The 2000s was a crucial decade for video games, characterized by technological advancements and the emergence of new genres. It was a time when iconic franchises were created, and innovative gameplay mechanics pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Several new game genres and technologies emerged, and games like Halo became legendary for their storytelling and gameplay.
These games also helped popularize consoles like the Xbox. Let’s take a look back at the best video games of each year in the 2000s. The 2000s were a period of remarkable growth and innovation in the video game industry, a time when new genres emerged, established franchises reached new heights, and technological advancements pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
The titles featured in this article represent just a small fraction of the incredible games released during this era, each one leaving a lasting impact on the gaming landscape and continuing to inspire and entertain players to this day. This was a defining decade in the gaming industry, marked by technological advancements and the rise of new gaming experiences. These games not only defined their respective years but also left a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.
Top Video Games of The 2000’s (By Year)
2000: Diablo II
Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo II redefined the action RPG genre, captivating players with its dark atmosphere, addictive loot-driven gameplay, and intense multiplayer battles. The game’s success spawned a passionate community that continues to thrive to this day.
2001: Halo: Combat Evolved
Bungie’s Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with its compelling sci-fi story, innovative multiplayer modes, and iconic protagonist, Master Chief. It marked the beginning of one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
2002: Metroid Prime
Retro Studios’ Metroid Prime successfully transitioned the beloved Metroid franchise into the first-person perspective, delivering an atmospheric and immersive adventure. The game’s innovative blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving captivated players and earned critical acclaim.
2003: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
BioWare’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic breathed new life into the Star Wars universe with its captivating story, memorable characters, and impactful choices. The game’s success solidified BioWare’s reputation as a master storyteller and set a new standard for narrative-driven RPGs.
2004: Half-Life 2
Valve’s Half-Life 2 raised the bar for first-person shooters with its groundbreaking physics engine, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable set pieces. The game’s impact on the genre is still felt today, and its cliffhanger ending left fans eagerly anticipating a sequel.
2005: Resident Evil 4
Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 reinvented the survival horror genre with its over-the-shoulder camera perspective, intense action sequences, and unforgettable boss battles. The game’s success revitalized the franchise and set a new standard for action-horror games.
2006: Okami
Clover Studio’s Okami charmed players with its unique Japanese folklore-inspired art style and innovative Celestial Brush mechanic. The game’s beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and heartwarming story earned it a cult following.
2007: BioShock
Irrational Games’ BioShock captivated players with its thought-provoking story, atmospheric underwater setting, and philosophical themes. The game’s unique blend of first-person shooter action and RPG elements made it a critical and commercial success.
2008: Fallout 3
Bethesda Game Studios’ Fallout 3 transported players to a post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with danger, intrigue, and dark humor. The game’s open-world exploration, impactful choices, and engaging combat made it a must-play RPG experience.
2009: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 2: Among Thieves raised the bar for action-adventure games with its cinematic storytelling, breathtaking set pieces, and charismatic protagonist, Nathan Drake. The game’s success cemented Naughty Dog’s reputation as a master of cinematic storytelling and solidified the Uncharted series as a PlayStation staple.
A Look Back at Gaming Greatness
The 2000s was a decade filled with groundbreaking video games that continue to inspire and entertain players today. The games listed above are just a few examples of the many incredible titles released during this era. They pushed the boundaries of technology, storytelling, and gameplay, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
| Year | Title | Developer | Genre | Consoles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Diablo II | Blizzard Entertainment | Action RPG | PC |
| 2001 | Halo: Combat Evolved | Bungie | First-person shooter | Xbox |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Retro Studios | First-person adventure | GameCube |
| 2003 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | BioWare | Role-playing | Xbox, PC |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | Valve | First-person shooter | PC |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Capcom | Survival horror | PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii |
| 2006 | Okami | Clover Studio | Action-adventure | PlayStation 2 |
| 2007 | BioShock | Irrational Games | First-person shooter | Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3 |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Bethesda Game Studios | Action RPG | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Naughty Dog | Action-adventure | PlayStation 3 |
Breakdown Of The Games
2000: Diablo II
Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo II revolutionized the action RPG genre, introducing a dark and gritty atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and a vast world to explore. The game’s addictive loot system, deep character customization, and intense cooperative multiplayer kept players engaged for years to come, cementing its status as a true classic.
