For the OGs, it’s common knowledge that the 2000-2010s were a golden era. There was an unending supply of fantastic games, with a blockbuster emerging yearly. So, we know how it feels to be nostalgic about those video games when playing new online slots these days. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Halo: Combat Evolved, the honors list is endless. So, what games froze time and kept you battling with the controller non-stop for hours? We’ve created the ultimate list of these OG games!
Top Titles We Loved Playing in the 2000-2010s
Over ten games were competing to make it to our list, but it’s such a tight contest that only six succeeded. What can we say? We consider many crucial factors, such as how deeply they influenced the culture, what made them stand out, and how much they raked in. With these in mind, the following are the top video games we spent most of the 2000-2010s playing.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
GTA, for short, is the game that defines open-world gaming. Playing as Carl “CJ” Johnson, you could roam the vast state of San Andreas, from Los Santos and San Fierro to Las Venturas. You must remember spending hours just cruising around Los Santos, listening to the in-game radio stations like Radio Los Santos and K-DST. Gang wars, corrupt cops, and a man on a quest for redemption make a gripping combination. When not on the main mission, you could try taxi driving or deliver some vigilante justice.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Talk about game-changers for first-person shooters on console, and Halo: Combat Evolved is the first name that pops up. As Master Chief, your battle was with aliens across the Halo ringworld. Some levels are unforgettable, for example, Assault on the Control Room and The Silent Cartographer. And here’s what’s better, you could play with your buddy on split screen and LAN. Combine everything with a haunting soundtrack that shares names with levels, and you remember why this was a top drawer.
Half-Life 2 (2004)
Half-Life 2 delivered a masterpiece in storytelling and gameplay. Your character is first-shooter Gordon Freeman, who tries to navigate the dystopian world of City 17, while facing off against the oppressive Combine forces. It had a physics engine, letting players chart territories through innovative puzzle-solving and combat mechanics. What’s more, Half-Life excels in character development, and we bet you can still remember what G-man and Alyx Vance look like. If you want to jump into the thick of the game again, try level Ravenholm for a memorable fight against zombies.
The Last of Us (2013)
Narrative-driven games have always been a hit, but no one expected The Last of Us to be so exceptional. Your name is Joel, and this is a post-apocalyptic world of hostile survivors and infected creations. Your task is to escort Ellie, a teenager immune to the virus, across America. Apart from the amazing storyline, everything looks and feels real. Boston, for instance, looks overgrown, and landscapes come with Colorado. Fun fact: the series based off the same title was also a critical and commercial success.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
It’s hard to discuss games from the 2010s without mentioning Skyrim, the revolutionary title of the open-world RPG genre. Thanks to its incredibly detailed world! Your quest was to explore the snowy landscapes of unique cities like Whiterun Solitude. As the Dragonborn, you had the freedom to choose your path, whether as a warrior, mage, or thief. Whichever we picked, Skyrim was always fun to play! A shout-out to the modding community, too, for extending the game’s lifespan through new content design and possibilities.
Minecraft (2011)
Despite being such a simple game, Minecraft captured the imagination of millions across generations. The blocky, pixelated world meant you could create endlessly, from elaborate structures to big caves. It gets realer in survival mode, where you have to gather resources and fend off monsters on time. Minecraft also came with a multiplayer feature, so you and your friends could work on projects together or compete in mini-games. Put together, and you have a title that’s played an undeniable role in the culture.
Honourable Mentions That Could Have Been on Our List
The rich number of blockbusters released in the 2000-2010s means some fantastic games couldn’t make it to this shortlist. However, they are so good that they deserve a mention one way or the other. They include:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
- BioShock (2007)
- Mass Effect 2 (2010)
- Portal (2007)
Wind Back Time With These Excellent Video Games
While newer games are available, it can feel right to enjoy the classics sometimes. Whenever you find yourself in this mood, don’t hold back. Simply dive into our list above and pick any name. You’ll have so much fun no matter your choice.
