The period from 2000 to 2009 is frequently referred to as a golden age in gaming, bringing us the birth of new franchises and the reinvention of others, likeSuper Mario. While there were dozens of top-tier titles to enjoy, a select few linger on and remain enjoyable to this day.
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These 2000s games not only raised the bar by which all their contemporaries were judged but still offer excellent experiences that transcend their release date. Whether through immersive storytelling, crisp gunplay, or an unusual take on their genre, these games offer more than just nostalgia trips.
10Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshineis one ofthe most charming entries in the entire seriesand might even deserve the title “Coziest Mario Game”. The story follows a similar problem and solution: Peach is in danger, and it’s up to Mario to defeat Bowser and save the princess.
However, Isle Delfino is not your typical Mario map, as this tropical paradise offers a sunny backdrop to soak in while you battle baddies. Classic enemies return alongside new foes, like Shadow Mario, who is bent on polluting this beautiful island.
Your trusty water backpack companion, F.L.U.D.D revolutionizes movement for Mario, offering multiple nozzles that can help Mario get to unexpected places.
9Fable 1 & 2
TheFableseries offers an excellent RPG experience for “mature” audiences, though the raunchy humor is often filled with jokes you may have heard in high school. While the story is largely serious, Fable strikes a balance between brutality and levity that keeps you engaged without becoming depressing.
Unfortunately, Fable 3 came out in 2010, but the prior two entries are incredibly fun, nonetheless. Perhaps the biggest criticism you could level against these first titles is that they simply weren’t deep enough to dive into to the extent you may have wished.
If you’re worried about being overwhelmed by Fable 3, then you can’t ask for a better introduction to the series than simply starting with the originals.
8Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Heartsis a massive series with an almost innumerable list of entries, including titles that read like a set of incomplete drafts on the developers' computers. Despite the graphics falling far behind, the original Kingdom Hearts tells arguably the most moving story and is an excellent gateway for getting to know the main characters.
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The JRPG mechanics are all fairly responsive and include a variety of skills and abilities that give the combat system enough depth to make it worth mastering. The music is sublime and not to be underestimated, especially during the emotional scenes – you’ll know them when you play.
7Halo 3
While shooters continue to evolve, few will ever capture the magic thatHalo 3had the first time you played. This title really did set the table for future shooters in terms of environmental storytelling, gunplay, and so much more. While Halo and Halo 2 paved the way for Halo 3, they haven’t aged quite as gracefully.
Visually, Halo 3 is still superb and could be passed off as a contemporary game, despite its 2007 release date. Halo games following this one were never the same, though that is largely attributed to the change in developers. Regardless, following the release of the Master Chief Collection, it’s easier than ever to enjoy this classic.
6Shadow Of The Colossus
2005’sShadow Of The Colossusbroke ground (and hearts) through its vivid storytelling, emotional score, and awe-inspiring bosses. In fact, the game remained so popular and was still being played up until the release of the remastered version in 2018.
There’s something so indescribably epic about climbing these enormous enemies and hanging on for dear life as you fight to take them down. The story beats come very sporadically, but they carry weight, especially once you reach the end.
While it has been upgraded tremendously, the original is worth a look.
5The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Few series have stood the test of time quite likeThe Legend of Zelda, and with numerous releases in the 2000s, it’s hard to pick just one that aged well. However, despite the greatness of Majora’s Mask and Twilight Princess, The Wind Waker’s visually distinct style and wonderful cast of characters set it apart.
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This title has aged particularly well precisely due to those unique characteristics. It’s impossible to deny the amount of importance placed on the style of a Zelda game.
At its core, the Zelda formula is almost identical, but the eye-popping art style, adorable characters, and gorgeous environments set Wind Waker apart from its peers.
4Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegashas aged extraordinarily well, especially given that there is much debate aboutthe quality of its successors, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. New Vegas is often pointed to as the pinnacle of the series, with good reason.
Though the environments and colors can be repetitive, the gunplay, various factions, and superb DLCs keep Fallout: New Vegas immersive and addicting. Its DLCs in particular were exceptionally strong, with four full-fledged releases: Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road.
If you go back, make sure to download all the DLCs from the start, so you’re able to weave their stories into the vibrant world around you.
3Mass Effect
Mass Effectis often heralded forits powerful story and strong writing, both of which stand out among RPGs.Regardless of how you felt about the divisive third entry, the original Mass Effect stands the test of time with its in-depth quest design, superb environments, and satisfying story beats.
The experience of the first was nearly perfect (except for the awful weapon accuracy) and remained among the best RPGs well into the 2010s. With the release of 2021’s Legendary Edition, you can now experience this masterpiece with updated graphics and improved mechanics.
Whether in its remastered or original state, few RPGs can hold a candle to Commander Shepard and his crew.
2Dragon Age: Origins
Who better to one-up BioWare’s Mass Effect series, than another BioWare title inDragon Age: Origins? While your enjoyment of Dragon Age and Mass Effect will largely depend on if you prefer space operas or medieval adventures, Dragon Age: Origins has aged like a fine wine.
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Most of the glitches that do exist in the game are actually beneficial if you choose to use them, but otherwise, the experience is surprisingly smooth for such a large game. Some of the cracks start to show if you look closely at the visuals, but the ability variety and distinct story paths make this a must-play journey.
1Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxypaved the way for the new generation of mainline Mario games, taking advantage of its vast 3D worlds in previously undiscovered ways. There would be no Galaxy 2 or Odyssey without this title, and it’s almost impossible to believe it hit shelves in 2007 before the sequel came in 2010.
At first glance, you might not believe that this game is over 15 years old or that multiple new titles have come out since its release. The gravity-defying puzzles and incredible flights through the night sky evoke an incomparable sense of wonder.
If you’re looking for a fantastic platformer to return to (or enter for the first time), then give Galaxy a try to see just how well it holds up.
