Can you believe 20 years have passed since 2005? Me, meither. The days of ice-cold SoBe, Weezer’s “Beverly Hills,” MTV’s Room Raiders, and a gallon of gas for a little over $2. Next on the list of reasons I yearn for the mid-2000s? The blockbuster video game releases, most of them instant classics. The calendar was jam-packed with big-time game drops and their respective midnight releases. It’s hard to narrow it down, but these 10 games were the year’s top dogs. No matter your preference — first-person shooter, racing, RPG — the shelves of your local EB Games had something special for you. Grab a Vault from the fridge and get cozy as we revisit our favorite now-iconic hits from 2005.
Oh, wait, can you grab me a Vault, too?
Battlefield 2
The DICE devs behind Battlefield 1942 were already batting a thousand, but they outdid themselves with Battlefield 2. The third game in the franchise revolutionized online multiplayer gaming as we know it. Players could assume one of various new tactical roles according to their playstyles, effectively communicate via headset, get lost deep in visually impressive maps, and immerse themselves in the game’s exceptional audio. At the time, Battlefield 2‘s gussied-up gameplay experience was a novel one. The game was a commercial and critical success, with an aggregated Metacritic score of 91.
Battlefield 2 celebrated its 20th birthday on June 21, 2025.
Star Wars: Battlefront II
The mid-aughts were a special time for shooters, and Battlefront II was no exception. The cooperative, realistic shooter had a slick single-player campaign, but its multiplayer mode, which incentivized a more tactical, teamwork-heavy approach, made fans of the Star Wars franchise feel closer to the action than ever. Battlefront II implemented familiar battle sounds (insert that iconic TIE fighter roar) and fan-favorite foes like the monstrous and imposing AT-AT. Star Wars Battlefront II nabbed a Metacritic score of 83.
Animal Crossing: Wild World
At times, the Nintendo DS and its ultra-successful games seem to take a backseat to other seventh-gen systems and software. Still, fans of the dual-screen handheld remember Wild World fondly. From start to finish, Animal Crossing‘s 2005 installment was bursting with ambient muzak, chill and charming villagers, customizable living quarters, an explorable map, and continued reasons to return to your tiny town.
Whether you admit it or not, every Animal Crossing player has one Villager that plucks their heartstrings just right. Which of your neighbors’ unexpected quests, unusual nicknames, or curious conversations still stick with you?
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Yakuza
Look at Kiryu-chan in all his PlayStation 2-era polygonal glory. The now-lengthy library of Yakuza games got its first installment back in 2005, and while it’s now sold in the United States as Yakuza Kiwami, you’re still exploring the same, sometimes seedy streets of Kamurocho we’ve grown to love. Grab a quick bowl of ramen, pick up a Staminan Royale, meet peculiar passers-by, and steer clear of the omnipresent, eyepatch-donning Goro Majima. I think I saw that trash can rattle…
Nintendogs
You thought your Tamagotchi was needy? In everyone’s mom’s favorite video game, Nintendogs, players adopt a pup of their choice (I went with the Shiba Inu myself) and take on all the responsibilities associated with being a pet parent. Take your furry friend on long walks, arrange playdates, go on quick pet store runs, and even enter competitive dog shows, all while making sure you properly bond with your new friend.
Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4 was among the year’s best-selling releases. Robust missions, gratifying races, improved physics, clean controls — GT4 was the blueprint. Players could take advantage of the game’s slick visuals by using Photo Mode, a feature seldom seen at the time. The game was such a hit that, in true 2005 fashion, it was featured on an episode of the popular British car-centered show Top Gear. Slap an “I am the Stig” sticker on the back of your ride, and you’ve got yourself a time capsule on wheels.
Forza Motorsport
We first took a spin in Forza Motorsport about two decades ago, but thanks to the 2005 title’s overwhelmingly positive commercial and critical reception, it was far from the last time. In the 20 years since Motorsport landed on seventh-gen consoles, racers have enjoyed eight Motorsport entries, five Horizon games, and mobile game offshoots Forza Customs and Forza Street. It wasn’t a hit for no good reason; Motorsport‘s realistic visuals and detailed customization options made other racing sims look like soapbox derbies.
God of War
God of War wedded compelling action-packed gameplay with a moving cinematic storyline based on Greek mythology. Fans met Kratos for the first time, and since his introduction on March 22, 2005, the titanic protagonist has become emblematic of the action-adventure franchise and, frankly, the Sony PlayStation brand. Cool combat? Check. Captivating storytelling? Yep. Unique weaponry? Naturally. Heart-wrenching nostalgia? Most definitely.
Guitar Hero
If you stepped foot into any shopping mall, electronics store, arcade, or house party between 2005 and 2009, then I’m certain you remember that unwieldy plastic guitar. Guitar Hero, released in the States on Nov. 7, 2005, was a staple at every gathering. The game’s endless replayability, engaging multiplayer experience, comprehensive song catalog, and eye-watering difficulty kept Guitar Hero at the top of many Americans’ “favorite games” list, and its popularity led to myriad spin-offs and sequels.
Burnout Revenge
Even two decades later, the action-packed Burnout Revenge is still a rip-roarin’ good time. Revenge is the fourth installment in the Burnout franchise, but arguably the most recognizable, even just by name alone. This high-octane arcade racing game is for all player types. Casual? This is a perfect fit. Competitive? You’ll love it, too. Chaotic? You already know. Thanks to its detailed track designs, a killer soundtrack, intense crashes, and pulse-pounding multiplayer matches, Burnout Revenge is still a star in 2025.
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