4 new arrivals hit Xbox One Backward Compatibility to break the 400 mark – But are they worth the return?

Not so long ago we brought you our thoughts on the last set of backwards compatible titles to arrive on Xbox One as Microsoft closed in on the 400 Xbox backwards compatible games figure. This week has seen another fresh batch of games brought back, which now pushes that number up and over the four century mark. But, the big question is this – are they worth heading back to or should they be left in the past?

Red Faction: Armageddon – Play

Whilst Red Faction: Armageddon’s poor sales and negative financial impact resulted in the series’ end, the game as a whole wasn’t all that bad. Sure, the freedom seen in the previous entry, Red Faction: Guerrilla was stripped back to a more linear adventure, but the new gameplay aspects were certainly enough to give players something else to focus on.

Unfortunately, with only a short campaign, there wasn’t enough to keep players interested for too long, but if you’re one of the many fans who long for a return to the red planet, then booting up Red Faction: Armageddon is certainly something to consider. In fact, it will more than scratch that itch for a little while, especially as it will soon be arriving for free via the Xbox Games With Gold scheme for August 2017.

Gyruss – Ignore

The ’80s was a great time for gaming. Since that point however, things have moved on and changed dramatically, and unless Pacman, Centipede or Space Invaders is your thing, time hasn’t exactly been too kind to the old school arcade titles.

Gyruss is a game in similar vein to that of Galaga, but plays in a forced 3D perspective. Unfortunately, with Galaga already available on Xbox One through backwards compatibility, and many other similar titles that have come on heaps and bounds since, Gyruss doesn’t have much that would entice players back that hasn’t already been achieved elsewhere.

A nice touch of nostalgia might be enough for some old memories, but there isn’t really any other reason to head back to Gyruss, so we’d recommend you leave this one in the past.

Raiden IV – Ignore

As someone who has spent plenty of time with the Raiden series, I can safely say Raiden IV was one that I felt disappointed with. With just 14 levels to the game, half of which repeat themselves and just one ship available without further costs via Xbox Live, Raiden IV certainly doesn’t sit well.

The gameplay failed to change much from previous iterations in the series, and with nothing to ensure the game had any longevity, Raiden IV struggled to keep a player base past the hardcore fans. With another iteration also currently available on Xbox One, there is no real reason to head back to such an uninspiring title once more, making this one game that definitely doesn’t deserve any extra time.

Tomb Raider: Underworld – Play

Sure, we all love the new direction the Tomb Raider series has taken since its reboot, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy the days of the truly hardcore platforming action adventure entries in the franchise. Tomb Raider: Underworld was certainly amongst the best of them.

With positive reviews from critics, eventually seeing it climb to a positive sales reception, Tomb Raider: Underworld was a well-loved title. Of course with the current generation Tomb Raider titles bringing a truly different experience, a return to Tomb Raider: Underworld will only be one for gamers who remember the way the series used to be, or wish for a harder challenge. But the quality is there to ensure this is one backwards compatible title that we are happy to see arrive on Xbox One.

So, there we have it. Another fresh batch of backwards compatible titles, and some thoughts on which ones you should be returning to and which ones you shouldn’t. Do you agree with? Let us know in the comments below or via our usual social channels.