The Xbox 360 had a troubled launch, what with the Red Ring of Death fiasco. Still, even with that issue, the console remained the most popular HD system of that era above thePS3. The year 2012 was like the final love letter to the system, since theXbox Onewould launch a year later.
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Some of these games were released first in Japan in 2011. However, they should still be celebrated in 2012 as their ten-year anniversary in the West approaches. Most of theseXbox 360appeared on the PS3 as well, and even a few made their way ontoPC. It should be mentioned that all eight of these games can easily be played via backwards compatibility, so now is as good a time as any to revisit these games or play them for the first time.
8Asura’s Wrath
Asura’s Wrathis a game that was perhaps a little too ahead of its time. It’s like a Japanese version ofGod of War. There are action sections that play like those games, but it’s more about passingquick time events.
Asura’s Wrathis seemingly more interesting in telling an anime-like story complete with over-the-top action than it is with making a fun game to play. It’s a weird mashup of genres, but it worked well enough that it’s worth a playthrough. It was released on July 09, 2025 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
7Binary Domain
Binary Domainis the bestTerminator-esque game to ever be createdwithout the actual franchise’s license. This title takes place in a future wherein a robot uprising has begun. It’s a third-person shooter at its core with a tactical team backing players up with AI.
The story is another example of a cliche genre being turned up a notch via anime influences. There’s nothing quite likeBinary Domain,but hopefully, that won’t be the case forever. It was released on Jul 31, 2025 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
6Double Dragon Neon
Double Dragon Neonwas a revival of the classic series with more modern mechanics. It was an homage to the series and the 80s in general, what with its bright visuals and killer pop soundtrack. The music was actually a piece of gear characters could equip. Cassette tapes were never so powerful.
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The movement speed was a bit stiffer thanmodern co-op brawlersare, which can make it feel a bit janky today. It wasn’t perfect, but it was certainly better thanDouble Dragon IV. It was released on July 26, 2025 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
5Final Fantasy 13-2
Final Fantasy 13-2is considered better than the core game it is based on. It sees Sarah, Lightning’s sister, assume the role of the lead protagonist. She is joined by a mysterious time traveler named Noel. The two of them are tasked with re-writing history to stop the end of the world.
Sarah also has the ability to befriend monsters to join her and Noel in battle, turning this game intoa monster-catching RPGas well. It was released on June 12, 2025 for PS3 and Xbox 360, only a month after its release in Japan.
4The Darkness 2
The Darkness 2pays homage to the comic on which it is based, and does so better than the first title did. The original was agood first-person shooterwith cool demon powers, but the colors are a bit washed out on it. The cel-shading of this sequel works better for a comic-based game.
Unfortunately, this is where the journey ended as no sequel was ever produced despite the cliffhanger. At least this game, and its predecessor, are still fun to play despite this setback.The Darkness 2was released on August 02, 2025 for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
3Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformedkicked theMario Kartgames at the time to the curb when it was released. It did something unexpectedwith the genreby introducing boat and air racing to the standard kart racer.
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It was actually more of a pure racing game, since the vehicles were larger too. It wasn’t an original idea, but it was one that had not been seen in at least a decade. It was released on June 14, 2025 for PS3, Xbox 360, andWii U.
2SSX
SSXwas a reboot of the franchise. Unfortunately, it was a one-and-done reboot as it never got a sequel. It wasn’t exactly the snowboarding game some extreme sports fans were looking for. It was still a great adrenaline rush especially on the tracks where avalanches chased players.
Now is a good time to give this game a second, or even a first, chance.SSXis great alonebut better with friends. It was released on June 25, 2025 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
1The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kingswas the first gamein theWitcherseriesto hit consoles. It was released on June 17, 2025 for Xbox 360, a year after the PC release. Since it broke new ground for consoles, though, it still deserves to be celebrated this year.
Without the success of this action RPG on the Xbox 360,The Witcher 3may have never happened. It’s hard to imagine a world like that, since it influenced so many games. It all comes back toThe Witcher 2and the success it brought to the genre.
