I dedicated a couple of weeks to search for the best hack and slash games on the Xbox. To my surprise, many recommendations I received were for Dynasty Warriors-like games. “Ain’t nobody got time for them Musou games,” I thought. So, I decided to cook my own list instead, using the finest recipes I could find in the wild. The result is a delicious list filled with tasty hack and slash titles for the original Xbox.
While I may have added some kitchen references while writing this, it’s essential to remember that you can’t actually eat the games. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if your children attempted to do just that. Speaking of children, make sure to keep those mature games away from your little ones, or Mama might get so upset that it starts raining baby dolls!
But in all seriousness, let’s lock up the humour in the closet for a moment and reveal the best hack and slash games that rocked the classic Xbox.
 | Ninja Gaiden Black2005 Content Update |    |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date September 20, 2005 Initial Release: March 02, 2004 | |
 | Developer Team Ninja |
 | Publisher Tecmo |
 | Franchise Ninja Gaiden |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Concept Ninja | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Japan |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2005-09-20 |   |
| 2005-09-29 |  |
| 2005-10-21 |   |
| 2005-11-01 |   |
One of the absolute gems in the hack and slash genre made its grand entrance on the Xbox back in 2005. Fast forward to today, and this upgraded rendition of the original Ninja Gaiden is still an Xbox exclusive, making it worth getting an Xbox console just to dive into this hack and slash masterpiece.
The year 2005 was quite the battleground for hack and slash enthusiasts, with titles like Devil May Cry 3 and God of War dominating the scene, especially on the PS2. In response, the Xbox needed an exclusive contender, and thus, Ninja Gaiden emerged as the Xbox’s answer to these PlayStation exclusives.
This is a fast-paced third-person hack and slash game featuring Ryu Hayabusa as he stylishly dispatches hordes of foes. The moment you launch the game, you’ll find the game to be incredibly challenging, constantly testing your mettle as you advance. Let’s be clear, this game isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s for the grown-ups who can withstand a proverbial kick to the…well, you know where!
Note: Ninja Gaiden Black is backwards-compatible on Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S if you wanna play it there.
 | Genma Onimusha2002 Enhanced Port 幻魔 鬼武者 (Genma Onimusha) |      |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date January 28, 2002 Initial Release: January 25, 2001 | |
 | Developer Capcom |
| Publisher Capcom |
 | Franchise Onimusha |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Concept Samurai | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2002-01-28 | |
| 2002-02-22 |  |
| 2002-03-22 |   |
Onimusha Warlords initially launched exclusively on the PS2 in 2001. However, a year later, an even more enticing version arrived on the original Xbox. Much like the case with Ninja Gaiden Black, Genma Onimusha is an updated release that brings extra content unavailable in the original release.
Just when you thought the original was challenging, Capcom decided to up the ante. In this samurai-themed hack and slash game, players take on the role of Samonusuke Akechi in his quest to rescue Princess Yuki from the clutches of the Genma. Armed with his formidable Oni gauntlet, razor-sharp weapons, and gleaming red samurai armour, Akechi doesn’t hesitate to spring into action.
The camera system in Genma Onimusha resembles that of the classic Resident Evil series, complete with tank controls that harken back to the golden age of survival horror. Genma Onimusha is a fantastic hack and slash game on the Xbox. And if you’ve recently completed the original release, this updated edition has plenty of new surprises waiting for you to discover.
 | Castlevania: Curse of Darkness2005 悪魔城ドラキュラ 闇の呪印 (Akumajō Dorakyura: Yami no Juin) | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 01, 2005 | |
 | Developer Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo |
 | Publisher Konami |
 | Franchise Castlevania |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Concept Vampire | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2005-11-01 | |
| 2006-02-17 |  |
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness represents Konami’s fourth foray into translating the Metroidvania genre from 2D to 3D within the franchise. And the results are undeniably fascinating, to say the least.
