Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories 2006
Why it still holds upBusinesses to take over still give the missions a purpose beyond the story.
2000s adventure games that still hold up
Somewhere to get to, and plenty in the way
Games
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories 2006
Why it still holds upBusinesses to take over still give the missions a purpose beyond the story.
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves 2005
Why it still holds upA heist with a whole crew still gives every character a different job.
God of War: Chains of Olympus 2008
Why it still holds upA combo-based fight against myths is still a clear reason to play on a handheld.
Spider-Man 2000
Why it still holds upCrawling across ceilings in a city of villains is still a lively way to play.
Prince of Persia 2008
Why it still holds upBecause Elika catches every fall, a missed jump costs a few seconds rather than a reload, and the climbing still flows from one wall to the next.
On sale
Red Faction: Guerrilla 2009
Why it still holds upA world full of structures to level still makes each mission a choice.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary 2007
Why it still holds upA raid through fourteen levels of ruins is still a good adventure to take.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks 2009
Why it still holds upA quest by train across an overworld is a journey that still invites a ride.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2003
Why it still holds upFacing a horde with a fierce attack in hand is still worth trying today.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass 2007
Why it still holds upNotes you can write on the map are still a tool for the puzzles.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run 2003
Why it still holds upSpringfield still hands you a different character in each level, with missions of its own.
Silent Hill 4: The Room 2004
Why it still holds upA home as the only safe place is still a distinctive setup today.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica X 2000
Why it still holds upSparse ammunition and limited saves still make each room a risk to enter.
Escape from Monkey Island 2000
Why it still holds upA funny pirate story with puzzles of all kinds still suits a slow evening.
Jak 3 2004
Why it still holds upTwelve weapons and two Jak forms still give the fighting a lot of range.
Infamous 2009
Why it still holds upA city to save or shock is still a good choice to make today.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2002
Why it still holds upA familiar story told with three different fighters still gives it a reason to play again.
On sale
Trine 2009
Why it still holds upThree heroes in one party are still a good reason to play with a friend.
Spider-Man 2 2004
Why it still holds upWeb swinging across an open Manhattan is still the reason to play.
On sale
Dead Rising 2006
Why it still holds upSurviving a mall full of zombies against the clock is still a very particular challenge.
On sale
Red Faction 2001
Why it still holds upBlasting your own path through walls still makes every room a new problem.
Sonic Adventure 2 2001
Why it still holds upThree styles of play in one game are still worth trying today.
Total Overdose 2005
Why it still holds upThe dive still makes the move to leave the floor, and to hit something while you are in the air.
On sale
Mirror's Edge 2008
Why it still holds upA run across rooftops is still a chain worth building.
On sale
Flower 2009
Why it still holds upGuiding a petal through a field is still a way to spend an afternoon.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories 2005
Why it still holds upA car for a flag still shows what the multiplayer is for.
On sale
Tomb Raider: Legend 2006
Why it still holds upA grapple that swings and pulls still turns each gap into a puzzle.
Resistance: Fall of Man 2006
Why it still holds upA weapon whose bullets pass through walls is still an idea worth trying today.
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures 2008
Why it still holds upA shared adventure through three films is still easy to play together.
On sale
Brütal Legend 2009
Why it still holds upA guitar that casts magic still sets the tone of every fight.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune 2007
Why it still holds upClimbing across ruins between gunfights is still a good way to spend an evening.
On sale
LEGO Batman: The Videogame 2008
Why it still holds upWith a friend beside you it holds up today, since each scene asks for both characters, their suits and some building.
The Saboteur 2009
Why it still holds upThe color still shows a Paris you free a street at a time, and can see freed.
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon 2001
Why it still holds upA hundred card combinations give you plenty to try as you explore the castle today.
On sale
Saints Row 2 2008
Why it still holds upCo-op still works for the whole main story.
Call of Duty: World at War 2008
Why it still holds upFour player co-op still carries most of the campaign.
Spore 2008
Why it still holds upDesigning what you play still makes each species your own.
Final Fantasy XIII 2009
Why it still holds upSwitching roles mid fight still makes the Paradigm system the game's own.
On sale
Resident Evil 5 2009
Why it still holds upIt is designed for two-player cooperative play, and a partner covering your back is still the way to play it.
Far Cry 2 2008
Why it still holds upA civil war across desert, savanna and jungle is still a setting worth a trip.
Assassin's Creed 2007
Why it still holds upCrowds to hide in still make every city a place to plan a kill.