2004 (MGS 3: Snake Eater, Half-Life 2 and World of Warcraft are released) WIP
Cave Story (PC, 2004/WiiWare, 2009/PC, 2017 (Cave Story+))
Other: Hub areas, NPCs
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GC, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D FPS
Perspective: FP view
Parallel worlds mechanic
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA, 2004)(Metroid Remake)
Subgenre: Added stealth segment
Other: Escape sequences
Save points
Map system
Various control improvements
New bosses
Objective markers (can be removed via a hack)
Unlockables (Hard Mode, Sound Test, Original NES Metroid, Metroid Fusion Gallery - a gallery of Metroid Fusion ending images)
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Shaman King: Master of Spirits (GBA, 2004)
Subgenre: Igavania-ish (soul system variation (AoS) which lets you combine more of them at once, back- and forward dashing, no exp point leveling - hp and mp upgrade items)
Other: Hub map (still have to traverse the distances shown on the map in-game to get to sub areas - even after completing a route you have to backtrack through it)
Save on the map screen
No area maps
Late game teleporter soul
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D ARPG/WRPG (dialogue trees, choose your clan/sect (affects story and quests) - can also go your own way, manual skill point distribution)
Perspective: TP view/FP view hybrid (FP ranged combat)
Movement Mechanics: Some platforming
Maps at bus stops only?
Some ability gating (stealth and computer hacking allow for different paths, your race affects NPC reactions, spells/disciplines: celerity - super speed, dementation can unlock more dialogue options for Malkavians, dominate - persuade or kill people mentally (unlocks dialogue options, works well on humans but not vampires), obfuscate/invisibility - can perform stealth kills and hack during it at a high enough level, werewolf form - scares NPCs, )
Fast travel via subway map?
Can stand on a frozen enemy to reach higher - sequence break?
Can get an apartment and add furniture to it
Seduction mechanics
No loot or exp points from killing regular enemies
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Spider-Man 2 (Multi, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D Action Adventure/Beat 'em up
Perspective: TP view
Other: Hub area w/ shops and quest giving NPCs as well as scripted events (random?), Some chase and on foot race segments
Linear main path (chapters) but can do missions within a chapter in any order
Some movement upgrades that you can buy (swinging speed, Wall Sprint Duration, Web Zip - like a hookshot, SlingShot Jump?, )
Mini-map
Various combat move upgrades
Sly 2: Band of Thieves (PS2, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D Action Platformer/Stealth (Robbery theme)
Perspective: TP View
Other: Hub areas w/ Sandbox-style levels (that you can do in any order?), Shops, Some chase segments, Mini-games
3 playable chars (switch between missions)
Gain movement abilities and tools (climbing poles, sliding along narrow ledges, parkouring, paraglider, hover pack; tools are ammo-based)
No mini-maps (also can't see where you've been on the maps?)
No lives system (checkpoints)
Recon missions (take a photo of the villain and points of interest)
Some minor sequence breaking (train level)
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror (GBA, 2004)
Subgenre: 2D Platformer, Similar to Great Cave Offensive in Kirby Super Star (optional exploration for chests - what matters is beating the bosses)
Other: Hub world w/ branching paths and branching paths within levels, 3 CPU allies (can call them up when needed to make them join you)/4-player Co-op (can split up), A lot of paths lead to mini-games that send you back to an area's hub afterwards
Don't gain any permanent abilities?
Mostly non-linear structure after the first boss
Can find level maps
Mostly mundane chest items (music tracks, color change, health)
Some new temporary abilities
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Outliers:
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA, 2004)
2D ARPG/AA
TD/Bird's Eye view
Roc's Cape (jumping and gliding, gained in the fifth dungeon)
Save anywhere?
Map feature but no mini-map
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GC, 2004) - 4-player co-op (requires one GBA per additional player..., when you split up by moving indoors you see gameplay on your GBA instead), Level-based and linear (level/area select map screen), Party-based with formations in SP, Platforming via Roc's Feathers (can also be upgraded for a double jump), Collectathon element (2k force gems to power up the sword and open the exit - some are worth 300)
Keys are carried like pots or rocks here
One player can only carry one weapon at a time
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana (PS2, 2004) - 3D-ish JRPG/AA (2D chars, 2D isometric area exploration, TD/Bird's eye view overworld/world map exploration), Platforming during exploration (TB battles), Crafting
Gain movement abilities (transformations, flight)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (GC, 2004) - 2.5D JRPG/ARPG Hybrid w/ Platforming (see the prequel), Many optional fetch quests, Mostly linear structure (maze dungeons)?
