Video Games From 2001 That Can Still Be Considered Masterpieces 25 Years Later

You know, life has its ups and downs, and that definitely applies to video games! I sometimes think about 2001 – it had some truly awful releases, like The Simpsons Wrestling. It could be funny, sure, but it’s easily one of the worst games ever made based on a license. But focusing only on that would be a real shame, because 2001 actually had a ton of great games. Honestly, if you were gaming back then, you might have forgotten just how many good titles came out that year!

We saw so many great games this year that we couldn’t fit them all in our list! Titles like the clever shooter Ikaruga and the original Pikmin were standouts, but we had to leave some amazing games out. If you missed them when they first came out, you’ve likely heard of their quality and maybe even played them since.

For this list, we’ll be counting games as 2001 releases by their NA launch date.

10. Advance Wars

Legendary Strategy

I finally got my hands on Advance Wars, which was the first game in the long-running Japanese Wars series to come over here. And let me tell you, the gameplay was already incredibly polished! It’s easy to look at the graphics and think it’ll be a breeze, but don’t let that fool you. The later missions in the campaign are seriously challenging – I’ve seen a lot of players get totally wrecked! It’s a true strategy classic, hands down.

This strategy game puts you in charge of Orange Star, a country suddenly invaded by Blue Moon. As you fight to defend Orange Star, you’ll draw in the nations of Green Earth and Yellow Comet, and slowly uncover the true enemy: the Black Hole army. The game is a complex, turn-based experience that gradually introduces new units and features. Eventually, you’ll be responsible for everything – capturing bases, repairing units, utilizing each commander’s unique abilities, and defending against massive enemy attacks. It’s a deep and strategic game, and the original inspired several sequels, including the recent remake, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

9. Final Fantasy 10

An All-Time Great In A Beloved Franchise

Following the success of Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9 on PlayStation, Square Enix aimed to impress again with a new installment on the PlayStation 2. The expectations were very high, and they delivered a beautiful and ambitious story. Players follow Tidus and a growing team of allies as they join Summoner Yuna on a journey, called the Pilgrimage, to defeat the powerful threat known as Sin, all within the breathtaking and often tragic world of Spira.

Many fans of traditional turn-based combat consider Final Fantasy 10 to be the last truly classic game in the series. After this installment, Final Fantasy shifted towards action-based gameplay and massively multiplayer online games. It was a fantastic send-off to the classic style, and the game remains enjoyable even now. Featuring a beloved group of characters, iconic moments, and a unique sphere grid system for character progression, it’s an emotional and memorable experience.

8. Black & White

Moral Dilemmas: The Game

You’ve probably seen cartoons with a little angel and devil on a character’s shoulders, representing good and evil. But ultimately, you decide what’s right and wrong in the strategy game Black & White. You play as a god, guiding a creature who acts as your representative in the world. By interacting with people in different towns and earning their trust, you gain influence. However, you’ll also need to pay attention to what they want and need to keep them happy.

This game offers more than just typical empire-building. It features a compelling story with a variety of gods, each with their own distinct values. You’ll face Nemesis as the main enemy, and you must defeat him before he conquers everything and destroys the other gods. The game is funny, has a special appeal, and strikes a great balance between being complex enough to be interesting, but not so complex that it’s frustrating. It’s a game that really set the stage for many strategy games that followed.

7. Golden Sun

A Pocket-Sized Superstar Of An RPG

You might not know Golden Sun, but it has a very dedicated fanbase hoping for a sequel. While the game starts with a familiar setup – a village under attack and a hero with memory loss – it quickly becomes a highly-regarded RPG for the Game Boy Advance, thanks to its expansive story and unique gameplay features.

Issac, Mia, Garet, and Ivan are on a mission to protect the Lighthouses – ancient dungeons that contain the incredible power of Alchemy – from the evil Saturos and Menardi. Their adventure takes them across both land and sea as they collect unique creatures called Djinni. These Djinni are usually hidden behind puzzles, and players can assign them to characters to change their abilities, stats, and skills. The way Djinni are combined determines a character’s class and powers, and this system extends to puzzle-solving outside of battles using a type of magic called Psynergy. It’s a captivating and well-paced adventure that offers a satisfying length – long enough to be immersive, but not so long that it overstays its welcome.

6. Devil May Cry

An Action Legend Is Born

It’s easy to forget how long some popular franchises have been around. The original Devil May Cry, released this year, quickly became a classic action game and introduced the iconic character Dante, known for his red coat. In the first game, Dante travels to Mallet Island to defeat the demon Mundus, fighting through hordes of enemies along the way. This pursuit of powerful demons becomes a running theme throughout the series, and thankfully, the combat was already incredibly fast-paced, stylish, and polished from the start.

Combat in the game is scored on speed, style, and how much damage you take. The focus is on staying agile, dealing damage, and preventing enemies from attacking – ideally by constantly interrupting them. It plays a lot like a fighting game, where quick reactions and keeping enemies vulnerable are crucial. Beyond melee attacks, you’ll unlock various firearms, letting you strategically choose the best approach for each fight. This first game laid the foundation for the entire series, establishing its signature style, core themes, and introducing important characters like Dante’s brother, Virgil.

