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Best Backwards Compatible Games on Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S

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.Backwards compatibility is a feature that can breathe new life into older titles and ensure more longevity for games overall. This is fantastic as it allows players to continue playing games that may have otherwise fallen to the wayside due to age. Prominently featuring backwards compatibility on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S allows players these older experiences. So without further ado, here are our picks for the Best Backwards Compatible Games on Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S.

5. Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is a game that is considered by many to be a masterpiece. The story of John Marston is one that players have replayed repeatedly. The game allows players to experience the transition between the Old West. As well as the incoming pressures of industrialization through the eyes of an outlaw. The tale told throughout the game is still one of the best narratives we have been graced with in gaming, and it shines as a beacon of excellent game design.

Players will be able to create their own adventure throughout the rough and tumble West. This is fantastic for player agency as there are many different ways to enjoy the game besides the story. Players can find themselves engaging in a number of activities on the side while they track down members of their former gang. This game, despite being as old as it is, still holds up quite well graphically. Through the power of being backwards compatible, players can enjoy this timeless classic on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S whenever they wish.

4. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is, simply stated, one of the best RPGs of all time. The world and characters crafted by BioWare still hold up well to this day. Players can go back through this game and still find just as much enjoyment as the first time they played it. This is pretty rare as some games that we look back on with fondness. We can soon become jaded. However, Star Wars Knight of the Old Republic still manages to pull the player into its world and invites them on a grand adventure through the stars.

We are definitely not trying to spoil too much. However, as this game is a story that players should definitely experience for themselves, the story of this game is phenomenal. The character writing and world-building are all top-notch and truly immerse the player despite slightly dated graphics. In closing, if you have not played this game and experienced its world and characters for yourself, there has never been a better time than right now to enjoy this title through the power of backwards compatibility.

3. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a game that stands out among other stealth games. The game, from a gameplay perspective, is one of the few titles that players and critics alike can see as being perfect. The story of Sam Fisher comes to a culmination in this title. Through the writing in this game, we see what the team over at Ubisoft is truly capable of. The game, for its time, was a technical marvel and still features one of the best lighting systems in any game, past or present.

The lighting system helped Sam stalk through the shadows. As he is able to use even the smallest bits of light to the player's advantage. That isn't the only way in which this game innovated, however, as the enemy AI was also vastly far ahead of what was on offer at the time. The enemy AI was able to figure out what was going wrong. Whether or not an ally had missed one of their patrols, and so forth. This, along with the fantastic atmosphere of the game, makes it one of the best stealth titles of all time.

2. Star Wars Battlefront 2

Star Wars Battlefront 2 is an experience that holds up to this day. Booting up the game today feels just as great as it did when the game was released. Roaming through the battlefields and eliminating enemies still feels great. The Galactic Contention game mode is still one of the best innovations put forth in a Star Wars game, and overall the experience of the game is simply stellar. The variety of game modes is one of the reasons that this title holds up so well.

Players could enjoy a round of Galactic Contention. Or simply drop into some Instant Action if that is what they craved. That isn't where this game stopped, however, as players could also enjoy the fantastic Heroes vs. Villains game mode. A mode of play that retains its popularity to this day. This game still stands out for how well it allows the player to adapt to any experience they want to have within the Star Wars universe. All in all, Star Wars Battlefront 2 is one of the best backwards compatible games available to date.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is, without exaggeration, one of the best games of all time. The legacy that this game has left behind is absolutely astronomical. From the amazing performances throughout the game to the story itself, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is one of the games that come around once every generation to completely change how we think about games. Players of this game can still find themselves getting lost in the world that this game has created.

While some of the areas that are present in the game also feature in Grand Theft Auto V. Many players and critics will note the lack of soul in these areas compared to their PS2-era counterparts. There is simply something special about this game that keeps us coming back for more, whether it be the solid storytelling, amazing presentation, or the effort that went into building this fantastic world. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is not only one of the best backwards compatible games but one of the greatest games of all time.

So, what's your take on our picks for the Best Backwards Compatible Games on Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Judson Holley is a writer that began his career as a ghostwriter. Returning to the mortal coil  to work among the living. With some of his favorite games being tactical FPS games such as Squad and the Arma series. Although this could not be further from the truth as he enjoys games with deep stories such as the Kingdom Hearts series as well as Jade Empire and The Knights of the Old Republic series. When not attending to his wife, Judson often tends to his cats. He also has a knack for music mainly composing for and playing piano.