Its addictive gameplay, dark fantasy setting, and multiplayer features made it a cult classic and a benchmark for the genre.
2001: Halo: Combat Evolved
Bungie’s Halo: Combat Evolved redefined the first-person shooter genre, introducing the iconic Master Chief and transporting players to a captivating sci-fi universe. The game’s innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and epic story made it a landmark title that popularized console shooters and established Halo as a major franchise.
‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ revolutionized the FPS genre on consoles with its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and groundbreaking multiplayer mode. It became a cornerstone for the Xbox console.
2002: Metroid Prime
Retro Studios reinvented the Metroidvania genre with Metroid Prime, seamlessly blending first-person action with exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s atmospheric environments, challenging gameplay, and immersive storytelling made it a masterpiece that expanded the Metroid universe in groundbreaking ways.
Transitioning the ‘Metroid’ series into 3D, ‘Metroid Prime’ flawlessly meshed exploration, action, and atmospheric storytelling, setting a new standard for adventure games.
2003: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
BioWare’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic transported players to a distant era in the Star Wars galaxy, offering a deep and engaging RPG experience. The game’s intricate story, memorable characters, and branching choices allowed players to shape their own destiny in the Star Wars universe.
A landmark in storytelling, this game offered an expansive Star Wars experience with its deep narrative, moral choices, and engaging combat system, making it a favorite among Star Wars fans and gamers alike.
2004: Half-Life 2
Valve’s Half-Life 2 redefined the first-person shooter genre, setting a new standard for storytelling, graphics, and physics-based gameplay. The game’s engrossing narrative, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a masterpiece that continues to influence game development to this day.
Building on its predecessor, ‘Half-Life 2’ delivered a gripping, narrative-driven experience. Its advanced physics engine, compelling story, and immersive world set new highs for first-person shooters.
2005: Resident Evil 4
Capcom reinvented the survival horror genre with Resident Evil 4, introducing a new perspective, over-the-shoulder aiming, and a more action-oriented approach. The game’s intense combat, suspenseful atmosphere, and memorable characters made it a landmark title that redefined the survival horror genre.
Reinventing the survival horror genre, ‘Resident Evil 4’ introduced a new over-the-shoulder perspective and tighter gameplay mechanics, influencing countless games that followed.
2006: Okami
Clover Studio’s Okami brought a unique and artistic style to the action-adventure genre. The game’s innovative use of celestial brush techniques, vibrant world, and captivating story made it a masterpiece that continues to be praised for its originality and beauty.
With its unique art style inspired by Japanese watercolor painting and innovative gameplay, ‘Okami’ was a gaming triumph, often praised for its creativity and storytelling.
2007: BioShock
Irrational Games’ BioShock introduced players to the underwater city of Rapture, a decaying utopia filled with moral dilemmas and philosophical themes. The game’s groundbreaking storytelling, atmospheric environments, and innovative gameplay made it a landmark title that redefined the first-person shooter genre.
A game that blended FPS elements with deep narrative and philosophical themes, ‘BioShock’ offered a unique, dystopian experience with its richly detailed world and compelling story.
2008: Fallout 3
Bethesda Game Studios brought the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout to life in 3D with Fallout 3. The game’s expansive open world, role-playing depth, and challenging gameplay made it a masterpiece that redefined the open-world RPG genre.
This game brought the post-apocalyptic world to life with its vast open-world, rich storytelling, and deep role-playing elements, redefining open-world games.
2009: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 2: Among Thieves set a new standard for cinematic storytelling and action-adventure gameplay. The game’s breathtaking visuals, immersive environments, and thrilling set pieces made it a masterpiece that solidified the Uncharted franchise as one of the most popular and critically acclaimed in the industry.
A cinematic masterpiece in the action-adventure genre, ‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ raised the bar for storytelling, visual fidelity, and set pieces in video games, offering an experience akin to a blockbuster movie.
