The top ten games include Elden Ring, BioShock, and Red Dead Redemption.
The editorial team at Metacritic compiled a ranking of the 20 highest-rated original games released in the 21st century. These are not sequels, spin-offs, or remakes — every game in the top list is not based on pre-existing franchises (prior to the year 2000). The ranking was created based on Metascore ratings — a score from 0 to 100 that reflects the overall opinion of leading professional game critics. The higher the number, the better the reviews the game received.
20. Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast, 2000)
Metascore — 93/100
This RPG from Sega's internal studio, Overworks, tells an engaging story of steampunk pirates who travel on flying ships and engage in battles and adventures. The game received widespread acclaim for its combat system, graphics, and created world. Although a sequel was never released, characters from the game continue to appear in other Sega projects.
19. Ōkami (PS2, 2006)
Metascore — 93/100
In this action-adventure from Capcom, players control the Japanese sun goddess — a white wolf named Amaterasu. The unique visual style and the use of a "celestial brush" for combat and puzzles made the game stand out.
18. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox, 2002)
Metascore — 93/100
A revolutionary stealth-action game where you play as Sam Fisher — a former "seal" and NSA operative. The game amazed critics with its incredible lighting effects and refinement of stealth mechanics. Splinter Cell became one of the landmark releases for the original Xbox.
17. Minecraft (PC, 2011)
Metascore — 93/100
This game from Swedish studio Mojang Studios created a new genre where players can explore the world and build anything they desire. Available modes include survival with enemies and a creative mode for free-form creation. Critics praised the limitless creative possibilities, though they noted a steep learning curve.
16. SSX (PS2, 2000)
Metascore — 93/100
This snowboarding game was one of the best launch titles for the PlayStation 2. Players choose one of eight characters to perform tricks on courses filled with rails, jumps, and other obstacles, all set to energetic electronic music. The game received high marks for stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and a fantastic soundtrack.
15. Braid (X360, 2008)
Metascore — 93/100
This emotional puzzle-platformer became a beacon for indie games in 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade. The game follows Tim as he seeks a princess while manipulating time in beautifully drawn environments. Critics were thrilled by this innovative melancholic masterpiece that paved the way for other indie hits like Limbo and Bastion.
14. Dwarf Fortress (PC, 2006)
Metascore — 93/100
An extremely complex simulator for managing a fantasy world. The game captivates with its unprecedented scale of the created world, where players can witness both the triumphs and failures of their creations. An enhanced version was released in 2022, making the game more accessible to new players.
13. Company of Heroes (PC, 2006)
Metascore — 93/100
A World War II strategy game from Relic Entertainment that revolutionized the tactical game genre. Despite the abundance of World War II games at the time, critics noted that none achieved the level of realism and intensity in combat seen here. The destructible environment system particularly impressed, adding a new level of tactical possibilities.
12. God of War (PS2, 2005)
Metascore — 94/100
The original slasher featuring Kratos from Santa Monica Studio shocked critics with its bloody combo attacks and epic boss fights set in Ancient Greece. Before the 2018 reboot, the series was more of a straightforward hack-and-slash action, prioritizing gameplay over emotional storytelling.
11. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, 2024)
Metascore — 94/100
A new JRPG from the legendary Atlus (creators of Persona) featuring a political story about magical tribes and a royal tournament for the throne of Euphronia. The game has been praised for its 80-100 hour narrative, colorful characters, and an improved combat system based on Persona and Shin Megami Tensei mechanics.
10. Jet Set Radio (Dreamcast, 2000)
Metascore — 94/100
A stylish game about roller-skating races and graffiti, with unique cel-shaded graphics and a soundtrack of hip-hop and electronic music. Critics were impressed by the originality, visual style, challenging gameplay, and overall rebellious spirit.
9. Gears of War (X360, 2006)
Metascore — 94/100
A third-person shooter from Epic Games that introduced an innovative cover system in the battle against the Locust Horde. Set on the devastated planet Sera, players control Marcus Fenix in a campaign that supports co-op play. Critics were astonished by the innovative gameplay and variety of modes.
8. Devil May Cry (PS2, 2001)
Metascore — 94/100
This action game from Capcom features a half-demon named Dante who seeks revenge for his mother's death, using swords and guns in fast combo attacks. The game wowed players with graphics, which were among the best on PS2 at the time, dynamic gameplay, and a gothic atmosphere.
7. Red Dead Redemption (X360, 2010)
Metascore — 95/100
The legendary developers of GTA, Rockstar Games, created an open world set in the Wild West. The story follows former criminal John Marston as he must hunt down his old gang, impressing players with the scale of the open world and countless activities both in the story and beyond.
6. The Last of Us (PS3, 2013)
Metascore — 95/100
This emotional zombie drama from Naughty Dog focuses on the survival of Joel and Ellie in a world ravaged by a fungal infection. Critics and players were struck not only by the action and suspense but also by the emotional depth the game achieved.
5. LittleBigPlanet (PS3, 2008)
Metascore — 95/100
A magical platformer about Sackboy, featuring the ability to create your own levels. Its unique visual style, reminiscent of handmade crafts, and powerful creative tools received critical acclaim. Sackboy became Sony's mascot and appeared in several sequels.
4. Elden Ring (PS5, 2022)
Metascore — 96/100
A challenging action RPG from FromSoftware in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. The game immerses players in a vast and unforgiving open world that can be explored at their own pace. Critics were blown away by the depth of the game, which can take hundreds of hours, and its dark fantasy atmosphere.
3. BioShock (X360, 2007)
Metascore — 96/100
A shooter that created one of the most atmospheric game worlds — the underwater utopia of Rapture. After a plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean, protagonist Jack must survive in this art-deco styled world. Critics were enthralled by the mysterious cult setting and the intelligent evolution of the FPS genre.
2. Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001)
Metascore — 97/100
This revolutionary shooter about Master Chief became the flagship launch title for the new Xbox console. Developed by Bungie, the game completely changed the FPS genre with its engaging single-player campaign and innovative multiplayer mode. Critics praised everything from the graphics to the plot and gameplay.
1. Perfect Dark (N64, 2000)
Metascore — 97/100
A shooter from the legendary studio Rare about agent Joanna Dark surpassed its spiritual predecessor GoldenEye 007 in every aspect. Critics praised the campaign with smarter enemies and various multiplayer modes. A reboot of the series was recently announced at the Xbox Games Showcase.
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