Produced by Koji Igarashi, the father of the genre, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness follows Hector’s vengeful journey against Isaac, the man responsible for the death of his beloved. Unlike previous titles where players assumed the role of a Belmont, this instalment puts you in the shoes of a Devil Forgemaster, with the ability to summon a handful of demons to aid you.
In this 3D action adventure, which incorporates elements from both role-playing and Metroidvania genres, players will immerse themselves in a three-dimensional world ripe for exploration, character stat levelling, and devil-forging tinkering. It’s worth noting that the game doesn’t hold back on its challenges, but that shouldn’t be a hurdle for you, should it?
 | Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance2003 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 05, 2003 | |
 | Developer Acclaim Entertainment |
| Publisher Acclaim Entertainment |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin United States |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2003-11-05 | |
| 2003-12-05 | |
It’s time to get undressed and bravely leap into the arena with Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance. But be prepared, your stint in the spotlight will be shorter than a sitcom’s opening credits as the game’s events unfold at a breakneck pace.
Players step into the sandals of the fearless warrior, Invictus Thrax, on his never-ending quest for sweet, sweet revenge against the Roman Emperor, Trajan, who had the audacity to give him a one-way ticket to the afterlife. Luckily, Thrax is handed a second chance at payback, but not before a taking detour through the decidedly chilly depths of the underworld.
Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance offers a thrilling gameplay experience, complete with Trax and his trusty collection of sharp and pointy things. He’s got so many weapons up his sleeve that he could start a cutlery store! Plus, when he’s had enough, he goes into ‘rage mode,’ turning him into a one-man wrecking crew, because, well, who needs enemies when you can crush them effortlessly? Play this game if you are looking for the best hack and slash on the classic Xbox. It’s a great hidden gem.
 | Legacy of Kain: Defiance2003 |   |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date November 11, 2003 | |
 | Developer Crystal Dynamics |
 | Publisher Square Enix |
 | Franchise Legacy of Kain |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Concept Vampire | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2003-11-11 | |
| 2004-02-02 |   |
| 2004-02-06 |  |
Among all the tragedies in our human history, the heartbreaking demise of the Legacy of Kain franchise is a head-scratcher for the ages. What happened? Nobody knows, but what we do know is that this particular instalment in the LOK saga is an absolute blast on the original Xbox.
Legacy of Kain is an action-adventure hack and slash game where you assume the roles of both the vampire Kain and Raziel, each with their part in shaping the ever-turning wheel of events in the mysterious land of Nosgoth.
Besides its fantastic hack and slash gameplay, Defiance’s true strengths lie in its compelling narrative and exceptionally well-executed voice acting. It delivers well-written dialogues with a unique tone that’s hard to find elsewhere.
 | Evil Dead: Regeneration2005 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date September 13, 2005 | |
 | Developer Beenox |
 | Publisher THQ |
 | Franchise Evil Dead |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Concepts Fantasy, Gore | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United States |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| |
| 2005-09-13 | |
| 2005-09-30 | |
Evil Dead Regeneration is one groovy game that’s inviting you to ‘come and get some’ on the Xbox. How does that sound? It’s absolutely groovy, set in the Evil Dead universe and inspired by the highly acclaimed Evil Dead II movie.
Armed with a trusty chainsaw and his Boomstick, Ash fearlessly confronts any creature that dares to cross his path. In their final moments, his unfortunate foes often find themselves face to face with Ash shoving a shotgun down their throat, offering them the not-so-pleasant option to ‘swallow this’ before meeting their untimely end.
Look, maybe I didn’t say every single little tiny syllable about this game, but perhaps you’ll get the gist if you’re either a die-hard series enthusiast or a devoted Ash fan. Whichever camp you fall into, one thing’s for sure – this game is absolutely groovy on the Xbox.
 | Otogi: Myth of Demons2002 御伽 (Otogi) | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date December 12, 2002 | |
 | Developer FromSoftware |
 | Publisher SEGA |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Concept Dark Fantasy | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin Japan |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2002-12-12 | |
| 2003-08-27 |  |
| 2003-09-05 |   |
While Otogi may not have performed exceptionally well on the Xbox during its initial launch, it has since gathered a dedicated cult following over the years. Today, it’s among the many games that deserve a modern remaster. Just like what FromSoftware did with Metal Wolf not too long ago.
