The 2000s was an era of rapid technological advancement, and it's no surprise that the world of video games underwent a similar transformation during this time. With the rise of powerful gaming consoles and the increasing popularity of online gaming, the PC gaming industry saw a surge of innovation and creativity. From first-person shooters to RPGs to strategy games, the 2000s had it all. Today, we take a nostalgic look back at some of the best old PC games from this era.
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Grand Theft Auto III (2001) - The first game in the series to feature a 3D open-world environment, GTA III set the standard for sandbox games. Players took on the role of a criminal in a fictional city, completing missions and wreaking havoc on the streets.
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Half-Life 2 (2004) - Widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, Half-Life 2 revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with its innovative physics-based gameplay and compelling storyline.
Shenmue (2000) - One of the first open-world games ever made, Shenmue offered players a fully-realized world to explore, complete with non-linear gameplay and a deep, immersive storyline.
Mario Kart Double Dash!! (2003) - A beloved entry in the Mario Kart series, Double Dash!! introduced co-op gameplay and unique character pairings, making for a fun and engaging racing experience.
NBA Street Vol. 2 (2003) - Combining street basketball with arcade-style gameplay, NBA Street Vol. 2 was a hit with sports fans and casual gamers alike. With its over-the-top moves and flashy graphics, it remains a classic today.
World of Warcraft (2004) - The most successful MMORPG of all time, World of Warcraft took the gaming world by storm with its massive open world, immersive storyline, and addictive gameplay.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) - A sprawling RPG with endless possibilities, Oblivion offered players a vast, open world to explore and countless quests to complete. Its deep lore and engaging characters made it a fan favorite.
Civilization IV (2005) - Widely considered the best entry in the long-running Civilization series, Civ IV offered players a deep, strategic gameplay experience that kept them coming back for more.
Portal (2007) - A puzzle game like no other, Portal challenged players to use their wits and spatial reasoning skills to navigate a series of mind-bending challenges. Its humor and innovative gameplay made it an instant classic.
Team Fortress 2 (2007) - A multiplayer shooter with a focus on teamwork and strategy, Team Fortress 2 was a hit with PC gamers thanks to its colorful characters, unique classes, and addictive gameplay.
As we look back on these classic games, it's clear that the 2000s were a golden age for PC gaming. Whether you were a fan of shooters, RPGs, or strategy games, there was something for everyone to enjoy. While modern gaming has certainly come a long way, there's something special about revisiting these old favorites and reliving the magic of a bygone era.
