Top 10 Classic Games Celebrating Their 25th Anniversary in 2025

Two thousand marked a pivotal era in the gaming landscape, with its effects still reverberating today. The sixth generation of consoles debuted, prominently featuring the PlayStation 2, which surged ahead of competitors like Sega and Nintendo to become the highest-selling video game console of all time. This console’s rich library contained countless exceptional titles released during its lifetime. Other platforms that launched notable games in 2000 included the Nintendo 64, the handheld Game Boy and Game Boy Color, and the Sega Dreamcast, along with the PC, all contributing iconic gaming experiences that year.

What sets the games of 2000 apart is their commitment to innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling that pushed boundaries. With technological advancements in systems like the PlayStation 2 offering groundbreaking experiences, many titles from this year have aged remarkably well and continue to engage players even in 2025. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of these games, it’s essential to honor the best among them for their lasting impact and legacy.

10 Jet Set Radio

A Timeless Classic of Style & Speed

In 2000, Sega introduced players to an eye-catching graffiti-laden universe with Jet Set Radio. This platformer was groundbreaking, particularly with its cel-shaded art style—a technique that has influenced many subsequent titles, especially throughout the PS2 era. Players became roller-skating graffiti artists, tagging the streets of Tokyo while avoiding law enforcement and showcasing impressive tricks across various gameplay modes.

What truly resonates with fans, even 25 years later, are the game’s anti-establishment themes and its infectious soundtrack, which encapsulates the vibrant culture of the early 2000s. The eclectic mix of hip-hop, J-pop, and electronic music elevates Jet Set Radio to cult classic status. Its legacy inspires modern games like Sunset Overdrive, Rollerdrome, and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, reflecting its lasting influence. There’s an ongoing hope for a sequel to 2002’s Jet Set Radio Future, further proving that the franchise’s revival is long overdue.

9 Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn

A D&D Masterpiece That Redefined RPGs

While Larian Studios’ recent entry in the Baldur’s Gate series has gained incredible acclaim, BioWare’s Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn from 2000 remains a cornerstone for CRPGs. Derived from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset, this game garnered attention for its intricate character development and choice-driven gameplay in a meticulously crafted world.

Those who dive into the expansive story set in Faerûn will discover deep mechanics that offer a unique experience influenced by players’ decisions. For those new to the series since Baldur’s Gate 3, the enhanced edition released by Overhaul Games in 2013 allows for easier access to this classic. The rich narrative and BiosWare’s signature storytelling make it essential for RPG enthusiasts to explore this timeless masterpiece.

8 TimeSplitters

Time Travel & Time-Warping Fun

With TimeSplitters, players were treated to an engaging multiplayer experience that built on the success of GoldenEye 007, allowing for both solo and co-op modes. The game featured customizable maps where players could unleash their creativity and compete against friends, all portrayed with a lighthearted approach. In contrast to many contemporary first-person shooters that leaned towards dark themes, TimeSplitters provided a refreshing, whimsical alternative. Though the franchise has been dormant since 2005, PlayStation Premium subscribers can revisit TimeSplitters on PS5 in 2025.

7 Final Fantasy 9

A Timeless Tale of Friendship & Adventure

Final Fantasy 9 celebrates the franchise’s roots, merging classic fantasy motifs reminiscent of earlier entries such as Final Fantasy IV. Despite a crowded field of remarkable titles, this installment consistently ranks high due to its accessible gameplay and stunning visuals that continue to captivate 25 years later.

6 Banjo-Tooie

A Colorful World of Puzzles & Platforming

Rare continued its legacy of crafting extraordinary video games into the new millennium with Banjo-Tooie, a sequel that enriched the existing Banjo-Kazooie experience by introducing larger levels, new abilities, and an enchanting score, cementing it as a sprawling adventure.

Building upon the humor and appeal that characterized Rare’s platforming classics, Banjo-Tooie is a vibrant, personality-filled journey. Among the 3D platformers released over the last quarter-century, Banjo-Tooie stands out as potentially the pinnacle of platforming achievements, inspiring a new generation of developers.

