We’re thrilled to be kicking off a series of articles that promise to be a real treat for game lovers. Commencing from the year 2000, each piece will focus on the standout games of that particular year. The selections will be based on votes from Player.me editors – so please, spare us the “Why is game X not included?” questions. As the inaugural entry in our series, we’ll be focusing on the best games of 2000.
Besides the top-rated games, we’ll also be tipping our hats to some honourable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut but are still worthy of recognition. This series will be particularly interesting if you happen to be a player born in or after 2000. We highly recommend you check out the early instalments to discover the games that were all the rage at the start of the millennium.
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Best Games of 2000
The turn of the millennium in 2000 heralded the arrival of a plethora of exceptional gaming series. While the close of the 1900s was a notable milestone in its own right, the introduction of certain games in 2000 added an extra touch of distinction to this significant year for us gamers. We’ll delve into our top selections shortly, but first, let’s give a nod to a few commendable games that didn’t quite make our list:
- Perfect Dark – Metacritic Score: 97 (User score 8.8)
- Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn – Metacritic Score: 95 (User score 9.1)
- Final Fantasy IX – Metacritic Score: 94 (User score 9.0)
- Colin McRae Rally 2.0 – Metacritic Score: 90 (User score 8.4)
- Thief II: The Metal Age – Metacritic Score: 87 (User score 8.9)
- Shogun: Total War – Metacritic Score: 84 (User score 8.3)
You may be scratching your head, wondering why Baldur’s Gate II didn’t feature on our original list. While there’s no denying it’s a titan amongst RPGs, our chosen games have more personal significance for us. As previously stated, personal preferences played a key role in the compilation of our list. So, we kindly ask you to refrain from haunting our nocturnal musings over it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way – here are our picks for best games of 2000.
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5. The Sims
Whilst The Sims may not hold a candle to Final Fantasy IX in terms of gameplay quality, the debate over its importance could extend till daybreak. It’s undoubtedly one of the most unique games ever created, taking the SimCity frenzy to an entirely new level. If our current anticipation for The Sims 5 is any indicator, it all harks back to that inaugural ingenious concept.
The Sims was instrumental in elevating the legendary Will Wright to the status of a gaming deity. From the moment of its release, the game was destined to be etched in the annals of classic gaming. It’s not just a sterling simulation of real life, it excels technically too. Its ability to communicate without uttering a word, its characters dying from neglect due to a coffee cup blocking their path, or its introduction of the seemingly never-ending expansion packs, all affirm its rightful spot on our best games of 2000 list.
Developer: Maxis
Metacritic Score: 92 (User score 8.0)
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4. Counter-Strike
You might question the inclusion of a competitive shooter on our best games of 2000 list. This is understandable, and in many debates, your argument might hold weight. But one cannot deny that Counter-Strike has earned its stripes as one of the all-time greatest, not just within the scope of 2000. It’s astonishing to witness a franchise that’s still smashing player count records today, standing strong after 23 years.
This is particularly true if you’re a fan of competitive gaming. Counter-Strike 2 is on the horizon, and the explicit use of the “2” in its title serves as a grand tribute to the original game. It’s incredible how far a modest Half-Life mod has come. The fact that it commands millions of active players daily doesn’t necessarily make it a “Better” game, but it certainly gives it an edge over its rivals.
Developer: Valve
Metacritic Score: 88 (User score 9.2)
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3. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Being the best isn’t a prerequisite for becoming an iconic game, and vice versa. Red Alert 2 is a perverse example of this concept, as it stands out among the greatest real-time strategy games ever created. Its distinct use of live-action videos for storytelling remains one of the most memorable approaches in gaming history.
In terms of gameplay, it doesn’t deviate significantly from its predecessor. However, it paints a compelling picture of the Soviet Union’s invasion of America. With its challenging missions, robust mechanics, strategic depth and more, Red Alert 2 undeniably deserves its spot among the best games of 2000.
Developer: Westwood Studios
Metacritic Score: 84 (User score 8.9)
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2. Diablo II
As one of the best hack-and-slash RPGs ever created, Diablo II more than merits its place in the pinnacle of the 2000s. Currently, we are eagerly anticipating the release of Diablo 4, and it’s fair to say that our fervour is rooted in this game. With Diablo 4, Blizzard aims to return the series to its roots, embodying the dark, brutal, and gothic ambience of Diablo II.
What sets Diablo II apart, you ask? Foremost, it is the game that most authentically portrays the Diablo universe. Whether against myriad enemies, formidable bosses or intriguing NPCs, its allure remains palpable even after 23 years. It was precisely this aspect that left the third instalment feeling somewhat underwhelming – our expectations were simply stratospheric post-Diablo II. Its second rank on our list is not due to any deficiency, rather, it faces a contender that manages to be timeless.
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Metacritic Score: 88 (User score 8.8)
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1. Deus Ex
To fully appreciate the inclusion of Deus Ex at the top of this list, you might need a touch of the ‘Boomer’ mindset. That’s because understanding the revolutionary nature of Deus Ex requires living through that era. The esteem in which we hold role-playing games today is largely down to this remarkable title. It was a pioneer in introducing many mechanics we now see as standard, cementing its place as one of the best games of 2000.
An excerpt from Eurogamer’s review at the time captures the essence of Deus Ex succinctly: “Moody and atmospheric, compelling and addictive, this is first person gaming in grown-up form, and it truly is magnificent.” The choice of words here, underlines just how groundbreaking the game was at the dawn of the new millennium.
Developer: Ion Storm
Metacritic Score: 90 (User score 9.1)
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Special Prize: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
While we might not always extend our top five, the exceptional gaming year that was 2000 warranted an additional shout-out. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, arguably the most iconic sports game of all time, deserved this spot. While you might initially dispute this, reflecting on its far-reaching influence should bring you around to our perspective.
PlayStation brand boasts an array of impressive games. But long before the advent of exclusive series such as The Last of Us and God of War that we rave about today, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 had already etched its name in gold in the annals of gaming history. Described as “One of PlayStation’s best games”, it’s clear this is no small achievement.
Developer: Ion Storm
Metacritic Score: 98 (User score 7.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to Colin McRae Rally Games?
Electronic Sports had a licensing deal with Colin McRae, which led to a series of games starting in 1998 and continuing until 2011. However, the tragic helicopter crash in 2007 that resulted in the renowned rally driver’s death profoundly affected the series. Two years post the incident, the final game titled Colin McRae was launched. From 2011 onwards, the series’ title was changed to Dirt. The most recent release in this series was Dirt 5, launched in 2020.
Is Hitman: Codename 47 a Good Game?
Codename 47, the inaugural game in the Hitman series, is a standout and iconic game. It introduced us for the first time to Agent 47, a bald, red-tied, highly skilled contract killer. The original series kicked off in 2000 and went on to include five games until 2012. Games after 2012 began anew with a fresh reboot. While Codename 47 might not be the best of these games, it’s undoubtedly the most significant.
Why Original Baldur’s Gate Is the Best Game Ever?
While a number of players favour Baldur’s Gate II, the first game always holds a unique spot. The reason is quite straightforward – it was the inaugural game that inspired all modern role-playing games. Excellently depicting the Forgotten Realms from D&D, this game indisputably earns the title of “The Greatest Game”.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