5. Super Smash Bros. Melee

The GameCube’s Greatest

The GameCube had a lot of great games, including some hidden gems and well-known classics. Among the most celebrated was Super Smash Bros. Melee, the game that really launched the Smash Bros. series into the legend it is today. The first Smash Bros. game on the N64 was a bit of an experiment, with only twelve characters and limited features. However, it introduced the core idea of building up damage and then blasting opponents off the screen – something Melee then took to a whole new level.

The game received a significant update with many new characters, stages, and items to collect, plus plenty of options for players who prefer to play alone. Even after 25 years, some fans still consider this the most balanced and competitive installment, as it avoids the random elements and over-the-top features found in later versions. The smaller character roster makes it easier to master each fighter’s moves. Gameplay is quick, precise, and every hit feels impactful. It’s a must-have for any GameCube owner.

4. Max Payne

Classic Slow-Motion Firefights

Action games often use slow-motion effects, and it’s hard not to think of The Matrix when you see them. The Max Payne series was heavily influenced by those films, which continue to be thought-provoking even today. Both franchises offer more than just cool visuals; they also have compelling stories and depth.

The original Max Payne introduces players to a hardened ex-detective working undercover for the DEA, investigating the dangerous Punchinello crime family. When he’s falsely accused of murder, Max is hunted by both the police and the criminals, and the game follows his desperate search for the truth behind his family’s death and his relentless pursuit of justice. The game is a bleak and heartbreaking story, perfectly matching its dark atmosphere and distinctive style. It also features innovative gameplay mechanics, most notably ‘Bullet Time,’ which allows Max to dramatically slow down time and expertly navigate intense gunfights. Diving between cover and using the environment to his advantage feels incredibly rewarding, and combined with the unique comic book-style cutscenes, creates a truly memorable experience. Max Payne is packed with clever ideas that were brilliantly executed, and these concepts were further developed in the sequels.

3. Grand Theft Auto 3

The Start Of 3D Grand Theft Auto

By 2001, fans of the Grand Theft Auto series had spent about four years causing trouble in top-down, action-packed games. They’d managed gangs, explored 1960s London through an expansion pack, and even equipped their cars with explosives in Grand Theft Auto 2. The next challenge for the series was a big one: transitioning to a fully 3D world.

Man, playing the original Grand Theft Auto 3 was a total game changer for me. You play as Claude, and you end up working with both the Mafia and the Yakuza – things get messy, as always in GTA! Betrayal and fights are nothing new, but Liberty City itself was the real star. We take open worlds for granted now, but back in 2001, it felt huge – a living, breathing city with people just going about their day. All the crazy stunts, side missions, and challenges really set the stage for everything that came after. Seriously, no matter how amazing Grand Theft Auto 6 turns out to be, Rockstar wouldn’t be where they are today without this game. It was a foundational title, for sure.

2. Halo: Combat Evolved

Master Chief’s Saga Begins

Master Chief is arguably the most recognizable character in Xbox gaming. This powerful, armored warrior has become a star in various media, including comics and the Netflix series, but his story began with Halo: Combat Evolved, the original first-person shooter that launched the franchise.

Games released with a new console are meant to showcase its power and give players a taste of what’s to come. Halo did this brilliantly, launching the Xbox with a stunning and exciting campaign. The game immediately throws you into the war against the Covenant, a conflict that became central to the Halo series, much like the fight against the Locust Horde in Gears of War. You play as Master Chief, a key figure in the battle to control the Halo ring – a massive structure built to contain the terrifying Flood. The story leaves you wanting more, and for those who played with friends, the multiplayer was groundbreaking for its time.

1. Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon

You’ve Got To Play Your Cards Right

The Castlevania series is just as focused on defeating Dracula as the Super Mario games are on defeating Bowser. Both villains have been the main goal of their series for many years. However, the way you get to the final battle is where the games differ. By the time Castlevania reached the Game Boy Advance, it had fully embraced the “Metroidvania” style of gameplay – a sprawling, interconnected world to explore, different from the simpler platforming games of the past. Circle of the Moon then added its own unique features to this established formula.

Set in an Austrian castle in 1830, the game begins with Dracula’s latest resurrection. Soon after, vampire hunter Morris Baldwin arrives with his son, Hugh, and apprentice, Nathan Graves. You play as Nathan, who is separated from his master and must navigate the castle, develop his skills, and ultimately defeat Dracula. This game was one of the first to use the Metroidvania style, and it remains enjoyable today thanks to its diverse environments and engaging gameplay. A unique feature is the Dual Set-Up System, where you combine cards with different properties to customize Nathan’s abilities. While you aren’t playing as a seasoned Belmont, Nathan is fully capable of vanquishing evil once more.

2026-02-07 14:41