essential xbox games?

[radio]

I know it's a list thread and isnt likely to make for much of a discussion, but i'm probably going to buy an xbox today, and am considering which games i should add to my wishlist.
Halo, JSRF, PDO, KotOR, SSX3, GTA Vice, SC2, Gun Valkyrie, Otogi and Burnout 1 2 and 3 are all I can think of so far.
Any essentials that I've forgotten?

[November Tango]

I wouldn't consider JSRF or Gunvalkyrie essential. JSRF is short and its multiplayer modes are lame. Gunvalkyrie isn't as bad as the nay-sayers make it out to be, but not nearly as good as its advocates proclaim, either. It's very short with no multiplayer.

Then again, you could probably buy both of these games together for $20 US.

I'd throw Ninja Gaiden into that list. It truely is action gaming nirvana.

[AllYourBase]

Seconded on ninja gaiden, pick yourself up a outrun 2 demo at GAME today as well!

[SuperBrother]

If you have the disposition and patience for it Morrowind GOTY edition is truely wonderful.
If you are considering the chipping and imports route then Shikigami No Shiro 2 is worth a look in.
Many people consider Splinter Cell 1 & 2 to be two of the best brick games, I ****ing hated them but I'm in the minority it seems.
Soul Calibur 2 is a must, lovely game.
If you have the cash, and again a modicum of patience, Steel Battallion offers a unique and fun experience.

[radio]

I wouldn't consider JSRF or Gunvalkyrie essential. JSRF is short and its multiplayer modes are lame. Gunvalkyrie isn't as bad as the nay-sayers make it out to be, but not nearly as good as its advocates proclaim, either. It's very short with no multiplayer.

Then again, you could probably buy both of these games together for $20 US.

I'd throw Ninja Gaiden into that list. It truely is action gaming nirvana.

how could i forget gaiden!
JSRF i have played to death already, and would say was a pretty essential xb game. Valkyrie isnt generally regarded as essential, of course, but I like the kind of game and am prepared to risk a tenner on a sega game that i've heard is great if you persevere. JSR divided opinion and I thought that was pretty much second only to OoT.

[RLench]

Project Gotham Racing 2

The only essential (exclusive) game on the Xbox, IMO

[Fuddle]

i'd say add moto gp2 on to the list.
its easily the best online racer as far as i'm concerned...although the outrun 2 demo is lovely too.
i wasnt especially impressed by JSRF, not as nice as the dreamcast original. if you already have that, then maybe leave future till a later date.

[KempStar]

Chronicles of Riddick TBFH. Better than all of the generic rubbish that the xbox has so much of. Ive owed an xbox since release, and now have a total of four games. I consider myself to own all of the essentials-

Halo
Panzer Dragoon Orta
Knights of The Old Republic

[Sketcz]

Rent-A-Hero No.1

[Plisken]

Xbox Exclusive, absolute must haves:

Halo - ok it's on PC to, but the PC version is wank, stick with this one - great co-op mode, also.
Ninja Gaiden - the most satisfying action title on any current system hands down , with some of the most cathartic thrills ever
Rallisport Challenge 2 - to me, the definitive next-gen racing title, supreme looks, wonderful handling - a huge challenge and loads to unlock and simply a fantastic title.

I'd include Panzer Dragoon Orta, but for some reason i found this title really hard to get back into after the initial completion. Same with JSRF and Gun Valkyrie and Man Payne 2. I found Riddick both too short and flawed to be highly commended.

As for multi format games, i'd take:

Burnout 2 (and i'd say B3's a guaranteed me-too title also)
Manhunt (regardless of what others say, i loved it, and would go back to it)
Red Dead Revolver (simplistic arcade shooter that's great pick-up-and-play, very short cut scenes and simple, twitch gaming shooting)
Headhunter Redemption (marvellous music score and action segments. tough puzzles, if that's your bag)
Return To Castle Wolfenstein (excellent single and multiplayer, looks good, plays well on pad, very atmospheric)
Pitfall: The Lost Expedition (criminally overlooked platformer, and on a system virtually devoid of them, i'd say this was the best one by a yardstick. Even has ragdoll physics and metroid-style openness!)
Freedom Fighters (enjoyable team-based shooter with an excellent setting and music score)

[dave heats]

Amped 2

[EvilBoris]

Crimson sea, I really enjoyed it. short but sweet

Galleon is cool too, even though it got slagged

[scarredbyvideogames]

TBO I dont feel like there are that many 'essential' games.

I think the only two really essential games I have are Panzer Dragoon Orta and Silent Hill 2 (and thats only a port of course).You'd have to prise those two out of my cold dead hands.

I still have fun occassionally with the girls DOA though.Nothing beats a relaxing hour playing volleyball on the beach in 6" heels and a thong.

[Eight Rooks]

Random suggestions... not essentials, really, but what the hell.

If you get Amped 2 and you almost like it, then maybe try just plain Amped? I liked the original quite a bit, but for the sequel IMO they took everything I hated/that was bad about the first game and made it much, much worse. One of my biggest videogame disappointments in the last few months, really. If you must have a snowboarding game that isn't SSX something then Transworld Snowboarding isn't too bad for cheap... decent graphics (as long as you close your eyes when they do the boarder closeups ) good level design, nice soundtrack selection, pick up and play-able... though many people found it too easy, and I personally think its progression structure is very badly done (too much emphasis on completing absolutely everything in every level).

You might try Battle Engine Aquila, I don't think anyone's mentioned that one. You should be able to get it for cheap and the XBox version seems all right to me. Think Dynasty Warriors (one very powerful unit in the middle of a battlefield) only in a sci-fi setting, where you control a giant walking mech that also transforms into a fighter jet. Terrible plot, cutscenes and voiceovers... But lovely graphic design, beautifully simple controls, great "slap bang in the middle of absolute chaos" feel to it. Some good replay value too. One of the best f'n **** up games I've played recently. (Still haven't finished it, actually. The last couple of big bosses frighten me.)

[Prine]

You've already got quite a selection, try out

Rallisport Challenge 2
Burnout 3
Riddick


AND if you get XBL

PGR2
Splinter Cell PT
Top Spin Tennis


Coming Soon

Pro Evoloution Soccer 4
Fable
KOTOR II
Halo 2
OutRun 2
DOA Ultimate
Conker
Mech Assault 2