The top ten games include Elden Ring, BioShock, and Red Dead Redemption.
The editors of Metacritic have compiled a rating of the 20 most highly rated original games released in the 21st century. These are not sequels, spinoffs, or remakes — all games in the top are not based on existing franchises. The rating was based on Metascore scores — a number from 0 to 100 that reflects the general opinion of leading professional game critics. The higher the number, the better the reviews the game received.
Metascore — 93/100
The RPG from Sega’s internal studio — Overworks tells a fascinating story about steampunk pirates who travel on flying ships and take part in battles and adventures. The game has been widely recognized for its combat system, graphics, and created world. Although a sequel never appeared, the game’s characters still appear in other Sega projects.
Metascore — 93/100
In this action-adventure from Capcom, players control the Japanese sun goddess — white wolf Amaterasu. The unique visual style and the use of the «celestial brush» for combat and puzzles made the game special.
Metascore — 93/100
A revolutionary stealth action game where you play as Sam Fisher — a former «Navy SEAL» and NSA operative. The game has impressed critics with its incredible lighting effects and advanced stealth mechanics. Splinter Cell became one of the most important releases for the original Xbox.
Metascore — 93/100
The game from the Swedish studio Mojang Studios has created a new genre where players can explore the world and create whatever they want. There are survival modes with enemies and creativity modes for free creativity. Critics praised the endless possibilities for creativity, although they also noted a steep learning curve.
Metascore — 93/100
This snowboarding game was one of the best launch titles on the PlayStation 2. Players choose one of eight characters to perform tricks on tracks filled with rails, jumps, and other obstacles to energetic electronic music. The game has received high marks for its amazing graphics, addictive gameplay and great soundtrack.
Metascore — 93/100
The emotional puzzle platformer became a beacon for indie games in 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade. The game tells the story of Tim, who searches for a princess by manipulating time in beautifully drawn environments. Critics raved about the innovative melancholic masterpiece that paved the way for other indie hits like Limbo and Bastion.
Metascore — 93/100
An extremely complex fantasy world management simulator. The game captivates with the unprecedented scale of the created world, where players can observe both the victories and the downfalls of their creations. An improved version was released in 2022, making the game more accessible to new players.
Metascore — 93/100
Relic Entertainment’s World War II strategy game revolutionized the tactical game genre. At the time of its release, there were many games about the Second World War, but critics noted that none of them reached such a level of realism and intensity of battles. Especially impressive was the destructible environment system, which added a new level of tactical capabilities.
Metascore — 94/100
Santa Monica Studio’s original Kratos slasher impressed critics with bloody combo attacks and epic boss fights set in ancient Greece. Before the 2018 relaunch, the series was a more straightforward hack-and-slash action game that put gameplay above an emotional story.
Metascore — 94/100
A new JRPG from the legendary Atlus (creators of Persona) with a political story about magical tribes and a royal tournament for the throne of Euchronia. The game has been praised for its 80-100 hour story, vivid characters, and advanced combat system based on Persona and Shin Megami Tensei mechanics.
Metascore — 94/100
A stylish roller-skating and graffiti game with unique cel-shaded graphics and a hip-hop and electronic soundtrack. Critics were delighted with the originality, visual style, challenging gameplay, and general rebellious mood.
Metascore — 94/100
The third-person shooter from Epic Games has introduced an innovative shelter system in the fight against the Locust Horde. The action takes place on the ruined planet Sera, where players control Marcus Phoenix in a co-op campaign. Critics were impressed by the innovative gameplay and variety of modes.
Metascore — 94/100
Capcom’s action game about a half-demon, Dante, who avenges his mother’s death by using swords and pistols in fast combo attacks. The game impressed with its graphics, which were among the best on the PS2 at the time, dynamic gameplay, and gothic atmosphere.
Metascore — 95/100
The legendary GTA developers, Rockstar Games, have created the open world of the Wild West. The story of former outlaw John Marston, who must hunt down his old gang, impressed with the scale of the open world and countless opportunities for activity both in and out of the story.
Metascore — 95/100
An emotional zombie drama from Naughty Dog about the survival of Joel and Ellie in a world devastated by a fungal infection. Critics and players alike were impressed not only by the action and thriller, but also by the emotional depth the game achieves. It was later adapted into a successful HBO series.
Metascore — 95/100
A charming platformer about Sacboy with the ability to create your own levels. Its unique visual style, reminiscent of handmade crafts, and powerful creative tools have won critical acclaim. Sakboy became a Sony mascot and appeared in several sequels.
Metascore — 96/100
A challenging action RPG from FromSoftware in collaboration with George Martin. The game throws players into a vast and ruthless open world that can be explored at their own pace. Critics have been impressed by the game’s depth, which can take hundreds of hours to complete, and its dark fantasy atmosphere.
Metascore — 96/100
The shooter that created one of the most atmospheric game worlds — the underwater utopian city of Delight. After an accident in the Atlantic Ocean, the protagonist Jack must survive in this Art Deco world. Critics were delighted with the mysterious cult setting and smart evolution of the FPS genre.
Metascore — 97/100
The revolutionary shooter about Master Chief became the main launch title for the new Xbox console. Developed by Bungie, the game completely changed the FPS genre with an exciting single-player campaign and innovative multiplayer. Critics praised everything from graphics to story and gameplay.
Metascore — 97/100
The shooter from the legendary Rare studio about agent Joanna Darke surpassed its spiritual predecessor GoldenEye 007 in all aspects. Critics praised the campaign with more intelligent enemies and various multiplayer modes. Recently, a reboot of the series was announced at the Xbox Games Showcase.