2024 has just given way to the new year of 2025. Aside from 2025 bringing a new year for a host of anticipated new games such as Doom: The Dark Ages and the much awaited Grand Theft Auto VI, a number of video games turn 20 years old this year. While some of these games I’ve played in later years (including any remasters/remakes), others I’ve never played before. Featuring both popular and not-so popular titles, here’s my sample of five video games turning 20 years old this year.
God of War (PlayStation 2) – March 22, 2005
While the gaming world since 2018 knew Kratos as an older man (or demigod) spending life with his son Atreus in Norse mythology, his origins go deeper. Released as a PlayStation 2 exclusive, God of War jumpstarted the entire franchise in ancient Greece. This saga was a time when Kratos once served the Greek God of War Ares… thereafter Kratos became known as “the God Killer” and the “Ghost of Sparta”… He also had a wife and child before Atreus. The original God of War cemented Kratos as a new PlayStation gaming icon, spawning an entire trilogy through to the PlayStation 3 as well as a prequel, mobile game, and some spinoffs on PSP. The series’ 20th anniversary is a testament to the popularity of Kratos and his mythical adventures.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith – May 05, 2005
Revenge of the Sith was the biggest Star Wars event of 2005, as the ultimate installment closing out the prequels was released on May 19. While LucasArts released several movie tie-in games, the now defunct studio The Collective released their game adaptation ahead of the movie. Aside from Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS ports, the main console versions on PS2 and Xbox swapped players between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as the events of the movie were recreated. Fans who grew up with this game may also remember a Dark Side ending exploring a “what-if” scenario of Anakin defeating his Jedi Master on Mustafar, as well as extra game modes like a versus mode introducing additional playable characters. If you still have a PS3 laying around, I’d suggest picking up the PS2 Classics re-release from the PlayStation Store to relive Anakin’s downfall.
Madagascar: The Video Game – May 24, 2005
How about yet another game that takes gamers back to when video games based on major movie releases used to be very common? This platformer basically retreads the events of the DreamWorks movie when its star animals from NYC’s Central Park Zoo end up washed ashore on the African island of Madagascar. Unlike the 2005 Star Wars game above, Madagascar’s game adaptation isn’t remembered as fondly as the movie. On the upside, this tie-in game was developed by Toys For Bob, years before the studio became known for the Skylanders franchise, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, and Crash Team Rumble. If you have the opportunity and the console and game at your disposal, don’t let this one escape you!
Shadow of the Colossus – October 18, 2005
This PS2 gem is the gaming personification of “it’s us vs the world”, except it’s you and your steed vs 16 colossi. A game about finding and vanquishing giants in order to revive a sacrificed girl became renown for its minimalist storytelling, often cited as an example in the debate over video games as an art form. This Team Ico classic lives on as a 2018 PS4 remake and a cameo in Astro Bot and Astro’s Playroom. Even way back in 2007, Shadow of the Colossus was featured in the movie Reign Over Me starring Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler, when the latter actor’s character repeatedly played the game in order to cope with the loss of his family members after the September 11 attacks.
Call of Duty 2: Big Red One – November 1, 2005
Although the main Call of Duty 2 on PC and the then new Xbox 360 may be remembered more, it nevertheless was accompanied by a spinoff/expansion game on sixth gen consoles. COD 2: Big Red One follows the adventures of the titular First Infantry Division following the USA’s entry into WWII, witnessing battles from Africa to Europe. The Military Channel also feature an in-game appearance in select cutscenes. Much like COD Finest Hour, this title is yet another staple of WWII First Person Shooters… before the modern and futuristic/near-future settings of many popular FPS games today.
What other games released in 2005 have we missed from our list? Let us know in the comments and on our social media!
