Martyn Littlewood, Fly FM Presenter
Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Activision
Modern Warfare 2 was definitely the big thing pushing us through to the end of the noughties and it really did meet the expectations. I can’t see myself getting bored of this one for a long time. Especially with the excellent online multiplayer.
Jet Set Radio Future (2002)
Sega
Simple concept, great soundtrack (I went as far as to have it imported from Japan) and a brilliant collaboration of anime and graffiti, so visually exciting you didn’t mind trying to do the same ‘almost impossible’ challenge for hours on end. Spent hours upon hours on Jet Set Radio Future, wish I could get it again…
Final Fantasy X (2001)
Square / Sony
Although I’ve never completed this (I’m so close at the moment!), Final Fantasy X was the first game to make my jaw drop in awe of the graphics and environments, not only in cutscenes but in gameplay for its time. I also wish I was Tidus and I could play blitzball!
Mario Kart DS (2005)
Nintendo
We need a portable game in the top 5, and this has to be it (I know Pokémon Crystal was good with its day/night stuff, but, meh). Mario Kart DS all the way. Completed single-player, made an awesome emblem and I school peeps at it online – fun stuff.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (2001)
Activision
After the first two instalments, people were starting to ask questions about “where can they go, what else can they do?” and Tony Hawk 3 delivered. Even more board control than the games before it, great soundtrack, more half pipes and sweet grinds and it was so playable – good memories of this game.
Aaron Lee, Gaming Editor
TimeSplitter 2 (2002)
Eidos
Before Xbox Live, there was one FPS that console owners everywhere could be proud of – TimeSplitters 2. From some of the creators of 007 GoldenEye, this console shooter will have you eating out of its hand in mere minutes. Gameplay is super fast, yet the balance is perfect. What’s more, with near endless multiplayer customisation, TimeSplitters 2 holds its own even in this day and age.
Burnout Revenge (2005)
EA
You haven’t felt speed until you’ve played this heart-stopping arcade thrill ride. While it’s true Burnout 3 was the real shakeup, Revenge is the ultimate refinement. Everything that makes the core experience of driving fast fun is here – smart track design, challenging opponents and a gorgeous garage of vehicles for you to cherish and twist out of all recognition. Spend enough time with this game and the combination of urban streets, speed and flavour will have you pegging 20.
Ratchet & Clank (2002)
Sony
I love a good story and those that involve space are all the more exciting. With the first PS2 instalment of Ratchet & Clank, Insomniac opened up a whole dimension of action platforming that had previously laid undiscovered. Weapons, gadgets, ships and two of the most lovable heroes on the small screen. Energetic, emotive and humorous, Ratchet & Clank is one of the few platform games that withstands the test of time.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
Ubisoft
Ubisoft’s first crack at the Middle Eastern prince, originally created by Jordan Mechner, was a surprising effort – and in a good way for once. Trapped in a palace filled with elaborate puzzles, fatal traps and an army of sand monsters, you and Princess Farah must fight to restore time. Intuitive controls and fluid, elegant animations top off this package, alongside a classic tale of love, consequence and destiny.
LittleBigPlanet (2008)
Sony
Proving that side-scrolling platformers can work just as well in the era of high definition, LittleBigPlanet is a box of limitless potential. Even if you lack the patience needed to produce your own “hand-made miniature world” the community levels and story mode are enough to keep you going for months. And with the tools being so capable you can effectively build anything your daydream-factory comes up with, which in my mind is pure genius. The most accessible interactive play set the world has seen yet.
What are your games of the decade? Let us know in the comments box below or send your messages to gaming@platform-online.net.
Tags: list, noughties, team choice
