Unlocked Top 100 Xbox Games Ever: The Top 20 – Unlocked 726
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Jan 29, 2026 Michael Haim, IGN contributor and games journalist, joins a marathon rundown of the Top 20 Xbox classics. They revisit Halo’s trilogy highs, Mass Effect’s worldbuilding and emotional beats, and the revolution of Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. Conversations also cover Forza Horizon 5’s open-road joy, Bioshock’s atmosphere, and indie standouts like Fez.
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Reach's Emotional Prequel Impact
- Halo Reach delivered a fresh, emotional prequel perspective by following Noble Team during the Fall of Reach.
- Michael Higham and Jane both remember its campaign ending as one of the most powerful in Halo history.
Worldbuilding Made Mass Effect 1
- Mass Effect 1 hooked players through deep worldbuilding and discovery rather than polished combat.
- The Citadel and codex-driven lore made the first Mass Effect uniquely immersive.
Fez's Perspective Puzzle Legacy
- Fez introduced a perspective-shift mechanic that turned 2D platforming into a 3D spatial puzzle.
- Its minimalist presentation and secrets inspired a generation of indie puzzle-platformers.