The most interesting games released in 2000
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Strategy
October 24, 2000
The official sequel to Command & Conquer: Red Alert, a game originally released on PCs in 1996 by the Westwood Studios company. The storyline of Red Alert 2 is a continuation of that of its predecessor, however, due to the results of the secret Soviet experiments, this time we will witness the emergence of several alternative reality scenarios. The players can once again declare themselves either for the side of the Allies or the advancing red tide of the Soviets, and it is their task to try to decide the fate of the world with the numerous new tools at their disposal. Said novelties include unique, futuristic military technologies, as well as the ability to deploy spies, who can reach even the most carefully guarded secrets of any enemy base. In total, the production features forty new single-player missions and thirty previously unavailable units and buildings. The visuals of C&C: Red Alert 2 have also been significantly upgraded to harness the full potential of newest computers and modern graphics cards.
Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
Strategy
August 25, 2000
An expansion for Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, a real time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios. The add-on introduces five new civilizations (Huns, The Maya, Aztecs, Koreans, and Spaniards), each having its own campaign based on historical events, starring numerous heroes known from history books, including Attila the Hun, El Cid, and Montezuma. The Conquerors adds a number of new battle units, including halberdiers, Korean turtle boats, or various Aztec and Mayan warriors. The new civilizations can research 26 new techs, such as caravans or herbalism, while some of the countries received unique upgrades, such as Chinese rocket artillery. Age of Empires II: The Conquerors also contains new maps for multiplayer mode, while skirmish mode received new types of games and the ability to issue orders to the AI-controlled allied countries.
Project I.G.I.
Action
December 15, 2000
A tactical FPS with strategy elements, developed by Interloop. The action takes place in the former Soviet Union, where, as a SAS officer, we have to find and capture American nuclear warheads and prevent a catastrophe similar to the one that happened in Chernobyl. The gameplay combines elements of tactical FPS and strategy game; before each mission we have to devise a detailed plan with the aim of staying undetected for as long as possible. The planning is of great importance because the game has no save feature and each, even the slightest, mistake can cost us dearly. The advantage of Project I.G.I. (which stands for “I’m Going In”) is realism, authentic depiction of SAS equipment, and the option to interact with various vehicles such as tanks, jets, or helicopters.
American McGee's Alice
Adventure
November 22, 2000
A bloody and dark adaptation of Alice's fairy tale in Wonderland, in which Alice has to deal with the evil Queen of the Dark with a whole arsenal of deadly weapons. Fun mechanics combines the typical platform exploration of large three-dimensional levels with a combat system realized as in the best shooters.
Diablo II
RPG
June 29, 2000
A sequel to one of the biggest hits by Blizzard Entertainment. The plot of Diablo II follows the events of the first installment. The victory over Diablo turned out to be merely an illusion. Having possessed the body of his conqueror, Aidan, Diablo plans to unleash his brothers – Mefisto and Baal – with the purpose of enslaving the human kind once and for all. The player’s objective is to thwart the demon’s dreadful plans. The mechanics are very similar to those featured in the first part of Diablo – the game still emphasizes dynamic hack-n-slash combat as well as skill and psycho-physical attribute development by gaining experience points. The visuals in Diablo II combine 2D and 3D elements and the soundtrack was composed by Matt Uelmen.
Deus Ex
RPG
June 22, 2000
A cyberpunk first-person perspective action RPG developed by Ion Storm, studio led by the legend of the video game industry, Warren Spector – co-creator of such cult series as Ultima and Wing Commander. Deus Ex takes place in the middle of XXI century, in a world filled with terrorism, corruption, poverty and a mysterious disease called the Gray Death. The player assumes the role of agent JC Denton and discovers that a secret organization named Majestic 12, which eventually intends to rule the world, is responsible for the deadly virus. The gameplay mechanics of the game combine FPS, stealth and RPG features. Thanks to special nanotechnological augmentations the protagonist has inhuman abilities that can be gradually improved as the game progresses. Denton can use various weapons which can be also modified. The story of the game is non-linear, and depending on the choices made by the player it might led to one of three alternative endings.
