8 Best Rockstar Games Of The 2000s, Ranked

Rockstar is one of the biggest gaming studios of all time, with the developer hitting their stride during the 2000s. The debut of Grand Theft Auto at the start of the millennium marked a major shift in the gaming landscape, turning open-world gaming into a coveted genre that countless fans can’t get enough of.

GTA wasn’t the only series worked on by Rockstar during this time. In fact, Rockstar released some truly amazing games in the 2000s that have stood the test of time to become some of the developer’s most enjoyable titles. Though some are better than others, these are arguably the best Rockstar games from the 2000s.

8

Manhunt

A Tense Stealth Game Where Players Must Get Creative With Their Kills

Manhunt is tougher than the average Rockstar game, given its emphasis on stealth. Players must carry out brutal executions from the shadows, especially since combat can become very messy if they happen to alert a group of enemies.

After players get used to the dated mechanics, a great deal of fun can be had by hiding in the shadows and taking out unsuspecting enemies. Players will find several items that can be “charged” in order to unleash brutal stealth kills, which caused a huge controversy back in the day. Still, over twenty years later, it’s hard not to acknowledge Manhunt as one of Rockstar’s best games from the 2000s.

7

Midnight Club 2

The Cutscenes Are A Hilarious Product Of Their Time That Augment The Racing Action

Players who want to enjoy one of the cringiest yet most enjoyable cinematics in a video game will have a blast with Midnight Club 2. It helps that the racing gameplay holds up, allowing players to reach blindingly fast speeds in dangerous street races as they aim for first place.

The characters in this game are over-the-top in the best way possibl. They are embodiments of a time back when Rockstar didn’t mind being overly silly with their writing in a video game. This, coupled with the amazing vibes of Midnight Club 2, makes it an amazing street racing game that players can have fun even day.

6

Grand Theft Auto 3

Set The Foundation That Helped The Open-World Genre Become Mainstream

Words aren’t enough to describe just how groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto 3 was back when it came out. The sandbox was detailed, and players had a ton of freedom as they moved from point A to point B.

Fans of modern Rockstar games may find it hard to deal with the title’s dated gameplay and frustrating mission structure, but those who don’t mind some tough arcade gameplay will likely love what GTA 3 brings to the table. It’s a landmark title for Rockstar that paved the way for them to become one of the biggest players in the video game industry.

5

Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition

The Best Midnight Club Game In The Eyes Of Many

Out of all the Midnight Club games, most people consider the third one to be the best one of the lot. The game captures the vibe of street racing and its culture, letting players enjoy some excellent racing gameplay that has aged like fine wine.

The visuals of this game still look amazing, enhancing the atmosphere of every race as players try to reach first place by any means necessary. Those who want to see why fans are crazy about the Midnight Club series will find the third game to be a perfect entry point for them.

4

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The Neon-Soaked Streets Of Vice City Are A Blast To Explore

Miami is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and a video game world based on this urban locale was bound to be engaging. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is oozing with style, taking inspiration from movies like Scarface in order to let players enjoy a fun story full of rough criminals and heartbreaking betrayals.

At the heart of this game is Tommy Vercetti, a protagonist who keeps a cool head in every situation and is quite capable. He elevates the people around him and makes those who do him dirty pay the price. Boasting an incredible soundtrack, unforgettable visuals, and one of the best GTA stories, Vice City easily proves itself to be one of Rockstar’s best games from the 2000s.

3

Bully

A Unique Open-World Game That Features Some Refreshing Twists On The Rockstar Formula

Bully

Released

October 17, 2006

Bully is one of the most unique Rockstar video games ever made, and countless fans can’t get enough of it. Jimmy’s adventures in Bullworth Academy take a turn for the worse when he’s used by his so-called friend, Gary, as a stepping stone to reach the very top of the school’s hierarchy.

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This prompts a revenge quest, with Jimmy convincing the other cliques in the school to side with him before launching an offensive against Gary. This culminates in a brutal beatdown where the player makes Gary pay for their betrayal, allowing Jimmy to finally enjoy his time in Bullworth Academy once and for all.

2

Grand Theft Auto 4

A Major Evolution For GTA

It’s still amazing to think that four GTA games were released in one decade, ending with the release of Grand Theft Auto 4. Niko Bellic is one of the best-written protagonists in gaming history, with a story that turns him into a surprisingly sympathetic protagonist despite boasting a penchant for violence.

His cousin’s tall tales cause Niko to immigrate to the country, only to realize that Roman’s life was far from perfect. This forces Niko to forge his own connections, eventually becoming a major player in the city’s underbelly and making several powerful enemies in the process.

1

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

A Legendary Title And The Very Best Of GTA’s 3D Era

To this day, there’s something about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that keeps fans coming back for more. The final game in the 3D Universe boasts an expansive list of features that can turn CJ’s story into an RPG adventure at times.

Along with a riveting story based around betrayal and redemption, players must keep CJ fit and feed him at regular intervals. He can also go out on dates, moonlight as a vigilante, take part in races, and do pretty much anything else that he sets his mind to.

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