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The Best Video Games of the 2000s

Keaton Robbins | May 26, 2023

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Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the incredible video games of the 2000s. 

It was a pivotal moment in gaming that we can’t ignore. With fierce competition between Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Wii, we saw groundbreaking advancements in technology that continue to shape our expectations in gaming.

In this article

  1. The Gaming Industry in the 2000s
  2. Console Wars: Sony PlayStation vs Microsoft Xbox vs Nintendo Wii
  3. Best Video Games of the 2000s
  4. Wii Sports (2006)
  5. Animal Crossing (2001)
  6. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)
  7. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
  8. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
  9. Lego Star Wars: The Video Game (2005)
  10. What Were the Voice Overs in Video Games in the 2000s?
  11. Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ll examine some of the most iconic E-for-Everyone titles from this era. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at how voice overs and soundtracks evolved during this time, with special attention given to memorable games like Wii Sports.

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So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s go.

The Gaming Industry in the 2000s

The gaming industry flourished during the 2000s, with console giants Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo battling it out for supremacy. This era saw the arrival of a diverse range of games, from captivating narrative epics to realistic sports simulations, as well as innovative open-world games. 

Console Wars: Sony PlayStation vs Microsoft Xbox vs Nintendo Wii

  • Sony PlayStation: The PlayStationt dominated sales charts throughout the decade.
  • Microsoft Xbox: Introduced revolutionary franchises that pushed technological boundaries.
  • Nintendo Wii: Captured a new audience with its innovative motion controls and family-friendly games like Wii Sports.

The 2000s was a decade of transformation in the gaming industry, with advances in technology and creative game design changing the future of gaming. As we look back, it’s remarkable to see how much the gaming landscape has evolved since then and how these games continue to captivate players of all ages.

Best Video Games of the 2000s

As a gamer, it’s hard not to look back fondly on the 2000s. It was a decade that saw the release of some of the most iconic video games of all time. From action-adventure games to immersive RPGs, the 2000s had it all. Here are some of the best video games of the 2000s that every gamer should try:

Wii Sports (2006)

Released in 2006, Wii Sports was a game-changer for the video game industry. The game brought a variety of sports into our homes with its groundbreaking motion controls. Not only did it set new standards for video game design, but its popularity contributed to the Nintendo Wii becoming one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

Animal Crossing (2001)

The 2000s had their fair share of great video games, but few have captured hearts as effectively as Animal Crossing. Developed by Nintendo, this game became a beloved classic because of its laid-back gameplay and charming graphics.

Animal Crossing puts players in control of a human character who moves to a new town where they’ll meet a cast of cute anthropomorphic animals. The game’s open-ended nature allows players to explore their surroundings at their own pace while completing tasks such as fishing or catching bugs.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)

If you’re looking for a racing game that is both fun and challenging, look no further than Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Released in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube, this game was an instant classic among gamers of all ages.

What sets Mario Kart: Double Dash!! apart from other racing games is its unique gameplay. With two characters to control at once, one driving and one using items, players must work together to gain an advantage over their opponents. It adds an extra layer of strategy to the races that keep players on their toes.

Not only are the courses well-designed and filled with obstacles like jumps, boosts, and hazards, but each track has its own challenges that will keep even the most experienced racers engaged.

Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)

Released for the Nintendo GameCube console on December 3, 2001, this game brings together over twenty-five popular characters from various Nintendo franchises, like Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, and Pikachu, for some fast-paced and engaging gameplay.

Each character in Super Smash Bros. Melee has a unique set of moves and abilities, which can be used to battle it out against other players or computer-controlled opponents in different modes like Classic Mode or Adventure Mode. And with advanced techniques like wave-dashing and L-canceling, skilled players can gain an edge over their opponents by performing complex maneuvers during battles.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)

Released in 2002 for the Nintendo GameCube. In this action-adventure game, you follow Link’s quest to save his sister and defeat Ganondorf, a wicked sorcerer who wants to take over Hyrule.

What makes The Wind Waker different from other games is its charming and whimsical graphics. Instead of realistic characters and environments, everything has a cartoonish appearance similar to classic Disney movies. Despite initial skepticism from some fans, this change quickly won them over with its unique and playful feel.

Lego Star Wars: The Video Game (2005)

Are you a big fan of both Lego and Star Wars? Then we’ve got just the game for you! Released in 2005, Lego Star Wars: The Video Game will take you on an epic journey through the first three movies, offering action-adventure gameplay that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

But what sets this game apart from the others on our list? Well, for starters, it’s absolutely hilarious. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, injecting comedy into familiar scenes from the movies. You’ll see Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi engage in a lightsaber duel on floating platforms made entirely out of Lego bricks, it’s pure genius.

What Were the Voice Overs in Video Games in the 2000s?

The video game industry saw a significant shift towards more cinematic and immersive experiences during the early 2000s. This led to an increased demand for voice actors who could bring characters to life with their performances.

The use of voice acting in video games during the 2000s really boosted the medium, making the gameplay more captivating and engaging for players. It helped create an immersive experience that kept players hooked and feeling like they were truly part of the game.

Conclusion

The 2000s were a game-changer for the gaming industry, a true turning point in history. The console wars and innovative action-adventures, along with open-world gameplay, pushed developers to take risks and think outside the box, ultimately raising expectations for future generations.

Moreover, the introduction of voice overs and soundtracks added another dimension to storytelling, making the immersive experience even more impactful for players. The 2000s paved the way for some of the most unforgettable games ever created that still manage to captivate and inspire players today.

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