2004 was a great year for video games, with the release of some of the most popular and beloved titles of all time. From innovative new IPs to classic remakes, there was something for everyone. Here are seven of the biggest hits of 2004 that we all played in our childhood.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the sixth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series and remains a fan-favorite to this day. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, the open-world game gives players the freedom to explore, complete missions, and cause mayhem. The game was praised for its expansive map, detailed characters, and engaging storyline. It was also the first game in the series to have multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices.
2. Halo 2
Halo 2 was the highly anticipated sequel to the original Halo. It brought more of the same shooting and exploration that made the first game a success, but with improved graphics and more polished gameplay. The game’s story was also more detailed and engaging, with players taking control of the Master Chief as he battles the Covenant. The game also introduced multiplayer matchmaking and the ability to play as the Covenant, which made it even more popular.
3. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft was one of the first games to bring the MMORPG genre to the mainstream. Players take on the role of an adventurer in the fantasy world of Azeroth, completing quests, fighting monsters, and exploring dungeons. The game was praised for its detailed world and deep mechanics, and it quickly became one of the most popular online games of all time. Even today, it remains one of the most played games in the world.
4. Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen were the fourth generations of the beloved Pokemon series. The games were remakes of the original Red and Blue versions but with enhanced graphics and new features. Players explore the Kanto region, catching and training Pokemon and battling other trainers. The games were widely praised for their addictive gameplay, and they remain some of the most popular Pokemon titles to this day.
5. The Sims 2
The Sims 2 was the second installment in the popular life simulation series. The game featured improved graphics and more detailed gameplay than its predecessor, allowing players to create and customize their own Sims and build houses for them. The game also introduced new features, such as the ability to have children and the introduction of a “fears” system. The Sims 2 was a huge success and remains one of the most popular Sims titles to this day.
6. Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source was the remake of the classic Half-Life mod. It was praised for its detailed graphics and improved gameplay, and it quickly became one of the most popular online games of all time. Players can choose between two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists, and battle on a variety of maps. The game is still played today, and it remains one of the most popular first-person shooters ever made.
7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was the third installment in the Metal Gear Solid series. The game followed the story of Naked Snake, a former spy who is sent to the Soviet Union to stop a nuclear threat. The game was praised for its detailed story, intense action sequences, and memorable characters. It was also the first Metal Gear Solid game to introduce a camouflage system and the ability to take on different missions. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is still considered one of the best third-person shooters of all time.
These seven games are just a few of the timeless classics that were released in 2004. From Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to The Sims 2, these games have stood the test of time and remain some of the most popular titles to this day. Whether you’re a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, the world of Azeroth, or the stealthy gameplay of Metal Gear Solid, there’s something for everyone in the seven-hit games of 2004.
