360-Compatible Xbox Games Revealed

Pleasant surprises all around as Microsoft reveals 200-strong list of Xbox games than can be played on the 360.

While Microsoft has only just announced the final Xbox 360 launch line-up (despite the console making its worldwide debut in the US next week), you can now also rest easy knowing which of your Xbox games will work with the new machine.

Microsoft has revealed a list of more than 200 Xbox games that you'll be able to climb into immediately. The list includes all the big hitters on the console, including the three Grand Theft Auto games and both Halo titles.

The Halo games, developer Bungie has confirmed, will get a boost on Xbox 360 thanks to its increased power. Both titles will run in widescreen and in high definition 720p resolution.

And according to Microsoft's Todd Holmdahl, the Halos are not alone:

"One of the great things about gaming on Xbox 360 is the satisfaction of knowing that every game will be playable in high definition. We are now proud to reveal that this extends to the original Xbox games as well."

"Every original Xbox game will be upscaled to 720p and 1080i, and will take advantage of Xbox 360's anti-aliasing capabilities, delivering a picture that is clearer and crisper than anything available on Xbox."

The Xbox 360 is built from very different components to the original Xbox, so Microsoft has had to kludge a software solution to get Xbox games working.

The list revealed last week is only what you'll be able to play from day one, but emulators for other games will be available, probably through downloads, after launch.

To find out if your favourite game is supported, check out Microsoft's backwards compatibility list.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games