Back in the halcyon gaming days of 2001, plenty of us were busy playing on our GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Dreamcast, PC, or Game Boy Advance, enjoying all kinds of games we couldn’t have known at the time would go on to become so formative and important in their genre. In this list, we’re looking back at the ten best games that released in 2001 whose effects can be felt in one way or the other across the gaming industry, games that made an impression on us all those years ago that just keep on impressing after all these years.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
While you might think of Mario Kart mostly as a home console game, we’ve enjoyed plenty of handheld iterations, and Mario Kart: Super Circuit provided hours of fun on the Game Boy Advance, being the first handheld Mario Kart title and paving the way for many more.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo: Combat Evolved launched the iconic Halo franchise, introducing Master Chief and Cortana in a shooter that defined Xbox exclusives during the console wars, with gameplay that has evolved across later entries.
SSX Tricky
SSX Tricky became a defining snowboarding game, letting players choose characters, unlock more, and perform tricks on snowy courses, creating memorable solo and multiplayer experiences.
Paper Mario
Paper Mario innovated by shifting Mario into a turn‑based RPG, offering a 2D adventure where he teams with unique allies to rescue Princess Peach, a style that spawned sequels and remains beloved.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
The fourth Metal Gear title introduced Solid Snake and Raiden in a stealth‑action adventure that tackled themes of alternative facts long before they became mainstream.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Pro Skater 3 captured the skateboarding craze of 2001, featuring Tony Hawk’s humor and style, and remains one of the most beloved sports games of the era.
Devil May Cry
Devil May Cry debuted in 2001, delivering smooth hack‑and‑slash action as Dante battled demons, and introduced the iconic Devil Trigger mechanic that became a series staple.
Dance Dance Revolution
DDR gripped players with arcade and home versions, challenging them to step to music across difficulty levels, and expanded its playlist worldwide in 2001.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee built on its predecessor’s success, offering a deep fighting experience with a large roster, new stages, and lasting popularity in eSports.
Grand Theft Auto 3
Grand Theft Auto 3 was the first fully 3D entry in the GTA series, introducing Liberty City and setting the stage for the franchise’s massive success as the best‑selling game of 2001.
