2000 was a landmark 12 months in gaming, and its affect is felt to this present day. The sixth era of consoles noticed the discharge of the PlayStation 2, which outperformed competitors from Sega and Nintendo to turn into the highest-selling online game console of all time, with numerous excellent titles launched over its lifespan. Competing consoles releasing video games in 2000 embody the Nintendo 64, the hand held Recreation Boy and Recreation Boy Shade, and the Sega Dreamcast. These methods, together with the PC, noticed an inflow of iconic video video games in 2000.
Video games launched in 2000 had been notable for advancing mechanics and setting new requirements for storytelling, with the upgraded expertise in methods just like the PlayStation 2 offering revolutionary experiences for the time. Whereas some releases have aged poorly within the final 25 years, some video games maintain up as we speak and proceed to be performed and loved in 2025. With all of those titles reaching their twenty fifth anniversary this 12 months, the perfect of the perfect need to have their legacy celebrated.
10
Jet Set Radio
A Timeless Traditional Of Model & Pace
Gamers had been launched to a stunningly vibrant graffiti-filled world in 2000 with Sega’s distinctive platformer. Visually, Jet Set Radio was revolutionary because of its at-the-time distinctive cel-shaded artwork fashion, which has been replicated by many different titles, significantly within the PS2 period. Gamers management curler skaters as they tag areas of Tokyo with graffiti whereas evading authorities and pulling off stunts in varied sport modes.
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Most notably, Jet Set Radio wins over followers 25 years later because of its anti-establishment themes and funky soundtrack, which acts as a sonic time-capsule of the early 2000s. The endearing mix of hip-hop, J-pop, and digital earworms has ensured its persistent standing as a cult traditional. Its affect can nonetheless be felt in fashionable titles, as video games like Sundown Overdrive, Rollerdrome, and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk all take inspiration from its distinctive gameplay. Plans for a sequel to 2002’s Jet Set Radio Future have been constantly teased within the gaming trade for years, and the franchise deserves the comeback.
9
Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn
A D&D Masterpiece That Redefined RPGs
Whereas Larian Studios’ third entry within the mainline Baldur’s Gate collection would go on to realize excellent crucial and business success, followers of BioWare’s authentic two video games are fast to remind newcomers of their monumental CRPGs, particularly 2000’s Shadows of Amn. Based mostly on the Superior Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Version ruleset, BG2 was an important success on the time because of its advanced character improvement, choice-driven gameplay, and well-designed environments.
These unfamiliar with entries to the collection earlier than Baldur’s Gate 3 have to expertise a sport that has cemented itself as one of many best and most influential RPGs of all time.
The sprawling narrative that sees gamers discover Faerûn options outstandingly deep gameplay mechanics, and it is potential to expertise an enhanced version due to a 2013 remaster by Overhaul Video games. These unfamiliar with entries to the collection earlier than Baldur’s Gate 3 have to expertise a sport that has cemented itself as one of many best and most influential RPGs of all time, and followers of BioWare’s storytelling ought to particularly be certain to test it out.
8
TimeSplitters
Time Journey & Time-Warping Enjoyable
Though it wasn’t the one nice religious successor to GoldenEye 007 launched in 2000, TimeSplitters delivered a equally participating stage of quick and frenetic FPS motion. The wonderful time-hopping marketing campaign mode offered quite a lot of distinctive environments between the Thirties and 2030s. Nonetheless, TimeSplitters is remembered most for its iconic multiplayer “Arcade” mode, which provided revolutionary split-screen PVP and PVE gameplay.
Gamers can select to battle alone or crew up within the Arcade sport mode, which offered some of the gratifying and fascinating FPS multiplayer experiences since GoldenEye 007 a number of years prior. Customizable maps via a stage editor allowed gamers to create their very own experiences to battle in opposition to family and friends, all whereas holding a whimsical tone. Whereas many different shooters had been choosing a grittier expertise, TimeSplitters was a refreshing various. The beloved franchise has remained dormant since 2005, however PlayStation Premium subscribers can expertise TimeSplitters on PS5 in 2025.
7
Last Fantasy 9
A Timeless Story Of Friendship & Journey
Last Fantasy 9 opted to return to the roots of Sq. Enix’s world-renowned collection with its traditional fantasy themes paying homage to Last Fantasy 4. Regardless of the numerous excellent titles within the Last Fantasy collection, this sport constantly ranks close to the highest due to its easy studying curve and richly crafted visuals, which proceed to impress 25 years later.
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The protagonist Zidane and his eclectic group of quest allies show constantly participating and entertaining all through their journey, particularly the black mage Vivi. Fleshed-out minigames like Tetra Grasp and Chocobo Sizzling and Chilly add the traditional Last Fantasy selection to the already deep and emotional narrative. Even 25 years later, Last Fantasy 9‘s attraction holds up effectively sufficient for frequent revisits.
6
Banjo-Tooie
A Colourful World Of Puzzles & Platforming
Uncommon’s streak of creating a number of the most influential video video games of the late Nineteen Nineties continued into the brand new millennium with the sequel to Banjo-Kazooie. Expansions to the Banjo expertise had been lovingly amplified, with bigger ranges with higher draw distance, new talents, and a lovely rating all affirming Banjo-Tooie as a wealthy and sprawling journey.
