8 Rarest Xbox Games Ever

In the vast gaming universe, one console stands out — the Xbox. Microsoft entered the console gaming industry in 2001. Since then, Microsoft released other installments in the Xbox series of game consoles. Along with the growing popularity of Xbox is the growing library of compatible games that almost reached 1,000 titles. 

There are Xbox games that many players love, while others didn’t make it quite big in the market. However, looking back at the history of Xbox, many games have become rare and difficult to find today.

Today, we will look at these rare Xbox games and learn more about what they are and what makes them rare. Join us now as we look at the 8 rarest Xbox games in the world!

8. Heavy Fire: The Chosen Few

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Panzer Dragoon Orta is an action video game released for the Xbox console in 2002 by Smilebit and published by Sega as part of their Panzer Dragoon series.

“Panzer Dragoon Orta” takes players on an engaging journey through an unforgiving post-apocalyptic world as they play as Orta, a young girl who finds strength through riding an impressive dragon.

The game combines on-rail shooting mechanics with captivating storyline elements, including battles against various enemies and epic boss encounters for an unforgettable experience.

Did you know?

Sega stopped producing its console and focused more on developing and publishing games. Among their first projects was giving extensive support to Microsoft’s Xbox with Panzer Dragoon Orta as the main work.

7. Metal Wolf Chaos

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FromSoftware developed the Metal Wolf Chaos and exclusively released the Xbox console in Japan in 2004. The public’s reception was overwhelming, as many players loved the game. Metal Wolf Chaos gained fame due to its unique gameplay premise and explosive action sequences. It gained worldwide attention and recognition as well.

Metal Wolf Chaos takes place in an alternate future where the United States Vice President launches an attempted coup d’etat against the President. Players assume the role of the President, piloting their mech suit to reclaim America from rebels in intense battles that span multiple locations. Players can unleash weapons and special abilities from across their arsenal.

Metal Wolf Chaos quickly attained cult status outside Japan due to its absurd and satirical narrative and over-the-top gameplay. Its hilarious dialogue and exaggerated portrayal of American politics helped add charm and unique appeal.

Over time, Metal Wolf Chaos gained a reputation as an extremely desirable and rare game due to being exclusive to Japan’s Xbox market.

Did you know?

Metal Wolf Chaos returned in 2018 on modern platforms such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC under the moniker “Metal Wolf Chaos XD.” The game’s new release gave more players access to this cult classic game.

6. Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse

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Stubbs the Zombie from Rebel Without a Pulse is an offbeat and unique video game released in 2005. In the game, you control Stubbs, the undead protagonist on a mission to take over Punchbowl City.

During the game, you unleash chaos and infect humans, turning them into zombies who join Stubbs’ ever-expanding army. The game combines humor, action, and strategy elements, enabling players to use unconventional zombie abilities to navigate the city and overcome obstacles.

Stubbs the Zombie from Rebel Without a Pulse was released in 2005, over 20 years ago. Like any old game, the number of copies shrinks each year. This made Stubbs the Zombie from Rebel Without a Pulse an uncommon game.

Did you know?

Wideload was the developer of Stubbs the Zombie, and it is their first game developed after the company started working. Creating the game wasn’t easy for Wideload. They had difficulty in production, from staffing to programming. Because of this, the cost and time to create the game rose, contributing to the low production of the game.

5. Shenmue II

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Shenmue II is a rare Xbox game, but it’s insufficient to drive the cost up. Shenmue II sold poorly at the time of release, and the low demand caused its low production.

Shenmue II takes place across various locales, such as Hong Kong. You, as the player, would control Ryo. His main goal is to find Lan Di, who killed his father.

This game provides an immersive open-world environment where players can engage in various activities ranging from conversing with non-playable characters to minigames and uncovering clues that progress the storyline.

Shenmue II features an engaging gameplay experience that blends elements of role-playing, fighting, and exploration to provide players with a cinematic adventure.

What’s so amazing about this game is that the developers allowed players to choose which actions and paths Ryo would take. The game’s branching narratives allow for unique outcomes based on player choices and actions taken throughout its entirety.

4. Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis

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Jurassic Park is undoubtedly a popular movie that brings back childhood memories. However, what if you can build your own Jurassic Park? Introducing Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis!

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis is a popular video game in the Jurassic Park franchise that allows players to build and manage a dinosaur-themed park for visitors, taking on the role of park manager and providing unique experiences for players.

In the game, you will have the chance to design and customize your park, build enclosures for breeding different dinosaur species, and ensure your park visitors’ safety and happiness.

A lot of gamers love Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis. However, since this old game was released in 2003, only a few copies remain playable. As a result, you would have a hard time finding it in the market today. If you do, chances are the price may be over $100.

3. Futurama

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The Xbox game Futurama is an adaptation of the popular animated television show Futurama. Released in 2003, players could take control of some of their favorite characters to embark on an adventurous and humorous journey through New New York in 2038.

The game features an original story written by the show’s writers, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience for TV show fans. The game comes with various gameplay styles such as platforming, puzzle solving, and third-person shooting to recreate its diverse universe of “Futurama.”

2. Ninja Gaiden Black

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The Ninja Gaiden Black, released in 2005, is a reworked version of the original Ninja Gaiden released a year earlier. The Ninja Gaiden Black is a limited edition, leading to it becoming rare today.

Tecmo announced during E3 2005 that Team Ninja would be creating Ninja Gaiden Black, which debuted at TGS 2005. This game version is a revised compilation of Ninja Gaiden and its two Hurricane Packs. New enemies, such as exploding bats and mimic-fyres capable of mimicking Ryu, have also been introduced.

Ninja Gaiden Black introduces two brand-new difficulty settings – Ninja Dog (easy) and Master Ninja (very hard). Ninja Dog was added in response to player complaints about its initial difficulty.

1. Steel Battalion

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Steel Battalion is the rarest Xbox game because only a few copies were made. Released for Xbox in 2002, Steel Battalion is known for its unique and elaborate controller featuring multiple buttons, joysticks, and pedals to simulate an entire cockpit setup.

The whole setup of Steel Battalion is quite impressive. Because of the additional game controller, the game became more expensive than other games. The expensiveness plus the limited production caused the game to be rare.

Steel Battalion takes place in a futuristic world where players assume the role of mech pilots engaging in fierce battles against enemy forces. This game provides a highly immersive experience with intricate controls designed to replicate operating such a massive mech. The game emphasizes realism by demanding players manage various systems within their mechs, such as navigation, weapons, and communications systems.

Did you know?

Steel Battalion was known as Tekki in Japan. Microsoft released this game in 2002 in limited numbers. It was re-released in 2004 with the sequel Steel Battalion: Line of Contact.