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed
Racing
February 29, 2000
Another installment in the Need for Speed franchise. As the title suggests, the game focuses around Porsche, offering eighty licensed car models belonging to the German brand. The game includes such classics as the first 356 from 1950 or 911 Turbo from 2000. The player races in locations such as crowded urban areas, winding mountain roads, or never-ending highways. When playing the Evolution Mode, the player will observe the evolution of the famous car brand over nearly half a century. Cinematics, slides shows, and statistics prepared by the creators contribute to the experience. In the Factory Driver Mode, the player becomes a member of a group of drivers in order to learn about this profession. Additionally, the game offers Quick Race and Multiplayer Mode. When driving on European roads, the player has to avoid different dangers, such as collisions, traffic, or the police. Thanks to the new engine utilized by the game, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed offers better physics and more accurately designed car models.
Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death
Strategy
March 22, 2000
The second, and this time a standalone expansion to the renowned turn-based strategy Heroes of Might and Magic III from the New World Computing studio, which was released in the spring of 1999. The storyline of the expansion titled The Shadow of Death, revolves around the character of a necromancer named Sandro, who manipulates four heroes for the sake of his own goals; he means to use them to combine two mighty artifacts and gain control over the world. Only the cooperation of the aforementioned four heroes can stop this villain from achieving his evil goals. Apart from the full content of the original version of the game, the expansion brings seven new campaigns (with the option to choose the difficulty level) and 38 scenarios, with 8 new terrain types among other features. The production also features ten new teleporters and previously unavailable artifacts, with the brand new mechanic of combining them into one “super artifact”. The Shadow of Death also brings numerous adjustments and enhancements in the area of the mechanics.
Half-Life: Counter-Strike
Action
November 23, 2000
Multiplayer modification of the cult Half-Life, prepared by the creators of the original from Valve Software studio. The game is a tactical FPP shooter, in which two teams face each other, representing terrorists and specialized anti-terrorist units. Each team has at their disposal a dedicated arsenal of weapons, which were prepared on the basis of original equipment of special forces from different countries (like Navy Seals, GSG9, GIGN or SAS).
Zeus: Master of Olympus
Strategy
October 17, 2000
Another economic strategy game by Impressions Games, known from e.g. Lords of the Realm and the Caesar series. The production is set in ancient Greece, where you play as a leader of a city, which means, you have not only to develop your domain, but also to care for its citizens and appease the gods overseeing the region. You can also expand you city by founding colonies and fighting other factions — you can send ordinary troops to battle or use heroes, who can defeat mythological creatures, loot mysterious ruins, and lead armies in the most important battles. Zeus: Master of Olympus features high-quality visuals, with detailed building models and ubiquitous citizens, going on about their daily lives.
Hitman: Codename 47
Action
November 23, 2000
A third-person action game with stealth elements, developed by Danish developer Io-Interactive. The protagonist of Hitman: Codename 47 is a mysterious assassin for hire, known only by as 47. After having escaped a research facility in Ukraine, he leaves the country and finds employment in a secret organization, called the Agency, that deals in contract killings of VIPs. As 47 travels around the world completing various assignments, he begin to realize he has been involved in a huge conspiracy that may cost him his life. Gameplay encourages a low-profile play style rather than engaging in open shootouts, and the key to success comes in the form of perfect reconnaissance and careful planning. Agent 47 can use a wide arsenal of weapons and gadgets, and disguise himself in order to remain unnoticed. You can pick your equipment before the beginning of each mission.
Tzar: The Burden of the Crown
Strategy
March 22, 2000
A real time strategy in a medieval fantasy setting developed by Haemimont Games studio. Tzar: The Burden of the Crown takes place in a land of Keanor, which is ruled by the Dark Lord and his minions after the death of king Roan. We play as the son of the latter, prince Sartor, raised by a wizard to defeat the evil and restore his kingdom to its former glory. Gameplay takes a lot from typical RTS titles, like the classic Warcraft series. We must develop our domain and add new structures, along with gathering resources and reinforcing our army before facing an enemy. The play style differs depending on which faction we play as (Europeans, Arabs or Asians) and which path we choose (The Way of Warriors, The Way of Magic, The Way of Religion or The Way of Trade and Crafts).
