2000: the new millennium. I still remember exactly where I was when that clock struck midnight. I'm still upset that we didn't have a millennial fair (yay for references!) but it was overall a pretty awesome new year. As far as video games go, it was an incredible year. The Playstation 2 was released late in the year, the second competitor in the sixth generation console wars. While it didn't play much of a part in the best games of 2000, it was obvious to everyone that the PS2 would be a console to remember. Personally, I loved 2000 because my first 3D console really kicked some butt this year. This year was the Sega Dreamcast's glory year, without a doubt, but also the Playstation had some incredible games as well on its way out. To put everything in perspective, not one game on this list deserves anything less than a 9.5 score. So, let's get going!
10. Banjo-Tooie (November 19, 2000) - N64
Banjo-Tooie is the sequel to the hit platformer Banjo-Kazooie. At the time, when platformers were the most common games in existence, it was hard to find one that stood out. However, Banjo-Tooie, and its predecessor for that matter, brought home the cartoony graphics and a fun storyline along with great gameplay and plenty of things to do throughout their vast world. Also, the problem with platforming games was to find a healthy balance between kid-friendly and challenge. Many developers sacrificed the challenge in their games in order to open it up to children. However, this would stop any older gamers from buying it. However, Banjo-Tooie really bridged that gap with great, lovable characters and enough challenge for older gamers to still have fun with it.
9. Vagrant Story (May 15, 2000) - PS
Vagrant Story was the RPG purist's game in a flood of simplified games. Filled to the brim with complicated features such as its in-depth weapon creation system and its difficult balance with the chain attacks, Vagrant Story was tough even for people who grew up on RPG's. However, an incredible storyline, great graphics and even some throwback to Metal Gear Solid helps it out a lot. Funny how Square-Enix has a habit of taking years and years to make sequels for truly great games (I.e. Valkyrie Profile, Xenogears, etc., etc.). It's been years since Vagrant Story came out, maybe we'll be seeing a sequel soon? I wouldn't count on it fans. So, my advice is to enjoy the game that we've got. It sure is a great one.
8. Resident Evil: CODE: Veronica (February 29, 2000) - DC
Finally! The very first Dreamcast game to make this list. Not to mention, the very first survival horror game to make a top 10 list. Not that there haven't been great survival horror games before this, the earlier Resident Evil games, Silent Hill, there definitely have been. But none of them truly reached the quality of CODE Veronica. I'm fortunate to have had the pleasure of playing CODE Veronica when it first came out on the Dreamcast with one of my friends. This being both our first survival horror game, we never could even get into the mansion we were so terrified (I was 10 at the time, give me a break! :P) Overall though, this is the best classic Resident Evil game by far and should definitely be played by anyone who has even a remote interest in the genre.
7. Deus Ex (June 26, 2000) - PC
Similar to the System Shock games that came before it, Deus Ex combines RPG elements with intense First-Person Shooter action. The result is an incredible game that should be played by everyone. Set in a futuristic world, Deus Ex follows the story of a Special Forces agent who has received biological implants to improve his natural abilities. While some of the characters can feel very boring, the overall story and the world they all live in is far from it. Each area has plenty of things to do, hidden areas to find, people to talk to, items to collect/steal, that go way beyond the overall mission. In 2000, FPS's were straight forward, linear paths to the end and Deus Ex added something refreshing and new to this stale formula. It was a welcome change.
6. Skies of Arcadia (November 13, 2000) - DC
If you were in the loop during the Dreamcast era, you may remember the RPG battle between Skies of Arcadia and Grandia 2. Both games looked to revolutionize the genre with the power of the Dreamcast and it was hard to see which would overtake the other. However, as we all know, developer wars always have at least one victor, the gamers. When Overworks and Game Arts fought, the gamers received two of the best RPG's in history. Skies of Arcadia offered up something different in its unique world of disparate floating islands. Throw in a great story about pirates overtaking a corrupt empire and some of the most memorable characters in video game history, what more do you need? Fortunately for all of you who missed the Dreamcast, Skies of Arcadia Legends is out for the Gamecube. If you can find it, BUY IT! NOW!