The sixth generation (Gen6) of video game consoles– Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Gamecube, and Xbox– has some memorable games. From God of War and Halo to Ratchet & Clank to Super Mario Sunshine, there’s a wealth of titles to choose from and still enjoy many years later.

One of my favorite kinds of video game is sports games. I’ve been a fan of these games for decades, going all the way back to some (comparatively primitive) offerings on the Atari VCS/2600, like Activision’s Ice Hockey.

This time around, I want to spotlight a trio of sports games for the original Xbox. Maybe you’ve played them, maybe you haven’t… but these games have personal significance to me and, in my view, are still worth revisiting.

Number 1: ESPN NFL 2K5 (Visual Concepts/SEGA)

This game probably needs no introduction. It remains a topic of conversation today, nearly two decades after its original release for the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2. The original Xbox version is the way to go, if you want the best experience. The game looks better visually, plus the Xbox version allows for highlight replays, rather than the still shots that the PS2 uses.

ESPN NFL 2K5 still offers the best presentation seen in an NFL-licensed video game. Visual Concepts expertly reproduced the 2004 ESPN experience, from the stat overlays and replay angles to the SportsCenter set and network personalities. SportsCenter in 2004 was must-see TV for sports fans, and ESPN NFL 2K5 brings that feeling back nicely.

Oh, and the game plays very well. Novices and serious football strategists alike will find fun here. It’s not a buggy experience (like some other games), and there’s a ton to see, play, and unlock.

As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, the urge to play football video games grows… and this is a fun way to play.

Number 2: Links 2004 (Indie Built/Microsoft):

I love this game. It’s one of the games that inspired me to buy an Xbox back in 2004, after being a PS2 and Gamecube guy up to that point. Despite the (excellent) Tiger Woods PGA Tour games dominating the golf genre at the time, Links 2004 stands on its own as a formidable competitor that flew under the radar because it was an Xbox exclusive– and most video game players at the time had PS2 consoles instead.

There are few recognizable players here. There are few courses that you might see on the PGA Tour. This lack of familiarity may initially be a detractor, but getting past that leads to a good-looking game with solid presentation and an addictive gameplay loop. The analog swing is a bit more forgiving than in the Tiger Woods games, and the thing about the lesser-known courses is that they provide new challenges for players looking for different layouts to master.

The Custom Soundtrack feature also adds to the experience. As with many Xbox games, the ability to rip music tracks from CD to the console’s hard drive means that players can swing away to the sounds of their favorite bands and musicians. Want to hit the links while listening to Linkin Park? You can. How about sinking that birdie putt while Breaking Benjamin fuels you? Go for it. At least for me, music is such a motivator and driving force when I play– so the Custom Soundtrack feature adds a lot.

Number 3: NHL Hitz Pro (Next Level / Midway):

The NHL Hitz series rocks. Over the top checks through the plexiglass make you gape in awe. There’s scoring all over the place. The games are fast– faster than you might be ready for at first. The first two games are all about the arcade experience… but NHL Hitz Pro took the series in a slightly different direction.

Shifting from 3-on-3 to 5-on-5 play may seem like it would take away from the Hitz experience, but it doesn’t. Action is still fast and furious, with seemingly endless rushes up and down the ice. The additions of wraparound goals and deflections add more scoring.

Presentation shifts a bit more toward realism, too, with nifty replays and pertinent stat overlays. Tim Kitzrow returns to call the action once again with that legendary voice and emotion. The only real downside to the presentation is that the framerate is a bit rougher than past games; however, with the added players on the ice, it’s not a major shock to see a step backwards in this regard.

Whether hitting the ice alone or with friends, this is one hockey game that should be in your starting lineup.