paper stock, full colour screenshots, and pull out maps features that made them particularly collectible among Xbox enthusiasts.

The original Xbox game review page stands as your ultimate hub for exploring the classics that defined a generation of gaming excellence. Dive into comprehensive reviews and detailed game overviews that capture the essence of what made these titles revolutionary. Relive the golden era of gaming as we celebrate iconic adventures that pushed boundaries, hidden gems overlooked in their time, and fan favourite masterpieces that continue to influence modern gaming. Our dedicated platform offers nostalgic deep dives into ground breaking titles that changed the landscape of interactive entertainment forever. From the combat-filled corridors of Halo to the sprawling streets of Project Gotham Racing, we meticulously analyse what made these experiences special. Each review examines gameplay mechanics, visual design, narrative structure, and cultural impact through a lens that appreciates both historical context and enduring quality. Beyond mainstream hits, we unearth forgotten treasures deserving recognition and revaluation. 

The Original Xbox Magazine (OXM) was a significant gaming publication that ran from 2001 to 2020. Each issue came bundled with a demo disc, which became highly anticipated monthly releases for Xbox gamers. The magazine featured comprehensive reviews, exclusive previews, and in-depth features about upcoming Xbox titles. Some of their most notable issues included the launch edition covering the original Xbox's release in 2001, their extensive coverage of Halo: Combat Evolved with exclusive behind thescenes content, and the landmark 50th issue featuring an extensive retrospective of the console's impact on gaming. The magazine was particularly praised for its balanced review scores and unbiased coverage, setting it apart from other gaming publications of the time. Their holiday issues were especially popular, featuring buyer's guides and year-end awards that became influential in the gaming community.