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.
"Fallout 3 is the saga's glorious return with Bethesda and Washington DC's Capital Wasteland. Free exploration of a striking post-apo world, rich narrative, disturbing Vaults. A foundational RPG of the generation."
"Fallout 3 GOTY is the complete version with all DLC including Broken Steel, Point Lookout and The Pitt. Hundreds of hours of exceptional content. The definitive way to explore the full Capital Wasteland."
"Twilight masterpiece of the PS2 signed by Yasumi Matsuno. The Gambit system and real-time combat revolutionise the FF formula. Ivalice is a political and fascinating world. Graphically remarkable, narratively ambitious. One of the most accomplished RPGs ever created."
"Treasure's most mythical vertical shooter, with a brilliant polarity mechanic. Patterns become puzzles, scoring soars to peaks and the aesthetics stay sublime. An absolute masterpiece."
"PES 5 pushes the demands to the very top. Tough defending, refreshed animations and deeply technical feel. Drier than PES 6, yet revered by virtual football purists."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is still an arcade skate peak. Revert tricks, punchy career and unforgettable soundtrack. For many fans, the benchmark to this day."
"Dead Space is one of the best survival-horror games of its generation. Isaac Clarke on the Ishimura against Necromorphs, tactical dismemberment, oppressive atmosphere. A genre masterpiece, unforgettable atmosphere."
"Ultimate Ninja Gaiden version with two extra difficulty levels, exclusive missions and bonus content. Even more demanding than the original. The definitive version of one of the greatest action games ever made. Essential for every original Xbox owner."
"Viewtiful Joe, a Capcom gem by Hideki Kamiya. Snappy 2D action, cel-shaded tokusatsu look and VFX powers that slow or speed up the action. Crazy characters and deliciously hard levels. A genuine wonder, set apart in the catalogue."
"Ubisoft stealth masterpiece, Sam Fisher redefines infiltration. Three light levels as core mechanic are revolutionary. Perfect paranoid Cold War atmosphere. One of the best Xbox exclusives and of the stealth genre."
