Millennials, or Gen Z, there are chances you missed the fun of the last decades. The 2010s were good, but the 2000s was a time of new technology, including the gaming industry. No, in case you are wondering, their lives were not boring in the 2000s, it was the device of games. Most games now are advanced versions of the 2000s computer games. Ever wonder what the first GTA game looks like?
Arcade video games, gaming consoles, and home computer games brought video gaming to a wider audience in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, these games have grown in popularity, especially among youth. Throughout the 2000s, gaming platforms and technology saw substantial evolution. This includes Sega’s exit from the hardware market and Microsoft’s entry into the console market. With its distinctive look and motion capabilities, Nintendo’s Wii system drew in a new customer base and went on to become the best-selling console of its time.
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Let’s explore some of the best computer games of the 2000s, and if you can still play them, or their advanced version. Walk with me down the neoplastic lane, or play their newer or remastered versions.
1. Prince of Persia Sand of Time
Ubisoft released “Prince of Persia: Sands of Time” in December 2003. It has been praised for its innovative ways to change time and its compelling story set in the magical world of mythical Persia. The game broke new ground in technology, with images and movements that set the standard for the whole industry.
As a gamer, you’ll take on the role of a Prince who possesses the incredible ability to manipulate time. This unique power allows you to rewind, fast-forward, and freeze time, adding a whole new level of excitement to both combat and puzzle-solving challenges.
The complicated moves, amazing acrobatics, and compelling story of betrayal and forgiveness made for a game experience that was truly ahead of its time. This game, which takes place in a world of huge countries and dangerous tunnels, really shows the best in creative and technical gaming in the early 2000s. You can get it on sites that gamers like, like Steam and the Ubisoft Store.
2. Oblivion
Bethesda Game Studios released “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition” in 2006. It changed the way role-playing games were played with its unique open-world experience. This version comes with the “Knights of the Nine” and “Shivering Isles” expansions, which add more tasks and material to the game. It also has a huge, immersive world with dynamic gameplay and cutting-edge graphics.
Oblivion is praised for letting players create any character they can think of, from a brave knight to a sneaky magician. The role-playing experience is made better by a first-person fighting and magic system that makes every fight more intense. Radiant AI, the game’s unique AI, gives non-player characters life. These characters have plans and act naturally in the game world. Oblivion, which was named the best game of 2006, is still the best role-playing game of all time because of how free it is to play.
3. Final Fantasy 10
Square introduced Final Fantasy X, a landmark in the RPG genre, in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. It later reached other platforms including PS3, PS4, Windows, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One through the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster. This game was a big step toward 3D environments, and it was also the first game in the Final Fantasy series to use voice acting. It added the “Sphere Grid” leveling system and the “Conditional Turn-Based Battle” system.
As a player, you would be Tidus, who is a famous athlete in the made-up sport of blitzball. Him in Spira after Singh attacks Zanarkand, his home city. As soon as Tidus gets to Spira, he finds out that Shin is his missing father, Jechto. To kill Shin, he becomes the guardian of Yuna, the summoner. It took a lot of money and a lot of people to make, but it was a critical and commercial success. Millions of copies were sold around the world, making it one of the most famous video games ever.
4. God of War 2
The action-adventure sequel to God of War, which was one of the best games of the early 2000s, is now available on PlayStation 2. It came out in 2007 and continues the story of Kratos, a warrior from Sparta who used to be a god. Kratos goes on a cruel quest to get back his godhood and power after Zeus lied to him and overthrew him.
This game takes place in a world from Greek mythology and has intense hack-and-slash battles, tricky puzzles, and epic boss fights. Kratos’s deadly blades are enhanced with new magic and fighting moves, and players move through realistic environments. Later this year, you can also download it as a computer game, and you can do this on a number of different gaming platforms.The game’s technical plot and brutal, visually stunning gameplay make it an unforgettable experience.
5. Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas changed action-adventure games when it came out in 2004. Its huge open world and interesting story made it a big hit. As a follow-up to the popular Grand Theft Auto games, it built on those successes by adding better graphics, more vehicle and character options, and the lively city of San Andreas. This game let players experience exciting gang wars, races, and a huge selection of weapons for epic battles. It quickly became a fan favorite because of how flexible the gameplay was and how well-thought-out the world was. It provided hours of fun.
With the GTA IV: San Andreas mod, this old favorite is taken to a whole new level, combining the fun of San Andreas with GTA IV’s more advanced features. This PC-only mod improves the experience with better graphics, better gameplay, and beloved parts from the original game, all for free. Make sure you install GTA IV before starting this famous modded adventure in a new San Andreas.
