10 Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games to Play with your Friends

Before you enter the world of multi-player gaming, do you have multiple controllers, and how many of them are wireless, if you are confused about what to get and not to get, check out a list of all the accessories you can imagine for your Xbox here. Here in this article, I will be sharing with you the list of 10 Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games.

Now that you are ready and pimped let’s talk about multiplayer games.

A brief overview and history of Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer video games enable more than one user to play the same game in the very same environment at the same time. Generally, video games are designed for singular play. They involve the pitting of a player against some pre-programmed and also pre-defined challenges, or they come with computer-generated opponents with Artificial Intelligence. Still, these opponents do lack the kind of flexibility in thought that humans have.

To create a better playing experience for gamers, multiplayer games were introduced which allow the players to interact with each other; these interactions may involve inter-player partnership or rivalry depending on the game.

This allows the players to have a kind of social communication which is completely absent in the games designed for single player. These games usually require all the players in the game to share a game system, with the advancement in technology and networking, players can now play the same game at the same time over long distances.

Types of Multiplayer Games

Non-networked

When these multi-player games came into existence, all were non-networked games played on a single system by two or more players. In 1973, the first platform on which real-time multiplayer games were developed was the PLATO system. The earliest two-player video games were predominantly sports games like Tennis and Pong after that shooter games like ‘Spacewar!’ were introduced. Moreover, the famous and popular games developed on this system were ‘Empire’, which came out in 1973 and the first-person shooter ‘Spasim’ in 1974.

Networked

Games with modes for networked gaming or as they are popularly known as ‘Netplay’, came much later, after the internet boom. The first video game to offer a LAN mode was released in 1991, it was Spectre and was designed and developed for Apple’s Macintosh. The next game which has to be mentioned as a pioneer of network play is Doom, which was released in 1993 and its first version allowed four players to play on a network simultaneously. Networked games using LAN for the connection do not have the problem of Lag, which can be mortally frustrating.

Some multi-player games use email for the communication between multiple computers; these are called ‘Play-by-email’ games. Other network games in which players don’t need to be simultaneously online are called ‘Play-by-post gaming’ and ‘Play-by-Internet’ games.

Another kind of network game which is played by a huge number of gamers at once (Massively multiplayer). There are two types of massively-multiplayer game genres; these are MMORPG and MMORTS.

Here are the different types of Multiplayer online games, with the popular titles listed with them:

Fighting games

• Street Fighter series
• Ultimate Marvel v/s Capcom 3
• Mortal Kombat series
• UFC series
• WWE series

Sports games

• NFL series
• FIFA series
• NBA series
• NHL series

Older online games

• Sega Meganet titles
• Minecraft series

First-person shooters

• Battlefield series
• Resistance series
• Unreal Tournament series
• Quake series
• Team Fortress series
• Call of Duty series

Strategy video games

• Warcraft 3
• StarCraft
• Plants v/s Zombies

Multiplayer online battle arena

• Defence of the Ancients
• Heroes of Newerth
• League of Legends
• Dota 2

The first console with the capability to allow its users to play with their friends over a network was the NetLink; Sega released it in 1996. After that in 1997 came Game.com and in 2000, the Dreamcast. All these consoles supported the use of LAN or internet for network gaming. Now mobile devices and handheld consoles even offer wireless gaming.

Of all the gaming consoles available today, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 stands out for multiplayer gaming; this can be attributed to its online service Xbox Live, which is the world’s largest and most lively gaming community.

Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games

Below is a list of the most enjoyable multiplayer games available for Xbox 360, if you want to check out all the Multiplayer games available for the console, you can find a comprehensive list here. Also, check my another article on Best Xbox One Arcade Games, here.

Here is the list of best Xbox 360 multiplayer games out there:

#10Street Fighter Series

Capcom’s Street Fighter or SF as it is commonly known as is a multiplayer fighting game. The game showcases characters with different origins with each player having his/her unique style of fighting. Capcom released it for the first time in 1987 and has been its second best-selling game franchise loved all over the world. The different version of the game are:

• 1987 - Street Fighter
• 1991 - Street Fighter II series
• 1995 - Street Fighter Alpha series
• 1996 - Street Fighter EX series
• 1996 - Capcom Crossover series
• 1997 - Street Fighter III series
• 2008 - Street Fighter IV series
• 2016 (scheduled) - Street Fighter V

Now the game comes with additional multiplayer resonant modes like Team Battle, in which up to 8 players can fight it out together; an Endless Battle mode, where 8 players rotate to fight each other. Originally panned by early critics for seeming like nothing more than a quick cash grab, Capcom certainly proved them wrong with the game’s success both online and also in console arcades.

