2000 was a landmark 12 months in gaming and its affect continues to be felt right now. The sixth technology of consoles noticed the discharge of PlayStation 2which beat out competitors from Sega and Nintendo to turn out to be the best-selling online game console of all time, with numerous wonderful titles launched all through its lifespan. Competing consoles that launched video games in 2000 embody the Nintendo 64, the Sport Boy and Sport Boy Colour handhelds, and the Sega Dreamcast. These programs, 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 up to date know-how in programs just like the PlayStation 2 offering revolutionary experiences for now. Whereas some releases have aged poorly over the previous 25 years, some video games maintain up right now and proceed to be performed and loved in 2025. With all of those titles turning 25 this 12 monthsThe very best of the most effective should have their legacy celebrated.
10
Jet Set Radio
A timeless basic of favor and velocity
Avid gamers had been launched to an extremely vibrant, graffiti-filled world in 2000 with Sega's distinctive platformer. Visually, Jet Set Radio was revolutionary because of its distinctive cel-shaded artwork fashion on the timewhich was replicated by many different titles, particularly within the PS2 period. Gamers management skaters as they tag areas of Tokyo with graffiti whereas evading authorities and performing stunts in varied sport modes.
Most notably, Jet Set Radio It 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 catchy mixture of hip-hop, J-pop, and digital earworms has ensured its persistent standing as a cult basic. Its affect can nonetheless be felt in trendy titles, as video games like Sundown Overdrive, Rollerdromeand Bomb Rush Cyberfunk everyone seems to be impressed by your Distinctive gameplay. Plans for a 2002 sequel Way forward for Jet Set Radio have been consistently teased within the gaming trade for years, and the franchise deserves a comeback.
9
Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
A D&D masterpiece that redefined RPGs
Whereas Larian Studios' third mainline entry, Baldur's Gate collection would obtain wonderful essential and industrial success, followers of BioWare's two authentic video games are fast to remind newcomers of their monumental CRPGs, particularly from the 2000s. Shadows of Amn. Primarily based on Superior Dungeons & Dragons 2nd version algorithm, BG2 was an enormous success on the time because of its advanced character growth, choice-based gameplay, and well-designed environments.
These unfamiliar with the collection' prior entries Baldur's Gate 3 I have to strive a sport that has established itself as one of many biggest and most influential RPGs of all time.
The sprawling narrative that sees gamers exploring Faerûn options exceptionally deep gameplay mechanics and is feasible Expertise an enhanced version due to a 2013 remaster from Overhaul Video games. These unfamiliar with the collection' prior entries Baldur's Gate 3 I have to expertise a sport that has established itself as one of many biggest and most influential RPGs of all time, and followers of BioWare's storytelling ought to test it out.
8
time dividers
Time journey and time enjoyable
Though he was not the one nice non secular successor of Golden Eye 007 launched in 2000, time dividers delivered an equally partaking stage of fast-paced, frantic FPS motion. The wonderful time-hopping marketing campaign mode featured quite a lot of distinctive environments between the Thirties and 2030s. time dividers is finest remembered for its iconic “Arcade” multiplayer mode, which supplied revolutionary split-screen PVP and PVE gameplay.
Gamers can select to combat alone or kind groups within the Arcade sport mode, which has delivered some of the enjoyable and fascinating FPS multiplayer experiences so far. Golden Eye 007 just a few years earlier. Customizable maps through a stage editor allowed gamers to create their very own experiences to battle towards family and friends on the similar time sustaining a whimsical tone. Whereas many different shooters opted for a grittier expertise time dividers it was a refreshing different. The beloved franchise has remained dormant since 2005, however PlayStation Premium subscribers can strive it out time dividers on PS5 in 2025.
7
Ultimate Fantasy 9
A timeless story of friendship and journey
Ultimate Fantasy 9 selected to return to the roots of Sq. Enix's world-famous collection with its basic fantasy themes paying homage to Ultimate Fantasy 4. Regardless of the various distinguished titles within the Ultimate Fantasy collection, this sport is persistently ranked close to the highest due to its easy studying curve and richly crafted visuals, which proceed to impress 25 years later.
Protagonist Zidane and his eclectic group of mission allies show to be persistently partaking and enjoyable all through their journey, particularly the darkish mage Vivi. Detailed minigames like Tetra Grasp and Chocobo Scorching and Chilly add to the basic Ultimate Fantasy selection to the already deep and emotional narrative. Even 25 years later, Ultimate Fantasy 9Its allure holds up effectively sufficient for frequent revisits.
6
Banjo-Tooie
A colourful world of puzzles and platforms
Uncommon's streak of creating among the most influential video video games of the late Nineteen Nineties continued into the brand new millennium with the sequel to Banjo-Kazooie. Expansions for the Banjo expertise have been lovingly amplified, with bigger ranges with higher draw distance, new talents and a stupendous rating, all affirming Banjo-Tooie like a wealthy and in depth journey.
