These are the best games of the 2000s, at least according to critics. Can you already guess number 1?
Looking for the best video games from the 2000s? We've compiled a list of top-tier game experiences that set new standards for their genres and earned some of the highest Metacritic scores.
15. Mass Effect 2 (Metacritic: 96)
Mass Effect 2 seamlessly blends captivating storytelling, intense combat, and rich character development. Its immersive world and impactful choices create a cinematic experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish, making it a standout RPG.
14. The Orange Box (Metacritic: 96)
The Orange Box offers unbeatable value, packaging five critically acclaimed games, including Half-Life 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. This combination earned it an almost perfect score on Metacritic.
13. Resident Evil 4 (Metacritic: 96)
Resident Evil 4 delivers an immersive horror experience, placing players in a realistic environment with a relatable protagonist. It maintains the charm and challenge of earlier games while expanding the plot, strategy, and atmosphere.
12. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Metacritic: 96)
Naughty Dog perfected the franchise with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, delivering a polished and thrilling experience. With memorable set pieces like the epic train sequence and improved vertical combat, the game's pacing and level design set new benchmarks.
11. BioShock (Metacritic: 96)
BioShock was one of the first games to emphasize worlds that are not just visually stunning but also physically engaging and mechanically relevant. The game’s interactive combat and captivating exploration have aged remarkably well.
10. Half-Life 2 (Metacritic: 96)
Half-Life 2 may feel a bit dated now, but it's still an iconic game that redefined storytelling in gaming through its immersive world, innovative physics, and thrilling action. Its engaging story, incredible art design, and dynamic gameplay keep it a classic.
9. NFL 2K1 (Metacritic: 97)
NFL 2K1 was a significant improvement over its predecessors and introduced online play. With realistic graphics, smooth gameplay, and groundbreaking multiplayer, it set a new standard for sports games.
8. Halo: Combat Evolved (Metacritic: 97)
Halo: Combat Evolved remains one of the best FPS experiences, thanks to its epic sci-fi story, smooth gameplay, and iconic multiplayer. It also features the best enemy AI in the series, making the combat feel reminiscent of DOOM.
7. Grand Theft Auto III (Metacritic: 97)
Grand Theft Auto III set the benchmark for open-world games, creating an experience that defined its era. It remains one of the best games of its time, featuring classic vibes and an unforgettable theme song.
6. Metroid Prime (Metacritic: 97)
Metroid Prime strikes the perfect balance between FPS and Metroidvania genres, capturing the atmosphere fans expect from a Metroid game. The game truly immerses you in the feeling of being alone on a mysterious alien planet.
5. Perfect Dark (Metacritic: 97)
Perfect Dark pushed gaming boundaries, and many modern games still use the core design concepts it pioneered. If you enjoyed the open-ended levels of Dishonored and Deus Ex, Perfect Dark was one of the first to emphasize complex objectives.
4. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Metacritic: 97)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is the pinnacle of early 2000s gaming, with rewarding gameplay that appealed to both high-score chasers and speedrunners. The addition of online multiplayer and dynamic environments made it an instant classic.
3. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Metacritic: 97)
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the finest 3D Mario experiences. With tighter level design, creative power-ups like Yoshi and the Cloud Flower, and constantly new challenges, it pushed platforming to the next level, with each galaxy offering unique surprises and puzzles.
2. Super Mario Galaxy (Metacritic: 97)
Super Mario Galaxy delivers a charming Mario experience with creative levels and excellent music that build a unique atmosphere. The gameplay, visuals, sound, and overall quality are top-notch, setting a high standard for the series.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Metacritic: 98)
Grand Theft Auto IV offers the most realistic experience in the franchise, focusing on real-life elements more than its famous successor. With a groundbreaking physics engine and meticulous attention to detail, it rightfully earned a near-perfect score as one of the greatest games of the 2000s.