8 Best Games That Shaped The 2000s

The 2000s were a game-changing decade for the video game industry. 3D graphics became standard, completely new types of games emerged, and the industry’s value soared to unprecedented levels.

The 2000s gave us many of the most memorable video games ever made – titles that truly changed gaming. This decade saw the rise of huge, open-world games and a big focus on impressive graphics, and it’s full of high-quality games that had a lasting impact on the industry.

Grand Theft Auto 3

Established The Open-World Formula That Has Become Commonplace

Rockstar’s success is largely thanks to *Grand Theft Auto 3*. The game pioneered the open-world style that Rockstar and many other developers still use in their games today.

Players were captivated by the fantasy of living a life of crime and indulging in wild behavior in *Grand Theft Auto 3*. The game was so popular that Rockstar quickly released *Vice City* and *San Andreas* to build on its success before developing games with a new game engine.

Resident Evil 4

The Third-Person Shooting Gameplay Was Revolutionary

Many modern third-person shooter games wouldn’t be what they are today without *Resident Evil 4*. Shinji Mikami’s game popularized the over-the-shoulder camera angle, which became a standard for the genre. The game, starring Leon Kennedy, is packed with exciting action sequences and memorable enemies, proving that the *Resident Evil* series was willing to take risks and evolve.

This game is considered a standout title in the series and a landmark achievement in gaming. The 2023 remake successfully honored the original’s reputation, though it traded some of the older game’s quirky style in the process.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Established One Of The Most Iconic FPS Franchises Of All Time

Halo: Combat Evolved was a groundbreaking game that launched players into an exciting science fiction universe filled with epic battles. It also introduced Master Chief, who quickly became one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.

Master Chief is a focused and powerful soldier capable of defeating massive numbers of enemies, and his AI companion, Cortana, is equally legendary. Though the *Halo* series is known for its compelling story, it was the game’s online multiplayer that truly made it a standout title on the original Xbox. This success helped shape the landscape of modern online shooting games.

Deus Ex

Arguably The Greatest Immersive Sim Of All Time

As a huge fan, I think the original *Deus Ex* is easily one of the best immersive sims ever created. It really put Warren Spector on the map as a developer, and for good reason! What I love most is how the game’s amazing level design lets you approach objectives in so many different ways – you can truly forge your own path to success.

Even though the character designs haven’t aged well, the game remains enjoyable thanks to its fantastic exploration and gripping stealth gameplay. The story, filled with conspiracies, feels surprisingly timely and relevant today.

Half-Life 2

An Amazing Physics Engine Coupled With Deep Immersion Made For A Winning Formula

I remember being blown away by the original *Half-Life*, and everyone was wondering how Valve could ever make something even better. Then *Half-Life 2* came out, and it totally delivered! The new Source engine and the way they used physics were incredible – it was one of the most visually and technically amazing first-person shooters I’d ever played. It really set a new standard for intense action, awesome weapons, and really challenging puzzles.

The arrival of the Combine has made things much more dangerous, clearly demonstrating the disastrous results of Earth inadvertently creating a gateway to another world. Despite this, Gordon Freeman and the Resistance are determined to fight back against these invaders and resist their oppression in any way they can.

The Sims

The Birth Of One Of The Most Popular Video Game Franchises Of All Time

The Sims was a groundbreaking game. Even though it was challenging to play, people loved creating virtual homes and guiding the lives of the families within them – it felt like a unique and special experience.

The original Sims game was a huge success, leading to two critically acclaimed sequels. While The Sims 4 didn’t quite live up to expectations for many players, fans are hopeful that the series will return to its former glory and continue to be a beloved life simulation experience.

Wii Sports

Popularized The Idea Of Motion Controls, Enhancing The Connection Between Players And Games

Nintendo took a big risk with the Wii, betting that motion controls would revolutionize gaming. To really showcase this new technology, they needed a standout game, and that’s exactly what they delivered with the hugely popular *Wii Sports*.

It’s hard to overstate how important *Wii Sports* was. It drew in both new gamers and longtime Nintendo fans, getting everyone to pick up a Wii and play with friends for hours. Each sport was genuinely fun and hinted at the exciting future of video games. Looking at today’s VR technology, it’s clear how much the Wii’s innovative controls influenced it.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Created The Modern-Day Shooter Trend That Took Over The FPS Scene For A Long, Long Time

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a landmark game for the Call of Duty series. It’s largely responsible for making CoD a widely recognized name. The game lives up to its title, putting players in a modern war that quickly escalates into a terrifying struggle.

While the game’s story mode is memorable, it was the incredible multiplayer that truly made it a standout first-person shooter. It set the standard for future *Call of Duty* games, introducing features like killstreaks and prestige, and creating maps that are still popular almost 20 years later.

2025-09-14 05:38