2003 marked a stellar period in the world of video gaming, with the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox being the preferred platforms among gamers. These systems provided a multitude of gameplay options, and numerous timeless games were introduced during this year, many of which continue to captivate players today.
2003 saw us compile and rank the top 10 games from that year, using Metacritic’s aggregate scores as our guide. Remarkably, there were numerous impressive game releases throughout the year. Notable developers such as Nintendo, Rockstar Games, EA, and others put out blockbuster titles, many of which have since been remade.
With all of that being said, here are the 10 best games of 2003..
10) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – 92 Metascore
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing the praises of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which undeniably ranks among the best games of 2003. It’s not just me who holds this game in high regard; it’s generally agreed upon as the finest installment in the Prince of Persia series.
Ubisoft truly revolutionized gaming with its innovative gameplay, weaving a captivating narrative and introducing time-reversal mechanics that were nothing short of groundbreaking. These features enable players to correct their errors and rewind time, offering endless opportunities for improvement.
Fast forward to 2026, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is set to return in a remake, demonstrating its enduring impact on the gaming community. This game seamlessly blends interactive combat and platforming to deliver a cinematic experience that remains engaging even today.
9) Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution, celebrated as one of the top fighting games during its era, earns a place here thanks to its intricate mechanics, polished gameplay, and remarkable balance. Debuting on the PlayStation 2 in 2003, this upgraded version of Virtua Fighter 4 built upon the original with two extra characters, advanced AI, and enhanced graphics. Its complex fighting system recognized and rewarded players for their skill and precision over mindless button-pressing. Innovative training modes and an AI that adapted to players’ fighting styles transformed the genre, making it simpler than ever to enhance one’s skills. Its comprehensive ranking system appreciated players’ dedication and boosted its playability. Combining all these elements with a focus on realism cemented its status and made it a favorite among both casual and dedicated gamers.
8) Viewtiful Joe – 93 Metascore
One of the captivating features of Viewtiful Joe lies in its distinctive blend of 2D and 3D graphics, giving it a comic-book vibe that harmoniously complements its side-scrolling brawling gameplay, making you feel like a real-life superhero. The game’s narrative is woven into the fabric of the adventure, guiding players through a sequence of worlds inspired by movies. Joe’s abilities enable you to control time and construct strategic layers by either slowing down or speeding up time. Viewtiful Joe provides a tough yet rewarding gaming experience, offering unlockable characters like Dante from Devil May Cry. This game garnered a devoted fanbase and has since spawned sequels, ensuring its enduring appeal.
7) SoulCalibur 2 – Metascore 93
As a diehard fan of the SoulCalibur series, it’s no secret that I hold SoulCalibur 2 in high regard, and it’s no wonder why it’s often ranked among the best. In 2003, this game graced the GameCube, leaving fans spellbound with the introduction of Link as a playable character, rivaling the guest characters on other platforms.
The visuals were nothing short of breathtaking, and the combat system was both accessible for newcomers yet deep enough to satisfy hardcore gamers. The diverse roster added to its appeal, each character boasting a unique fighting style and weapon that brought about a multitude of strategies and gameplay variations.
SoulCalibur 2 revolutionized the fighting game genre with its innovative weapon-based mechanics, and this sequel took it to new heights. The multiplayer was electrifying, while the single-player mode offered an immersive narrative that enriched the series’ lore.
In many ways, SoulCalibur 2 set the bar for the series, with few games managing to replicate its success since. It remains a cherished gem in my gaming library.
6) Pro Evolution Soccer 2 – Metascore 93
2003 saw the North American release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2, which was widely recognized as not just one of the top soccer games of its era but also one of the finest sports games overall. The game stood out with its realistic gameplay, sophisticated mechanics, and tactical nuances that delivered an authentic and smooth soccer simulation experience. It deviated from the arcade-style popular at the time, offering a more responsive gaming experience instead. Its intelligent AI and comprehensive Master League mode made matches feel significant, as players crafted and managed their own custom teams across multiple seasons. Players appreciated its immersive gameplay, precise execution, and strategic depth. Although it lacked officially licensed teams, it cultivated a dedicated fanbase and paved the way for future soccer games.
5) SSX 3 – 93 Metascore
Speaking about snowboarding video games, SSX 3 stands out as one of the all-time best and was undeniably among the top games of 2003. The game boasts an expansive open-world mountain where players can freely explore from the peak to the base. This interconnected environment provided a more immersive and smooth gaming experience. With its diverse soundtrack, stunning visuals, and customizable characters, SSX 3 offered repeat playability and engaging gameplay. Both casual and competitive gamers could find enjoyment in the game, whether they preferred racing, tricks, or free roam. The adrenaline meter, a recurring feature, rewards players for continuous tricks. Lastly, its single-player mode offers progressive unlocks that add to the sense of achievement.
4) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – 94 Metascore
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, released in 2003, isn’t just one of the top games from that year but stands as one of the finest Star Wars video games ever made. Compared to contemporary RPGs, it still holds its own today due to a captivating storyline, intricate characters, and tactical combat. What sets it apart is the ability for players to delve into both the Light and Dark Sides, which is rare in most Star Wars titles. Even after two decades, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic continues to be an iconic game, and the upcoming remake has sparked renewed excitement among fans. The impact of this classic game can still be felt in many modern games that followed it, demonstrating its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
3) Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 – 94 Metascore
Once more, Nintendo finds itself on this list with Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, a Game Boy Advance remake of the classic NES game, Super Mario Bros. 3. This revamped version blends the timeless level design and polished platforming mechanics of the original with modern graphics and sound. To enhance the player’s experience, new features were added while preserving the allure and difficulty found in the NES version. The e-reader support, a novelty in this remake, allowed players to scan new levels and power-ups, significantly increasing replayability. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 not only brought one of the best platforming games to a new generation but also made it portable, earning it high praise as one of the top games in 2003.
2) Madden NFL 2004 – 94 Metascore
2004’s Madden NFL game marked a significant leap in the Madden series, earning it a top spot among 2003’s best games. Its unique selling point was the novelty of its gameplay mechanics and advanced AI. The Playmaker Control system, a key addition to the game, set it apart from its predecessors by providing players with increased strategic depth and field control. Furthermore, this edition showcased Michael Vick, who was the cover athlete during his peak performance and popularity period. Lastly, its fast-paced gameplay, improved visuals, and realistic player movements set a new standard for future sports games to follow.
1) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – 96 Metascore
In the year 2003, Nintendo introduced a game titled “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker“, revolutionizing the Zelda franchise. Each Zelda title is recognized for its unique art design, but the cel-shaded style, initially met with controversy, eventually won hearts and has remarkably held up over time. One standout feature in Zelda games was introduced with “The Wind Waker’s” sailing function, enabling players to traverse the series like never before. Coupled with an engrossing narrative, captivating world, and demanding dungeons, “The Wind Waker” carved out its niche among other games in the series and earned a reputation as one of the top games of 2003, as well as gaining a dedicated fan base.
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2025-05-24 01:04