The Xbox 360 started the seventh generation of console gaming nearly two decades ago. It also ushered in HD gaming on a console, which was a huge shakeup. Many people don't know this, but the Xbox 360 didn't have an HDMI port when it first launched in 2005.
It wasn't until a year and a half later, when the Zephyr module released, that you could finally throw away your AV cables and enjoy the true glory of HDMI. Considering most modern TVs don't even have AV outlets, the Xbox 360 stands out compared to other retro systems. Many games still look amazing and could pass off as an Xbox One title.
10 🐼 Mass Effect 2
The second game in the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Mass Effect series was leagues ahead graphically compared to many other triple-A RPGs. Games like 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Fallout 3, Oblivion, or even the first 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dragon Age don't hold up very well, graphics-wise. ME2 breaks the mold with great-looking character models and stunning environments.
You could argue that, artistically, certain RPGs offered better environments, but in terms of a pure graphics showcase, Mass Effect 2 was the top dog 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:when it dropped in January 2010. Now with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, most aren't playing the original 360 version. However, if you do decide to play it, it still holds up really well.
9 Bayonetta
Platinum Games is a stellar developer, but 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:when looking at their full catalog, many differences exist between their older and more recent works. One of them is that back in the day, their games were graphically impressive. Their first title, Madworld on the Wii, was a great-looking game for the system with its Sin City-esque style. Platinum's third game, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Bayonetta, is no different.
Bayonetta 1 is debatably better looking than even the most recent game, Bayonetta 3. Character and enemy models and environments look absolutely gorgeous. Plus, the game animation is top-tier for that era and leagues ahead of many other titles. The only downside is the crimson-red tint to the game, but that's it. There are many versions of the first Bayonetta, and all of them, including the 360 release, still hold up today.
8 🍨 🃏 Resident Evil 5
When 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Resident Evil 5 first launched in March 2009, people said that RE4 still held up graphically, and RE5 was bound to be the same years later. They were right, but even more so than they may have expected. At this point, RE4's environments don't hold up anymore, at least in HD and without using the HD Project mod. RE5, on the other hand, still looks great 14 years later, with both its character models and environments.
You could still have your grandma come in and think that this was a brand-new game, not knowing it's close to 15 years old. Again, like Bayonetta, there's a weird green tint to the game. Playing on PC, it looks much better with it removed; but even with it, RE5 still looks fantastic to this day.
7 ෴ WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2007
In the early days of the 360, one of the hidden gems in terms of gameplay, but especially graphics, is 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Playing this game with an HD TV today, you would not believe this game came out in 2006. It looks like a game that came out three or four years later. SVR '07 released for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2, and the visual difference is staggering.
The game was one of the first real showcases of the big jump between the sixth and seventh console generations. Many of the character models still hold up pretty well, and the arenas still look good too. It doesn't hold a candle to any of the recent WWE titles, but for a retro wrestling game, it's aged the best, visually.
6 Alan Wake
168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Alan Wake isn't a game that has mind-blowing graphics, but the reason why it's great is in an artistic sense. Light and darkness play a huge part in Alan Wake, and the visuals handle both elements exceptionally well. There were a few titles on PC that debatably handled those elements better, but for a console release, it was the best looking at the time.
Due to the stylistic usage of said elements, it still holds very well. Nowadays, there's Alan Wake Remastered, which looks far better. However, there's still a certain quality and edge to the original 360 release. The classic version just has a dirtier, grimier color palette that fits very well, and the new character models in the remaster just look a bit off.
5 Halo 4
The first main Halo game not developed by Bungie, Halo 4 was released only two years after Reach. Some felt the development was a bit rushed, but the visuals clearly weren't. Looking at both Reach and Halo 4, the latter is a massive visual jump.
343 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:was really pushing the 360 with the environments on display, and the character models just blew Reach out of the water. Halo 4 could pass off as a launch-era Xbox One game with the visuals here. It still holds up perfectly today with no gripes, and while other elements of Halo 4 are more mixed, in terms of visuals, it's one of the best-looking games on the 360.
4 Splinter Cell: Blacklist 𒅌
2013 was when a lot of games were pushing the PS3 and 360 hardware before the arrival of the new consoles. 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:The Last of Us is probably the best example, but another one is 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Splinter Cell: Blacklist. For certain stealth games, quality graphics꧋ coul♌d be a requirement.
The reason why is the mechanic of hiding in the shadows to avoid detection, and that's a key part of Splinter Cell. Blacklist at release was likely the best-looking stealth game, with its great environmental detail and lighting. Combine all this with the fact that the game runs at a near 4K resolution on Xbox Series X, and it's hands down the best-looking stealth title on the system.
3 ဣCall Of Duty: Black Ops 2 🔜
The final 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Call of Duty game exclusive to the seventh-gen consoles, Black Ops 2, still holds up exceptionally well. While other Call of Duty games of the era have visibly aged, like the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Modern Warfare games, Black Ops 2's character models still look great by today's standards.
The environments also look pretty good and could pass for an early Xbox One game. Compared to COD: Ghosts, which was released the next year, and on next-gen consoles, it does look a little better, but that could be due to Ghosts' dull gray color palette. Black Ops 2 is much more vibrant, featuring plenty of blues, blacks, and reds.
2 Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 🐓
One of 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:the most underrated seventh-gen co♈nsole games has to be 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. At release, many fans judged it unfairly as a 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:God of War clone. But this is a fantastic action game on its own merits. Along with probably the longest campaign ever for a hack 'n slash, the graphics are absolutely gorgeous.
It gives God of War 3, which came out the same year, a real run for its money and looks better in several areas. Lords of Shadow offers a massive amount of environmental variety, and all of them look good. Character and enemy models also look fantastic. It doesn't quite look like a modern game, but no one in the present will have any grips with the visuals.
1 Deus Ex: Human Revolution ✤
In any visual medium, a cyberpunk setting is almost bound to make your project look appealing. Seeing Ghost in the Shell in 3D completely transformed the film considering the cyberpunk world. Video games are no different in using the setting to good effect, and the Deus Ex titles are one of the best examples.
Human Revolution stands apart visually compared to many other games in 2011. Its urban and tech-based environments still look pleasing to the eye, and the common yellow color scheme fits exceptionally well for a cyberpunk-themed title. Human Revolution doesn't look like a modern new game, but it's still perfectly playable for anyone and looks even better on PC.