Gain new partners some of which let you reach new areas (can have only one active member which follows you around but can switch on the fly, yoshi kid lets you fly over pits, madame flurrie can reveal some hidden pipes by blowing away obstacles, bomb partner)
Paper transformations which let you reach new areas (airplane, flat profile, rolling paper tube)
No mini-maps
Some badges help outside of battle? ()
Can buy hints from a fortune teller
Battle audience mechanic
Random shop restocking mechanic
Blood Will Tell (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Hack 'n Slash w/ RPG elements (weapons level up, stat upgrades), TP view w/ automatic camera (right stick goes into FP mode which isn't useful), CPU ally which you can give orders to and switch to - She's good for puzzle and platforming segments; Linear structure w/ maze levels/areas but can backtrack for optional bosses (often requires puzzle solving)
Gain a weapon that can be used to create platforms similar to Quackshot
Area maps and semi-transparent mini-maps
No fast travel system
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure (PC, 2004/PSP, 2007) - 3D ARPG w/ Platforming, TP view, Rhythm element to combat (for critical hits), Block puzzles
No ability gating?
Mini-maps
Two endings
Super Mario 64 DS (NDS, 2004) - 3D, TP view, See Mario 64
Temporary balloon form (NDS only) - temporary flight, temporary giant form (NDS only) - smash rolling boulders and invulnerability)
Basic map feature on NDS (vague top down view, rotates based on the camera, shows the current star's location)
New playable chars in the DS version which sometimes leads to alternate ways of getting to stars
Getting 100% on DS and going to the castle roof lets you find a green rabbit which gives you another key to the drawer of the Princess's rec room (mini-games)) and you can get a wing cap in the courtyard area
X-Men Legends (Multi, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Beat 'em up, TD view, Linear and level-based (you sometimes revisit previous levels), Party-based (select 4 from a larger roster to create a team, switch on the fly, can switch chars in and out of the team at save points), Escort and destructathon segments
Some ability gating (create bridges, flight)
Semi-transparent mini-map
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (Multi, 2004) - See the prequel, More hack 'n slash focused (many combos, dual wielding option, can pick up and use enemy weapons, more bosses), Some chase segments (get chased by the main villain), Somewhat less linear (hub area and backtracking to previous areas (usually in different time periods?) - these change in some ways when you do, hidden challenge areas for HP upgrades), No escorting here
Can gain haste+slowed down surroundings abilities based on power tank collection but you don't gain new moves over the course of the game (start with more moves instead)
Save points don't give clues to the next puzzle here
Healing points (fountains)
Draining life in the end game
No mini-map - no maps at all?
Jak 3 (PS2, 2004) - 3D TPS/Action Platformer, See the prequel, Desert hub area (larger and more barren than the city, some enemies), More vehicle segments
Some new temporary movement abilities?
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (PS2/PC/XB, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TP view, Linear, Switch between 3 chars on the fly (party-based, the other two are CPU controlled like in SoM)
Ability gating in that only 1 char can jump
Second Sight (Multi, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D AA/Stealth Action/TPS Hybrid, TP view (FP aiming mode)+automatic camera toggle, Level-based w/ some open ended levels?, Minor platforming
Gain some exploration/traversal focused psychic powers over the course of the game (projection - go through laser traps as a ghost of sorts and possess enemies after it's upgraded, charm/partial invisibility, psionic blast? - basically force push) - start with telekinesis which lets you move/throw enemies and objects around+interact with stuff from afar
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege (PS2, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D Hack 'n Slash w/ some AA elements (time travel puzzles, upgradeable equipment), TP view w/ automatic camera, Linear?, 2 playable chars, Non-tank controls
Swing to normally unaccessible areas using Oni Fireflys as Jacque - no other ability gating?
Item drop magnet
Thief: Deadly Shadows (PC/XB, 2004) - See the prequel, TP view/FP view hybrid (switch at will), City hub area w/ shops (missions tend to be split up between two areas), Linear?, Can't swim or use rope arrows here
Ability gating?
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II (PS2/XB, 2004) - See the prequel, TD view, 2-player Co-op, 5 chars/classes, Can choose which order to do some levels in, Some platforming
No ability gating?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2, 2004/PC/XB, 2005) - 3D Open World AA, Various vehicles
No ability gating?
