2000 was a landmark year in gaming, and its influence is felt to this day. The sixth generation of consoles saw the release of thePlayStation 2, which outperformed competition from Sega and Nintendo to become the highest-selling video game console of all time, with countless outstanding titles released over its lifespan. Competing consoles releasing games in 2000 include the Nintendo 64, the handheld Game Boy and Game Boy Color, and the Sega Dreamcast. These systems, along with the PC, saw an influx of iconic video games in 2000.
Games released in 2000 were notable for advancing mechanics and setting new standards for storytelling, withthe upgraded technology in systems like the PlayStation 2 providing revolutionary experiencesfor the time. While some releases have aged poorly in the last 25 years, some games hold up today and continue to be played and enjoyed in 2025.With all of these titles reaching their 25th anniversary this year, the best of the best deserve to have their legacy celebrated.
10Jet Set Radio
A Timeless Classic Of Style & Speed
Players were introduced to a stunningly vibrant graffiti-filled world in 2000 with Sega’s unique platformer. Visually,Jet Set Radiowas revolutionary due to its at-the-time unique cel-shaded art style, which has been replicated by many other titles, particularly in the PS2 era. Players control roller skaters as they tag areas of Tokyo with graffiti while evading authorities and pulling off stunts in various game modes.
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Most notably,Jet Set Radiowins over fans 25 years later due to its anti-establishment themes and funky soundtrack, which acts as a sonic time-capsule of the early 2000s.The endearing blend of hip-hop, J-pop, and electronic earworms has ensured its persistent status as a cult classic.Its influence can still be felt in modern titles, as games likeSunset Overdrive,Rollerdrome, andBomb Rush Cyberfunkall take inspiration from itsunique gameplay. Plans fora sequel to 2002’sJet Set Radio Futurehave been consistently teased in the gaming industry for years, and the franchise deserves the comeback.
9Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn
A D&D Masterpiece That Redefined RPGs
While Larian Studios' third entry in the mainlineBaldur’s Gateseries would go on to achieve outstanding critical and commercial success, fans ofBioWare’s original two gamesare quick to remind newcomers of their monumental CRPGs, especially 2000’sShadows of Amn.Based on theAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Editionruleset,BG2was a great success at the time due to its complex character development, choice-driven gameplay, and well-designed environments.
Those unfamiliar with entries to the series beforeBaldur’s Gate 3need to experience a game that has cemented itself as one of the greatest and most influential RPGs of all time.
The sprawling narrative that sees players explore Faerûn features outstandingly deep gameplay mechanics, and it’s possible toexperience an enhanced edition thanks to a 2013 remaster by Overhaul Games.Those unfamiliar with entries to the series beforeBaldur’s Gate 3need to experience a game that has cemented itself as one of the greatest and most influential RPGs of all time, and fans of BioWare’s storytelling should especially make sure to check it out.
8TimeSplitters
Time Travel & Time-Warping Fun
Although it wasn’t the only great spiritual successor toGoldenEye 007released in 2000,TimeSplittersdelivered a similarly engaging level of fast and frenetic FPS action. The excellent time-hopping campaign mode presented a variety of unique environments between the 1930s and 2030s. However,TimeSplittersis remembered most for its iconic multiplayer “Arcade” mode, which offered revolutionary split-screen PVP and PVE gameplay.
7Final Fantasy 9
A Timeless Tale Of Friendship & Adventure
Final Fantasy 9opted to return to the roots of Square Enix’s world-renowned series with its classic fantasy themes reminiscent ofFinal Fantasy 4.Despite the many outstandingtitles in theFinal Fantasyseries, this game consistently ranks near the top thanks to its simple learning curve and richly crafted visuals, which continue to impress 25 years later.
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The protagonist Zidane and his eclectic group of quest allies prove consistently engaging and entertaining throughout their journey, especially the black mage Vivi.Fleshed-out minigames like Tetra Master and Chocobo Hot and Cold add the classicFinal Fantasyvariety to the already deep and emotional narrative.Even 25 years later,Final Fantasy 9’s charm holds up well enough for frequent revisits.
6Banjo-Tooie
A Colorful World Of Puzzles & Platforming
Rare’s streak of developing some of the most influential video games of the late 1990s continued into the new millennium with the sequel toBanjo-Kazooie.Expansions to theBanjoexperience were lovingly amplified, with larger levels with greater draw distance, new abilities, and a beautiful score all affirmingBanjo-Tooieas a rich and sprawling adventure.
The 2000 title effortlessly followed up on the humor and charm ofRare’s platforming adventuresin games likeDonkey Kong 64andBanjo-Kazooie, as the game is brimming with personality.Among all the 3D platformers that have released in the last 25 years,Banjo-Tooieremains potentially the greatest platforming experience, and its legacy continues to attract fans and inspire new developers today.
