Gamesblog's Top 50 Games of the Noughties - 50-31

So here we go then. This is the day one of our Gamesblog Top 50 Games of the Noughties countdown. Today we're listing 50 to 31. Remember this is a games of the decade list so even getting in the top 50 is an achievement. Having said that I expected Halo 3 to do a little better. And LittleBigPlanet too. I should have argued louder about the latter but I was saving my effort for higher up the list. Plus, of course, the titles and where they got placed are heavily based on your votes. Anyway, on with the show..

50 - Call of Duty (2003, PC) – the original in the series that eventually morphed into the Modern Warfare juggernaut. Best remembered, by me anyway, for the excellent Stalingrad level and the general feeling of chaos throughout. The visceral combat and panic-inducing battles set the tone for the rest of the series.

49 - Timesplitters 2 (2002, PS2, GC, Xbox) – A first person shooter from the days when space marines and grey urban decay were not the only design choice. The time travel setting was one thing but it was the split screen multiplayer – this was back in the pre-broadband days
remember - that really made Timesplittters 2 shine.

48 - Team Fortress 2 (2008, PC, Xbox 360, PS3) – Inventive character classes and masterful level design are the highlights of this online shooter. The lively art design helps too.

47 - Metal Gear Solid 2 (2001, PS2) – was this really 2001? I actually thought it was older. My initial impressions of MGS2 at the time were disappointing. After the sublime Metal Gear Solid on PS1 the sequel felt too bloated and reliant on cut-scenes. But once things got going
the sneaky action took over. It also looked *astonishing* for the time too.

46 - Gran Turismo 3 (2001, PS2) – The petrolheads gaming series of choice, Gran Turismo has always felt rather unwelcoming to me. Possibly because I have no interest in tinkering with engines, virtual or otherwise. But more likely because my memories of this game consist of spending around five hours of strenuous racing one afternoon only to earn enough virtual cash to buy the equivalent of a Fiat Punto. I gave up but millions didn't.

45 - Final Fantasy XII (2006, PS2) – Gran Turismo may be unwelcoming but it is a Wii party game compared to the Final Fantasy series. Number XII was even more impenetrable to newcomers but for many fans this was the best since the iconic – and still very playable – FF VII.

44 – Bejeweled (2001, everything) – The classic match-3 game was originally a browser game but soon spawned a genre that is still going strong today. Just check out new releases on the iPhone or genre-mixers like Puzzle Quest for proof. Tweaks have been made but essentially Bejeweled (and its sequels) are the Tetris of the noughties.

43 - Zelda Twilight Princess (2006, GC, Wii) – Hands up who was ever so slightly disappointed by this? I stuck with it and got sucked in by the classic Zelda action at the time but in hindsight it was Ocarina nostalgia that kept me hyped. Judging by recent releases on the DS this may be the last we see of the more "mature" art style in the series. A great game yes, but not a Zelda classic.

42 – LittleBigPlanet (2008, PS3) – Along with Uncharted 2 this is my favourite game for the PS3. Yes the controls are floaty and yes it can take far too long to create a decent level but honestly, just look at it.

41 - Halo 3 (2007, Xbox 360) – Derivative design, nonsensical script – say what you like about Halo 3 but when it comes to FPS multiplayer this is – Modern Warfare aside – as good as it gets on a console. The online innovations – such as the Forge - are worthy of mention too.

40 - Rock Band (2007, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii) – The music game that isn't Guitar Hero. Rock Band is all about the instruments. Get the drums, guitars and microphone and you have the perfect party game. Assuming your front room is big enough of course.

39 - Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2003, PS2, Xbox, GC) – An excellent reboot of the PoP series, Sands of Time was simply an excellent platform adventure. The jumping and leaping felt satisfying but the real winner was the time control mechanic. Only the repetitive combat let things down but this is still worth checking out today.

38 - Medieval Total War (2002, PC) – Superceded by the sequels for sure but this was the first in the excellent series of historical
strategy games. Medieval Total War is best remembered for the battle scenes. Shame my PC at the time could barely cope.

37 - God of War (2005, PS2) – Released when most gamers were looking forward to Xbox 360, God of War was a visceral treat on the PS2. The Greek mythology setting helped but God of War was all about hacking and slashing enemies in an ever more exhilarating manner.

36 – Okami (2007, PS2, Wii) – A beautiful adventure in the Zelda mould, Okami is probably best played on the Wii. Here the "celestial brush" mechanic that is integral to the game is best controlled. By "drawing" with this the player creates numerous beneficial game effects. A must play.

35 - Metal Gear Solid 3 (2004, PS2) – More stealth, more cut-scenes – yes Metal Gear Solid is back for its second appearance in this chart. Actually MGS3 was tighter than its predecessor with a tighter plot and less fluff. Still one for the fans only.

34 - Gears of War (2006, Xbox 360, PC) – A bold brash statement on the Xbox 360, Gears of War was, along with Halo 3, the signature game for the Xbox 360 before Microsoft decided to broaden the appeal of their console. Personally I think the series is hollow, heartless and way overrated. The co-op is better than most, mind.

33 - Wii Sports (2006, Wii) - Oh come on. Does this really need any introduction? Included with the Wii console, Wii Sports is the main reason that most people bought one in the first place. Still the best example yet of the Wii's inclusive gaming potential even if the novelty does wear off.

32 - Mario Kart Wii (2008, Wii) - For a more challenging Wii experience than Sports, Mario Kart hits the spot. The wheel accessory is hit and miss but this is one of the few titles that gamers and non-gamers can play together and still enjoy.

31 – Advance Wars (2001, Game Boy Advance) – This splendid game was stuck in my GBA for about 2 years. The turn-based combat/strategy was nigh-on perfect, allowing a large amount of freedom in how to win the maps. Still hugely enjoyable today.

There we go then. What do you think? Surprised at the ranking of some games?

Tomorrow: The Gamesblog Top 50 Games of the Noughties - 30-11