A.I.M. (Artificial Intelligence Machine)(PC, 2004)? - 3D ARPG, Flight/hover-based (robot avatar), FP view, Open world?, Factions?, Weather changing NPCs?
Ability gating?
Map feature
Ninja Gaiden (XB, 2004/PS3, 2007) - 3D Hack 'n Slash/Action Platformer w/ RPG elements (upgrades, shops), TP view w/ FP aiming mode, Hub area (Level-based and linear)
No ability gating?
Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar Byuu to Deru! Megane-Kun (GBA, 2004) - Linear 2D Action Platformer/Misc action (some long maze levels, some levels are timed, beat 'em up and sokoban-like segments), TD/Side view hybrid, Shops w/ temporary upgrades, Hidden bonus levels, One Shoot 'em up level
Mini Review
Breakdown (XB, 2004) - 3D FPS/FP Beat 'em up/AA/Survival, CPU ally, Linear structure but interconnected world?
Minor ability gating (gas mask)
Starts with you vomiting in the intro scene for some reason
Have to lean down to pick up items
Tales of Rebirth (PS2, 2004)(Untranslated) - 2.5D ARPG/JRPG Hybrid (isometric exploration/side view battles w/ 3 rows, manually upgrade your gear, 3D overworld/world map exploration in TP view), Very minor platforming during exploration (no jump button outside of battle?)?, Puzzles, Cooking?
Minor ability gating (melt ice blocks w/ a spell, more?)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow (Multi, 2004) - See the prequel (fewer alternate paths through levels?), Minor platforming?, added MP mode (4-player matches, asymmetric in that one team plays in TP view an the other FP view w/ different gear)
Any new exploration gadgets?
Save anywhere on PC
Operation Shadow (N-Gage, 2004)? - 3D AA/TPS, Vehicles
Tenchu: Fatal Shadows (PS2, 2004) - See the prequel, 2 playable chars (ayame and rin), No 2-player?, No shops? (find items or get them as rewards after missions)
Some exploration/traversal tools (Chameleon and invisibility spells, Hand Claws - cling to walls, some decoy and stunning tools, start with a grappling hook)
The Incredibles (Multi, 2004) - 3D AA/Beat 'em up w/ Platforming, TP view (FP aiming mode), Level-based and linear (level select menu)?, 4 playable chars (each one has their unique levels and abilities, violet only gets one level and it's stealth based)
The Suffering (PC/XB/PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP/FP view hybrid (switch at will), Level-based and linear, Basic morality system affecting the ending, Minor platforming
No ability gating?
Transform into a beast after killing enough enemies (using it too much can kill you and affects the ending) - not used for gating?
City of Heroes (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (detailed char creation), Some platforming, Level gated zones/sub areas
Gain travel powers as you level up (fly, super speed, super jump, teleport)
Maps (and mini-maps?)
Rest skill (regenerate your HP and endurance)
World of Warcraft (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (Real-time battles and exploration), TP view, Jumping but little platforming?, Mounts (hippogryph can fly, horses, tigers, raptors; some have been removed), Cooking and fishing, Optional PvP combat
Maps and mini-maps
"corpse runs" after death (similar to Diablo) - as a ghost/wisp run back to the location you died at (can also resurrect at a graveyard but you reduce your armor/weapon durability by 25% and incur ten minutes of resurrection sickness which further hinders your abilities)
Fast travel via vehicle routes (or you or someone else at a high level teleporting you)
EverQuest II (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (many races and classes - 4 main classes w/ 6 subs each?, choose starting city), TP view, Jumping but little platforming?, Mounts (leaping+gliding+flying ones at higher levels), Crafting, Houses
No ability gating? (invisibility spell)
Maps (w/ auto-mapper) and mini-maps
Fast travel (CPU controlled mounts, teleport stations)
Monster Hunter (PS2, 2004/PSP, 2005 (Remix)) - 3D ARPG/MMORPG (real-time combat), TP view, Very little platforming (can climb ledges+vines and jump down), Hunting/Gathering/Capturing quests, Crafting and Cooking
No ability gating?