Final Fantasy IX
RPG
July 7, 2000
The 9th main entry in a classic jRPG series, originally released in 2000 on PlayStation console, and ported to PC ten year later. After a few games featuring slightly cyberpunkish settings, Final Fantasy IX returns to the roots of the series, where we are once again met by knights, princesses, and dragons. Players take the role of a young thief, who, together with a company of other heroes, faces the evil queen Brahna, who is responsible for the outbreak of a great war. However, as it turns out, the queen has been nothing more than a pawn in the hands of a much more dangerous enemy. In terms of game mechanics, the game is a combination of proven solutions with some limited innovations, such as a redesigned profession system or ATE mode (Active Time Event), which allows us to see what other team members are doing, give access to numerous side quests and a chance to collect various useful items.
KAO The Kangaroo (2000)
Arcade
November 23, 2000
A colorful, three-dimensional platformer inspired by classic action-adventure series such as Rayman or Croc. The players assume control of Kao, a kangaroo that has been kidnapped and taken far away from his homeland. Fortunately, he manages to find a pair of boxing gloves which he uses to free himself from captivity and embarks on a dangerous and adventure-ridden way back home. We are given fifty varied levels filled with numerous obstacles and collectibles, while some of the areas contain means of transportation that can be used to expedite our journey. From time to time, we are left to face a powerful boss that has to be defeated in a boxing match.
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
RPG
September 22, 2000
A sequel to the bestselling RPG by BioWare from 1998. The story of Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn continues the tale that began in the first part, in which the protagonist faced the god Bhaal himself and his own brother Sarevok. This time fate throws him to an unknown land named Amn, located in the southern part of Swords Coast, where he is abducted with his party by a powerful mage, Irenicus. The players are to search for Imoen – the hero’s childhood friend – and face the evil warlock. In terms of game mechanics, the title does not differ from its predecessor, offering vast, new locations to explore and lots of new quests and enemies. However, new characters’ classes appeared, along with previously unavailable skills, spells, and items. The visuals have also been visibly enhanced, displayed in 800x600 resolution an supporting 3D accelerators.
Disney's Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge
Arcade
December 1, 2000
Alladyn Zemsta Nazira is a three-dimensional platformer based on the license of a popular series of animated films. Players take on the role of Alladin, whose friends were kidnapped by the cunning Nazira. In order to save Princess Jasmina and Sultan, the protagonist must work for a witch trying to resurrect his brother, the sorcerer Jafar.
The Operative: No One Lives Forever
Action
November 9, 2000
The Operative: No One Lives Forever is an action adventure game by Monolith Productions studio developers. Players are directed by Cate Archer, an agent of the top secret intelligence agency UNITY, which is trying to expose the activities of the sinister organization H.A.R.M. The creators have planned 15 dangerous missions played on 60 boards. The game also offers the option of multiplayer fun, in which 16 people can participate.
KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child
Action
July 18, 2000
KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child is a first person shooter (FPS) in a psychedelic climate produced by Third Law Interactive studio. The action of the game was set in the hellish world of Psycho Circus, and the player takes on the role of one of the members of the KISS team and starts fighting with the servants of the title Child of the Nightmare.
Soulbringer
RPG
July 1, 2000
An RPG developed by Infogrames together with Gremlin Entertainment and published by Interplay. Soulbringer is set in a fantasy world called Rathenna which is at war with demonic forces. The player assumes the role of a young adventurer who is quickly embroiled in a dark scheme and becomes the only hope of saving the land. Soulbringer offers an interesting magic system based on playing rock-paper-scissors. The system is called Seculorum and consists of five elements — each being an effective counter for one of them and, in turn, being weak against another (e.g. water puts fire out, fire swallows air, etc.). The way these elements work forces us to specialize in one or two fields that will be mutually complementary and negate the rest. The player can also wield melee weapons and, with progress, unlock new attacks.
