Hardcore Xbox Fans Remember This Cult Classic Game From 22 Years Ago

The original Xbox had some pretty impressive titles in its library, with then-exclusives like the Halo games or Jet Set Radio Future, Dead or Alive 3, and Ninja Gaiden Black underscoring the console’s graphical potential when compared to peers like the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube. One of the console’s best exclusive titles was the follow-up to a popular PC game that took an arcade approach to the flight sim genre — with memorably excellent results.

Developed by FASA Studio, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge was an exhilarating title that felt like Grand Theft Auto III and Indiana Jones had an airborne baby, a pulp throwback that put players into the cockpit of a sky pirate in an alternate version of the 1930s. Bolstered by tight gameplay, a compelling storyline, and great multiplayer action, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge remains one of the best games in the original Xbox library and a cult classic that no one should be sleeping on.

Flying Fancy Free

The sequel to the PC title Crimson Skies, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is an exciting arcade flight game that utilized the power of the original Xbox to its full potential, and it remains one of the best titles ever released on the console. Released in 2003, High Road to Revenge puts players into the cockpit of Nathan Zachary, the charming rogue who leads the Fortune Hunters air pirates. Set in a pulp-inspired version of the United States where increased conflict between the states resulted in the nation splintering into different small sovereignties, High Road to Revenge takes players across North and South America on a quest for revenge after his friend Dr. Fassenbiender is killed for his plans for an experimental wind turbine.

The various factions that Zacchary comes into conflict with set up plenty of exciting dogfights and thrilling chases. Players were tasked with maneuvering their way through several open-ended missions that leaned into a natural sense of adventure amid all the action. With a storyline that doesn’t feel out of place alongside similar throwbacks like Indiana Jones or RocketMan, High Road to Revenge‘s sense of style and retro art design made it instantly memorable when compared to other games of the era.

With a plotline unafraid to push the player to make harsh choices for selfish reasons, High Road to Revenge introduced a memorable cast of characters within Zachary’s orbit, ranging from femme fatale love interests to German super villains. Throughout, that character focus kept the narrative compelling and emotionally grounded even as Zeppelins started taking to the skies with Tesla Coils. Self-aware enough to have fun with the concept while dramatic enough to be compelling, Crimson Skies was one of the most compelling games within the original Xbox library.

Crimson Skies Brought Dogfights To The Xbox

None of Crimson Skies‘ clever storytelling would have mattered if the game itself suffered. Luckily, the series moved over smoothly to the Xbox. In making the leap from PC to consoles, the developers at FASA Studio put more emphasis on enjoyable flight and dogfight mechanics than on making a precise flight simulator. This was to the game’s benefit, matching the pulpy storyline and style with controls that were easy to pick up and master.

While this may have frustrated players looking for a more accurate challenge while flying, the emphasis on combat and maneuverability in wide-open maps benefited the flyby fights of the narrative. It was a better fit for the console controller, easily endearing the title to the players who stepped into the world. This was underscored by the game’s multiplayer mode, an early example of the potential of Xbox Live as a service for Microsoft. Crimson Skies made for a solid peer to other successful titles like Halo, highlighting how effective the Xbox was for online gaming in the years before that became the standard.

With twenty levels and ten aircraft to be unlocked, players had plenty of time to experiment with their approach to combat and exploration. The open-ended missions were the true secret weapon of Crimson Skies. While there were specific requirements necessary to move the plot along, missions often had plenty of secrets hiding around every corner. This encouraged replayability and leaned into the tone of the game’s narrative.

Curious players could find currency to upgrade their planes, additional side missions to complete, and new planes to steal and add to their personal hangar. The fast-paced action was the perfect vehicle for the game’s impressive graphics, which painted a vivid and colorful world for players to explore. A solid blend of the technology of the time with timeless storytelling, Crimson Skies was the perfect title for the Xbox.

Xbox Never Forgot About Crimson Skies

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge was a hit for the Xbox with critics, earning impressive reviews when it was released from the likes of Edge and EGM. Critics were especially impressed with tight gameplay, strong graphics, and solid presentation, speaking ot the overall execution of the game. While it wasn’t a best seller for the console, its legacy has remained a crucial part of the Xbox history.

Getting a rerelease as part of the Platinum Hits line, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge quickly became a cult classic among those fortunate enough to have gotten their hands on it. Even today, players are still capable of playing the title online through Insignia. It’s also notable that Microsoft has never seemingly forgotten the title either. This might be because FASA Studio was a subsidiary of Microsoft Game Studios, negating many potential rights issues.

As the Xbox was eventually outmoded and replaced by newer models, Microsoft kept making sure the game remained available. It was backward compatible with the Xbox 360, made available on the Xbox Live Marketplace, and was even brought back for the Xbox One. Generations have had the chance to experience the sheer fun of Crimson Skies, ensuring this is one cult classic that doesn’t get lost to history. While the game’s ultimately forgettable sales might not have set up a sequel, there’s always hope that Crimson Skies will take flight again.