Mass Effect 2 2010
Why it still holds upYour squad keeps it worth playing today: you spend time on your ship, the Normandy, learning their pasts and doing their optional missions, and those choices carry through to the end.
Xbox 360 RPGs that still hold up
First released on the Xbox 360
Games
Mass Effect 2 2010
Why it still holds upYour squad keeps it worth playing today: you spend time on your ship, the Normandy, learning their pasts and doing their optional missions, and those choices carry through to the end.
On sale
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 2011
Why it still holds upToday the freedom still carries it: after a linear introduction you can go anywhere, and side quests range from short errands to adventures as long as the main story.
On sale
Fallout: New Vegas 2010
Why it still holds upFaction choices that lock out other routes, and skills that open dialogue, still make your decisions count today.
Dark Souls 2011
Why it still holds upPlayed now, exploring still pays: it turns up items, shortcuts and hidden areas, and the slow, precise combat almost never ends in a cheap death.
Mass Effect 2007
Why it still holds upYou shape Shepard's personality through the dialogue, and Paragon and Renegade points unlock more options as you go, which keeps the choices worth making now.
On sale
Dragon Age: Origins 2009
Why it still holds upIts world and its choices keep it worth playing now: many dilemmas have no clear good or evil side, so the decisions are yours to weigh.
Mass Effect 3 2012
Why it still holds upCarrying choices from game to game is the reason to play it today, in order from the first game.
On sale
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 2006
Why it still holds upIt is worth playing today for a world that treats the main quest as optional and puts side content throughout.
On sale
Deus Ex: Human Revolution 2011
Why it still holds upIt still rewards a visit for levels with several routes and fine environmental detail, and for its mix of stealth, combat and conversation.
On sale
Borderlands 2 2012
Why it still holds upAn enormous range of guns and four class builds are the reason to replay it now, and co op scaling lets friends share the same quests.
South Park: The Stick of Truth 2014
Why it still holds upIt is built as a playable episode of the show, with the town explored as a real map and every fight framed as the kids' fantasy game, and that is the reason to play it now.
On sale
Fallout 3 2008
Why it still holds upIf you play it now, it is for an open world whose exploration is optional and whose quests respond to different approaches.
Dragon Age: Inquisition 2014
Why it still holds upHub regions with optional content, and a Tactical View for harder fights, still let you set the pace of each region today.
Bastion 2011
Why it still holds upA narrator who reacts to your path, loadout and retries, and idols that adjust the difficulty, still keep every system answering you today.
Child of Light 2014
Why it still holds upA firefly that slows enemies and heals allies, and a surprise strike for whoever reaches an enemy's back first, still give every battle a small tactical choice.
Lost Odyssey 2007
Why it still holds upTiming a ring press on every attack still keeps each turn something you do and not just choose.
Tales of Vesperia 2008
Why it still holds upA story told through a guild of travelers is an easy one to settle into now.
NieR 2010
Why it still holds upA game that changes its camera between styles still has a surprise for a player today.
Fable II 2008
Why it still holds upA life spent building up Albion is still a story worth living through.
Dark Souls II 2014
Why it still holds upA world that takes its time to wear you down is still a challenge worth taking on today.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2006
Why it still holds upBuilding your own team from a huge cast still makes every run different.
Risen 2009
Why it still holds upThe island is still small enough to know, with a faction that decides who you become.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2012
Why it still holds upA skill tree you can rebuild still gives each hero room to change.
Dust: An Elysian Tail 2012
Why it still holds upMoves that chain into each other still make the fighting flow from one move to the next.
Dragon Age II 2011
Why it still holds upCompanions who become friends or rivals still change who stands beside Hawke.