Worse drops in SP
Maps and mini-maps
No platforming:
Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (GBA, 2004) - See the prequel, Melee weapons replace guns, Exp point leveling w/ manual stat distribution, Hub town w/ NPCs, Fewer mini-dungeons but the optional ones are about as big as the main ones, Side quests/"requests", More limited item carrying capacity, Weapon crafting, More IRL sunlight mechanics (puzzles, item decay, forging weapons, item prices), No platforming
Can transfer your completion data from Boktai 1 for a stat boost
Gain a vampire form which can transform (bat - fly over small pits, mouse - move into tight spaces, wolf - regain hp by attacking)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D WRPG (reputation/influence), Party-based, No platforming?
Movement abilities aren't used to reach new areas? (Force jump (can get it with one class only?), Knight speed?)
Champions of Norrath (PS2, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TD view, No platforming
The Bard's Tale (PS2/XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TD view, No platforming
Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade (Multi, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TP view, Linear, No platforming
Sacred (PC, 2004) - 2D ARPG, Isometric, No platforming
Beyond Divinity (PC, 2004) - 2D ARPG, TP/Bird's Eye view, No jumping
Sudeki (XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D ARPG, TP view, No platforming; Mini-map
Fable (PC, 2004) - 3D ARPG, TP view, No platforming
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Stealth, No platforming besides falling down in a few spots (no jump button)
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (GC, 2004)(MGS Remake) - See MGS
Kuon (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP view w/ static camera angles, Linear but takes place in one big location (a manor), No platforming (no jumping); Short, Map feature (no mini-map), Consumable spells ()
Katamari Damacy (PS2, 2004) - 3D Action Puzzle/Collectathon/AA (roll every loose object into a sticky ball to make it grow - its size determines how big the objects you add to it can be), TP view, Level-based and linear (level select screen, open ended levels); No mini-map?, No ability gating and no power ups, Diameter eyeballing mode (try to get the ball as close as possible to the objective),
Silent Hill 4: The Room (PS2/XB/PC, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP/FP view hybrid (mostly TP) w/ automatic camera, Small hub area, No platforming (besides jumping into a few holes); No ability gating?, Map feature
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (PC/PS2, 2004)(Expansion) - 3D MMORPG (can switch classes once unlocked, Semi-TB battles), No platforming?, Mounts (chocobo, raptor, crab, beetle, levitus, tulfaire (chimera), etc.; some can hover but you can't fly freely nor jump); Fast travel via found teleporter books (or airship flights), Map feature and mini-map+compass, Auction house, No hunger or fatigue mechanics
Disney's Toontown Online (PC, 2004)(Original version is dead/closed) - 3D MMORPG, Shops, Pets, Houses, Mini-Games, Platforming in some mini-games only?; No ability gating?, Mini-maps
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 (GBA, 2004) - Tales of-like ARPG, TD View (Exploration)/Side View (Encounters) Hybrid, Crafting, Can only jump during combat?; No ability gating? (run faster and jump higher based on your agility stat), Dialogue heavy
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2, 2004) - 3D ARPG, TD/Bird's eye view, No platforming besides falling down some holes (can't jump outside of battle)
Riviera: The Promised Land (GBA, 2004) - 2D JRPG, Very little platforming (no jump button - just a context sensitive action at times)
Mabinogi (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (JP, pretty detailed char creation, talents/jobs instead of classes), TP view, Mounts (horses, more?); No ability gating?, Mini-maps
Dragon Ball Z: Buu's Fury (GBA, 2004) - 2D/2.5D ARPG (manual stat distribution), TD view (mode 7 style overworld/hub map w/ flight), No platforming (can fly between pads in some top down view segments but the movement seems automatic), Literal level gates w/ level numbers on them; No ability gating?, Can stun lock bosses, 4+ playable chars (switch at certain pads)
Trickster Online (PC, 2004) - 2D MMORPG (JP), TD view, No platforming; Maps
Other: Hub areas, NPCs
- Mostly linear (one major dialogue choice leads to an alternate path in the late game, backtracking to previous areas)
- Save points
- Area maps
- Few movement abilities gained (limited air boost, recoil from one gun lets you hover if you keep shooting downwards)
- Multiple endings
- Two minor sequence breaks (using damage boost+pausing): first, second
- Version differences: https://cavestory.fandom.com/wiki/Version_differences
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GC, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D FPS
Perspective: FP view
Parallel worlds mechanic
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA, 2004)(Metroid Remake)
Subgenre: Added stealth segment
Other: Escape sequences
Save points
Map system
Various control improvements
New bosses
Objective markers (can be removed via a hack)
Unlockables (Hard Mode, Sound Test, Original NES Metroid, Metroid Fusion Gallery - a gallery of Metroid Fusion ending images)
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Shaman King: Master of Spirits (GBA, 2004)
Subgenre: Igavania-ish (soul system variation (AoS) which lets you combine more of them at once, back- and forward dashing, no exp point leveling - hp and mp upgrade items)
Other: Hub map (still have to traverse the distances shown on the map in-game to get to sub areas - even after completing a route you have to backtrack through it)
Save on the map screen
No area maps
Late game teleporter soul
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D ARPG/WRPG (dialogue trees, choose your clan/sect (affects story and quests) - can also go your own way, manual skill point distribution)
Perspective: TP view/FP view hybrid (FP ranged combat)
Movement Mechanics: Some platforming
Maps at bus stops only?
