Summary
- Rockstar has a significant impact on the gaming industry with trend-setting games and unique mechanics.
- Manhunt faced controversies but stood out for its fun gameplay and stealth-based challenges.
- Rockstar's diverse games like Smuggler's Run and Red Dead Revolver showcase their creativity and versatility.
Rockstar Games Inc., better known as simply Rockstar, is a bit of an enigma in the video game industry. On paper, they’re like any other video game publisher who has found success. However, their trend-setting influence and their reputation among gamers put them in a league of their own. Sure, there are others that are slowly building their brand (CD Projekt Red comes to mind), but Rockstar’s been around longer.
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The 2000s are home to some of the best video games ever made. For fans of Rockstar, here are the best titles the developer released during said time.
Rockstar has always pushed the envelope in terms of creativity and level design. But they’ve also pioneered game mechanics that previously didn’t exist — or if they did, they made them more mainstream. Sadly, these days, Rockstar is now mostly famous as the GTA or Red Dead Redemption studio. There was a time when their gaming output was much more frequent and diverse. Players didn’t even have to wait long to enjoy themselves in those games, as they were hooked from the get-go.
8 Manhunt
Dark For Its Time, Surprisingly Challenging, And Highly Underrated
Manhunt
- Released
- November 18, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox (Original)
Manhunt is one of Rockstar’s initial pet project video games, which put them on the map thanks to its thoroughly fun, stealth-based gameplay. The reason for Manhunt’s infamy, however, is rooted in its controversial depictions of brutality and kill animations. There are reports that a large chunk of the staff threatened to walk out because of the game. But ultimately, despite the setbacks, it still got made.
As for how the gameplay works, it’s a pretty unique setup where players control a death-row inmate who has to execute targets to earn his freedom. Players must rely on the dark spots and corners in a level to conceal their presence. Using the environment, the enemies can be distracted and killed. There are several kill animations in Manhunt, depending on the player’s input and weapon, that add so much variety to the game.
7 Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory
Experience The High Of An Addictive, Rebellious Style Of Gameplay
Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile Territory
- Released
- October 29, 2001
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2, GameCube
Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory is an adrenaline-pumping Rockstar video game that is fun from the outset. While it’s no Midnight Club, the game still grips players with its exciting, gimmicky gameplay. Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory gives a new twist to the vanilla racer formula with its off-course style of driving. There are different missions to keep things from feeling repetitive. Players will feel the intensity of tailing targets without raising suspicions or the pulse-pounding escape missions from the Border Patrol.
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Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory has a simple upgrade system for the different vehicles that conveniently streamlines things. Just like the most fun Soulslike games, the game’s learning curve won’t cause frustration either, but will motivate players to improve. The timer will keep reminding players of the deadline. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush followed by a sense of elation once a mission is cleared.
6 Red Dead Revolver
The Pre-Cursor To One Of Rockstar’s Acclaimed Gaming Staples Still Holds Up
Red Dead Revolver
- Released
- May 4, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar San Diego
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Franchise
- Red Dead
- Platform(s)
- PS2, Xbox (Original)
Rockstar proved with Red Dead Revolver that they’re not just the GTA studio. After all, Red Dead Revolver is responsible for spawning the all-time classic Red Dead Redemption and its magnificent sequel — it’s now their other mega-franchise. Red Dead Revolver is a relatively short but fun Rockstar game from beginning to end that’s playable in one sitting. The enjoyable story has a lot of heart, perfect pacing, and no filler. There’s a gravitas to the narrative structure with rock-solid gameplay to boot.
The Red Dead series’ signature ‘Dead Eye’ mechanic debuted in Red Dead Revolver, and it is spectacularly integrated. Players can engage with the NPCs during downtime, but in a limited scope — no getting lost exploring the edge of the world map here. There are moments where players will switch to different characters, adding a nice change of pace. Plus, there’s a local co-op mode which is an absolute blast with friends, similar to GTA Online.
5 L.A. Noire
Cinematic, Mature Storytelling At Its Finest With A Test Of Observation Skills
LA Noire
- Released
- May 17, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
L.A. Noire is a bit of an oddity among other excellent Rockstar games, and it doesn’t take forever to be fun. The gameplay and visual presentation blend together perfectly, as players step into the role of a junior detective, Philip Coles. The players can investigate cases and uncover the whole picture of events for every single one of them. Alternatively, players can fumble it all up and screw things for poor Philip. That’s right! L.A. Noire doesn’t end if an investigation fails, though Philip does get chewed out for it.
