Best Games of 2002: Mafia, Vice City and More

In the game annals, 2002 is a special year for everyone. Its digital treasures hooked us in the first place and glued our eyes to CRT screens. This year overflowed with innovation and joy, embedding its iconic titles in the fabric of gaming lore. Best games of 2002 didn’t just frame our experiences – they reshaped the gaming landscape.

We’re about to set sail on a voyage of nostalgia. We’ll relish in the past victories, brave the magical realms, and soak up the captivating narratives. This article is a tribute, but also a reunion, with the gaming gems of 2002. It’s a journey back to where we began our gaming love affair. We promise a shower of precious memories, reflecting the true magic of that year.

Related: Best Games of 2000: Diablo II, Deus Ex and More

Best Games of 2002

We might appear to be singing the same tune with each list, yet ranking the top games of a given year is always a formidable task. This challenge is especially potent for phenomenal years such as 2002, a time renowned for its wealth of gaming brilliance. When you’ve got over ten games that have been deemed the best of all time, it’s clear we’re dealing with a uniquely splendid year in gaming history. Shortly, we’ll delve into the best games of 2002.

But before we do, we think it crucial to pay homage to a selection of sterling games that didn’t quite squeeze into our coveted top spots. Despite not making the list, these games undoubtedly merit their due recognition:

• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Metacritic Score: 95 (User score 9.0)
• Tony’s Hawk Pro Skater 4 – Metacritic Score: 94 (User score 8.3)
• Virtua Fighter 4 – Metacritic Score: 94 (User score 8.0)
• Medal of Honor: Allied Assault – Metacritic Score: 91 (User score 8.5)
• Neverwinter Nights – Metacritic Score: 91 (User score 8.2)
• Battlefield 1942 – Metacritic Score: 89 (User score 8.5)

5. Mafia

Setting the stage for our list is Mafia, a game that told a fascinating tale of organised crime in the prohibition era. The city of Lost Heaven served as a sprawling backdrop for a story that masterfully blended cinematic storytelling with intense action. Each mission was crafted meticulously, creating an atmospheric narrative that left an indelible mark on the genre.

Moreover, Mafia was far more than just a Grand Theft Auto clone, as it offered a unique, story-driven experience. That’s why it is one of the best games of 2002. Its combination of an authentic period setting, engaging characters, and unforgettable set-pieces made it a standout title in a crowded genre.

Developer: Illusion Softworks

Metacritic Score: 88 (User score 9.1)

Related: All Mafia Games Ranked Worst to Best

4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Sliding into the fourth spot, we have The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. A title that introduced players to an expansive, immersive world teeming with opportunity and adventure. It set a new standard for RPGs, offering a level of freedom and choice seldom seen in video games at the time.

In Morrowind, the journey was as important as the destination. Whether you were exploring the mushroom-infested swamps of the Bitter Coast or delving into ancient Dwemer ruins, every moment in its richly detailed world felt like an adventure. This sense of wonder and discovery solidified its place in the pantheon of classic RPGs. In other words, when listing the best games of 2002, you should definitely say Morrowind.

Developer: Bethesda Softworks

Metacritic Score: 89 (User score 8.8)

Related: 4 Games You Can Never Play Again

3. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Capturing the third spot is Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, a game that introduced us to Sam Fisher and revolutionised the stealth genre. Splinter Cell offered a refreshing twist on action games, encouraging players to remain unseen rather than confronting enemies head-on.

Beyond its innovative light-and-shadow gameplay mechanics, Splinter Cell was a visual masterpiece. Its detailed environments and impressive lighting effects were groundbreaking at the time, creating a truly immersive stealth experience. Fisher’s adventures have since become a staple of the genre, and it all started with this classic title. Also a new remake will be released soon. That’s why it’s time to visit one of the best games of 2002.

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Metacritic Score: 91 (User score 8.5)

Related: 5 Best PlayStation Games on PC

2. GTA: Vice City

Well, it’s time to talk about one of the most iconic games of all time. GTA: Vice City delivered an audacious and vibrant open-world experience drenched in 80s nostalgia. From its neon-infused aesthetics to its unforgettable soundtrack, it brought the decade to life like no other game.

Vice City was more than a game, it was a groundbreaking example of what a video game could be. The narrative, combined with the atmospheric setting, created a game that was both a tribute to and a caricature of the 80s. Its influence and charm have endured, making it one of the most beloved entries in the GTA franchise. Easily one of the best games of 2002, if not all time.

Developer: Rockstar North

Metacritic Score: 95 (User score 8.8)

Related: Differences Between Remake vs Remaster vs Reboot

1. Metroid Prime

At the pinnacle of our list is Metroid Prime, a game that successfully translated the beloved 2D series into a fully realised 3D world. The transition was far from easy, but the end result was nothing short of phenomenal. It brilliantly maintained the essence of the Metroid series while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a level of immersion previously unseen.

From its atmospheric exploration to its challenging combat, Metroid Prime delivered on all fronts. It wasn’t just a great Metroid game: It was a testament to how classic franchises could evolve while staying true to their roots. For these reasons, it secures the top spot as the best game of 2002. Top of that, we got perfect remake for this game in 2023. So you can play this classic with modern graphics.

Developer: Retro Studios

Metacritic Score: 97 (User score 9.0)

Related: Tears of the Kingdom Review Scores Are Perfect

Special Prize: Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

As an special prize winner, we tip our hats to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. This iconic RTS brought us into a realm of high fantasy with rich lore and diverse races. Its deep strategic gameplay and compelling narrative were instrumental in shaping the RTS genre.

While it didn’t make the top five, Warcraft III’s impact can’t be overstated. Its legacy lives on, not only through its own sequel but also through the wildly popular MMORPG that it inspired: World of Warcraft. Despite the tough competition, Warcraft III holds a special place in gaming history and certainly deserves recognition.

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Metacritic Score: 92 (User score 9.2)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Selling Game of 2002?

By far the best-selling game in 2002 was GTA: Vice City. This success also boosted PlayStation 2 sales. Apart from Vice City, the best-selling games of 2002 also included Metroid Prime and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. We can say that Nintendo had a good year.

Where Is Vice City in Real Life?

The city in GTA: Vice City is largely inspired by Miami. It has many areas, buildings, and locations in common with real-life Miami. We already know that Rockstar Games inspired their city from real life. Just as Los Santos is almost entirely taken from Los Angeles.

Will There Be a Warcraft 4?

There is no official statement that Warcraft 4 is in development. It is not easy for such an RTS to come out after the fully expanded universe with World of Warcraft. Especially in the short term. Because all of Blizzard’s focus is on Diablo 4 right now. Maybe we can start talking about W4 after Microsoft completes its Activision Blizzard acquisition.