For the world of video games, 2005 was truly a sensational year. As a result, 2025 has a lot to live up to if it promises to bring us groundbreaking new titles. There is significant hope that publishers can deliver on that promise. After all, looking back at previous years, things haven’t been very promising. Nevertheless, the titles released 20 years ago ultimately changed and shaped the gaming world as we know it today. Back in 2005—two decades ago—some of the most iconic games of all time were just hitting store shelves.
Let’s have a look at just 7 games of 2005 that are rivaling against the hopes of 2025:
1. God of War
Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War marked the beginning of a brilliant franchise loosely inspired by Greek mythology. It is “loosely inspired” because Kratos, the protagonist, rampages across Olympus, attempting to kill all the Greek gods. Vengeance served as the central theme of this title, acting as a constant motif throughout its truly epic battle sequences. Although Kratos was often a morally ambiguous protagonist, the game itself was a remarkable experience for players. Consequently, the God of War franchise has continued to thrive over the years.
2. GTA: San Andreas
Although initially released in 2004 in America, it was released in Europe in 2005. Since then, GTA has grown in popularity. As evidenced by GTA 6 winning the Most Anticipated Game award in The Game Awards 2025. GTA: San Andreas marked the fifth installment into the franchise, following 2002’s Vice City. This action-adventure game has become a staple game in the series over the years. Many of its iconic lines and missions continue to infect ears today, solidifying its status in many people’s minds.
All Rockstar had to do was follow the damn train!
3. Shadow of the Colossus
Developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Shadow of the Colossus is a wonderfully original experience. If it is being compared to other action-adventure games released in 2005. Taking place in a fantasy setting, players traverse through idyllic landscapes in search of sixteen colossi. It is up to the protagonist to destroy these colossi in the hope of bringing about Mono’s resurrection. A truly iconic and memorable title from 2005.
4. Psychonauts
Set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1980s, Psychonauts creates some truly epic gameplay experiences with fun and cartoonish visuals. Following the path of Razpution – Raz for short – players must explore the strange and unusual minds of various characters. Raz must help them overcome their fears or haunting memories. With a unique story, Psychonauts is an incredibly fun game. It is no wonder that it got a sequel in 2021.
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5. Resident Evil 4
This survival horror title has recently come back into the attention of gamers as its remake has done remarkably well at re-creating the original on newer consoles. Published by Capcom, Resident Evil 4 introduced Leon Kennedy in a new setting having to rescue the President’s daughter from a mysterious and strange town. Resident Evil 4 creates some of the most tense and gripping fight sequences that differ dramatically from the previous titles, finally breaking free from the fixed camera controls. Instead, this title features a dynamic camera system and action-oriented gameplay. When people look back on 2005, this is one of the games that is remembered the most fondly.
6. Mario Kart DS
Although not the first Mario Kart title by Nintendo, it was certainly an iconic title for their handheld console the Nintendo DS. This kart racing title introduced new tracks and new characters. With challenging gameplay elements and intriguing track layouts and design, Mario Kart DS has become many gamers first instance of Mario Kart.
7. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Released as a sequel to the original Animal Crossing on the GameCube, Animal Crossing: Wild World was released for the handheld console the Nintendo DS. AS with the previous title, Wild World focuses on players arriving in a village populated by anthropomorphic animals where players are encouraged to complete tasks and form relationships with their villagers. The game was synced to the console’s clock, and only certain things could occur in-game that were related to the calendar on the console. Wild World became the ninth best-selling Animal Crossing title as of March 2016.