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The most unique part of the gameplay is the interview/interrogation mechanic. Players must use the clues found during the investigation and question suspects. Reading their facial expressions correctly will help narrow down the culprits. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it is fun as heck. The noir style and sounds add a layer of extra enjoyment and immersion.
4 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The True Flex Of Rockstar’s Vision For Open World Games
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Released
- October 26, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Franchise
- Grand Theft Auto
Both GTA Vice City and GTA: San Andrea s are revolutionary blasts from the past and fun open-world games by Rockstar, but GTA: San Andreas slightly edges out. The cultural impact of GTA: San Andreas is hard to ignore, and Rockstar set the benchmark at the time for open-world maps. In addition to the usual GTA staples like wanted meters for criminal activities and destructible vehicles, there are new things like customizing CJ’s appearance — he’s the main character. Players can also take on rival gang territories, go on dates with potential love interests, and improve CJ’s stats.
GTA: San Andreas doesn’t shy away from adult dialogue and dark humor, which is a huge part of its identity — Big Smoke’s voice and dialogue are still prime meme material. Other character dynamics also feel authentic, if overly exaggerated. The gameplay and missions might feel dated by today’s standards, but GTA: San Andreas more than holds its own.
3 Max Payne 2
Thrilling Action, A Captivating Noir Story With Fantastic Gameplay
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
- Released
- October 14, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Franchise
- Max Payne
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS2, Xbox (Original)
Max Payne 2 is a Rockstar game that is crisp, polished, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Coming from the publisher of GTA Online, it's genuinely surprising. Fans consider Max Payne 2 to be the series’s peak. That sentiment is hard to disagree with because of the story’s profound themes and utterly satisfying gameplay. “He was trying to buy more sand for his hourglass, I wasn’t selling.” Is just one of the many quotes that show the writing’s eloquence, and the top-tier dialogue delivery only enhances the immersion.
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As for the gameplay, Max Payne 2 cranks up the tension to eleven with an almost haunting ambiance, which basically adds nuances to the shootouts. The loop is simple: players have to shoot, find cover, and climb over obstacles. However, the combination of the presentation, level design, and clever surprises will grip players immediately.
2 Grand Theft Auto 5
The Game Which Catapulted Rockstar To Superstardom Among Gamers
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Franchise
- Grand Theft Auto
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Shocking, right? Grand Theft Auto 5 isn’t the top Rockstar game, but it’s darn close, especially if players want one that’s immediately fun. GTA 5 was groundbreaking for many reasons. Its release was a pain, but it was definitely worth it. With GTA 5, Rockstar once again showcased their innovative spirit and, yet again, gave the world something genre-defining. Previously, every GTA game starred only one protagonist, but with GTA 5, players got three and could switch to their perspective almost seamlessly — it was completely unheard of.
Other than that, the game also had a level of polish that made previous entries in the GTA franchise feel visually inferior. The level of immersion and depth of exploration in GTA 5 felt unreal. Then there’s GTA Online, GTA 5’s mammoth multiplayer component that’s played religiously.
1 Bully
Unquestionably, The Most Unique And Fun Game By Rockstar
Bully
- Released
- October 17, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
Bully by Rockstar is a game that has an immediate and evergreen fun factor. It’s borderline criminal that fans will likely never see a sequel. Bully takes all the trappings of the GTA game, trims the mature themes down, and basically sets it in the backdrop of a high school setting. Jimmy Hopkins, the game’s protagonist, is a rough-around-the-edges teen with a good heart who often finds himself in trouble. Especially when he stands up to his school’s bullies (hence the name of the game).
The pranks and high school shenanigans players can pull off are the highlight of Bully's game design. It is a semi-open world full of secrets and activities to explore. Jimmy can attend different classes that offer rewards and upgrades. The story is a masterclass with well-thought-out missions, and there are a lot of quirky characters with humorous personalities. In short, Bully will make players fall in love with the game from the very first moment.
Every Rockstar Studio, Ranked
Rockstar Games is known to be among the most influential studios in modern gaming. Here's every studio under the company's umbrella, ranked.