5Perfect Dark
A Spy-Fi Classic With Intense Multiplayer
Not satisfied with simply developing one of the best platformers ever,Rare’s outstanding 2000 continued withPerfect Dark,often considered to be one of the greatest FPS video games ever.A cyberpunk setting combined with stealth-action gameplay was lovingly crafted into one of the most immersive games at the time. Joanna Dark remains an iconic protagonist 25 years later, with comparisons to James Bond due to her array of gadgets and involvement in an espionage plot.
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Perfect Dark’sacclaim as one of the best FPS games ever is evident, as it is the highest-rated game in 2000 onMetacritic.Its score of 97 among critics is justified due to its deep gameplay mechanics.While its sequel would underwhelm players, thelong-awaited reboot ofPerfect Darkcould reignite the series if it manages to match the excellence of the original title 25 years later.
4Deus Ex
A Cyberpunk Masterpiece That Defined A Genre
Deus Ex’s influence continues in 2025, as it was a pioneer and innovator of the immersive-sim genre, which could see acomeback thanks toIndiana Jones and the Great Circle.Presenting a level of freedom that was rarely seen in 2000, Ion Storm’s deeply crafted gameplay systems allow players to interact with the world as they see fit.
Stealth, combat, hacking, diplomacy, and engineering are all routes that a player can take inDeus Ex, with a different overall experience depending on their choices.
The cyberpunk conspiracy-rife narrative reflects on themes of morality and humanity, and the player’s interaction with theDeus Exexperience expands upon these themes.The series continued to feature excellent games in the years to follow, but the 2000 iteration remains a landmark in interactive storytelling that continues to be a point of inspiration 25 years later.
3The Sims
Creating Life, One Sim At A Time
In terms of cultural impact, few games have managed to strike a chord likeThe Sims,which has turned the mundane aspects of life into compelling and addictive gameplay.The takeover of the “cozy game” genre can identify its roots in experiences like this, as guiding a virtual character through the tribulations of life (while keeping the shower clean) has become a gaming phenomenon.The Simspresented players in 2000 with an unparalleled open sandbox to design and explore.
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The charm of freedom and creativity has madeThe Simsone of the biggest gaming franchises, with casual and dedicated audiences alike enjoying it.The originalSimsremains a winner, and players still create new characters in the first gamedespite the numerous sequels and countless expansion packs over the last 25 years. The original social simulation game continues to influence other cozy games likeStardew ValleyandUnpacking.
2Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
The Pinnacle Of Skateboarding Games
The skateboarding video game formula was perfected in 2000 thanks to Neversoft’s gameplay combined with an iconic soundtrack and portrayal of skateboarding culture.Smooth controls, excellent maps, and a roster of famous skateboarders, such as the titular Tony Hawk and a secret appearance from Spiderman, led to its acclaim as one of the best sports games ever made. It remains culturally influential into the 2020s, as awell-received remake in 2020affirmed its legendary status.
Deservedly, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2is revered as one of the best games ever made, and its formula continues to be a reference for games throughout the last 25 years.
THPS2’s perfection of the skateboarding game is demonstrated by the introduction of the manual mechanics, which allowed players to build up huge combos by linking tricks.This mechanic significantly raised the skill ceiling for the skateboarding game genreand is now an essential part ofTHPS,along with less arcadey games likeSkateandSession.Deservedly, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2is revered as one of the best games ever made, and its formula continues to be a reference for games throughout the last 25 years.
1The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
A Dark & Haunting Adventure
An iconic artistic masterpiece that took bold risks from its series traditions,Majora’s Maskand its exploration of time, loss, and existential dread all highlight the darker tone that it took. The follow-up to another gaming treasure,Ocarina of Time, saw Link relive a three-day cycle to prevent a moon colliding with Termina (a surreal alternate reality to Hyrule).The artistic direction taken forMajora’s Maskfeatures some of the most haunting imagery that Nintendo has ever utilized, with the consistent threat of the moon in the sky reminding players of the situation’s urgency.
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Along with its artistic merits,Majora’s Maskfeatures outstanding gameplay.The Legend of Zelda’s typical dungeon-adventure formula was expanded with the repeated three-day cycle and the importance of the masks in transforming Link.Rich storytelling, unsettling atmospheres, and a twist on iconic gameplay ensureMajora’s Mask’s legacyas one of the greatest games ever made. The sharp changes inZelda’s tone have often recurred over the last 25 years, as Nintendo changedstyle and approach consistently (seeWind WakerandBreath of the Wild). Despite a year of outstanding quality,Majora’s Maskis the best video game of 2000.
