By 
After 19 years, the Xbox 360 Marketplace is coming to a close. From arcade shoot ‘em ups to RPGs, many titles have crossed the Microsoft owned storefront. With the store shutting down on July 29, 2024, a plethora of games are stuck on the old hardware with no way to play them on modern consoles. This is true for a lot of Japanese games on the Xbox 360. To ease this solemn transition, Microsoft partnered with a few developers to give games a permanent discount. While there are not many to choose from, here are some of the Japanese games you should purchase from the Xbox 360 Marketplace:
Guilty Gear 2: Overture
Exclusive to the Xbox 360, Guilty Gear 2: Overture, morphs the 2D fighting game franchise that everyone knows into a 3D action game. Adventure with Sol Badguy and his travel companion, Sin, as Ky Kiske hunts him down. Use special moves and attacks reminiscent of past Guilty Gear titles in this new brawler gameplay style. Unlike other games on this list, Guilty Gear 2: Overture is not on sale. However, you can purchase this title for $19.99.
Devil May Cry Series
While the Devil May Cry series is available to purchase across multiple platforms with updated framerate and graphics, this is by far the cheapest way to play these Devil May Cry games. Follow the demon hunter, Dante, as he enjoys pizza in Devil May Cry HD Collection. This collection includes the first three entries in the series remastered for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. You can purchase Devil May Cry 4 and play as Nero as he struggles with his demonic powers.
As the most controversial in the series, DmC: Devil May Cry is also on sale for the final time on the Xbox 360 Marketplace. In this series reboot, Dante once again takes the reins as the protagonist as he helps his twin brother, Virgil, slay demons. While this entry in the franchise was met with mixed reactions from fans, it is only $1.99 on the Xbox 360 store. Below is are the discounted prices for the Devil May Cry series:
Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata is a turn-based RPG based on Polish pianist Frederic Chopin. The game follows Chopin as he drifts between life and death on his deathbed. As he dreams, he comes across a young girl named Polka with nothing but death awaiting her in the future. Build a team of three characters with 12 to choose from at the price point of $14.99.
Street Fighter x Tekken
Street Fighter x Tekken, akin others on this list, is at its lowest price point. Battle it out in teams of two in this crossover between the Tekken and Street Fighter franchises as Kazuya or Ryu. Experience unique interactions with flashy visuals fit for the dramatically different art styles each franchise has. Be cautious when buying Street Fighter x Tekken as the DLC hasn’t been marked down. However, you can purchase the base game for $1.99.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
As this game is not the best title on this list, let alone the franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) is a game critically panned for the stiff controls and overwhelming amount of glitches. The gameplay is reminiscent of the beloved Sonic Adventure series as you play as Sonic and friends to protect Princess Elise of Soleanna from Dr. Eggman. While many will say Sonic the Hedgehog isn’t worth the retail price, grabbing it for $4.99 on the Xbox 360 Marketplace is a good way to try it without a high financial burden.
Darkstalkers Resurrection
Darkstalkers Resurrection is a collection that includes Night Warriors: Darkstalkers and Darkstalkers 3 in one package. Fight as iconic Capcom characters such as Morrigan and Jedah in online game modes against your friends or the computer. While you can purchase these Darkstalkers titles on modern devices, the $1.49 price tag makes this hard to pass on.
Ninety-Nine Nights 2
Akin to musou games like Dynasty Warriors, Ninety-Nine Nights 2 allows players to battle hordes of enemies in mission based objectives. Choose Galen along with other characters as they fight giant bosses. Though the game received middling reviews on its release, get this title from the Marketplace for $7.49.
Battle Fantasia
With 12 playable characters, Arc System Works(Guilty Gear) adds a fantastical fantasy title to their resume in Battle Fantasia. The game features 24 storylines with easy to pick up gameplay. Purchase Battle Fantasia for $19.99 on the Xbox 360 store.
Otomedius Excellent
As a spin-off of Gradius series, Otomedius Excellent is a 2D side scroller shoot ‘em up title developed by Konami. Aim for a high score as you choose between four playable characters in single player mode. Play with up to three friends in the multiplayer mode to defeat powerful bosses. As with other titles on this list, Otomedius Excellent is not backwards compatible with modern Xbox consoles. Purchase this shoot ‘em up title for $19.99 before the store closes.
Fist of The North Star Series
Based on the popular manga of the same name, the Fist of the North Star games follow Kenshiro as he battles gangs in a post-apocalyptic world. Both Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage and Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 adopt the hack and slash game style Dynasty Warrior for players to indulge in. Purchase Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage for $29.99 and Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 for $49.99.
While there are more titles that can be included in this list, such as CLANNAD and 11 eyes Crossover, the games above offer incredible deals hard to ignore. Other titles will be gone once the Xbox 360 Marketplace closes. If you want to find out what is left to purchase on the Xbox 360, visit the Marketplace before July 29, 2024.
