Best Video Game Masterpieces Of The 2000s

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The 2000s were a fascinating decade for video games. It marked the arrival of the sixth generation of consoles, where developers truly mastered 3D graphics and created some amazing games. Then, in the latter half of the decade, high-definition (HD) gaming emerged, fundamentally changing the AAA game industry.

Even with a few disappointments, the 2000s were a fantastic decade for gamers. Many of the most memorable and impactful video games of all time came out during this period, and here are ten of the very best. Because so many great games were released between 2000 and 2009, we’ve also included a section at the end to highlight some other excellent titles that didn’t quite make the main list.

10. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

One Of The Best Hack-And-Slash Games Ever Made

The 2000s saw the explosion of fast-paced “hack-and-slash” games. The original Devil May Cry, released in 2001, really kicked off this trend and inspired many other successful series, including God of War and the rebooted Ninja Gaiden trilogy. But it wasn’t until 2005, with the release of Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, that the DMC series became a global hit.

This new installment builds on everything fans loved about the previous games, taking it to a whole new level. The combat is quicker and more thrilling, the enemies are more challenging, and Dante has an even wider range of weapons. Surprisingly, the story – which is actually a prequel exploring his rivalry with his brother, Vergil – is both moving and engaging. While the Devil May Cry series has seen its ups and downs over the past two decades, it still largely owes its success to DMC3.

9. The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Nintendo Managed To Make A Worthy Successor To The Two N64 Zelda Titles

The Legend of Zelda series was incredibly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, largely due to the success of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, which are often ranked among the greatest action-adventure games of all time. When The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was announced for the Nintendo GameCube, many fans initially dismissed it because of its cartoonish art style and more playful feel. However, they soon realized their initial reaction was a mistake.

Despite initial skepticism, The Wind Waker is a truly beautiful and charming ocean adventure. Its unique, cartoon-like graphics have actually held up incredibly well over time—even more than two decades after it first came out. Beyond the visuals, the game features memorable characters, a surprisingly emotional story, and some of the very best dungeons in the entire Zelda series.

8. Kingdom Hearts 2

Square And Disney Joined Forces To Make One Of The Greatest Action RPGs

The game Kingdom Hearts took the gaming world by surprise in 2002. It was a unique action RPG that blended characters from Square Enix’s role-playing games with the beloved settings of classic Disney movies. Though the idea seemed unusual, the game proved incredibly popular and successful, leading Square Enix to quickly develop several sequels.

Released three years after the first game, Kingdom Hearts 2 was a PlayStation 2 exclusive and a significant improvement in almost every way. Its combat is incredibly smooth, rewarding, and deep, often ranking it among the best action RPGs of all time. This makes every battle, from large-scale fights to epic boss encounters, feel thrilling and like a movie. Beyond the action, Kingdom Hearts 2 features a captivating story, a gorgeous soundtrack composed by Yoko Shimomura, and the chance to explore imaginative worlds inspired by popular Disney franchises, including Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tron.

7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The Most Ambitious Open-World Sandbox Game Of Its Generation

Open-world sandbox games became hugely popular in the 2000s, largely thanks to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series. While GTA 3 was a groundbreaking title and GTA: Vice City built on that success, GTA: San Andreas was their most ambitious game yet and remains a fan favorite today.

The open world of GTA: San Andreas is massive – twice as big as previous games – and packed with things to do. Players can explore at their own pace, tackling exciting missions or just enjoying fun side activities. It’s a game you can easily lose yourself in for hours, which is remarkable considering it originally came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2004. Although Grand Theft Auto 4, released in 2008, is also a fantastic game, San Andreas remains Rockstar’s best title from that decade.

6. Super Mario Galaxy

Mario’s Unbelievable Space Adventure Proved Why He’s Gaming’s Biggest Icon

Mario redefined gaming several times in the 90s, but his popularity dipped a bit in the early 2000s, particularly on the GameCube. While he still appeared in good games throughout the decade, it wasn’t until Super Mario Galaxy in 2007 that he became a huge sensation again. This game, like Super Mario 64 and Sunshine, was a 3D platformer, but its unique setting in space allowed developers to craft incredibly creative and beautiful levels – some of the best ever seen in a Mario game.

Super Mario Galaxy features tight, fun platforming and smartly integrates the Wii’s motion controls. However, what truly made it a classic was its incredible art style, with beautiful graphics and a gorgeous orchestral soundtrack. This amazing game—many consider it the best in the Mario series—is so beloved that it’s being turned into an animated movie!