6. Halo Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved, released in 2001, completely changed the game for first-person shooters with its captivating narrative and innovative gameplay. In the first installment of the Halo series, players assume the role of Master Chief, a formidable soldier engaged in an epic struggle against the Covenant and the Flood on the enigmatic Halo ringworld.
The release of the Xbox ushered in a new era for gaming, while its availability on Windows and Mac OS X in 2003 further expanded its reach. Marking its 10th anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection now includes a remastered version of the game, which is accessible on PC. This edition boasts improved graphics and gameplay for an even more immersive experience. This iconic game, renowned for its intense battles and captivating narrative, stands as a pinnacle of gaming in the early 2000s.
7. Deus Ex
Deus Ex, released in 2000 by Ion Storm and Eidos Interactive, is an iconic action RPG that takes place in a dystopian 2052. In a world plagued by terrorism, inequality, and a dire global crisis, players embark on a thrilling journey through a complex conspiracy that seeks to achieve global dominance. The game truly captures the essence of being a gamer, offering a captivating first-person perspective that seamlessly combines immersive role-playing elements with thrilling action, engaging interactions, and mind-bending puzzle-solving challenges.
Locations, designed with meticulous attention to detail, enhance the game’s realism, while prioritizing human characters over creatures strengthens the bond between players and the game. Deus Ex truly shines with its diverse gameplay options, allowing players to fully customize their characters, tackle problems in different ways, and adapt to various playstyles. Its captivating storyline taps into modern-day conspiracy theories and futuristic predictions, creating a mind-stimulating adventure.
8. Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is a classic survival horror game that came out for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. This follow-up, made by Team Silent and released by Konami, took players deeper into the game’s creepy world by improving the images and story. Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams, a bigger version of the game with more material and better graphics, came out on Xbox, PC, and other systems.
This version has a special finish with a UFO and extra game features that make it a must-play for horror fans. With its creepy atmosphere and gripping story, Silent Hill 2 was praised for being one of the scariest video games of its time. Play Silent Hill HD Collection in high definition on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Bloober Team’s remake will offer a fresh experience on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
9. Resident Evil
Resident Evil 2002, a classic by Capcom, brought survival horror back to the GameCube. Explore 1998’s eerie Raccoon City and investigate odd killings in this classic game’s new version.
As a part of the elite S.T.A.R.S. team, gamers take on the role of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine and look into the evil activities of the Umbrella Corporation. The story is very interesting, and players face the Tyrant, the biggest bio-threat, in a secret lab. This leads to a fight with the disloyal Wesker. Different ends are possible, ranging from a brave helicopter escape to a person surviving alone.
Even after years, the game was still praised for how well it looked and how fun it was to play. It was a turning point in the history of video games. Modern systems often let you download this classic game to take a trip down memory lane.
10. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime, released for the Nintendo GameCube on November 18, 2002, represented a watershed moment in the Metroid franchise’s transition to 3D. Retro Studios developed and Nintendo released this game, which, together with Metroid Fusion, revived the franchise after an eight-year sabbatical. It is well-known for its critical and economic success, having sold over one million copies in North America. Metroid Prime Remastered is already running well at 4K@60 on Nintendo Switch PC emulators.
Metroid Prime stands out from other shooters because it blends first-person adventure with significant exploration. Players will accompany Samus Aran as she faces Space Pirates and examines their experiments on Tallon IV. It takes place between the original Metroid and Metroid II and reintroduces the iconic Metroids. For anyone interested in experiencing this classic, it is accessible for download on newer Nintendo platforms.
11. Warcraft 3
Released in July 2002 by Blizzard Entertainment, “Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos” revolutionized the real-time strategy genre with its immersive, high fantasy setting. As the third installment in the Warcraft series, this game introduced players to a vividly realized 3D world embroiled in conflict.
Set 15 years later, the game reignites the Orcs vs. Humans conflict with four playable races. Each group has its unique soldiers, magical powers, and deadly weaponry. A world faces annihilation by the Burning Legion’s growing threat, poised to destroy all life.
“Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos” stands out for its intriguing story and strategic intricacy, marking it as a milestone game of the 2000s.
12. Diablo 2
Diablo II, which came out in 2000, completely changed the game when it came to action role-playing. With its intense hack-and-slash gameplay and eerie, gothic setting. It transported players into a world teeming with monsters and overflowing with valuable loot. This sequel to Diablo, developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment. It introduced five character classes that each possess unique skills and gameplay styles.
Players can dive into a wide range of weapons, armor, and goods to enhance their characters’ skills through skill trees. Players may team up with friends to complete difficult objectives in the online multiplayer mode.
Diablo II revolutionized the world of action RPGs with its captivating combat mechanics, extensive character progression, and immersive atmosphere. Also downloading Diablo II may vary in compatibility with modern systems as official support has ended.