The 2000 title effortlessly adopted up on the humor and attraction of Uncommon’s platforming adventures in video games like Donkey Kong 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, as the sport is brimming with character. Amongst all of the 3D platformers which have launched within the final 25 years, Banjo-Tooie stays probably the best platforming expertise, and its legacy continues to draw followers and encourage new builders as we speak.
5
Good Darkish
A Spy-Fi Traditional With Intense Multiplayer
Not happy with merely creating among the best platformers ever, Uncommon’s excellent 2000 continued with Good Darkish, typically thought of to be one of many best FPS video video games ever. A cyberpunk setting mixed with stealth-action gameplay was lovingly crafted into some of the immersive video games on the time. Joanna Darkish stays an iconic protagonist 25 years later, with comparisons to James Bond because of her array of devices and involvement in an espionage plot.
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Good Darkish’s acclaim as among the best FPS video games ever is clear, as it’s the highest-rated sport in 2000 on Metacritic. Its rating of 97 amongst critics is justified because of its deep gameplay mechanics. Whereas its sequel would underwhelm gamers, the long-awaited reboot of Good Darkish may reignite the collection if it manages to match the excellence of the unique title 25 years later.
4
Deus Ex
A Cyberpunk Masterpiece That Outlined A Style
Deus Ex‘s affect continues in 2025, because it was a pioneer and innovator of the immersive-sim style, which may see a comeback due to Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle. Presenting a stage of freedom that was not often seen in 2000, Ion Storm’s deeply crafted gameplay methods permit gamers to work together with the world as they see match.
Stealth, fight, hacking, diplomacy, and engineering are all routes {that a} participant can absorb Deus Ex, with a special total expertise relying on their decisions.
The cyberpunk conspiracy-rife narrative displays on themes of morality and humanity, and the participant’s interplay with the Deus Ex expertise expands upon these themes. The collection continued to function glorious video games within the years to observe, however the 2000 iteration stays a landmark in interactive storytelling that continues to be a degree of inspiration 25 years later.
3
The Sims
Creating Life, One Sim At A Time
When it comes to cultural influence, few video games have managed to ring a bell like The Sims, which has turned the mundane points of life into compelling and addictive gameplay. The takeover of the “cozy sport” style can determine its roots in experiences like this, as guiding a digital character via the tribulations of life (whereas holding the bathe clear) has turn into a gaming phenomenon. The Sims offered gamers in 2000 with an unparalleled open sandbox to design and discover.
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The attraction of freedom and creativity has made The Sims one of many greatest gaming franchises, with informal and devoted audiences alike having fun with it. The unique Sims stays a winner, and gamers nonetheless create new characters within the first sport regardless of the quite a few sequels and numerous enlargement packs during the last 25 years. The unique social simulation sport continues to affect different cozy video games like Stardew Valley and Unpacking.
2
Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2
The Pinnacle Of Skateboarding Video games
The skateboarding online game formulation was perfected in 2000 due to Neversoft’s gameplay mixed with an iconic soundtrack and portrayal of skateboarding tradition. Clean controls, glorious maps, and a roster of well-known skateboarders, such because the titular Tony Hawk and a secret look from Spiderman, led to its acclaim as among the best sports activities video games ever made. It stays culturally influential into the 2020s, as a well-received remake in 2020 affirmed its legendary standing.
Deservedly, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is revered as among the best video games ever made, and its formulation continues to be a reference for video games all through the final 25 years.
THPS2‘s perfection of the skateboarding sport is demonstrated by the introduction of the guide mechanics, which allowed gamers to construct up large combos by linking methods. This mechanic considerably raised the ability ceiling for the skateboarding sport style and is now an important a part of THPS, together with much less arcadey video games like Skate and Session. Deservedly, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 2 is revered as among the best video games ever made, and its formulation continues to be a reference for video games all through the final 25 years.
1
The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Masks
A Darkish & Haunting Journey
An iconic creative masterpiece that took daring dangers from its collection traditions, Majora’s Masks and its exploration of time, loss, and existential dread all spotlight the darker tone that it took. The follow-up to a different gaming treasure, Ocarina of Time, noticed Hyperlink relive a three-day cycle to stop a moon colliding with Termina (a surreal alternate actuality to Hyrule). The creative route taken for Majora’s Masks options a number of the most haunting imagery that Nintendo has ever utilized, with the constant risk of the moon within the sky reminding gamers of the state of affairs’s urgency.
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Together with its creative deserves, Majora’s Masks options excellent gameplay. The Legend of Zelda‘s typical dungeon-adventure formulation was expanded with the repeated three-day cycle and the significance of the masks in remodeling Hyperlink. Wealthy storytelling, unsettling atmospheres, and a twist on iconic gameplay guarantee Majora’s Masks’s legacy as one of many best video games ever made. The sharp modifications in Zelda‘s tone have typically recurred during the last 25 years, as Nintendo modified fashion and strategy constantly (see Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild). Regardless of a 12 months of excellent high quality, Majora’s Masks is the perfect online game of 2000.
Supply: Metacritic
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