Top 10 Video Games of the 6th Generation

Once again we’re starting off with a very strong entry. With the success of Battle.net, Blizzard’s move to an online only venture seemed inevitable. Enter the World of Warcraft. The MMORPG to end all others, Blizzard did what they always do and attempted to perfect an existing genre, not reinvent it. With over 7 million subscribers, 5 expansions and support still running, it’s no question that their venture was a monumental success. Zug-zug.

Yo dog, I hear you like cut scenes. With a cold war setting and an amazing, emotional story of a mentor and her student, and all the crazy complexities you would expect from a Metal Gear Solid game, Snake Eater is a highpoint for an already massive series. With a Soviet jungle setting, which demands the use of camouflage, you’ll be eating wild animals – mainly snakes – in between choking out hapless guards and saving the world.

Fans stood divided as a cel shaded, younger Link took the stage. Was this gonna be a game for kids? Their worries quickly vanished when this game introduced us to a beautifully animated adventure worthy of this legendary series. Using the Wind Waker baton, players controlled the wind and sailed the Great Sea, exploring dungeons and battling enemies with sword in hand. Plus there’s nothing like the sense of sailing a vast ocean to give you the feeling of an epic adventure.

Bioware’s RPG in the iconic universe, Knights of the Old Republic remains the best Star Wars games to date thanks its engaging story and modest yet challenging gameplay, just the right balance to get you immersed. Players have the ability to fully customise their characters, from clothing, armour and of course, lightsabers. Furthermore, you choose which path to take – dark or light, starting the morality choice trend that would live on in future Bioware RPGs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. It also had one of the most best plot twists in video game history.

If there was ever a game that deserved the term “epic”, it’s most certainly Shadow of the Colossus. With a grandiose scope, the player assumes the role of Wander, a young man looking to resurrect a sacrificed girl. To do so, he must find and defeat 16 colossi – majestic titan’s that roam the open landscape and are each as beautifully designed as the next one. Get on your horse Agro, find the giant’s weak spot and hold on for dear life. Truly, this is video game art.

GTA was one of the biggest franchises in the 6th generation, and it’s best game came with CJ’s tale of redemption as he faces off against corrupt cops and gangs alike. Besides the crazy storyline missions, there’s a massive variety of fun things to do, including flying jets, parachuting, jetpack-riding or maybe just unhealthy amounts of binge eating. It only makes the 5th spot as the game hasn’t aged as well as the other titles on the list, but its still incredibly fun.

This action FPS shooter ushered in the era where online play became the norm for living room consoles. Halo 2 continues the story of Master Chief and his fight against The Covenant. The player also assumes the role of the Arbiter, a plot twist no one saw coming. While the campaign was enjoyable, what truly made Halo 2 iconic was the multiplayer, which not only made Xbox Live viable, but the use of vehicles, energy swords, and dual wielded weapons made it super fun to boot.

The makers of this survival horror franchise made its most drastic change with this title, a change that is still controversial amongst fans today. Still, Resident Evil 4 was able to set a new standard for all action games to come: tight control, great voice actors, and an over-the-shoulder camera angle that allowed for thrilling gameplay. As Leon Kennedy, you must overcome infected cult followers to rescue the President’s daughter in a desolate rural European town where everyone wants to your head. Literally.

At a time when first-person shooters were nothing more than the tip of your gun and a life meter, Metroid Prime provided lush environments and a sense of isolation that created an incomparable atmosphere, truly allowing players to become Samus. Through her visor, we saw a classic 2D franchise become a phenomenal 3D journey, all while retaining the epic boss battles, suit upgrades and weapons, allowing Prime to make its case for the best game in the franchise.

Before we reveal our number one game of the 6th Generation, here’s a look at some of our Honourable Mentions:

“Ninja Gaiden Black” (2004)

“Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory” (2005)

“Super Smash Bros Melee” (2001)

“God of War” (2005)

“Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time” (2003)

In a game that pushed the boundaries of what you think a video game can do, Half-Life 2 possesses a cleverly designed world, industry changing physics and excellent audio-visual design. Once again assuming the role of Dr. Gordon Freeman, you go up against forces that transcend space and time. Butlet’s not forget the Gravity Gun, an innovative weapon that lets the player interact with the environment to take down baddies, as well as manipulate puzzles that made real world sense. A decade later and Half Life 2 is still as amazing and immersive as it was back in 2004, Making it a clear #1 for this list and easily eligible for best of all time.

Do you agree with our lists? If one of your favourites didn’t make the list, be sure to check out our Top 10 PS2, Gamecube and Xbox games to see how they ranked up, and for more awesome Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.