• EarlyGame PLUS top logo
  • Join to get exclusive perks & news!
English
    • News
    • Guides
    • Gaming
      • Fortnite
      • League of Legends
      • EA FC
      • Call of Duty
      • Reviews
    • TV & Movies
    • Codes
      • Mobile Games
      • Roblox Games
      • PC & Console Games
    • Videos
    • Forum
    • Careers
    • EarlyGame+
  • Login
  • Homepage My List Settings Sign out
  • News
  • Guides
  • Gaming
    • All Gaming
    • Fortnite
    • League of Legends
    • EA FC
    • Call of Duty
    • Reviews
  • TV & Movies
  • Codes
    • All Codes
    • Mobile Games
    • Roblox Games
    • PC & Console Games
  • Videos
  • Forum
  • Careers
  • EarlyGame+
Game selection
Kena
Gaming new
Enterianment CB
ENT new
TV Shows Movies Image
TV shows Movies logo 2
Fifa stadium
Fc24
Fortnite Llama WP
Fortnite Early Game
LOL 320
Lo L Logo
Codes bg image
Codes logo
Smartphonemobile
Mobile Logo
Videos WP
Untitled 1
Cod 320
Co D logo
Rocket League
Rocket League Text
Apex 320
AP Ex Legends Logo
DALL E 2024 09 17 17 03 06 A vibrant collage image that showcases various art styles from different video games all colliding together in a dynamic composition Include element
Logo
Logo copy
GALLERIES 17 09 2024
News 320 jinx
News logo
More EarlyGame
Esports arena

Polls

Razer blackhsark v2 review im test

Giveaways

Rocket league videos

Videos

Valorant Tournament

Events

  • Copyright 2025 © eSports Media GmbH®
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
 Logo
English
  • English
  • German
  • Spanish
  • EarlyGame india
  • Homepage
  • Gaming
  • Guides

Top 15 Games Of The Early 2000s

1-16

Aging like wine.

Johanna Goebel Johanna Goebel
Gaming - June 25th 2024, 18:02 GMT+2
2024 06 25 15 30 news

Die 15 besten Games der frühen 2000er Jahre

Ja, AAA-Spiele sind cool. Die Grafik wird immer besser, die Animationen immer realistischer und die Storys immer länger. Aber wenn wir ehrlich sind, sind es oft gerade die Spiele, die das alles nicht unbedingt brauchen, um uns mit ihrer puren Atmosphäre zu fesseln. Hier sind 15 der besten Spiele aus den frühen 2000er Jahren, die wirklich gut gealtert sind.

Windwaker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)

In The Wind Waker, we experience a magical journey through a huge, open world that looks almost timeless thanks to its unique cel-shaded graphics. We take on the role of Link and sail across endless oceans to rescue the kidnapped Princess Zelda. The game impresses with innovative game mechanics, exciting puzzles and a captivating story that takes us into a world full of magic and adventure.

© Nintendo

Gta sa

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

In San Andreas, we are thrown into a vast, vibrant world that stretches from the streets of the big city to the countryside. We take on the role of Carl "CJ" Johnson, who returns home to solve his mother's murder and rebuild his old gang. The game offers countless missions, activities and customization options that will keep us entertained for hours and give us a deep insight into the (virtual) life of a gangster.

© Rockstar Games

Half life

Half-Life 2 (2004)

A sequel to the groundbreaking first installment, Half-Life 2 sets new standards for first-person shooters and is the basis for other classics such as Garry's Mod. We experience the story of Gordon Freeman, who fights for survival in a world overrun by aliens. The realistic physics engine, the gripping atmosphere and the thrilling story create a deep immersion that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

© Valve Corporation

Combat evolved

Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

This epic sci-fi shooter follows the adventures of the Master Chief, a super-soldier on a mission to save humanity from the Alien Alliance. Halo: Combat Evolved has set a new standard for console shooters with its stunning visuals, addictive gameplay and revolutionary multiplayer mode that continues to thrill us and our friends.

© Microsoft

Metroid prime

Metroid Prime (2002)

In Metroid Prime, we take on the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran as she battles a mysterious threat on the planet Tallon IV. Combining first-person shooter elements with deep exploration, the game features detailed graphics and a dense atmosphere. Exploring strange worlds, solving complex puzzles and battling dangerous enemies make the game an unforgettable experience.

© Nintendo

Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

In this particularly emotional game, we take on the role of Wander, who is trying to bring his beloved Mono back to life. To do so, we must defeat 16 giant colossi. Epic boss battles, a melancholy atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make Shadow of the Colossus a unique masterpiece that will be remembered for a long time.

© Sony Computer Entertainment

Resi 4

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Can you believe the fourth game in the series was released in 2005? Combining action-packed combat with survival horror elements, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the genre. We play as Leon S. Kennedy, who must rescue the kidnapped daughter of the US President. The gripping story, intense atmosphere and innovative gameplay elements make it an outstanding game that still captivates us today.

© Capcom

Wow

World of Warcraft (2004)

World of Warcraft has probably never passed anyone by. We control our character through the vast open world of Azeroth, where we can choose from different races and classes to complete epic quests with our friends. The MMORPG has set new standards for online role-playing games and has captivated millions of players. The vibrant community and constant expansion of the game world ensure that there are always new adventures to be had.

