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Explore the best third-person games from 1997 to 2006 that defined a golden era of gaming.
A Golden Era for Third-Person Games
The late 90s and early 2000s were a golden age for third-person games — a period when true masterpieces emerged, setting the foundation for the genre and delivering unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’re going to take a nostalgic trip back to the best projects from 1997 to 2006 that we played for hours, replayed over and over, and discussed endlessly with friends.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This game is one of the most iconic entries in the series. It was an adventure game featuring elements of action and puzzles, where you controlled the main hero in the fantastic world of Hyrule. The plot had the hero stopping the villain Ganondorf, saving Princess Zelda, and preventing the destruction of the world. The game is famous for its innovative use of 3D graphics and time mechanics, allowing players to travel between the hero’s childhood and adulthood.
Parasite Eve
This title blends RPG and horror, telling the story of police detective Aya Brea, who becomes embroiled in a series of strange and dangerous events in New York City. Players explored various locations and solved puzzles while trying to stop the spread of mitochondrial evolution caused by a mysterious entity named Eve.
Metal Gear Solid
A revolutionary stealth-action game that redefined the genre and became the benchmark for future titles. Players took on the role of Solid Snake, an elite special agent infiltrating a secret base to prevent a nuclear threat. The game impressed with cinematic presentation, a deep plot filled with political intrigue and psychedelic twists. Gameplay focused on stealth, tactical planning, and minimal direct combat, introducing mechanics for camouflage and enemy evasion. MGS was also known for its innovative boss fights, including the psychological duel with Psycho Mantis. Featuring advanced 3D graphics and voice acting, it became a cult classic and laid the foundation for the entire series. It wasn’t just a quest — it was an interactive blockbuster that impacted the entire gaming industry.
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
A pioneering stealth-action game by Acquire, transporting players to feudal Japan, where silence and shadows were more powerful than brute force. As ninjas Rikimaru or Ayame, players performed secret missions, eliminating enemies stealthily using traps, camouflage, and instant ambush kills. This game was among the first where stealth mechanics were not optional but the core of gameplay — noise, light, and shadows directly affected detection. The samurai conspiracy setting and atmospheric night levels created a unique mix of hardcore action and tactical planning. Tenchu also featured a dynamic rating system for “clean” completions and a soundtrack that amplified tension. This project laid the groundwork for future stealth games and remains a cult classic for the genre’s fans.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
A legendary sports video game letting players choose from many professional skaters, including Tony Hawk himself, and skate across various levels set in different cities worldwide. The goal was to perform a variety of tricks and stunts on a skateboard to earn points and claim the title of the best skater. The game stood out with excellent gameplay and smooth skater controls, allowing players to enjoy fast-paced and thrilling skate sessions. It also offered multiple game modes, including career mode, multiplayer, and creating your own skater and parks.
The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Set on the island of Vvardenfell, part of the continent Tamriel, players took on the role of a prisoner who must unravel the mystery of their fate and become the hero of Morrowind. Vvardenfell is a vast and diverse world filled with dangers, mysteries, and opportunities. Players were free to explore the open world, meet various characters, complete quests, and participate in epic battles. They could customize their specialization and develop their characters according to their preferences. This game offered limitless possibilities and endless hours of adventure in an enchanting magical world. It became a true classic of the RPG genre and remains one of the most popular and beloved games.
Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven
Set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, players assumed the role of Tommy Angelo, an ordinary taxi driver who gets drawn into the world of organized crime. He becomes part of a local mafia family and starts his rise through the criminal world hierarchy. The game’s core was a deep storyline and atmosphere immersing players in the realities of the crime world. Players could engage in various missions involving robberies and other criminal activities. Gameplay featured driving different cars, shooting guns, and using tactics to complete objectives. The game’s realistic vehicle physics stood out as a highlight.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
More than a game, this cultural phenomenon flipped the open-world concept in 2002. Even two decades later, it remains a standard for atmosphere, gameplay, and charismatic storytelling. Bright neon lights, disco beats, stylish outfits, and a fantastic soundtrack — the Miami parody Vice City lives and breathes the spirit of the era. Ray Liotta gave the character charisma, cynicism, and gangster charm. His journey from “that guy” to crime kingpin is one of the most memorable storylines in the series. For the first time in the franchise: motorcycles, helicopters, real estate purchases, car customization, and business management. Vice City laid the foundation for future games in the genre. Sure, the graphics are outdated now and camera control can be annoying, but those are small issues compared to the emotions this game delivers.
