The 2000s were an exciting time for the gaming world. The decade saw a rise in the number of video game consoles, the introduction of many popular genres, and the rise of beloved video games. This article takes a look back at ten of the most popular vintage games from the 2000s.
All Time Favorite Vintage Games
From classic platformers to chaotic racing games, these titles enthralled a generation of gamers. We will examine why these games were so well-loved, and how they compare to the games of today.
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. This game was the first Mario entry on the console and it introduced a brand-new 3D platformer gameplay style. Super Mario Sunshine is the story of Mario’s vacation in tropical Isle Delfino. It features a variety of levels and missions that see Mario exploring the mysterious island while seeking out and cleaning up environmental disasters caused by a mysterious figure.
Super Mario Sunshine was praised for its immersive environment and unique mechanics. It also received praise for its vibrant and colourful art style. One of the game’s most memorable features is the use of a water-based mechanic, which allows Mario to traverse the world while jetting around on a jet-powered water pump.
The Sims
The Sims is a classic life simulation game series which was released in 2000. It was one of the first games to feature a 3D, open-world for players to explore and customise. Players have the freedom to create an entire virtual world. Players can design homes, explore cities and towns, and complete various tasks and goals.
The game was an instant success, as players could create their own stories through their actions. The Sims also featured an AI system, which allowed the game’s residents to interact with each other without the need for input from the player. The game also featured various expansions, which added new gameplay elements, environments, and characters.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was released for the Playstation 2 in 2001. It was the third instalment in the popular Gran Turismo racing series and was the first game in the series to feature fully 3D graphics. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec featured a wide variety of vehicles and tracks to race on. Players could choose from a variety of racing events, from simple street races to intense rally races.
Players also had access to a variety of customization options for their cars, allowing them to upgrade and customise their vehicles for better performance. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was praised for its realistic racing physics and its beautiful visuals.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 was released for the Playstation 2 in 2002 and was the fourth instalment in the popular Tony Hawk series. Pro Skater 4 featured a variety of skateboarding levels, with each level offering different missions and goals to complete. The game was praised for its intuitive controls and deep career mode.
Players could also create their own skaters and customise them with clothes, moves, and special abilities. Pro Skater 4 also featured an improved two-player mode, allowing two players to skate together in the same level.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy was released for the Playstation 2 in 2001. It is the first game in the popular Jak and Daxter series and it introduced players to the world of Jak and Daxter. The game is an action-adventure platformer where players must explore mysterious worlds and complete missions.
The game was praised for its vibrant visuals and its engaging storyline. Players can also upgrade their character’s skills, enabling them to traverse levels more quickly and efficiently.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing was first released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003. It is a social simulation game where players can explore their own virtual towns and interact with its inhabitants. In the game, players can build their own houses, decorate their homes, catch fish and bugs, and customise their towns.
Players can also embark on a variety of mini-games and activities that can earn them in-game currency. Animal Crossing was praised for its addicting gameplay and its charming characters.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved was released for the Xbox in 2001 and was one of the first successful first-person shooter games on a console. Players take control of the super soldier Master Chief as he fights against the alien Covenant forces on the mysterious planet Reach.
The game was praised for its immersive environment and intense action. The game’s AI system was also praised for its ability to “adapt” to the player’s strategies. Halo: Combat Evolved was praised as one of the greatest shooters of all time.
Need for Speed: Underground
Need for Speed: Underground was released for the Playstation 2 in 2003. It is the seventh instalment in the popular Need for Speed racing series and it was the first game in the series to feature an open-world to explore. Players are able to race through the streets of various cities, completing missions and upgrading their cars.
The game was praised for its chaotic racing action and its expansive garage of vehicles. The game also featured various customization options for players to change their cars’ aesthetics and performance.
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire were released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002 and were the first games in the third generation of the popular Pokemon franchise. These games are set in the Hoenn region, which is an island-based region with an exciting and varied environment.
In the game, players can explore the world and capture and train various Pokemon. The games were praised for their unique Pokemon designs, improved battle mechanics, and a brand-new two-player mode.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty was a popular first-person shooter game series that was released in late 2003 and quickly became a hit. The games featured realistic graphics, intense gunplay, and large scale battles. The series was a huge success and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs over the years.
Conclusions
The 2000s were an important decade in the gaming industry. This article took a look at ten of the most popular vintage games that came out during this time. From classic platformers to chaotic racers, these games were beloved by a generation of gamers.
We took a look at why these games were so special, and how they have stood the test of time. It is clear that the games of the 2000s still have an effect on the games of today, and will continue to be remembered for years to come.
