The 10 Best Video Games of 2005, According to Metacritic

2005 stands out as a remarkable year for video gaming, with several groundbreaking titles making a lasting impression that continues to resonate today or smoothly transition into the current era. As we look back on it now, being 20 years since then, this achievement is truly noteworthy. The following list showcases the top 10 games of 2005, as rated by Metacritic:

1. Shadow of the Colossus
2. Resident Evil 4
3. Super Mario Sunshine
4. Katamari Damacy
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
6. Need for Speed Most Wanted
7. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
8. Broken Sword: Trilogy
9. Psychonauts
10. Killer 7

10) Mario Kart DS – 91 Metascore

Not only did Mario Kart DS receive high acclaim, but it also ranks as the third best-selling game on Nintendo DS. It’s truly deserving of its critical and commercial success. The game boasted 32 tracks that combined both familiar favorites like Waluigi Pinball with innovative new additions. Additionally, it introduced online play for the first time in the series, which was quite remarkable given the era.

In simpler terms, Mario Kart DS was the first portable 3D game in the series, and although Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s portability might overshadow this now, Mario Kart DS is still considered one of the stronger entries. It doesn’t have a unique feature like Double Dash!! or Wii versions, nor does it fully leverage the touch screen like its contemporaries – it only used a map. However, it stands out as a well-rounded racer that set the standard for the platform it was designed for.

9) World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International – 91 Metascore

In 2004, the soccer game “World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International” was launched in various regions worldwide, known as “Pro Evolution Soccer 4” or “World Soccer: Winning Eleven 8” depending on the country. However, it wasn’t until February 2005 that this critically acclaimed soccer title from Konami hit North American shelves. This version featured an extended Master League, boasting more teams and capabilities for retirement and leveling up. Although Konami’s soccer series has evolved over time and is now called eFootball, this was a significant release within its sports gaming endeavors.

8) Battlefield 2 – 91 Metascore

Lately, Battlefield has been facing some difficult periods, and part of the reason is because Battlefield 2 set such a high benchmark. For numerous fans, this particular sequel stands out as the pinnacle of the series. It was unique in that it introduced squads and made players feel like they were collaborating effectively to vanquish a massive enemy force.

In Battlefield 2, classes played a significant role in fostering teamwork, an essential aspect of functioning as a cohesive unit. The game’s advanced features, such as its weapon unlocking system and commander roles, are now commonplace in the genre, having paved the way for many subsequent Battlefield games. While numerous Battlefield titles have been released since then, some argue that none have matched the strength of Battlefield 2.

7) Guitar Hero – 91 Metascore

Despite not being the literal originator of the rhythm genre involving plastic instruments, “Guitar Hero” significantly contributed to its widespread popularity, particularly in North America. This inaugural album allowed players to play through 47 songs and experience their rockstar dreams; a dream that resonated with both dedicated gamers and casual enthusiasts alike.

As a devotee, I must confess, the original idea was remarkably fresh and unique, yet surprisingly basic at the same time. It birthed an avalanche of sequels and offshoots, flooding the market so intensely that the genre eventually suffered a devastating crash from which it never fully recovered. Just like a past-his-prime musician, Guitar Hero’s golden era seems to be long gone, but its former glory remains indelible.

6) Forza Motorsport – 92 Metascore

Back in the day, Forza Motorsport marked a significant milestone for Xbox’s gaming library. Turn 10 Studios’ first game managed to blend simulation with user-friendliness, challenging Gran Turismo’s dominance on PlayStation. Not only did it deliver top-notch racing action, but it also showcased car damage in a way Sony’s franchise hadn’t at that time. Over the past two decades, Turn 10 has continually refined this franchise and even launched the more casual Horizon spin-off series. However, the influence the original Forza Motorsport had on racing games as a genre and Xbox as a platform is immeasurable.

5) Civilization 4 – 94 Metascore

Similar to several other games listed, Civilization 4 underwent multiple updates over time. Yet, it remains highly regarded by some due to its role as a comprehensive and finalized version of the initial three titles. Its vassal states, open-ended gameplay, and online multiplayer were particularly praised, with these features still appreciated today. Though Civilization has evolved significantly since then, with many preferring later entries, this doesn’t diminish the significant impact that Civilization 4 had.

4) God of War – 94 Metascore

In its current impact, God of War stood out as an exceptionally daring and innovative action game back then. It drew inspiration from Devil May Cry for its intense, fluid combat mechanics but also prioritized visual aesthetics significantly. The game’s levels, bosses, and narrative were all grandiose, surpassing the majority of games on the PlayStation 2 in terms of scale and quality.

The game, God of War, has inspired numerous imitators eager to share in Kratos’ divine radiance, yet few have managed to dethrone him from his mountaintop position on Olympus. Not only does the game, God of War, remain largely relevant today, but it also provides valuable context due to its portrayal of Kratos’ immense character development.

3) Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory – 94 Metascore

In that gaming generation, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory stood as the pinnacle of the Splinter Cell series. This game introduced numerous enhancements to the stealth aspect, making it a top-notch choice within the genre at the time. The updated light and sound meters provided players with improved feedback, allowing them to navigate more intelligently among the smarter guards in its open stealth environment.

This time, the main character Sam Fisher exhibits greater adaptability, offering gamers more options to tailor their playing style. Unlike modern stealth games such as “Hitman: World of Assassination” and “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain,” it may not provide an extremely open-ended experience, but it’s one of the highly acclaimed Splinter Cell series for good reason.

2) Ninja Gaiden Black – 94 Metascore

Ninja Gaiden Black, while not a fresh release, remained one of the standout action games during its era. Essentially, it was a revamped version of the 2004 game, Ninja Gaiden, offering increased enemy count, two new difficulty levels, extra costumes, and a Mission Mode for players to conquer. Building upon an already successful base – the lightning-fast melee combat and challenging difficulty remained impressive even a year later – this updated take on a classic maintains its timeless appeal.

1) Resident Evil 4 – 94 Metascore

In a year brimming with impactful games, none were as influential as Resident Evil 4. This masterpiece from Capcom, a pioneer in the genre-defining action horror field, left an indelible mark on games like Gears of War, Dead Space, and The Last of Us. It single-handedly revolutionized third-person shooters in a way never seen before. Beyond its broader influence, Resident Evil 4 was a brilliant revitalization of a series that had begun to feel somewhat worn out.

This game offered a closer viewpoint for players, allowing them to interact more directly with attacking enemies, making combat a central focus rather than an add-on feature. The upgrade system motivated repeated playthroughs, enabling players to explore rural Spain armed with increasingly powerful weapons on each attempt. Furthermore, the excellent pace and diverse scenarios prevented the game from feeling monotonous or repetitive during numerous playthroughs. It’s no wonder that Capcom has repeatedly remade and released this iconic title multiple times throughout the years.

2025-07-16 18:14