Latest Version: Street Fighter IV

The Good:

• While it retains its old-school Classic "2D" gameplay, it comes with a 3D engine and showcases stunning environments and characters.
• It has several special moves that will blow any fan’s mind; these include Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the Ultra Combo, which is fuelled by revenge.
• Favourites like Guile, Chun-Li, Ryu and Ken have returned to the game with many new Street Fighter characters which were created exclusively for the latest version.
• Many new amazing locations have been added to the game.
• The developers have done an exquisite job of mixing the classic gameplay of this genre-defining game with newer unique gameplay systems.
• It comes with additional online gaming modes which allow you to instantly connect to online challenges or play in a tournament etc.

#9 Minecraft

Markus "Notch" Persson developed Minecraft as a single-player sandbox video game. Further, Mojang picked it to publish it across different platforms. The game creative depth of the game and the flawlessly fluent design of the game makes it very invigorating. It enables its players to creatively use the environment provided and construct buildings using just but textured cubes. The game also offers activities like gathering, exploration and combat etc.

Minecraft was first released for Xbox 360 in 2012 end, the title for consoles is co-published by 4J Studios. The first version of the game on Xbox was also a single-player game, but soon multiplayer mode was added which became the most played multiplayer game on Xbox 360.

The popularity of this game is mainly because the whole family can enjoy it. The multiplayer mode of the game has garnered good reviews from a various site like Metacritic which scored it to be 82, IGN scored it an overall 8.5/10.

• IGN Score: 8.5/10
• GameSpot: 7.0/10

The Good:

• The new interface introduced is very compliant for crafting and is very easy to set up too.
• Some rate the game poorly on the graphics, but the visual satisfaction the iconic game visuals give is very rare. The sound is also excellent.
• Games borrowed from PC to consoles usually don’t satisfy the players, but the intuitive gameplay of Minecraft allows you to be as creative as you can.
• Getting addicted to it is easier than getting addicted to cocaine.
• It comes under one of the Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games.

#8 Left 4 Dead Series

Turtle Rock Studios developed left 4 Dead as a co-operative FPS. It has survival and horror elements. Further, Valve Corporation published the game.

From the publishers of some great co-op games, this one is set in the aftermath of a pandemic, which destroyed the world. It has four protagonists or the Survivors, which are pitted against a horde of infected people.
The different game modes available in the game are:

• Single-player mode: In this mode, you control one of the four characters, and AI controls all others
• A four-player, co-op campaign mode: This is the most enjoyable mode, as you can play it with your friends
• An eight-player online versus mode: In this mode, there are 4 boss Zombies or Infected people and the players control them.
• A four-player survival mode

Latest Version: Left 4 Dead 2

The Good:

• It boasts of one of the finest co-operative gameplays. The tactical teamwork needed in the game makes it one of the best multiplayer game.
• Not only the gameplay in Left 4 Dead 2 has improved, but the number of game modes available has also increased. The visual style has also seen an improvement.
• The game stands head and shoulders above any game when it comes to the emphasis of teamwork and strategy. Moreover, it treats the players with one of the best team-based multiplayer gaming experience.
  

 #7 Red Dead Series

Rockstar Games developed Red Dead, and it is a western styled action-adventure video game series. The company, Take-Two Interactive distributed it and has sold more than 14 million units worldwide.

Games in this series include the following games:

• Red Dead Revolver is set in the late 1800s; the story follows the life story of Red Harlow, who is a bounty hunter. The plot is based on a revenge story, where Harlow finds out the plot and people responsible for killing his parents. Capcom designed and developed it. And then Rockstar Games bought it.
• Red Dead Redemption & Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare – This is the second game of the series and its extension episode. The game takes place in the year 1911. The gameplay, visuals, story and music of is terrific and is praised by critics and fans. The storyline follows John Marston; a former outlaw hell-bent on exact revenge from his former friends and also gang members.

The Good:

The multiplayer mode of the game is an entirely different game experience altogether. It introduces the Rockstar’s trademark ‘free roam’ mode for the game, which can be thoroughly enjoyable. There are two modes of co-operative gameplay and competitive gameplay, in the multiplayer mode, which allows up to 16 players.

#6 Forza Motorsport Series

Turn 10 studios developed the Forza Motorsport, and it is one of the Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games and most critically acclaimed racing game franchise. Microsoft Studios publish it. The developers of the game wanted to create an emulation which is as near to the handling characteristics and performance of a real race car as possible.

