The 2000s brought gaming into adulthood: cinematic storytelling, detailed 3D worlds, the first steps online. This is the era of the PS2, GameCube, Xbox and Dreamcast. This Top 50 gathers the decade's finest titles, re-tested and ranked by RomWize, with versions, rarity and collector value.
"Cosmic survival horror by Silicon Knights, arguably one of the most singular entries in the genre. A sanity meter that breaks the game itself, a saga spanning two thousand years and thirteen protagonists. Ideas still stunning twenty years on. A genuine one of a kind."
"The cel-shaded Zelda that first split fans then won them over. Archipelago world crossed by sea, animation of rare expressiveness and dungeons of mad elegance. Some stretches at sea drag a touch, yet the voyage has become a timeless classic."
"The dark, grown-up Zelda that closes the GameCube era in style. Twilit world, wolf transformation and long, sumptuous dungeons. Slower opening than other entries but the whole package aims true and lands. A great Zelda, set apart in the series."
"Zelda A Link to the Past & Four Swords on GBA, ALTTP in portable form with a new multiplayer mode. ALTTP remains an absolute masterpiece. Four Swords mode is a delightful bonus."
"A darker, more singular follow-up to Ocarina of Time. Three days looping endlessly to save Termina, forty-two masks with astonishing powers, dungeons tighter but brilliantly designed. A Zelda of rare melancholy, more demanding and more mysterious than its predecessor, rightly cult."
"Absolute peak of the Splinter Cell saga. Sam Fisher at his most agile, multi-approach missions, unprecedented online co-op. Physics and light systems perfected. Adult and tense political narrative. The best stealth game of the Xbox generation, full stop."
"Absolute masterpiece from Santa Monica Studio. Kratos, a revenge-driven Spartan warrior, tears through Greek gods in titanic confrontations. Epic staging, ingenious puzzles and snappy gameplay make it one of the finest experiences on PS2."
"Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros. 3 on GBA, Japanese version. SMB3 in your palm with the 90 NES levels and exclusive bonus levels. An absolute must."
"God of War Collection groups GoW1 and GoW2 remastered in HD on PS3. Two of the best PS2 games of all time in improved quality. Kratos and Greek mythology in their original epic form. Essential."
"A sumptuous 3D versus, fluid and stylish, with cinematic flair. Combos satisfy, the cast is iconic and every arena gleams with detail. A genre peak on Dreamcast."
"The absolute peak of 3D versus from Namco and Project Soul. Precise controls, a legendary cast, sublime animation and unmatched tactical depth. A timeless masterpiece."
"Soulcalibur II remains a peak of weapons-based fighting. Huge roster, gorgeous animations and generous solo modes. An absolute 3D fighting benchmark, still worth playing today."
"Sequel that amplifies everything that made the first memorable. The Arbiter storyline enriches the universe, the revolutionary Xbox Live multiplayer is the best of the generation. The Halo saga at its narrative peak. An absolute and indispensable masterpiece."
"Halo 3 closes the original Bungie trilogy with a grand finale, a foundational Forge mode and a revolutionary Theater for sharing exploits. Four-player co-op campaign whips up passion, and Cortana retains an icon's status to this day."
"Valve gather Half-Life 2 and its episodes, Portal and Team Fortress 2 into a historic box that alone justifies owning a 360. Portal especially reinvents first-person puzzling, and GLaDOS's writing remains one of the most inspired in modern gaming."
"Rockstar's absolute masterpiece. San Andreas redefines open world with a massive map spanning three cities, RPG mechanics, culturally rich storytelling and total freedom of action. One of the greatest games ever created, essential on PS2."
"Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros. 3 on GBA, Western version. SMB3 in your palm with the 90 NES levels and exclusive bonus levels. One of the best Mario ports on handheld."
"Super Mario Galaxy revolutionizes 3D platforming by sending Mario into space, running on spherical planets with shifting gravity. Forty themed galaxies with constantly renewed ideas, stars to collect, Co-Star partner for second player. Sublime cosmic art direction, memorable orchestral soundtrack by Mahito Yokota. Wiimote+Nunchuk to point Star Bits. Absolute masterpiece, platforming peak."
"Unsurpassable peak of racing on PS2 with over 700 cars and dozens of circuits. Physics simulation is exemplary, content colossal and event variety unique. A title that pushed PS2's limits and remains an undisputed automotive benchmark."
"Final Fantasy VI Advance on GBA, one of the best RPGs ever made in portable form. Unforgettable characters, epic story, legendary music. No reason not to play it."
