Best Forgotten 2005 Video Games

2005 was a truly exceptional year for gaming. It saw the release of many iconic games, including titles like Resident Evil 4, God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus. Plus, it marked the debut of important new consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation Portable.

It’s no surprise gamers have largely forgotten many excellent games released during that golden age. Whether those games were based on outdated material, came from defunct series, or simply haven’t held up over time, these 2005 titles are still fantastic, but rarely discussed in 2026.

Mercenaries: Playground Of Destruction

This Groundbreaking Third-Person Shooter Came Out The Same Day As Resident Evil 4

Many consider Resident Evil 4 to be a major influence on third-person shooter games, thanks to its innovative camera angle. Interestingly, another game that pioneered the genre actually came out on the very same day, but it’s largely been forgotten. Developed by Pandemic Studios – known for the popular Star Wars: Battlefront series – Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction was a remarkably ambitious game for its time.

As a huge fan, I can honestly say this game totally delivers on its promise. It’s an open-world shooter that really took what Grand Theft Auto 3 started and ran with it. I spent hours just exploring the massive map, finding weapons, hijacking vehicles, and taking on anyone who got in my way! While it didn’t have the over-the-shoulder camera angle of something like Resident Evil 4, the shooting felt great, and I was surprised how well the stealth worked too. Honestly, this game and the whole Mercenaries series deserve way more recognition than they get.

Banjo-Pilot

Rare’s Last Hurrah With The Banjo-Kazooie IP

When Microsoft bought Rare, Nintendo fans were disappointed because it meant Rare’s games wouldn’t be released on Nintendo consoles anymore. Luckily, Microsoft wasn’t focused on handheld gaming at the time, so they let Rare develop a few games specifically for the Game Boy Advance, including the popular title Banjo-Pilot.

This fun racing game feels like a follow-up to the classic Diddy Kong Racing, which is fitting since it started as a continuation of that game before a company buyout. Banjo-Pilot is straightforward, but the idea of racing with planes instead of cars is unique and enjoyable, especially with its bright visuals and upbeat music. It’s definitely a stronger title than Rare’s later racing game featuring Banjo and Kazooie, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

The Punisher

The Absolute Best Game That Frank Castle Has Starred In

Superhero video games have always been a hit with players, but they really took off again in the early 2000s. That’s when a lot of famous Marvel characters – both heroes and villains – started getting their own video games, and the Punisher, also known as Frank Castle, was one of them.

The Punisher, developed by Volition, was a popular third-person shooter known for its quick action and gritty story, featuring characters like Jigsaw, Bullseye, Daredevil, and Iron Man from the comics. What really set it apart, though, was its intense violence and gore, particularly in the disturbing torture and interrogation scenes, making it one of the most brutal games ever created. While controversial, this extreme violence actually suited the dark and violent nature of the Punisher character perfectly.

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath

An Incredibly Unique (Albeit Bizarre) First-Person Shooter

The Oddworld series is remarkable for how well it’s adapted over time. It started as a story-driven 2D platformer, then became a 3D platformer, and ultimately showed it could even work as a first-person shooter, as seen in the 2005 game, Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath.

In Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, you play as Stranger, a bounty hunter who captures outlaws for cash. He uses a unique crossbow that fires living ammunition like insects and bats. The game is known for its fast-paced, engaging gameplay, its bizarre and memorable world, and a story with surprising turns. It’s unfortunate that the game didn’t sell well, as the industry could benefit from more original and inventive titles like this one.

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

Another Ambitious Third-Person Shooter That Deserves More Recognition

Many third-person shooters from that era, which didn’t copy the over-the-shoulder camera angle popularized by Resident Evil 4, have been overlooked, and that’s a shame. Midway’s Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy is truly one of the best action games released on consoles of that generation.

Psi-Ops is a fast-paced, third-person shooter with excellent gunplay and clever puzzles. What really set it apart, though, were the psychic powers the main character, Nick Scryer, could use in both fights and to solve challenges. Abilities like telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and mind control made Psi-Ops a hidden gem of its time, and it’s a game everyone should experience.