5 Perfect Dark

A Spy-Fi Classic with Intense Multiplayer

Beyond developing a top-tier platformer, Rare’s Perfect Dark, released in 2000, has earned a reputation as one of the greatest FPS games in history. Its combination of a cyberpunk setting and stealth-action gameplay crafted a strikingly immersive experience. Joanna Dark has become an iconic figure over the past 25 years, often compared to James Bond for her gadgetry and involvement in espionage.

It’s little wonder that Perfect Dark is often hailed as the highest-rated game of 2000 on Metacritic, with a stellar critic score of 97 due to its profound gameplay mechanics. Although its sequel did not match up to expectations, anticipation for a reboot could possibly breathe new life into the series, reminding players of its excellence 25 years later.

4 Deus Ex

A Cyberpunk Masterpiece that Defined a Genre

Even in 2025, Deus Ex continues to wield significant influence as an innovator of the immersive-sim genre, a trend that could see a resurgence due to titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game’s freedom of action was groundbreaking for 2000, offering a suite of gameplay options, including stealth, combat, hacking, diplomacy, and engineering.

Its narrative weaves cyberpunk conspiracy themes with questions of morality and humanity, encouraging extensive interaction with the game world. The immersive storytelling and multifaceted gameplay in Deus Ex paved the way for interactive narratives and remains a source of inspiration.

3 The Sims

Creating Life, One Sim at a Time

When it comes to cultural significance, few titles have matched the impact of The Sims. It transformed the mundane elements of life into a compelling and addictive gameplay experience, laying foundations for what would become the cozy gaming genre. By allowing players to manage a virtual character’s life while navigating the intricacies of daily chores, The Sims introduced an unprecedented open sandbox for creativity and exploration.

This freedom and charm have established The Sims as a titan among gaming franchises, with its original title still captivating both casual gamers and dedicated fans alike. Players continue to create new stories within the original game, despite an overwhelming number of sequels and expansion packs released over the years. The success of The Sims has inspired numerous games in the cozy genre, including titles like Stardew Valley and Unpacking.

2 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

The Pinnacle of Skateboarding Games

Neversoft perfected the skateboarding video game formula in 2000 with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, creating a legendary experience through its seamless controls, iconic soundtrack, and authentic representation of skate culture. The game featured impeccable maps and a roster of professional skateboarders, including a surprise appearance by Spider-Man, leading to widespread acclaim as one of the greatest sports games in history. Its influence remains significant, reinforced by a well-received remake released in 2020.

Recognized as a landmark title, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 remains one of the best games ever, setting a standard that has influenced countless others over the last 25 years. The introduction of manual mechanics in THPS2 enhanced gameplay, allowing players to chain tricks together. Not only did this innovation elevate the genre’s skill ceiling, but it also became a staple in other titles, shaping the evolution of skateboarding games into modern franchises like Skate and Session.

1 The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

A Dark & Haunting Adventure

A masterclass in artistic direction, Majora’s Mask diverged from series conventions to explore themes of time, loss, and existential dread. As the follow-up to the legendary Ocarina of Time, Link embarks on a three-day journey to avert a catastrophic collision of the moon with Termina, a surreal alternate world to Hyrule. The haunting visuals and urgent narrative, with the ominous moon overseeing the gameplay, create an unforgettable atmosphere.

In terms of gameplay, Majora’s Mask innovated by integrating the iconic three-day cycle, making decisions critical as players guide Link through transformative quests using various masks. The narrative depth, atmospheric tension, and a unique twist on classic dungeon mechanics solidify Majora’s Mask as one of the greatest video games ever. The tonal shifts seen in Zelda games have persisted over the last 25 years, reflecting Nintendo’s willingness to explore different styles, as seen in titles such as Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild. In a year overflowing with groundbreaking titles, Majora’s Mask rightfully takes its place as the best game of 2000.

Source: Metacritic

Source & Images