Top 100 Games of the Noughties: 20-11

Our countdown to the greatest game of the decade.

What a decade it's been for gaming. The Noughties saw the release of no less than six new consoles, the rise of Microsoft as a serious industry player and the re-emergence of Nintendo as the dominant force. Yeah, it's been an incredible ten years of gaming goodness. But what lights have shined the brightest? What video games are destined to join the pantheon of the immortals? Here, in the ninth part of VideoGamer.com's mammoth Top 100 Games of the Noughties list, we tell you, counting down from 20 to 11. Like the best rollercoasters, there are peaks and troughs, nerve-shredding twists and turns, and a bit where you're really high up and wish you'd never got on the bloody thing in the first place. But hold on tight, weary video gamer, because by the time this ride ends, you'll know just how good the Noughties have been.

Games 30-21
Games 40-31
Games 50-41
Games 60-51
Games 70-61
Games 80-71
Games 90-81
Games 100-91

20. God of War 2 - PS2, 2007

At a time when the Xbox 360 and PS3 generation was upon us, God of War 2 reminded gamers that there was still life in the PS2. In the run up to its release there was some discontent over the fact the game hadn't been pushed onto the new, exciting PS3, but we needn't have worried. God of War 2 was one of the best games of 2007, blowing away much of the next-gen competition, not just in terms of gameplay, but with its stunning presentation and relentless action. There's an argument that God of War as a series is simplistic compared to the likes of Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden, but that largely misses the point. You don't have to be a master of every combo to enjoy God of War. You just need to enjoy pulling a cyclops' eye out.

19. Left 4 Dead 2 - Xbox 360, PC, 2009

The original Left 4 Dead was something of a pioneer, giving the whole survival horror genre a badly-needed shot in the arm with its frantic, four-player onslaughts. However, this year's sequel takes the formula further, with Valve confidently building upon the established kill-or-die structure to create a fuller, more rounded experience. The aim of the game remains the same - escape the zombie masses while helping or hindering your three chums - but this time there are melee weapons, a more diverse selection of guns, and three new Special Infected to keep you on your toes. More significantly, the level design is sharper and more inventive - forcing survivors into a Witch-infested sugar mill, through a blinding storm, and even up the curves of a rickety rollercoaster. This is a sequel that totally outshines its forebear, offering one of the best co-op experiences that money can buy.