Forget about those soulslike experiences from FromSoftware aside for a moment. This is a dark 3D hack and slash that’s an exclusive treat for the original Xbox owners. But don’t raise your hopes too high because this game comes packed with its own set of challenging bosses that will keep you on your toes.
It’s quite astonishing that, even for a 2002 game, Otogi still maintains decent visuals and solid gameplay mechanics. The experience gets even better if you play it on the Xbox One or the Xbox Series X/S, as both the original game and its sequel are fully backwards-compatible.
Note: Otogi: Myth of Demons and Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors are backwards-compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S if you wanna play them there.
 | Spartan™ Total Warrior2005 |  |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date October 07, 2005 | |
 | Developer Creative Assembly |
| Publisher SEGA |
| Franchise Total War™ | |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
| Country of Origin United Kingdom |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2005-10-07 | |
| 2005-10-25 | |
Spartan: Total Warriors is the game you never knew you needed but absolutely should be playing during your precious weekend hours. It’s a hack and slash spin-off entry in the Total War franchise, veering a full 180 degrees away from the usual strategy-based gameplay of its predecessors.
Unlike the other hack and slash games mentioned above, Spartan: Total Warrior puts you right into the thick of the battlefield with your own army of soldiers. It gets insanely chaotic when you start mowing down hundreds of enemies on-screen, blood splattering everywhere, and foes practically begging for mercy—pleading with you to just stop the madness.
For those who enjoy Musou games or any action that involves charging through the battlefield with an army of soldiers, Spartan Total Warrior is a must-try.
 | Conan: The Dark Axe2004 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date February 19, 2004 | |
 | Developer Cauldron |
 | Publisher TDK |
| Genre Action Adventure | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Czech Republic |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2004-04-07 |  |
Conan the Dark Axe, or simply Conan, is an action-adventure title released exclusively in Europe, which left it relatively unknown even back then. But for those fortunate enough to have experienced this game, they solemnly swear by Crom that it’s one of the rare Conan games that brilliantly captures the essence of an epic adventure straight out of the comic books.
Conan is on a relentless quest for vengeance, willing to traverse the entire world just to hunt down those responsible for the brutal slaughter of his tribe and loved ones. During your quest, you’ll encounter all sorts of atrocities, from mere bandits to glacier soldiers and even menacing insects. But for Conan, they’re just part of a well-rounded breakfast.
The game’s controls may take a while for you to get used to, as they haven’t aged very well. The visuals also leave much to be desired, lacking breathtaking scenery or anything that will make you drop your jaw. Nevertheless, if you’re here for the story and the action, you’ll get exactly that.
 | Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade2004 | |
| About | |
|---|---|
| Release Date March 19, 2004 | |
 | Developer Starbreeze Studios |
| Publisher TDK |
| Genre Hack & Slash | |
| Graphics 3D | |
| Perspective Third-Person | |
| Interaction Real-Time | |
| Concept Medieval | |
| Players Single Player | |
| Monetization Buy to Play | |
 | Country of Origin Sweden |
| Xbox Releases | |
|---|---|
| 2004-04-08 | |
Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade might have slipped under your radar, but fear not, for you’re now among the fortunate few who have stumbled upon this hidden gem on the original Xbox.
If you’ve had the pleasure of playing Dante's Inferno, you’ll likely find something to enjoy in Knights of the Temple as well. This hack and slash adventure unfolds during the crusade era, putting you in control of a templar knight on a mission to rescue his abducted friend, Adelle, from the clutches of an evil Bishop.
Just when you think it’s yet another historical game, the developers pleasantly surprise you with fantasy elements that see the player descending into hell to confront their worst nightmares. It’s honestly one of the best games set in the depths of hell that you should definitely explore whenever you get the chance.
Thank you for reading
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FreeckyCake
I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.
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