the genre. A huge success on the PC, the shooting games would go on to be ported to the Xbox, PS2 and even the Gameboy Advance. The action is relentless, and the voice acting and plot is so good at times it resembled a movie.
Shadow of the Colussus - One of the best PS2 games of all time, this is one video game that never really got the kudos it deserved. A spiritual successor to the cult hit Ico, the game built upon everything that made Ico great, taking it to the next level. Though billed as an action-adventure game this unique genre-breaking game is really a puzzler at heart. If you enjoy a good brain test definitely pick this one up in the local bargain bin.
Metroid Fusion - Video fighting games fans will no doubt notice a lack of handheld games on this list of the best video games of the Noughties. With the limited horsepower of handhelds I just don't feel they can measure up to their console big brothers. However, I couldn't ignore the greatness that is Metroid Fusion. The Metroid series has been one of the best video game franchises for more than a decade, and Fusion for the Gameboy Advance is so polished and fun to play it can easily compete with the full-budget PC and console games on this list.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec - One of the best racing games of all time, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec really showcased the power of the Emotion Engine underlying the PS2 console. With a ridiculous amount of customization options, and incredible true to life physics, gear heads will be in their glory playing this game. The sweet graphics are so good you'll swear you are playing a PS3 game.
Shenmue II - Another incredibly underrated game, Shenmue II and its predecessor Shenmue were among the best games released for the Sega Dreamcast console. Unfortunately for North American Dreamcast owners no English dub of the sequel was ever produced, but the game can be found on the original Xbox console. With a riveting storyline this is one of the best adventure games ever made, and well worth picking up if you're still hanging on to your old Xbox.
Madden 10 - I had to include a Madden game somewhere on this list. This EA Sports juggernaut has been a perennial best-seller since the early 90s. Though fans often criticize it for making only minor upgrades from
year to year, Madden 10 finally got everything right for the next generation consoles. The graphics, gameplay, physics and accuracy make the game arguably the best in the series so far.
Wii Sports - Though some might argue this is more of a tech demo than a full blown game, I felt compelled to include it on the list. Sure, it could have been more fully fleshed out, but what is there is undeniably fun, addictive and had everyone from toddlers to grandparents waving their arms around trying to bowl, hit a tennis ball, and punch one another out. Perhaps no other title in video game history has had such a cultural impact across such a wide demographic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - I've been playing The Elder Scrolls, since the original game, Arena was released back in the 90s. I am always blown away by just how much exploration there is to be done in this open-ended RPG franchise. With Oblivion, Bethesda Software brought the immersion factor to the next level, taking advantage of the horsepower of this generation of consoles to produce one of the most graphic-stunning games to date. With literally hundreds of hours of gameplay, and production value rivaling a Hollywood blockbuster this game is one of the greatest values you'll find on this list.
Super Mario Galaxy - You knew Nintendo's mustachioed plumber was going to make an appearance on this top 40 list. Mario is back, and this time he is out of this world on the Wii. As fun as classics like Super Mario Bros, and Mario 64 were, this Mario game, which uses Nintendo's innovative motion controller, is arguably the most fun yet. If you own a Wii, you need to own this game.
Deus Ex - In a genre absolutely bursting to the seams with copycat imitators, Deus Ex managed to set itself apart from the crowd of FPS clones. One of the best PC games of all time, Deus Ex combines first person play with role-playing elements. In the years since its release it has captured numerous awards, and enjoyed well-deserved international critical acclaim.
Madden 10 - I had to include a Madden game somewhere on this list. This EA Sports juggernaut has been a perennial best-seller since the early 90s. Though fans often criticize it for making only minor upgrades from
year to year, Madden 10 finally got everything right for the next generation consoles. The graphics, gameplay, physics and accuracy make the game arguably the best in the series so far.
- Wii Sports - Though some might argue this is more of a tech demo than a full blown game, I felt compelled to include it on the list. Sure, it could have been more fully fleshed out, but what is there is undeniably fun, addictive and had everyone from toddlers to grandparents waving their arms around trying to bowl, hit a tennis ball, and punch one another out. Perhaps no other title in video game history has had such a cultural impact across such a wide demographic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - I've been playing The Elder Scrolls, since the original game, Arena was released back in the 90s. I am always blown away by just how much exploration there is to be done in this open-ended RPG franchise. With Oblivion, Bethesda Software brought the immersion factor to the next level, taking advantage of the horsepower of this generation of consoles to produce one of the most graphic-stunning games to date. With literally hundreds of hours of gameplay, and production value rivaling a Hollywood blockbuster this game is one of the greatest values you'll find on this list.
Super Mario Galaxy - You knew Nintendo's mustachioed plumber was going to make an appearance on this top 40 list. Mario is back, and this time he is out of this world on the Wii. As fun as classics like Super Mario Bros, and Mario 64 were, this Mario game, which uses Nintendo's innovative motion controller, is arguably the most fun yet. If you own a Wii, you need to own this game.
Deus Ex - In a genre absolutely bursting to the seams with copycat imitators, Deus Ex managed to set itself apart from the crowd of FPS clones. One of the best PC games of all time, Deus Ex combines first person play with role-playing elements. In the years since its release it has captured numerous awards, and enjoyed well-deserved international critical acclaim.
