The collection of Xbox games at the show had a slight lead on last year's PS2 E3 showing, and the quality of the games seemed to match the development time so far afforded to developers. In other words, not bad for its early age, but the best is definitely yet to come. These titles wrangle the power and capabilities of the Xbox for some must-have gameplay.

1. Halo (Fall 2001) This action shooter takes place on a mysterious alien world--no surprise there. What is a pleasant twist is the combination of team-based first-person shooter gameplay (reminiscent of Tribes) with third-person vehicle combat elements. The gameplay kicks off with the player heading down to the planet's surface in a troop carrier (think Aliens). As the player and fellow marines exit, the other troopers form a flank in reaction to the oncoming onslaught of human and alien enemies.

It's this smart AI system that makes for a noticeably unique gameplay feel. Another very nice feature is the seamless transition into the vehicular elements. As you venture through mission objectives, a variety of enemy flyers and on-ground buggies are yours for the taking. Come across a vehicle and the camera will pull back to a third-person view as you strap in and motor through crossfire. A co-op mode allows a friend to join you in the single-player missions. For chaotic fighting action, up to four players can duel in split-screen deathmatch mode or link systems for LAN play. However you choose to hero your way through Halo, the action should break in your new Xbox in explosive style.

2. Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee (Fall 2001) The power-packing Xbox hardware delivers the third Oddworld title in one of the most brilliantly realized worlds to grace any gaming system. Blending unique gameplay, humorous characters and interactions, and the aforementioned graphics, Munch's Oddysee simply feels unlike any other game in this year's console gaming lineup. Players control two characters in the game: Munch, a wheelchair-bound hero, and Abe, a character some gamers will recognize from previous Oddworld games. Their goal is to find and free the Mudokon queen, keeper of the remaining eggs of an endangered species.

Both characters feature unique talents that, via a tag-team style of play, propel the player through the game. For instance, Abe can climb and jump to reach new areas, as well as temporarily possess an enemy's soul via a chant. The web-footed Munch can swim to new areas and, when on the roll in his wheelchair, can use his sonar plug to control machinery remotely. Saving an entire race also requires a coordinated effort on everyone's part. To get the job done quickly, players can deliver verbal commands to kinsmen. They'll gladly greet you (in a witty manner), then gang up on a mean-spirited enemy or accomplish difficult tasks for you. As with the rest of the game world, the finely detailed characters and environments, as well as a refreshing charm, draw you into an experience with the quality of a Pixar film. Prepare for gaming to get very odd indeed.

3. Project Gotham Racing (Fall 2001) This super-slick driving game lets players strap into more than 20 licensed cars and compete on more than 200 circuits in cities around the world. In addition, the game boasts 100-plus individual and wheel-to-wheel challenges, an arcade mode, and a four-person multiplayer option. You may want to put your seat back--this could be a long drive. In a unique twist, players are rewarded with a ratings system that scores their style, dexterity, and placement. Throw on the flare, boast your driving skills, and prove your daring side and you'll be rewarded.

Unlike Crazy Taxi's reward scheme, Project Gotham Racing is a true-to-life racing simulation (no bounding from rooftops here). The tracks--located in global centers such as London, Tokyo, New York, and San Francisco--are incredibly detailed, adding a thick layer of realism to the course. The cars are just as nicely rendered, each shining with the gloss of a fresh paint job and driving with the appropriate responses for its particular style. Those looking for a game with speed to match the hardware should add this racer to their list of Xbox must-haves.

4. Cel Damage (Fall 2001) Imagine playing your favorite auto-combat game--say, Twisted Metal, or Vigilante 8--in a cel-animated world reminiscent of Jet Grind Radio and Roger Rabbit's wacky domain. Electronic Arts' Cel Damage combines fast-action auto-combat gameplay with a very unique cartoonish style that, surprisingly, looks more refreshing than many upcoming high-resolution 3-D games. Cel Damage features six over-the-top characters and cars, each inked up with special tricks. The playing arenas are large and varied, allowing plenty of space to tread new ground, even after hours of play.

A wacky auto-combat racing game isn't complete without wacky weapons, and this game delivers the goods in hilarious style. Our favorite weapon shown in the E3 demos was the woodchipper, a buzzing, toothy, nasty device that mulches opponents into yard bark. The game plays wonderfully, with control reactions perfectly synched with the onscreen action. The effect of controlling your vehicle in a world without traditional physical rules is quite a hoot. Instead of scraping along a rock wall, for instance, the car may just hug the wall (literally) and ride along the track with two tires on the ground, two on the wall. Just another day in a cartoon world.

5. New Legends (TBD) New Legends is a third-person action game that takes players back to the future of China, where a new dynasty competes for control of the modern country. The game relies both on technology and tradition to create a rich, threatening world. The story follows Sun Soo, a young warrior and would-be king who makes a stand against the dark new dynasty and its leader, Xao Gon. In his path, though, are Xao Gon's five half-demon offspring. Players will be able to wield two weapons at once and carry up to four other defensive, ranged, and melee weapons on his back. More than just fighting, though, the gameplay contains numerous puzzles, and players will usually have the option of utilizing more passive solutions (but if they prefer running in and busting heads, they can).

Honorable Mentions

When Xbox hits the shelves, plenty of games will be standing by (or shortly on the way) that will prove very worthy additions to your collection. Keep your eyes peeled for Dead or Alive 3, one of the best-looking fighting games we've ever seen (at least on a large video screen at a trade show). Snowboarding fans will want to take a close look at Amped, a realistic freestyle snowboard game that rewards well-performed tricks on realistically rendered slopes with sponsorships and visits to new mountain resorts. Speaking of sports, NFL Fever 2002 kicks off the Xbox launch with hard-hitting football action. Not to be missed!

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