The Gaming Landscape Back In The 2000s
More Genres and Platforms
While the original list highlights some classics, the 2000s offered a diverse range of gaming experiences beyond action, RPGs, and FPS. Here are a few examples:
Sports
- The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series energized the skateboarding scene with its arcade-style gameplay and killer soundtracks.
- SSX Tricky took snowboarding to new heights with its over-the-top tricks and vibrant personality.
- Wii Sports brought motion controls to the masses, making gamers get up and move with intuitive bowling, tennis, and boxing.
Racing
- Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec pushed the limits of realism on the PlayStation 2, offering a stunning collection of cars and tracks.
- Burnout 3: Takedown delivered an adrenaline-fueled experience with its focus on high-speed crashes and aggressive driving.
- Need for Speed: Underground brought street racing culture to life with its customization options and thrilling night races.
Platformers
- Super Mario Sunshine brought the iconic plumber to a tropical paradise, introducing new water-based mechanics and a charming atmosphere.
- Psychonauts took players on a quirky journey through the minds of various characters, offering unique platforming challenges and a humorous story.
- Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus introduced a charming cast of thieves in a stylish, cel-shaded world.
Other Noteworthy Genres
- Guitar Hero let players live out their rockstar fantasies with its plastic guitar controller and iconic tracklist.
- Dance Dance Revolution kept the arcade scene alive with its energetic music and challenging dance routines.
- The Sims gave players the power to create and control virtual lives, offering endless possibilities for simulation and storytelling.
Platform Exclusives
- God of War (PS2) unleashed brutal action and epic mythology, introducing players to the vengeful Kratos.
- Halo 2 (Xbox) expanded the Halo universe with its online multiplayer and dual-wielding weapons.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube) captivated players with its cel-shaded art style and expansive ocean exploration.
Deep Dive on Select Games
Let’s take a closer look at a few games and explore their impact in more detail:
Metroid Prime (2002)
Retro Studios didn’t just bring Metroid to 3D; they redefined what a first-person adventure could be. Metroid Prime seamlessly blended exploration, action, and atmospheric storytelling. The game’s isolated atmosphere on the planet Tallon IV was palpable. Players felt truly alone as they uncovered the planet’s mysteries and faced its hostile creatures. The innovative visor system allowed Samus to scan her environment for information, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden paths. This created a unique sense of discovery and immersion. Metroid Prime wasn’t just a great game; it was a testament to how a beloved franchise could evolve while staying true to its core.
Why it Matters: Metroid Prime proved that first-person games could be more than just shooting galleries. It showed that atmosphere, exploration, and world-building were equally important.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Grand Theft Auto III was more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its open-world design gave players an unprecedented level of freedom in a living, breathing city. The game tackled mature themes and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in video games, sparking controversy and debate. But beyond the headlines, GTA III’s impact on game design is undeniable. It influenced countless open-world games that followed, from Saints Row to The Witcher 3.
Why it Matters: Grand Theft Auto III changed how we think about open-world games, giving players agency and choice in a dynamic, interactive world.
A More Complete Picture
By expanding our view to include a wider variety of genres and delving deeper into individual games, we can gain a more complete understanding of the 2000s gaming landscape. This decade was a time of incredible creativity and innovation, and the games listed here are just a glimpse of the many titles that shaped the industry we know and love today.
| Year | Title | Developer | Genre | Consoles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Diablo II | Blizzard Entertainment | Action RPG | PC |
| 2001 | Halo: Combat Evolved | Bungie | First-person shooter | Xbox |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Rockstar North | Action-adventure | PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Retro Studios | First-person adventure | GameCube |
| 2003 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | BioWare | Role-playing | Xbox, PC |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | Valve | First-person shooter | PC |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Capcom | Survival horror | PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii |
| 2006 | Okami | Clover Studio | Action-adventure | PlayStation 2 |
| 2007 | BioShock | Irrational Games | First-person shooter | Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3 |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Bethesda Game Studios | Action RPG | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Naughty Dog | Action-adventure | PlayStation 3 |
