The debut of the ReXGlue SDK for recompiling Xbox 360 games to PC has become a launching point for several different game porting projects, three of which are connected to the works of manga artist Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. The ReXGlue SDK also lays the groundwork for future game recompilation initiatives.

Development of Recompilation Projects

Since the release of Sonic Unleashed Recompiled, significant progress has been made in preserving Xbox 360 games. Currently, work is underway to bring titles like Blue Dragon, Ninja Gaiden 2, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD, and Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2 to PC. Amid uncertainty about the future of the Xbox brand—due to moderate console sales and staff changes—the community dedicated to preserving Xbox history remains highly active. Unlike emulation, recompiled games offer better performance and make modding easier, though they require much more manual effort.

Both recompilation projects are based on ReXGlue—a static SDK for porting Xbox 360 games. Previously, projects like XenonRecomp and XenosRecomp required separate runtime environments for each game. By using a Xenia-based environment in ReXGlue, the recompilation process has been greatly simplified, making testing and debugging of final files easier. Fixes can now be freely shared between projects and developers, fostering community growth.

Features of the ReXGlue Approach

The ReXGlue development model is built on community feedback. When developers encounter issues during game porting, they create solutions that, if sufficiently universal, are integrated back into the SDK and become available to all participants. This way, the platform is constantly enriched both through core development and collective community contributions.

The Importance of Ninja Gaiden 2

Recompiling Ninja Gaiden 2 is especially important for preserving the original gameplay experience, as the modern Sigma 2 and 2 Black versions significantly alter the combat system and battle design compared to the original. To enjoy an authentic experience, players must use original hardware, Xbox backward compatibility, or modify available PC versions. Ninja Gaiden 2 was the last game in the series developed by Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki, who did not participate in subsequent versions.

Games Featuring Akira Toriyama’s Characters

Blue Dragon and Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2 are united by their use of characters designed by Akira Toriyama. Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2 is a 3D arena fighting game inspired by the Budokai Tenkaichi series. Today, Budokai Tenkaichi has been revived on modern platforms through Sparking! Zero, while the Raging Blast series is seen as a bridge between Tenkaichi and Xenoverse.

Blue Dragon is particularly noteworthy as this JRPG resulted from the collaboration between Akira Toriyama and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy. In some ways, the game is considered a spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger, which was also a product of their joint efforts. The Dragon Quest series is known for Toriyama’s designs but does not involve Sakaguchi.

The Historical Role of Blue Dragon

Unusually for a JRPG, Blue Dragon was an Xbox exclusive developed by Mistwalker as part of Microsoft’s initiative to attract Japanese developers and boost interest in the console in Japan. The game received positive reviews in Japan and set sales records for Xbox 360 titles, but Western reactions were more reserved due to its genre-standard story and gameplay. The graphics and music were highly praised, but the plot and gameplay were not considered revolutionary.

Despite mixed reviews, Blue Dragon holds an important place in the history of the Xbox brand, as well as in the legacies of Akira Toriyama and Hironobu Sakaguchi. The game’s historical significance, lack of modern ports, and the emergence of manga and anime franchises make the recompilation project relevant for today’s gamers and fans who may have missed the game or feel nostalgic for it.