In just over two decades, the 21st century has created a treasure trove of exceptional video games. These virtual worlds and experiences have defined our era, culturally influencing different countries and generations. We have been fascinated by the rich narrative, the visual art, and the compelling gameplay. In this article, we will pay tribute to eight legendary games that have shaped the gaming scene of the 21st century.
- World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW) burst onto the scene in 2004, pioneering the genre of massively multiplayer online role-playing games and changing the idea of online gaming forever. The success of World of Warcraft lay not only in its compelling world, but also in the way it fostered social interaction and teamwork. The game attracted millions of players to its ranks. Today, nearly two decades later, WoW continues to be a force to be reckoned with, a testament to its enduring appeal and impact on the gaming industry.
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- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Following its successful predecessors, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim took over the gaming community in 2011. The game, set in the province of Skyrim, gave players the opportunity to explore a detailed world filled with dragons, dungeons, and an endless array of quests. Skyrim’s success lies in its open-world design, allowing players to choose their own paths and make meaningful decisions that affect the world around them. It’s a game that was as far-reaching as it was individual, setting the standard for subsequent open-world RPGs.
- Grand Theft Auto V
Stepping away from sci-fi and immersing itself in urban landscapes, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) stood out for its engaging narrative and action-packed gameplay. Released in 2013 by Rockstar Games, GTA V presented us with memorable protagonists navigating the dangerous underworld of Los Santos. The gameplay of GTA V’s complex, detailed world gave players an unprecedented level of freedom, allowing them to create their own stories within the game’s narrative. With its lengthy online mode, GTA V remains a significant player in the gaming world.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
It was the third game in the series, released in 2015, that captured the gaming world. Players took on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in a morally complex, beautifully crafted world. The Witcher 3 was praised for its gripping narrative, complex characters, and in-depth exploration of moral choices. This is a game that can be played multiple times, as each decision creates a unique story in it’s dark and confusing world.
- Minecraft
Taking a break from the narrative, Minecraft offered a uniquely creative sandbox game experience that took over the world in 2011. Allowing players to build and explore their own pixel worlds, limited only by their imagination. Minecraft’s influence has manifested itself in its impact on education, creativity, and game design. Its popularity has become popular among all ages and its use in schools as a teaching tool attests to its lasting impact on the game world and beyond.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
In 2017, Nintendo presented The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a stunning open-world adventure that reimagined the classic Zelda formula. Players take on the role of Link in a vast, open-ended Hyrule filled with mystery and danger. Breath of the Wild shook up the action-adventure genre with its non-linear gameplay, encouraging exploration and creativity in solving puzzles and defeating enemies. Moreover, its influence can also be seen in many subsequent open-world games.
- Red Dead Redemption 2
The successor to the famous Red Dead Redemption game, Red Dead Redemption 2, set in the twilight of the American frontier era, offers a deep, gripping narrative that takes players into a tragic tale of bandits and redemption. Red Dead Redemption 2 sets a new standard for narrative depth in action-adventure games, backed by stunning graphics and meticulous attention to detail. Its portrayal of the dying Old West has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
- Dark Souls
Dark Souls, released in 2011, challenged players with its punishing difficulty and minimalist narrative. Set in the dystopian world of Lordran, Dark Souls has offered a brutally satisfying combat experience unlike any other. The success of Dark Souls lies in its complex gameplay and rich, enigmatic story that encouraged repeated playthroughs and deep exploration.
The 21st century has truly been a golden age for video games, each year bringing innovations that redefine what a game can be. The games mentioned above have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. As we look to the future, we can only hope that it will continue to build on the outstanding legacy of these iconic games and, at the same time, look forward to expanding the list in the form of new game releases.
What are your favourite games of the 21st century? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
