Metacritic has released a list of the 20 highest-rated original video games of the 21st century. The rankings do not include sequels, spin-offs, remakes, or games based on pre-existing franchises.

First place went to Perfect Dark (N64, 2000) with a rating of 97/100.This is a first-person shooter where players take on the role of secret service agent Joanna Dark, completing various missions.

In second place is Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001) with a rating of 97/100. This is a shooter game created by Bungie studio, which tells the story of humanity's struggle against the Covenant, an alliance of alien races.

The third position was taken by BioShock (X360, 2007) with a rating of 96/100. This is a first-person shooter game that takes place in an underwater city called Rapture.

Fourth place went to Elden Ring (PS5, 2022) with a rating of 96/100. This is an action RPG developed by the FromSoftware studio, created by the writer George RR. In collaboration with Martin.

Platformer LittleBigPlanet (PS3, 2008) ranks fifth with a rating of 95/100 It provides players with a huge set of tools to create their own levels.

The following games were also included in the rating table:

  • The Last of Us (PS3, 2013),
  • Red Dead Redemption (X360, 2010),
  • Devil May Cry (PS2, 2001),
  • Gears of War (X360, 2006),
  • Jet Set Radio (Dreamcast, 2000),
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, 2024),
  • God of War (PS2, 2005),
  • Company of Heroes (PC, 2006),
  • Dwarf Fortress (PC, 2006),
  • Braid (X360, 2008),
  • SSX (PS2, 2000),
  • Minecraft (PC, 2011),
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox, 2002),
  • Okami (PS2, 2006)
  • Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast, 2000).