It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since these iconic video games turning 20 in 2025 first hit our screens. As we approach this milestone, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the legendary titles that shaped a generation of gamers.
The year 2005 was a turning point for gaming, with U.S. video game sales reaching a record $10.5 billion. Portable systems like the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and Game Boy Advance drove much of that growth, while console sales slowed as players awaited next-gen systems. The Xbox 360 was the only next-gen console to launch that year, debuting in North America on November 22, 2005.
So, without further ado, let’s look at 20 video games released in 2005 that are turning 20 next year.
Related: 30 Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time
1. Resident Evil 4 (January 11, 2005)
Platforms: GameCube, PS2, Xbox 360, PC, and modern re-releases
Developer: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 96
Legacy: Often regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized third-person shooters with its “over-the-shoulder” camera perspective. Its gripping story, iconic enemies like the Chainsaw Man, and relentless pacing keep it relevant today.
2. God of War (March 22, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, later remastered for PS3 and PS4
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Metacritic Score: 94
Legacy: The launch of one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises, God of War, redefined action-adventure games. With brutal combat, cinematic storytelling, and memorable boss battles, it set a new standard for the genre.
3. Shadow of the Colossus (October 18, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, later remastered for PS3 and remade for PS4
Developer: Team Ico
Metacritic Score: 91
Legacy: A hauntingly beautiful masterpiece, Shadow of the Colossus redefined storytelling through minimalism. Its vast open world and 16 monumental bosses have left a lasting mark on the gaming industry.
4. Call of Duty 2 (October 25, 2005)
Platforms: Xbox 360, PC
Developer: Infinity Ward
Metacritic Score: 89
Legacy: Call of Duty 2 set the standard for first-person shooters on next-gen consoles. Its immersive WWII campaign and cinematic intensity became a hallmark of the franchise.
5. Battlefield 2 (June 21, 2005)
Platforms: PC
Developer: DICE
Metacritic Score: 91
Legacy: As one of the most celebrated entries in the Battlefield series, this game emphasized large-scale online battles with vehicles and squad-based tactics, a formula still used in modern Battlefield titles.
6. Guitar Hero (November 8, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Developer: Harmonix
Metacritic Score: 91
Legacy: Guitar Hero launched the rhythm game craze of the late 2000s. Its plastic guitar controller became a cultural icon, and it inspired sequels, spin-offs, and even rival franchises.
7. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening (February 17, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, later remastered for PS3, PS4, and Switch
Developer: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 84
Legacy: Widely regarded as one of the best hack-and-slash games of all time, Devil May Cry 3’s stylish combat and challenging difficulty made it a fan favorite.
8. Kingdom Hearts II (December 22, 2005, Japan)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, later remastered for PS3 and PS4
Developer: Square Enix
Metacritic Score: 87
Legacy: A beloved entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, this action-RPG combined Disney’s magic with Final Fantasy’s complexity, creating an unforgettable journey for players.
9. Star Wars: Battlefront II (November 1, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC
Developer: Pandemic Studios
Metacritic Score: 84
Legacy: The original Battlefront II became a cult classic, thanks to its expansive maps, Galactic Conquest mode, and iconic Star Wars battles.
10. F.E.A.R. (October 18, 2005)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developer: Monolith Productions
Metacritic Score: 88
Legacy: A blend of psychological horror and tactical shooter, F.E.A.R. captivated players with its eerie atmosphere, slow-motion combat, and terrifying antagonist, Alma.
11. The Sims 2 (Console release, October 24, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC
Developer: Maxis
Metacritic Score: 86
Legacy: Already a PC hit, The Sims 2 brought its life simulation magic to consoles, introducing new features and minigames.
12. Psychonauts (April 19, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC
Developer: Double Fine
Metacritic Score: 87
Legacy: A quirky and imaginative platformer with a cult following, Psychonauts is known for its humor, art style, and memorable levels like the “Milkman Conspiracy.”
13. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (March 28, 2005)
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC
Developer: Ubisoft
Metacritic Score: 94
Legacy: Considered the best in the Splinter Cell series, Chaos Theory introduced innovative stealth mechanics and co-op missions.
14. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (November 15, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC
Developer: EA
Metacritic Score: 83
Legacy: Need for Speed: Most Wanted blended street racing with high-speed police chases, making it one of the most beloved entries in the franchise.
15. Age of Empires III (October 18, 2005)
Platforms: PC
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Metacritic Score: 81
Legacy: Age of Empires III pushed the boundaries of real-time strategy games with stunning 3D graphics, physics-based destruction, and a focus on European colonization. Its home city system added a layer of customization and strategy to the gameplay.
16. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (December 1, 2005)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC
Developer: Ubisoft
Metacritic Score: 85
Legacy: The final entry in the Sands of Time trilogy, The Two Thrones blended the time-manipulation mechanics of its predecessors with a new “Dark Prince” transformation that altered gameplay. It remains a beloved part of the Prince of Persia legacy.
17. Mario Kart DS (November 14, 2005)
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Metacritic Score: 91
Legacy: Mario Kart DS introduced online play to the series for the first time, allowing players to compete with friends and strangers worldwide. It also featured the iconic “Mission Mode” and some of the most beloved tracks in the franchise’s history.
18. Advance Wars: Dual Strike (August 22, 2005)
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Metacritic Score: 90
Legacy: This turn-based strategy masterpiece introduced the concept of dual CO powers and two battlefronts, adding a new layer of depth to the already beloved Advance Wars formula. It’s still regarded as one of the best strategy games of all time.
19. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (October 4, 2005)
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Developer: Konami
Metacritic Score: 89
Legacy: A direct sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, this entry refined the “Tactical Soul” system while leveraging the DS’s touchscreen for puzzle-solving and enemy seals. It’s widely regarded as one of the best handheld Castlevania games.
20. Perfect Dark Zero (November 22, 2005)
Platforms: Xbox 360
Developer: Rare
Metacritic Score: 81
Legacy: As a launch title for the Xbox 360, Perfect Dark Zero aimed to follow up on the legendary Perfect Dark for N64. While its reception was mixed, its multiplayer modes and graphical showcase demonstrated the power of next-gen consoles.
It’s astonishing, and maybe a little terrifying, to think that these video games were released almost 20 years ago. As 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit these timeless experiences and relive the magic of gaming’s golden years.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for more than just video games, check out our collection of throwback content in the 2000s Nostalgia section.
