Take a look at our picks for the best Xbox games released in the year 2002.
1. Splinter Cell
If Halo didn’t sell you on the Xbox, Splinter Cell definitely did. This game featured the absolute best lighting effects and overall graphics of any game to date. Great stealth gameplay, great graphics, and a great main character in Sam Fisher made Splinter Cell something special.
2. TimeSplitters 2
Hyped as being the next coming of the classic N64 game GoldenEye (since it was created by members of the GE team), TimeSplitters 2 delivered in just about every way. Great multiplayer, great co-op, and a wealth of unlockable goodies really made TimeSplitters 2 stand out from the crowd.3. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Morrowind was the first great RPG for the Xbox. It is absolutely huge and filled with things to do. Be a thief or a mage or a fighter – anything you want to do. Some might say it is a little too deep and complicated for its own good, but once you get into it Morrowind is a blast.4. Jet Set Radio Future
Jet Set Radio Future features great looking cel shaded graphics, amazing skating and graffiti tagging gameplay, and one of the best soundtracks to ever grace a videogame. This game is flat out fun.5. Steel Batallion
Better known as “That giant mech game with the $200 controller”, Steel Battalion is worth every penny. Using the controller complete with two joysticks, 40 buttons, and foot pedals, no other game has ever come closer to bringing giant mech combat into your living room.6. Shenmue II
The follow up to the fan favorite Dreamcast game, Shenmue II improved the fighting/action RPG gameplay and continued the story of Ryu’s journey to avenge his slain father. It also included a second disc that covered the story of the first Shenmue in amazing detail so even if you didn’t play the first one you could start Shenmue II without being too lost.7. MechAssault
MechAssault pretty much single handedly got Xbox Live off of the ground. The giant mech combat found here is fast, furious, and undeniably fun.8. RalliSport Challenge
RalliSport Challenge is the perfect blend of hardcore rally racing with an arcade feel so that it doesn’t become too frustrating. Great graphics and smooth gameplay made the original RalliSport Challenge another notch in the young Xbox’s cap in 2002.9. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
THPS3 hit the Xbox a few months after it hit the other systems, but the wait was worth it. Improved graphics, custom soundtracks, and an exclusive level made THPS3 on the Xbox the version to own.10. Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Substance added extra missions and VR levels to the already amazing Metal Gear Solid 2. The Xbox version had some control and framerate issues not found on the PS2, but Xbox owners desperate for MGS goodness didn’t mind.