The motorsport series had limited accessibility, to overcome this, the franchise came up with Forza Horizon which attempts to increase its accessibility by setting the game in a racing festival, happening in Colorado, the racing festival is named ‘Horizon’. This series offers open-world environments and the players can also explore it. The realistic physics and the wide variety of cars available for the players make the gaming experience very nice. The graphics of the game are top-notch and give that additional immersive experience.

The multiplayer mode is the strongest component of the series. This mode allows the players to customize their cars with designs of their own mind completely. The mode also has a multiplayer chase mode which is especially enjoyable.

The Game has two series in which there are a total of 8 games:

Motorsport series:

• 2005 - Forza Motorsport
• 2007 - Forza Motorsport 2
• 2009 - Forza Motorsport 3
• 2011 - Forza Motorsport 4
• 2013 - Forza Motorsport 5
• 2015 - Forza Motorsport 6

Horizon series:

• 2012 - Forza Horizon
• 2014 - Forza Horizon 2

The Good:

• The game boasts of high definition graphics and stunning realism with 60 fps latency
• You can feel the intensity and danger of racing at night under the bright lights in the stadium and utter darkness on the Le Mans’ stretch.
• The gameplay gives you an immersive feeling, like when racing in heavy rain the vipers working at full speed can barely clear the windshield, and the tires drift and hydroplane across puddles.
• You can tour up to 26 world-famous locales available in the game with 10 new tracks.
• The Forza Race Leagues give a feel of professional racing, on top of that the online spectating takes the competitiveness of the game to an entirely different level.

#5 Battlefield Series

EA DICE developed this Battlefield franchise which is an FPS and Electronic Arts published it. This series largely focuses on huge, online multiplayer battles. The latest title in the series contains a new theme of Cops v/s Robbers too.

Battlefield titles available for Xbox 360 include:

• Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
• Battlefield: Bad Company
• Battlefield 1943
• Battlefield: Bad Company 2
• Battlefield 3
• Battlefield 4
• Battlefield Hardline

The latest edition of the game is Battlefield Hardline. It comes with different modes; these include:

Heist

In this mode, criminals have to break into a vault filled with cash; then they have to move the stolen cash to some pre-planned extraction place. The police have to try to stop them from doing so. If the Criminals somehow manage to escape, they win otherwise the cops win.

Blood Money

This mode has two factions of players, both the groups have to retrieve cash from a crate placed somewhere in the map. Once they have done so, the players also have to move the money back to their armoured truck. You can also steal money from the armoured truck of the opposing team. One can win the game by depositing the stolen $5 million into their respective team’s truck, there a time limit mode available too, in this the faction which has collected more money in a fixed time limit is the winner.

Hotwire

This mode is like Conquest, in which you have to capture cars by driving your car above a pre-defined speed limit, this in turns bleeds the competitor’s reinforcement tickets. The team with the lowest tickets loses.

Rescue

This mode has 3 minutes 5 on 5 competitions, in which the S.W.A.T have to try to rescue some hostages. To win, the cops have to rescue the hostages or kill all the criminals. Whereas, the criminals can win by murdering the cops. There are no respawns in this mode.

Crosshair

This is the second competitive mode in Hardline. Like rescue, it is also 3 minutes, 5 on 5 with no respawns. In this mode, the criminals have to kill a witness, who was formerly a gang member. They win if they are successful in killing the VIP. The cops have to get the VIP to a pre-defined extraction point to win.

#4 Call of Duty Series

The latest instalment in the Call of Duty series is ‘Black ops III’. Xbox 360 features two modes of Black Ops III: Multiplayer and Zombies. The game is set in a future timeline, with a new breed of Bad-ass soldiers. The game has not impressed the fans, as the game does not have a campaign mode and the graphics aren’t that impressive either.

Activision develops the franchise as an FPS game. Since its release on Xbox 360 with Call of Duty 2 in 2005 the series has sold more than 175 million titles, which amount up to sale worth over $10 billion.

The different games of the Call of Duty series are:

• Call of Duty
• Call of Duty 2
• Call of Duty 3
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Call of Duty: World at War
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Call of Duty: Black Ops II
• Call of Duty: Black Ops III
• Call of Duty: Ghosts
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

The Good:

Thought the latest instalment of the epic COD series has disappointed users and has a Metacritic user score of 5.4. However, it still has very slick and smooth gameplay, which has impressed specialists and has garnered high rating from IGN (9.1) and Metacritic (8.1). The new ‘Specialist’ introduction is especially very. The un-lockable-s in this new version is crazy good, and have some seriously insane weaponry. A new, delightful Zombie mode is also there if you can’t play multiplayer.