B-17 Flying Fortress II: The Mighty 8th
Simulation
November 24, 2000
Microprose returns with a simulator of the most famous WWII bomber, allowing us to carry out carpet raids on fascist Germany again. The authors focused on realism by creating an advanced system controlling the physics of flight. The game also has light RPG elements in the form of aircraft crew management.
Cossacks: European Wars
Strategy
November 30, 2000
A real-time strategy game by GSC Game World. Cossacks: European Wars is a title set between 16th and 18th century, when such countries as England, France, Spain, Portugal, Saxony, Prussia, Russia, Venice, Austria, Turkey, and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth were superpowers that shaped the entire Europe. The production lets us lead one of 16 playable nations, every one of them having unique traits, units, inventions, architecture, and so on. Players’ responsibilities include gathering resources, building cities, technological development, raising armies and commanding them in battles. Cossacks: European Wars offers four campaigns that consist of over a dozen missions, including 12 historical ones such as Thirty Years’ War and war for Ukrainian independence. It is also possible to cooperate or compete against other players over the Internet. The gameplay takes place on three-dimensional maps that can be randomly generated on the basis of additional settings.
Rune (2000)
Action
October 31, 2000
An action-adventure game set in a world based on Norse mythology, in the times when Vikings were conquering the cold, grim world, and the pagan religions were widespread in the north. You play as a young warrior named Ragnar, who has to defeat mythical monsters and discover the source of evil that has been destroying his people. The game, which utilizes the Unreal Tournament graphic engine, features a mysterious world of the Vikings consisting of 25 levels. To succeed in combat, you need to react to the monsters' behavior — you have to hit and parry in the right moment, otherwise you may risk getting struck dead. You can also gather special health points, weapons, and other items. There is also an online multiplayer mode, which allows you to fight other players on a special arena.
Icewind Dale
RPG
June 29, 2000
Isometric cRPG game based on the principles of the second edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons system. The action takes place in the Valley of the Ice Wind, located in the far north of the world of Forgotten Realms. We control a team of daredevils who have to face the ancient evil. The fights take place in real time.
Pharaoh Expansion: Cleopatra - Queen of the Nile
Strategy
July 28, 2000
An official expansion for the Pharaoh game, a cult economic strategy by Impressions Games and Sierra Entertainment, once again set in the ancient Egypt. This time, as the title Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile implies, the expansion takes place in a slightly later period, during the rule of Queen Cleopatra, the most famous woman in the history of Egypt. Your task is to fight back the Romans, developing great cities, and building historical monuments, such as the Library of Alexandria or the Pharos of Alexandria. The expansion features 14 new historical scenarios (e.g. fighting side-by-side with Marcus Antonius against Octavian) and introduces new branches of the industry, buildings, and inventions. You also have to face rival nations, such as Persians, Macedonians, and Romans, as well as ordinary thieves. Another novelty introduced in the expansion are natural disasters in the form of hailstorms and locust.
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun - Firestorm
Strategy
March 7, 2000
An expansion pack for Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, and RTS developed by Westwood Studios. The add-on is set after the events presented in the original game – the Brotherhood of Nod seeks to regain its former strength by resurrecting CABAL, a highly-advanced artificial intelligence. However, the AI chooses to ally with the GDI forces, and after creating a powerful army of cyborgs, it unexpectedly proclaims war on both factions. GDI and the Nod Brotherhood must join forces to face this new threat. Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun Firestorm includes eighteen new scenarios and several additional types of units (such as self-propelled EMPs, Juggernaut mechs or mobile cloaking devices). To complement all this, there are new arenas designed for multiplayer gameplay. The add-on does not make any changes to the graphics, but for the purpose of narrative developers prepared a set of new cut-scenes that feature real actors.