The 2000 title effortlessly adopted the humor and allure of Uncommon's platform adventures in video games like Donkey Kong 64 and Banjo-Kazooieas the sport is filled with character. Amongst all of the 3D platformers launched within the final 25 years, Banjo-Tooie stays doubtlessly the most effective platform expertiseand its legacy continues to draw followers and encourage new builders right now.
5
Excellent Darkish
A Spy-Fi basic with intense multiplayer
Not content material with merely creating among the finest platformers of all time, Uncommon's wonderful 2000 continued with Excellent Darkish, Typically thought-about among the finest FPS video video games of all time. A cyberpunk setting mixed with stealth motion gameplay was rigorously crafted into some of the immersive video games of 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 a spy plot.
Excellent Darkish The acclaim as among the finest FPS video games of all time is obvious as it's the highest rated sport of 2000 in Metacritic. Its rating of 97 amongst critics is justified because of its deep gameplay mechanics. Though its sequel disheartened avid gamers, the long-awaited reboot of Excellent Darkish might reignite the collection if it manages to match the excellence of the unique title 25 years later.
4
Deus Ex
A Style-Defining Cyberpunk Masterpiece
Deus ExHis affect continues in 2025, as he was a pioneer and innovator of the immersive simulation style, which might return due to Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle. That includes a stage of freedom hardly ever seen in 2000, Ion Storm's deeply crafted gameplay programs permit gamers to work together with the world as they see match.
The cyberpunk conspiracy narrative displays on themes of morality and humanity, and the participant's interplay with the Deus Ex the expertise expands on these themes. The collection continued to ship wonderful video games within the years that adopted, 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 realize such a huge effect The Sims, which remodeled the mundane elements of life into compelling and addictive gameplay. The takeover of the “cozy sport” style can hint its roots to experiences like this, as guiding a digital character by way of life’s tribulations (whereas protecting the bathe clear) has turn out to be a gaming phenomenon. The Sims launched gamers in 2000 with an unparalleled open sandbox to design and discover.
The allure of freedom and creativity has made The Sims one of many largest gaming franchises, with each informal and devoted audiences having fun with it. The unique Sims continues to win, and gamers nonetheless create new characters within the first sport regardless of numerous sequels and numerous growth packs over the past 25 years. The unique social simulation sport continues to affect different cozy video games like Valley of the Stars and Unpacking.
2
Tony Hawk's Professional Skater 2
The head of skateboarding video games
The skateboarding online game formulation was perfected in 2000 due to Neversoft gameplay mixed with an iconic soundtrack and portrayal of skateboarding tradition. Clean controls, wonderful maps and a roster of well-known skate boarderss, just like the titular Tony Hawk and a secret look by Spider-Man, led to its acclaim as among the finest sports activities video games ever made. It stays culturally influential into the 2020s, as a well-received remake in 2020 affirmed its legendary standing.
DeservedlyTony Hawk's Professional Skater 2 It's revered as among the finest video games ever made and its formulation continues to be a reference for video games over the past 25 years.
THPS2The perfection of the skateboarding sport is demonstrated by the introduction of guide mechanics, which allowed gamers to construct enormous combos by linking tips. This mechanic considerably raised the ability ceiling for the skateboarding sport style. and now it's a vital half THPS, together with much less arcade video games like Skate and Session. DeservedlyTony Hawk's Professional Skater 2 It's revered as among the finest video games ever made and its formulation continues to be a reference for video games over the past 25 years.
1
The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Masks
A darkish and scary journey
An iconic inventive masterpiece that took daring dangers in its collection traditions, Majora's Masks and its exploration of time, loss, and existential dread spotlight the darker tone it took. The continuation of one other sport treasure, Ocarina of Timenoticed Hyperlink relive a three-day cycle to forestall a moon from colliding with Termina (a surreal alternate actuality to Hyrule). The inventive path assumed for Majora's Masks options among the scariest pictures Nintendo has ever usedwith the constant menace of the moon within the sky reminding gamers of the urgency of the state of affairs.
Together with its inventive deserves, Majora's Masks options wonderful gameplay. The Legend of ZeldaThe standard dungeon journey formulation was expanded with the repeated three-day cycle and the significance of masks in Hyperlink's transformation. A wealthy narrative, unsettling atmospheres and a twist on iconic gameplay guarantee The legacy of Majora's Masks as among the finest video games ever made. The sudden modifications ZeldaNintendo's tone has repeated itself typically over the previous 25 years, as Nintendo has modified fashion and method persistently (see Wind Alarm Clock and Breath of Nature). Regardless of a 12 months of wonderful high quality, Majora's Masks It's the most effective online game of 2000.
Supply: Metacritic