#3 Gears of War series

Ultimate Edition is the latest title of the series. Epic Games designed this epic third-person shooter game and The Coalition developed it. It is one among the Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games.

The game experience of the multiplayer mode of Gears is very different from other shooter games and is very popular amongst critics and users the same. It has garnered very high ratings from Metacritic, IGN and Gamespot. It has won many yearly awards too, all because of its cover-based combat which enables the players to think creatively. Games in this series are:

• Gears of War
• Gears of War 2
• Gears of War 3
• Gears of War: Judgment
• Gears of War 4

#2 FIFA series

FIFA 16 is the latest instalment of this sport game. It was released in late 2015 and introduced women players in the game for the very first time. FIFA Football/Soccer is designed and developed under the EA Sports label, which is owned by Electronic Arts. The game was introduced on Xbox 360 with FIFA 06, but FIFA 08 was developed on a new game engine created specifically for Xbox 360 console system.

With each newer version, the graphics of the game get better and better. The development team of the game comes up with a little better gameplay every time. As all titles of the series, 16 is very addictive, especially the multiplayer mode.

The Good:

• The series has introduced a plethora of new innovative features in the latest version; these include newer and better gameplay elements with better and more defined defending, better control in the midfield.
• Introduction of Women's National Teams, FIFA 16 comes with the option of choosing from 12 Women's National Teams: Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, England, USA, France, Sweden, Canada, Australia, China, and Mexico.
• The online community of the game has more than 15 million fans; this allows gamers to interact and compete with this humongous fan base.
• The live challenges in FIFA 16 are driven by real-world football news. You can compete and complete these challenges to earn rewards, and then use them to unlock several in-game items.
• Games on similar lines which cater to different sports like Ice-hockey, American football, and basketball deserve mention here:
• EA sport’s Madden NFL 16 is an American football video game which emulates the National Football League.
• NHL 16 is a hockey video game, and EA Sports developed and published it. This is the 25th instalment of this series of games.
• 2k Games’ NBA 2K16 is the latest title in the NBA 2K franchise; it is the best basketball emulation game out there.

#1 Halo Series

Halo is by far one of the Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games and most popular game titles out there; it has had a huge cultural and social effect, almost as much as Star Wars. Primarily it is a military sci-fi FPS video game franchise. Bungie originally created it, and later on, 343 Industries developed and managed it. The company is a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios, which publishes the franchise.

Storyline: The franchise basically follows the interstellar war happening between humanity and Covenant, which is a theocratic alliance of aliens. It is led by Prophets, which are the religious leaders who worship Forerunners, an ancient civilization which perished due to the parasitic Flood. Master Chief John-117 is the protagonist of the franchise; he is one of the super-soldier of the group of super-soldiers, and people call him ‘Spartans’, another main character is Cortana, John’s artificially intelligent companion.

"Halo" refers to the Halo rings, which are the large and habitable superweapons, which were created to destroy the parasitic Flood. The Halo franchise has sold more than 65 million copies.

The franchise has the following titles in its bag:

• 2001 - Halo: Combat Evolved
• 2004 - Halo 2
• 2007 - Halo 3
• 2009 - Halo Wars & Halo 3: ODST
• 2010 - Halo: Reach
• 2011 - Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
• 2012 - Halo 4
• 2013 - Halo: Spartan Assault
• 2014 - Halo: The Master Chief Collection
• 2015 - Halo: Spartan Strike & Halo 5: Guardians
• 2016 (scheduled) - Halo Wars 2

The latest title in the franchise is Halo 5: Guardians, but right now it is exclusively available for Xbox One.

The Good:

• Firstly, you can enjoy the classic Halo combat mode, just as the previous versions of the game, just with better graphics.
• The new co-operative modes are thoroughly entertaining.
• The new game mechanics, especially for movement, are top-notch and blends in perfectly with the game’s gameplay.
• New set-pieces are brilliant.
• The new Alien worlds introduced in the game with the Xbox One's fantastic visuals make a very visually satisfying game.
• The Warzone and Arcade modes in the game are brilliant and heavily addictive.
• The multiplayer mode is especially spectacular; the pace of the game never lets you put your guard down.

Final Words

So, these were the 10 Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Games to Play with your Friends. Now that I know you are a gamer, so you can click here to check out Top Smartphones for Playing Games. And, if you have any suggestions for the list, or you don’t agree with some title on it, don’t be a stranger and comment away in the comment space below.