Resident Evil Zero
This installment takes place before the first Resident Evil and tells the story of two heroes — Rebecca Chambers of the STARS team and Bill Cohen, a former convict. Players could control both characters, using their unique skills and abilities. One of the game’s features was its puzzle gameplay and controlling two characters simultaneously. Players needed logic and item collection to solve puzzles and progress the story. They had to switch between characters to complete certain tasks.
Spider-Man: The Movie
Developed by Treyarch and released alongside Sam Raimi’s film, Spider-Man: The Movie (2002) was a breakthrough for superhero games. Swinging through New York City on webs was incredibly cool! Though the web physics weren’t perfect, it was the first time players truly felt like Spider-Man. The game didn’t just retell the movie’s plot — it added new villains, levels, and alternate costumes. Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, and James Franco voiced their characters, adding cinematic flair. This wasn’t just a “movie game” — it was one of the best superhero games of its time and laid the groundwork for future hits.
Silent Hill 3
The third installment of the third-person horror series, a direct competitor to Resident Evil at the time, featuring intriguing puzzles and atmospheric locations. The graphics underwent significant changes, but the gameplay remained similar to earlier series entries, focusing on three core elements: combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The story revolves around Heather, a girl confronting the world of her fears in the mysterious town of Silent Hill. The third game was solid in nearly all aspects except for controls, which were inconvenient both here and in previous games. However, this flaw was overshadowed by the game’s other charms. Silent Hill 3 appealed to critics and players alike and still stands as one of the best horror projects of the last 20 years.
Beyond Good and Evil
An exciting and unique game combining adventure action and sci-fi elements. Developed by Ubisoft, it immerses players in a fascinating world full of mysteries, intrigues, and unexpected plot twists. The story follows Jade, a young and brave journalist living on the planet Hillys. In a world engulfed by corruption and a suppressed government, the heroine joins the resistance fighting for freedom. Alongside her loyal partner Page, they embark on dangerous missions to uncover a conspiracy threatening the world. One standout feature of Beyond Good & Evil is its detailed, living world. Hillys is a dynamic planet inhabited by diverse creatures and vibrant characters, creating the feeling of a real place where every corner hides secrets and puzzles.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
This RPG by Bioware is one of the most popular Star Wars games. It offers players a deep storyline with multiple endings, allowing them to craft their own light or dark path in the Star Wars universe.
The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
An epic adventure transporting players to ancient Persia, filled with magic, puzzles, and dangers. The story is about a young prince madly in love with a beautiful princess. Their world turns upside down when an evil vizier unleashes the ancient Sands of Time, able to alter past and future. Players fight numerous enemies, overcome traps, and solve complex puzzles using the prince’s unique abilities. A highlight is the exciting platforming, where the prince runs on walls, jumps gaps, and performs incredible acrobatic tricks. This creates a sense of speed and grace, giving the game a unique style and dynamism.
The Simpsons: Hit and Run
The Simpsons didn’t have many games, especially compared to the beloved show. Excluding older projects on consoles like Dendy and Sega, one standout is Simpsons: Hit and Run, released September 16, 2003. It’s a fantastic game where players could stroll through a virtual Springfield, exploring every corner of the beloved town familiar from the TV series.
True Crime: Streets of LA
You play as Nick Kang, a former gang member who decides to become a cop to make amends and punish criminals justly. You investigate a series of crimes and expose a city-wide conspiracy. The game features an open world where you freely roam Los Angeles, patrol streets, and complete various missions. Players can drive different vehicles, shoot guns, fight hand-to-hand, and use police skills to chase and arrest suspects. True Crime: Streets of LA caters to fans of crime stories, police investigations, and dynamic combat. It offers a gripping plot, open world, and the choice to be law-abiding or go dark.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
An exciting 2003 game by Raven Software and LucasArts, part of the legendary Star Wars Jedi Knight series. You play as Jaden Korr, a student at the Jedi academy on the iconic planet. Players undertake dangerous missions across Star Wars planets like Tatooine and Coruscant. Jedi Academy immerses you in the world of the Force and adventure, contributing to the saga’s legacy. A highlight is the ability to choose your path, with actions affecting the story’s outcome. The game also features multiplayer modes including lightsaber battles and team combat.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly
This cult Japanese survival horror takes players to an abandoned village where ghosts and ancient curses come alive in a chilling atmosphere. The story follows twin sisters Mayu and Mio Amakura, who find themselves trapped in a cursed place where a ritual once took place. Unlike traditional horror games with weapons, your only tool against spirits is a mystical camera capable of capturing and banishing supernatural entities. The game builds tension slowly: every creak, whisper, and ghostly appearance quickens your heartbeat. Despite its age, the game preserves a unique style — dark Japanese folklore motifs, frighteningly realistic ghost models, and psychological atmosphere.