5. Half-Life 2

A Story-Driven First-Person Shooter That’s Both Innovative And Brilliant

The early 2000s saw many popular 90s video games get fantastic sequels, and Valve’s Half-Life 2 is a prime example. The original Half-Life, released in 1998, was a groundbreaking and highly influential first-person shooter. Its 2004 sequel not only lived up to the hype, but actually improved upon the original in every way.

Released just before the first-person shooter market became dominated by online military games, Half-Life 2 remains unique. It’s a dark and captivating game focused on story, with fantastic shooting and incredibly fun, inventive weapons – the Gravity Gun being a standout. The game is full of unforgettable, cinematic moments. Its compelling story is the reason fans have eagerly awaited a sequel, Half-Life 3, for nearly two decades.

4. Metroid Prime

Metroid Finally Made The Jump To 3D, And It Did Not Disappoint At All

Surprisingly, despite being one of Nintendo’s most popular series, Metroid didn’t appear on consoles until the 2000s. Nintendo partnered with American developer Retro Studios to bring the series into 3D with Metroid Prime. This atmospheric, first-person adventure emphasized exploration and puzzle-solving. While a risky move at the time, it proved incredibly successful, and Metroid Prime is now celebrated as one of the greatest games ever released for the GameCube.

The real strength of this game lies in its atmosphere. Playing as Samus Aran on the planet Tallon IV is often spooky, incredibly immersive, and even strangely calming, until you encounter a tough enemy or boss that demands a skillful fight. The game brilliantly combines exploration of a large world with discovering secrets and earning upgrades that let you revisit old areas and find even more hidden items. This creates a rewarding gameplay cycle that became a hallmark of the Metroid series for years to come. While Metroid Prime’s sequels were also great, none quite matched the impact of the original 2002 game.

3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

A Stealth Game So Bizarre And So Beautiful Can Only Come From The Mind Of Hideo Kojima

Choosing the best Metal Gear game from the 2000s is tough, because that decade saw some of the series’ greatest releases. While Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 were both amazing, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater stands out as the definitive masterpiece of Hideo Kojima’s career and the work of his team.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is a great starting point for anyone new to the series, as it’s set years before the other games. It features a gripping story full of political intrigue and unexpected turns that will keep you hooked. Beyond the story, it offers the most refined and immersive stealth gameplay in the series, with clever mechanics that feel natural and add to the experience. But what truly makes Snake Eater special is its unique, quirky brilliance – the signature touch of legendary designer Hideo Kojima.

2. Shadow Of The Colossus

This Cinematic Boss Rush Is Undeniable Proof That Gaming Can Be Art

During the 2000s, people often debated whether video games could be considered art. Team ICO powerfully addressed this question with two outstanding games that demonstrated they absolutely could. Their first game, Ico (2001), was well-received, but Shadow of the Colossus (2005) was truly exceptional. What makes this game a perfect example of art is its unique combination of elements: a simple, yet sad and moving story, a quiet and melancholic mood, and surprisingly effective gameplay centered around boss battles. Despite its basic premise, it all comes together beautifully.

The boss battles in Shadow of the Colossus are truly unforgettable. Each one challenges you to become skilled at climbing and solving puzzles. There’s a unique and deeply rewarding feeling that comes from defeating these giant colossi, something few other games have managed to capture, even with larger bosses. If you enjoy boss fights or gaming in general, Shadow of the Colossus is a must-play.

1. Resident Evil 4

Modern Gaming Wouldn’t Exist Without This Action-Packed Third-Person Shooter

Man, I grew up with Resident Evil, and it was huge in the 90s. But then Capcom really shook things up with Resident Evil 4. It was a total gamble, changing how the game played from the ground up. Honestly, it paid off big time! It wasn’t just a good game, it was a game-changer. It took what was already a classic survival horror series and blew it up into this massive, worldwide hit that really influenced a ton of other games after it.

Resident Evil 4 revolutionized third-person gaming with its innovative over-the-shoulder perspective, influencing hits like Uncharted, Gears of War, and Dead Space. However, its popularity isn’t just about how well it plays. The game also boasts a wildly entertaining story, unforgettable action sequences, and tons of replay value with its many items, weapons, and game modes. The fact that a complete remake was released in 2023, yet the original is still widely considered the best version, proves just how high-quality and impactful Resident Evil 4 truly is.

Honorable Mentions:

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  • Final Fantasy 10
  • Kingdom Hearts
  • Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
  • Grand Theft Auto 4
  • Devil May Cry
  • God Of War
  • God Of War 2
  • Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
  • Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
  • Okami
  • Persona 4
  • Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
  • Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  • Bioshock
  • Portal
  • Halo 2
  • Gears Of War
  • World Of Warcraft
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
  • Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
  • Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
  • Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves

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2026-01-10 11:37