Several games from the original Xbox are now available on PC for the first time.
Microsoft launched an early version of Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC on July 22. The first release includes four games that can be played through the Xbox PC app and on supported Windows handhelds.
The opening lineup includes Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fuzion Frenzy.
Each game brings something different from the early days of Xbox.
Blinx: The Time Sweeper is a platforming game that lets players control time. Blinx can pause, rewind, and fast-forward parts of the world while making his way through colorful stages and fighting enemies.
Conker: Live and Reloaded is a remake of Conker’s Bad Fur Day, known for its action, movie parodies and adult humor. It also includes combat with different character classes, weapons and vehicles.
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge takes place in an alternate version of the 1930s filled with air pirates, heavily armed aircraft and massive war zeppelins. Its fast-paced aerial combat may appeal to Veterans and Service Members with an interest in military aviation.
Fuzion Frenzy is a collection of short competitive mini-games made for local multiplayer. Its simple controls and quick matches could make it a good choice for a casual game night at an American Legion Post.
All four games can be purchased separately and are also included with Xbox Game Pass. Players who already own a digital Xbox version should receive access on PC or a supported handheld without having to purchase it again.
Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud support also make it easier to move between compatible consoles, PCs and handheld devices while using the same Xbox account.
The PC versions include several settings that were not available when the games were originally released. Players can adjust resolution upscaling, VSync, anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering and whether the game runs in fullscreen or windowed mode.
Achievements are not available yet, but Xbox plans to add them in the coming months. The company also said achievement support will eventually be added to more original Xbox games on consoles and PCs.
Microsoft has not announced which games will join the program next. The first four titles are being treated as an early step toward making more older Xbox games available on modern devices.
For American Legion Gaming communities, the returning games could provide ideas for retro gaming events. Posts could introduce younger players to the original Xbox era, host a local multiplayer competition with Fuzion Frenzy, or plan an aviation-themed night around Crimson Skies.
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