5 Games that are Backwards Compatible With Xbox Series S/X

Superheroes have held our collective imagination captive for decades, and the adventure continues for Xbox Series S/X owners. Thanks to backward compatibility, you can access old games that were originally available on earlier devices like the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of classic superhero games, from the iconic to the underrated, all available on your modern console.

Revisiting Classic Xbox Games

5. Lego Marvel Super Heroes

Year released: 2013
Where to find it: Xbox Store or Physical Copy

Most of us likely played with Lego when we were kids — there’s really nothing more nostalgic. So, when Lego Marvel Super Heroes was released in 2013, the response to the game was massive. Critics praised its humor, variety of missions, open-world gameplay, and range of characters, and it received a rating of 83/100 from Metacritic.

Thanks to the convergence of gaming and online gambling, in-app purchases have never been more common. In Lego Marvel Super Heroes, players can up the ante by buying different characters and exploring the game’s world as their favorite superhero.

4. Batman: Arkham Origins

Year released: 2013
Where to find it: Xbox Store

Batman: Arkham Origins was initially released in 2013 by developer WB Games Montreal. It’s a follow-up to the 2011 game Batman: Arkham City and follows a younger, even more brutish Batman who has a bounty placed on him by the crime boss Black Mask.

This game is full of action and features infamous villains such as Anarky and the Joker, who will feature in a second film in late 2024. Batman: Arkham Origins was hugely popular among fans of the genre and has remained one of the benchmarks for superhero games to this day.

3. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Year released: 2011
Where to find it: Xbox Store

In Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, you select a team of three characters to fight and (hopefully) knock out their opponents. It uses a tag team-based fighting style, where you can attack your enemies with character assists, special moves, and hypercombos. If you’ve ever played Street Fighter, you’re probably familiar with this kind of game — except it has superheroes!

You can play with a host of familiar characters, including Captain America, Doctor Strange, Deadpool, Iron Man, and Hulk from Marvel, as well as Akuma, Firebrand, Jill Valentine, and Chun-Li from Capcom.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 received a Metacritic score of 80/100 and was praised for addressing some of the gameplay issues present in its predecessor, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds.

2. Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Year released: 2012
Where to find it: Xbox Store

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes expanded on the existing Lego Batman series by introducing a more extensive cast and an open-world gameplay setting. You’ll follow Batman, Robin, and Superman as they fight the Joker and Lex Luthor.

Released on multiple platforms, including various consoles and mobile devices, this game garnered immensely positive reviews and sold more than 3.4 million copies by 2013. Its success led to sequels such as Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham and various spin-offs.

It’s still popular today, with YouTuber KlawPeels claiming that Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is “one of the most beloved Lego games out there.” High praise!

Lego Marvel’s Avengers

Year released: 2016
Where to find it: Xbox Store

No article about the best backward-compatible Xbox Series S/X games would be complete without a mention of Lego Marvel’s Avengers. The gameplay resembles some of Lego’s other Marvel video games, focusing on puzzle-solving broken up by action.

Your goal is to solve puzzles to progress through different levels, with New York City acting as the main open-world hub. However, it also features other significant locations from the movie, including Asgard, South Africa, Malibu, Washington D.C., Sokovia, and more.

There are loads of side quests and bonus levels, meaning that the main storyline only takes up a small portion of the game world.

Lego Marvel’s Avengers received a solid response from players and critics alike, and it’s still enjoyed by many today. Give it a try on your Xbox Series S/X, either by downloading it directly from the Xbox store or on the physical copy you’ve got tucked away in a cupboard somewhere.

Embrace Retro Gaming With Xbox Series S/X

As technology advances and the gaming landscapes evolve, the future of superhero games looks promising. With so many fantastic options already available, we eagerly await the next batch of backward-compatible titles coming to Xbox Series S/X.

But why not try out some of the classics? From Gotham’s dark alleys to the bustling streets of New York City, there’s something for everyone. It’s never too late to reconnect with old favorites, and there’s no better time to dive into these games and rediscover what made them so beloved in the first place.