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

DK’s Most Overlooked 2D Platformer Is Actually Quite Good

Fans and Nintendo often categorize the Donkey Kong series by different periods – starting with the original arcade games, then the influential Donkey Kong Country trilogy developed by Rare, and more recently, the platformers from Retro Studios and the enjoyable Donkey Kong Bananza. However, one period is often overlooked: the time when DK Bongos were popular. While Donkey Konga and its sequels were fairly standard rhythm games, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat stands out and deserves more recognition.

Okay, so this game is a really cool 2.5D platformer where you control Donkey Kong – and you can even use the DK Bongos if you have them! Seriously, pounding on those bongos to move and clap your way through enemies is awesome. It’s super fast-paced, but it has this surprisingly satisfying rhythm to it. The boss fights are where it really shines, though – they’re huge and completely over the top. If you’re a DK fan and somehow missed out on Jungle Beat, you absolutely need to check this out.

Predator: Concrete Jungle

Proof That The Predator Doesn’t Always Need The Alien To Star In A Great Game

When you look at video games based on these two franchises, the Aliens universe has generally had better games than Predator, even including their crossover titles like the classic Aliens vs. Predator from 1999. Predator did have one standout game, though: Predator: Concrete Jungle, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005.

Players step into the role of Scarface, a young Predator, and roam expansive open worlds, tracking down different targets. The game is particularly fun because it arms him with iconic weapons and gadgets from the original movie – think bombs, boomerangs, and thermal vision. While Concrete Jungle received a mixed reaction when it first came out, it’s held up surprisingly well and offers a fantastic experience for any fan looking for a true ‘Predator’ simulation.

Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge Of The Sith

One Of The Best Video Game Adaptations Of A Star Wars Film Ever Made

It’s rare to see video games based on movies these days, but back in the mid-to-late 2000s, they were quite common and often good. One of the most successful and well-regarded was Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith.

Revenge of the Sith is a major improvement over the earlier Star Wars games, offering exciting action and adventure gameplay with a touch of role-playing, and even recreating some of the most iconic moments from the film. However, what really stood out was its player-versus-player combat mode – it was the best Star Wars fighting game available at the time. It’s unlikely we’ll see a similar, engaging action game based on the newer Star Wars movies, though the LEGO Star Wars games are a notable exception.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

This Excellent Strategy Title Showcased What The DS Was Capable Of

By 2005, the Nintendo DS was gaining huge popularity, and everyone was eager to see what the handheld could do. That year saw the release of great games like Kirby Canvas Curse and Nintendogs, but one of the very best – Advance Wars: Dual Strike – didn’t get as much attention. This was likely because it was part of a franchise not many people knew about.

Dual Strike is the third game in the Advance Wars series, and it smartly takes advantage of the Nintendo DS features – like the dual screens and touch controls – to make its already great turn-based strategy even better. The battles are exciting and difficult, and the game’s bright graphics and compelling story make it a fantastic experience overall. Many consider Dual Strike to be the best in the original Advance Wars trilogy, so if you enjoy turn-based strategy RPGs like Fire Emblem, it’s definitely worth playing.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game Of The Movie

A Surprisingly Immersive Survival FPS (With The Occasional Big Ape Level)

It was a risky move for Ubisoft Montpellier to create a King Kong game where you don’t play as Kong for most of the levels, but it surprisingly paid off. Many players actually found Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie to be even more engaging than the film itself, letting them experience the perils of Skull Island through the eyes of Jack Driscoll.

This game stands out because of its clean on-screen display, which enhances its dark mood and makes you feel truly immersed. Exploring Skull Island and surviving encounters with massive dinosaurs and dangerous creatures is thrilling and fun. A highlight is getting to play as King Kong, battling other monsters in epic fights. These sections are especially rewarding after the more challenging first-person gameplay, making the effort feel worthwhile.

2026-01-24 01:06