The 10 best games of the 2000s

The 2000s were a golden age for video games, with a series of groundbreaking releases that set the direction of the industry and captivated millions of players with some of the best games ever. This decade saw the shift from 2D graphics to more complex and detailed three-dimensional graphics, as well as the emergence of franchises and titles that would become absolute classics.

From the impact of “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” to the cultural phenomenon of “World of Warcraft,” many of these games have transcended console barriers and left a lasting legacy that still influences the gaming landscape.

For those looking to understand which were the most memorable titles of this period, we have made a selection of 10 of the best games of the 2000s. This list explores the relevance of each game, highlighting the aspects that made them iconic and the reasons why which are still remembered and played.

The 10 best games of the 2000s

Dive with us on this journey through time and find out which games from the 2000s are still relevant today!

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

Few games from the 2000s are as remembered as “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” Developed by Rockstar Games, the title marked the pinnacle of the GTA series at the time, offering a vast open world spanning three fictional cities, as well as a compelling narrative and charismatic characters. The game innovated by introducing character customization elements, such as bodybuilding and eating, something that made the experience even more engaging. “San Andreas” was not only an action game, but also a satire of American culture and life in big cities.

Silent Hill 2 (2001)

Considered not only one of the best games of the 2000s, but also one of the best psychological horror games of all time, Konami’s “Silent Hill 2” raised the bar for the genre by telling a deep and disturbing story about guilt, loss and redemption. . In the game, protagonist James Sunderland is drawn to the town of Silent Hill in search of his late wife, Mary. The engaging narrative and dark atmosphere make “Silent Hill 2” a frightening and emotionally powerful experience. Innovative monster designs, such as the iconic Pyramid Head, and immersive soundtrack are elements that ensure this title’s classic status.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

Part of the famous Nintendo franchise, “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” is considered one of the best games of all time. The game introduced a darker and more mature approach to the Zelda universe, with realistic graphics and a captivating narrative. Link’s adventure in Hyrule against the forces of the Twilight Realm captivated players and critics, and to this day the game is revered for the quality of its story, gameplay, and setting. “Twilight Princess” was a milestone in the franchise and helped solidify the Nintendo Wii as a must-have console.

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

“Resident Evil 4” is a milestone not only for the series, but for the horror and action genre as a whole and it is no wonder that it is considered one of the best games in history. Launched by Capcom, the game reinvented the “Resident Evil” formula with a shoulder-mounted camera and gameplay more focused on combat than psychological horror. Leon S. Kennedy, the game’s protagonist, faces hordes of infected people on a mission to save the daughter of the President of the United States. The mix of action, tension and impressive graphics for the time make this game one of the most important of the 2000s.

Halo2 (2004)

“Halo 2,” from Bungie Studios, is one of the most influential first-person shooters of its generation. In addition to improving the narrative of its predecessor, “Halo: Combat Evolved,” “Halo 2” introduced online multiplayer to the original Xbox console, creating a community that quickly grew. The “Halo” franchise has become synonymous with quality and innovation, and “Halo 2” is remembered for the impact it had on multiplayer shooters and the popularity of the Xbox Live platform.

Half Life 2 (2004)

Another title that revolutionized the gaming industry was “Half-Life 2”, developed by Valve. The game featured advanced graphics, realistic physics, and a compelling narrative that made Valve a standout developer. Gordon Freeman’s journey to an Earth dominated by Combine aliens fascinated millions of players and to this day “Half-Life 2” is a reference in terms of level design and artificial intelligence. The impact of this game was so great that the wait for a sequel is still a topic among fans of the series.

Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

“Shadow of the Colossus” is a work of art by designer Fumito Ueda and the Team Ico team. The game is known for its minimalist style, in which the protagonist must take down giant behemoths in a desolate world. Each giant represents a unique challenge, which requires specific strategies to defeat. With an ambiguous narrative and melancholic setting, “Shadow of the Colossus” stood out among releases of the era, being acclaimed for its artistic beauty and emotional depth and is often cited as the best game of the 2000s.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

Hideo Kojima’s “Metal Gear Solid” franchise was already famous in the 2000s, but “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” took the series to another level. Set in a Russian jungle during the Cold War, the game introduced survival and stealth combat mechanics in a hostile environment. Snake’s story, with its gripping twists and themes of loyalty and betrayal, has become a classic. “Snake Eater” is remembered for its narrative complexity and the impact it had on the stealth action genre.

Bioshock (2007)

“BioShock” brought a unique experience to the first-person shooter genre, combining deep storytelling with immersive gameplay. The underwater city of Rapture, with its art deco aesthetic and dark atmosphere, is one of the most memorable settings in video games. The game addresses issues such as individual freedom and the ethics of science, and is known for the famous phrase “Would you kindly?”, which completely changes the player’s perspective. “BioShock” is undoubtedly one of the most important games of the 2000s.

God of War (2005)

“God of War” is one of the most influential games of the 2000s, marking the beginning of one of the most popular and respected gaming franchises. Published by Santa Monica Studio, the game features Kratos, a Spartan warrior seeking revenge against the Olympians. With a mix of brutal combat, puzzles and exploration, “God of War” brought an epic narrative inspired by Greek mythology and gameplay that redefined the hack and slash genre. Kratos’ brutality and complexity made the game an absolute success, giving rise to a series that still thrives today.

The best games of the 2000s were responsible for transforming the gaming industry and creating experiences that go beyond entertainment. These titles shaped a generation, inspired new technological developments, and continue to influence modern gaming. From the adrenaline rush of “GTA: San Andreas” to the narrative depth of “BioShock” and the MMORPG revolution brought by “World of Warcraft,” each of these games represents a milestone in its respective category. For those who lived through the 2000s or want to know what made this decade so special for gaming, this selection offers perspective on the lasting legacy of these titles.

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Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.