© Blizzard Entertainment

Ffx

Final Fantasy X (2001)

With Final Fantasy X, Square Enix takes us to the world of Spira, where we join Tidus on his journey to defeat Sin. The game impresses with its emotional story, deep characters and innovative battle system. Breathtaking graphics and the introduction of voice acting make it one of the best RPGs of its time.

© Square Enix

Star wars

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)

This role-playing game in the Star Wars galaxy offers a detailed plot and complex character development. We can play as Jedi or Sith, and our decisions influence the course of the story. The richly designed world and epic adventures make Knights of the Old Republic an unforgettable game for all Star Wars fans.

© LucasArts

Morrowind

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)

In Morrowind, we explore the vast open world of Vvardenfell, filled with detail and adventure. We customize our character and experience a variety of quests and tasks in the fantastic world of Tamriel. The in-depth story and the freedom to play the game your way make it a true classic, and rightly so.

© Bethesda Softworks

Gothic

Gothic (2001)

Gothic is known for its dense atmosphere and rough characters. We control a nameless hero through a harsh world full of danger and adventure. The ingenious game mechanics and deep story captivate us and make the game a cult classic.

© Piranha Bytes / THQ Nordic

Diablo

Diablo II (2000)

Diablo II is one of the most influential action role-playing games of all time. Fight your way through randomly generated dungeons and battle hordes of demons to defeat evil. The game's addictive hack-and-slash mechanics, extensive character development, and high replay value make it a timeless classic.

© Blizzard Entertainment

Prince of persia

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)

In Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, we play as a prince who uses the power of the hourglass to manipulate time and overcome obstacles. The game combines acrobatic gameplay with an engrossing story and innovative time manipulation mechanisms that will keep us hooked for hours.

© Ubisoft

Metalgearsolid

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)

Metal Gear Solid 2 still impresses today with its complex storyline, advanced graphics and deep gameplay. We take on the roles of Solid Snake and Raiden as they battle a conspiracy with far-reaching consequences. The mix of action, stealth and in-depth story make this game a milestone.

© Konami

1-16

Yes, AAA games are cool. The graphics get better and better, the animations get more and more realistic, and the stories get longer and longer. But if we're being honest, it's often the games that don't need all that to captivate us with their pure atmosphere. Here are 15 of the best games from the early 2000s that have aged well.

  • Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

Yes, AAA games are cool. The graphics get better and better, the animations get more and more realistic, and the stories get longer and longer. But if we're being honest, it's often the games that don't need all that to captivate us with their pure atmosphere. Here are 15 of the best games from the early 2000s that have aged well.

Related News

More
Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Multiplayer Maps Japan Inspo TN
Gaming
"Between Tradition And Innovation" – Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 Features Japanese-Inspired Multiplayer Maps
Akimbot Thumbnail
Gaming
The Surprising Spiritual Successor to Ratchet & Clank
Ghost of Yotei
Gaming
Silksong Month Is Over: 15 Amazing Upcoming Games Releasing in October 2025
TF2 Heavy
Gaming
New Steam UI Receives Mixed Reactions
Returnal
Gaming
15 Best Games to Play if You Like Hades
Battlefield 6
Gaming
10 Best Games With Destructible Environments You Need To Play
Isshin the Sword Saint
Gaming
Top 10 Best Multi-Phase Boss Fights In Video Games
Roblox
Gaming
Top 10 Gaming Companies By Revenue: The Biggest Players In The Video Game Industry
Toxic lobbies
Gaming
7 Harsh Realities of Being a Fortnite Player
Ghost of Tsushima Sony Rewards TN
Gaming
Finished Playing Ghost Of Tsushima? Sony Launches New Bonus Program For Exclusive Merchandise
Wargroove Thumbnail
Gaming
The Surprising Spiritual Successor To Advance Wars
Tomb raider remastered
Gaming
AI Clone Of Lara Croft: Voice Actor Sues Tomb Raider Developer
  • All Gaming
  • Videos
  • News
  • Home

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up for selected EarlyGame highlights, opinions and much more

About Us

Discover the world of esports and video games. Stay up to date with news, opinion, tips, tricks and reviews.More insights about us? Click here!

Links

  • Affiliate Links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Advertising Policy
  • Our Editorial Policy
  • About Us
  • Authors
  • Ownership

Partners

  • Kicker Logo
  • Efg esl logo
  • Euronics logo
  • Porsche logo
  • Razer logo

Charity Partner

  • Laureus sport for good horizontal logo

Games

  • Gaming
  • Entertainment
  • TV Shows & Movies
  • EA FC
  • Fortnite
  • League of Legends
  • Codes
  • Mobile Gaming
  • Videos
  • Call of Duty
  • Rocket League
  • APEX
  • Reviews
  • Galleries
  • News
  • Your Future

Links

  • Affiliate Links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Advertising Policy
  • Our Editorial Policy
  • About Us
  • Authors
  • Ownership
  • Copyright 2025 © eSports Media GmbH®
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Update Privacy Settings
English
English
  • English
  • German
  • Spanish
  • EarlyGame india