GTA San Andreas
By 2004, the Grand Theft Auto series had gained massive popularity, offering players new innovations in each installment that expanded open-world possibilities. San Andreas, released October 26, kicked the series’ fame up a notch. Compared to Vice City, the game world was larger, with more vehicles including bicycles, and the hero learned to swim. The game also introduced a waypoint system on the map, making navigation easier. Different license plates added realism. Gameplay changes were modest but significant — it remained the same third-person action with main story quests and numerous side missions and mini-games.
Silent Hill 4
The fourth installment of the famous psychological horror series by Team Silent and published by Konami. Unlike previous entries set mainly in the mysterious Silent Hill town, this game introduces a new setting: the main character is trapped in his unwelcoming apartment, room 302. The story begins with the protagonist waking from a nightmare to find his windows and doors mysteriously sealed. Discovering a secret passage through a hole in the wall, he enters a gloomy, desolate world facing horrors and puzzles threatening him and those beyond the wall. The game offered a unique challenge by combining traditional Silent Hill elements with an innovative first-person horror approach.
Madagascar
This fantastic game, based on the famous animated movie Madagascar, was a repeated favorite. Released May 23, 2005, it offers a ton of interesting, diverse tasks that are a pure joy to complete. The game is so engaging and atmospheric you’ll want to replay it. The plot follows the movie’s story, with players controlling main characters Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and even the famous penguins. Each character has unique skills and abilities impacting the story. The project boasts excellent graphics for its time, an unforgettable atmosphere, smooth gameplay, and great music.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
The third game in the Splinter Cell series, regarded as one of the best stealth-action games. In Chaos Theory, you play as an experienced special forces agent on a mission to prevent a global conflict caused by terrorist actions. A key feature was the unique stealth gameplay, requiring careful infiltration of enemy locations while avoiding direct confrontation. The protagonist had various skills and gadgets aiding stealth, silent takedowns, and environmental manipulation. The graphics were realistic and detailed, with locations, characters, and animations creating a true spy thriller atmosphere.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Players took the role of a demon hunter. The story precedes the first game’s events, recounting Dante’s past adventures. He must fight his powerful brother and save the world from evil forces. The game’s main feature was uncompromising, dynamic gameplay. Players could perform powerful combo attacks and use various weapons and skills to dispatch enemies with flashy style. The combat system emphasized speed and elegance, making every fight exciting and engaging. Despite its age, it remains one of the most popular and respected action games, thanks to its thrilling gameplay, stylish graphics, and epic story.
Sniper Elite
This game allowed players to take on the role of a sniper during World War II, completing various secret missions. You would infiltrate occupied territories and undertake tasks requiring precision, stealth, and strategic thinking. A key feature was a realistic sniper shooting system, managing breathing, wind strength, and gravity for every shot. Players used the environment to sneak up on enemies and eliminate them one by one. The game also allowed traps and tactics to handle larger enemy groups.
Gothic 3
Players explored a vast world, fighting monsters and enemies, gathering resources, and completing quests to progress the story. A key feature of Gothic 3 is the crafting system, letting players create their own items and weapons. There’s also a magic system allowing spell use for defense and offense. The open world design encourages free movement and exploration of diverse locations.
Dead Rising
Photojournalist Frank West finds himself trapped in a mall full of zombies, trying to survive while uncovering the epidemic’s mystery. The game was loved for its crazy action with hundreds of zombies onscreen, unusual psychopathic bosses losing their minds in disaster conditions, survivor rescue system, time limits, and the ability to use virtually any item as a weapon.
FAQ
- What defines a third-person game?
Third-person games let you see your character from an external camera viewpoint, typically from behind or over the shoulder. - Why was the late 90s to early 2000s a golden era for these games?
This period brought technological advances like 3D graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics that established the genre’s foundations. - Are these games still playable today?
Many have been re-released or remastered, and classic consoles or emulators can run original versions. - Which game had the biggest impact on the stealth genre?
Metal Gear Solid is widely regarded as a revolutionary title that set the standard for stealth gameplay. - Can these games be enjoyed by new players now?
Absolutely! Despite dated graphics or controls, their stories and gameplay remain compelling and enjoyable.
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