10 Best Games From 2000 That Beat Diablo 2 and The Sims – You Won’t Believe #1!

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2000 was a significant year in the gaming industry, with Sony’s launch of the PlayStation 2 grabbing most of the attention. However, numerous timeless games were also released that year. The following list showcases the best games of 2000, as determined by aggregate scores on Metacritic. It’s worth noting that some highly-regarded games just missed out on making the top ten, such as Counter-Strike, Deus Ex, Diablo II, The Sims, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.

Here are the 10 best games of 2000, according to Metacritic:

10) Skies of Arcadia – 93 Metascore

In 2000, when it first came out, Skies of Arcadia was one of the most notable games for Sega’s Dreamcast console. This turn-based role-playing game allows players to take charge of a young pirate named Vyse who happens to be an air pirate. He embarks on an adventure accompanied by his friends, with the goal of thwarting the Valuan Empire. Critics back then were captivated by Arcadia‘s graphics and enjoyed delving into its world.

9) SSX (2000) – 93 Metascore

The initial version of SSX was the inaugural game published under EA Sports Big, marking the beginning of a series that would later gain immense popularity. This pioneering snowboarder title served as a promising indicator of things to come, as EA Sports Big soon earned a devoted fanbase with titles such as NBA Street and NFL Street, in addition to subsequent SSX games. Although SSX Tricky is often considered the pinnacle of the franchise, the original game left an impact with its seamless gameplay and iconic levels.

8) Resident Evil – Code: Veronica – 94 Metascore

In an engaging advancement for the prolific Resident Evil series, the game titled “Code: Veronica” stood out. Similar to other games in the franchise, you assume control of two characters; unlike in “Resident Evil 1” or “2“, this time around, you switch between Claire Redfield and her brother Chris. Notably, actions taken during Claire’s segments significantly influence the options accessible when transitioning to Chris. Fingers crossed that Capcom will revisit “Code: Veronica” for a remake in the near future.

7) Jet Set Radio – 94 Metascore

Jet Set Radio captured the hearts of both players and reviewers with its stunning graphics and infectious music. Its unique gameplay, a blend of inline skating and graffiti painting, was not only trendy for the time but also incredibly fun to experience. Luckily, another installment in this series is on the horizon, as it was revealed at The Game Awards back in 2023, so we can expect more details about it relatively soon.

6) Chrono Cross – 94 Metascore

Following in the footsteps of the timeless RPG favorite, Chrono Trigger, there was always going to be significant anticipation surrounding its sequel, Chrono Cross. Fortunately, the team at Square managed to produce yet another exceptional game. Although some fans were displeased by the game’s departure from the original format, many agreed that the intricate storyline and creative battle system made these changes more than justified.

5) Final Fantasy IX – 94 Metascore

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that stepping into the world of Final Fantasy IX was like embarking on an unforgettable journey. This game, the ninth in the epic franchise, surpassed sales of over 5.5 million copies and left nearly every critic in awe. Unlike its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII and VIII, which delved into modern worlds, FF9 was a nostalgic return to the series’ origins.

Sometimes overlooked as the last game in the PlayStation era, FF9 remains one of the franchise’s finest moments. It might get overshadowed by time, but it continues to stand tall among the best Final Fantasy games ever created.

4) The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask – 95 Metascore

Every time a new Legend of Zelda game is released, it’s quite an exciting occasion, especially after the phenomenal success of Ocarina of Time. However, Majora’s Mask deviated significantly from what fans were accustomed to in the Zelda series, but its innovative three-day cycle and collection of transformative masks quickly won over fans.

3) Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn – 95 Metascore

Bioware’s follow-up to the initial Baldur’s Gate significantly enhanced various aspects of the game. The combat became more tactical and less perplexing. The narrative felt even more grandiose than its predecessor. Visually, the game made further advancements, incorporating a 800×600 resolution and stunning spell effects. It embodied all the qualities one would expect from an excellent sequel.

2) NFL 2K1 – 97 Metascore

These days, it’s unusual for a sports game to achieve such high scores, but in the year 2000, developer Visual Concepts was truly shining. Not only did NFL 2K1 crack the Top 10 list of that year, but NBA 2K1 narrowly missed out, ending up at number 12. Critics raved about the on-field action and many found playing it online against friends to be a delight. It remains one of the highest-rated sports games ever for a very valid reason.

1) Perfect Dark (2000) – 97 Metascore

Perfect Dark, following in the footsteps of the esteemed FPS game from Rare on Nintendo 64, GoldenEye 007, is a spiritual successor that capitalizes on everything that made its predecessor exceptional. This highly anticipated N64 title showcases technical prowess by running on an enhanced version of the engine used in GoldenEye. Its graphics, AI, and multiplayer were unparalleled for the platform at the time, paving the way for a franchise that’s set for a revival within the coming years.

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2025-04-12 03:12