Five ‘Game Changing’ Videogames of the 21st Century
Photo Collage By Holden Kopman
Some of the many great games to come from the 21st century.
Whether having new gameplay mechanics, advanced graphics or any new features, within the past two decades video games as a whole have improved drastically. Starting off as pixelated arcade games in the 70s and 80s, many thought they were very advanced for the times. Never would they believe what they have shaped into today, with the immersive introduction of newer systems and companies. The following games can be referred to as 5 of the biggest, most impactful games of the 21st century.
Note: The following are not in any specific order
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
The prequel to the original game, Red Dead Redemption, and created by the same studio as the famous GTA (Grand Theft Auto) series, Rockstars RDR2 portrays an excellent storyline. In a similar fashion to GTA, a multiplayer mode to explore the old west along with friends. It’s Red Eye’ mechanic really adds to the experience, taking down enemies with slowed-down precision shots. The realistic-looking characters, vast and stunning landscapes and emotional first-person dialogues make you feel as if you are watching a 60 hour long movie. RDR2 is available on Xbox, Playstation and the Epic Games Store for PC players.
Hunter Trinh, a freshman at Sage Creek, has had a blast playing RDR2 in the past.
“I really enjoy using the deadeye mechanic and believe guns are used too much which is why you should switch up, using weapons like knives and rope,” Trinh said. “The graphics feel really unique along with the game’s free roam capabilities.”
Batman Arkham City (2011)
A near perfect crime fighting adventure, Batman: Arkham City’s open-world campaign has set standards for many superhero games to come such as Marvels: Spiderman and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Being able to control the caped crusader along with his unique fighting styles and many gadgets to choose from, Rocksteady’s Arkham sequel has shocked many over its uniqueness in the realm of fighting games. Batman AC is available on Playstation, Xbox, Steam and Wii U
Minecraft (2009)
A survival/sandbox experience, Mojang Studios’ Minecraft changed gaming history with its introduction of mining and building in order to survive. A brick form to nearly everything able to mine has a significance to the game, similar to lego games using lego pieces. Minecraft’s protagonist, Steve, has been commonly used in gaming-related documentaries, animations or real life events, considered by many as a gaming icon. Minecraft is available on Windows, Xbox, Playstation and Mobile (Apple or Samsung).
Freshman Harper Kaplan has enjoyed the wonders Minecraft has introduced to the gaming world.
“It’s a fun game, I think that it’s a great creative outlet for when I want to build structures for fun,” Kaplan said. “The sheer amount of building and its diversity sets it aside from all other survival games.”
Fortnite: Battle Royale (2017)
Starting off as Save the World (a zombie survival mode) in 2011, Epic Games has shaped Fortnite into a battle royale mode starting August of 2017. Fortnite had set many standards for games such as Call of Duty: World War II and Halo 5: Guardians at the time.
Introducing a 100 player Battle Royale, the first well-known Battle Pass and most importantly the ability to build whilst battling (similar to Minecraft’s building capabilities). Though now referred to as a ‘little kids game’ by many highschool and middle schoolers, what is not realized is the impact it has made on the battle royale community. Fortnite is available on the Epic Games Store, Xbox, Playstation and Mobile (Samsung only since banned on Apple).
Wii Sports (2006)
Similar to a VR experience, Wii Sports allows the player to replicate any racket, bat or ball using a Wii remote, allowing a variety of games to be played. It’s no limb ‘Mii’s’ each portray unique faces that makes certain games a comedic experience. Wii sports’ classic music along with its appealing playstyle makes it an enjoyable playing experience. Wii Sports is available on Wii and Wii U.
Freshman Ilan Lopez, has had a good time playing Wii sports during his childhood.
“It’s a great diverse game to play with both family and friends,” Lopez said. “ It was the first sports game that introduced movement-based mechanics for a Nintendo game.”
Just these 5 titles alone can demonstrate the effects that gaming has on many communities and how the mechanics have changed. This can only open many more doors of what gaming has to offer in future years.
;) ◊ Apr 13, 2022 at 8:44 am
Most of these games are good but there were way more revolutionary games:
Resident Evil 4
GTA V
Dead Space
Max Payne
KOTOR
Halo 3
Devil May Cry 3
GOW Trilogy
Mass Effect Trilogy
Portal
Left 4 Dead 2
Telltale’s The Walking Dead
etc…
(P.S. Why was fortnite on this list, there was nothing revolutionary of it.)
Chris K ◊ Apr 4, 2022 at 8:34 pm
This is true. Batman: Arkham City truly makes you feel like Batman. 10/10 IGN.
Dr Shelton ◊ Apr 1, 2022 at 9:46 am
Holden cracked at making articles hop on Fortnite this weekend
HaloFan_343 ◊ Apr 1, 2022 at 8:58 am
Where is Halo? Halo is the DEFINING FPS of the 21st century, not only did it pave the way for other FPS games (for example, Call of Duty), it was one of the greatest and most revolutionary pieces of digital technologies TO DATE! Not only was it one of the first of its kind debuting on the Xbox with “Combat Evolved” on November 15th 2001, it introduced a variety of customization later down the road. In Halo 2, the second iteration of the franchise, Major League Gaming was invented, and they debuted with their Halo 2 Pro Series, (this would set off the careers for people like Keemstar). In the third iteration of the franchise, Halo 3, a REVOLUTIONARY new mode that allowed for open SANDBOX on the console debuted, this was the FORGE mode. Forge allowed players to customize maps and create them, creating a rabbithole for various game modes to be played (for example, deathrun, Michael Myers, and so much more). Lastly, the last Bungie title, Halo Reach, introduced some of the greatest armor customization in the entire franchise, and set a standard for customization throughout the gaming industry. They incorporated various elements of customization, ranging from being able to customize your leg armor to your SHOULDER PADS. Halo as a franchise has come a long way since 2001, its been 21 years since the initial release of Halo. Two decades of entertaining gameplay that defined the gaming industry, Halo has demonstrated to be one of, if not, the most revolutionary game in the history of the industry, even going so far as to getting their own television show on Paramount + (we won’t talk about that). In the end though, Halo has come a long way, with some of the greatest story ever told and the best multiplayer gameplay by far throughout the years. Of course, 343 industries may have destroyed some of its reputation with the release of Halo 5 Guardians in 2015, it did not matter. Although this is a good list, I believe Halo should be on there as it is defining FPS of the this century, definitely way better than Red Dead 2 in my opinion.
Christian ◊ Apr 7, 2022 at 12:00 pm
sucks that everything recent is awful. Halo infinite is dead and it hasn’t even been a year.
Writer ◊ Apr 8, 2022 at 8:35 am
Wow that could be an article itself. Just for some comfort I made this article so that it was only 5 of the greatest instead of the top 5 greatest games. Definently will look into this for future refrence. Appreciate this!
Shervin ◊ Mar 31, 2022 at 11:21 am
I definitely think Dark Souls deserved to be on this list, but great article nonetheless.
Holden Kopman ◊ Apr 2, 2022 at 3:22 pm
Thanks for the feedback! I agree it has its place on the top charts.