Are you a passionate gamer looking to play some good old classic games, or just wondering what people used to play in the early 2000s? Here are 5 PC games I had a blast playing in my teenage years between 2000 and 2011.
Juiced
Released on 23rd June 2006, PEGI 12
Juiced is one of my favorite classic racing simulation video games. It was installed on my first personal computer I bought in 2007. Juiced is completely different from the Need for Speed series. I took me awhile to get used to the gameplay but eventually I fell in love with playing the game. It allows you to live the life of a street car racer. You can bet your rivals for cash or gamble your car in a pink-slip race. You win or lose respect points depending on your driving and gambling. One of your goals is to form your own crew and dominate the established street racing scene. You can train your crew members by letting them race on your behalf. You can also organise races and invite rivals to compete against you. I played Juiced again in 2017 and loved it even more!
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Released on 30th July 2010, PEGI 16
Inspired by real-life prototypes, this game is the best tactical first person shooter I played in my teenage years. The goal is to fight against heavily armed Mexican renegades as part of a Ghost Recon squad. The game is quite different from other first person shooters I’ve played because it requires great observation skills, attention to detail and a strategic approach to fighting the enemy.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Released on 25th November 2005, PEGI 3
Most Wanted is my favourite racing game from the Need for Speed series. The goal is to win illegal street races and escape being caught by the police afterwards. The graphics are much more detailed than Underground 2. You can not only pimp your ride but also tune it up to race against any class of vehicles.
Devil May Cry 4
Released on 11th July 2008, PEGI 16
This hugely immersive game evolves in a gothic supernatural world and looks like Japanese manga. You play a teen hero with a huge sword who has to defeat colossal bosses. The gameplay and graphics are awesome. There are plenty of monsters you will need to eliminate with a combo of hits for which you are awarded a certain rating that unlocks new complex skills which you will later rely on to kill tougher enemies as the game develops.
Diablo II
Released on 29th June 2000, PEGI 16
An addictive RPG game allowing you to fight Hell’s minions as the Amazon, Sorceress, Necromancer, Paladin or Barbarian, each with unique skills and abilities. You will journey through four expansive realms, discover powerful weapons and develop your character’s unique skill set. The graphics aren’t crisp but the gameplay is great.