Some ability gating (stealth and computer hacking allow for different paths, your race affects NPC reactions, spells/disciplines: celerity - super speed, dementation can unlock more dialogue options for Malkavians, dominate - persuade or kill people mentally (unlocks dialogue options, works well on humans but not vampires), obfuscate/invisibility - can perform stealth kills and hack during it at a high enough level, werewolf form - scares NPCs, )
Fast travel via subway map?
Can stand on a frozen enemy to reach higher - sequence break?
Can get an apartment and add furniture to it
Seduction mechanics
No loot or exp points from killing regular enemies
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Spider-Man 2 (Multi, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D Action Adventure/Beat 'em up
Perspective: TP view
Other: Hub area w/ shops and quest giving NPCs as well as scripted events (random?), Some chase and on foot race segments
Linear main path (chapters) but can do missions within a chapter in any order
Some movement upgrades that you can buy (swinging speed, Wall Sprint Duration, Web Zip - like a hookshot, SlingShot Jump?, )
Mini-map
Various combat move upgrades
Sly 2: Band of Thieves (PS2, 2004)
Subgenre: 3D Action Platformer/Stealth (Robbery theme)
Perspective: TP View
Other: Hub areas w/ Sandbox-style levels (that you can do in any order?), Shops, Some chase segments, Mini-games
3 playable chars (switch between missions)
Gain movement abilities and tools (climbing poles, sliding along narrow ledges, parkouring, paraglider, hover pack; tools are ammo-based)
No mini-maps (also can't see where you've been on the maps?)
No lives system (checkpoints)
Recon missions (take a photo of the villain and points of interest)
Some minor sequence breaking (train level)
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror (GBA, 2004)
Subgenre: 2D Platformer, Similar to Great Cave Offensive in Kirby Super Star (optional exploration for chests - what matters is beating the bosses)
Other: Hub world w/ branching paths and branching paths within levels, 3 CPU allies (can call them up when needed to make them join you)/4-player Co-op (can split up), A lot of paths lead to mini-games that send you back to an area's hub afterwards
Don't gain any permanent abilities?
Mostly non-linear structure after the first boss
Can find level maps
Mostly mundane chest items (music tracks, color change, health)
Some new temporary abilities
Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review
Outliers:
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA, 2004)
2D ARPG/AA
TD/Bird's Eye view
Roc's Cape (jumping and gliding, gained in the fifth dungeon)
Save anywhere?
Map feature but no mini-map
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GC, 2004) - 4-player co-op (requires one GBA per additional player..., when you split up by moving indoors you see gameplay on your GBA instead), Level-based and linear (level/area select map screen), Party-based with formations in SP, Platforming via Roc's Feathers (can also be upgraded for a double jump), Collectathon element (2k force gems to power up the sword and open the exit - some are worth 300)
Keys are carried like pots or rocks here
One player can only carry one weapon at a time
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana (PS2, 2004) - 3D-ish JRPG/AA (2D chars, 2D isometric area exploration, TD/Bird's eye view overworld/world map exploration), Platforming during exploration (TB battles), Crafting
Gain movement abilities (transformations, flight)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (GC, 2004) - 2.5D JRPG/ARPG Hybrid w/ Platforming (see the prequel), Many optional fetch quests, Mostly linear structure (maze dungeons)?
Gain new partners some of which let you reach new areas (can have only one active member which follows you around but can switch on the fly, yoshi kid lets you fly over pits, madame flurrie can reveal some hidden pipes by blowing away obstacles, bomb partner)
Paper transformations which let you reach new areas (airplane, flat profile, rolling paper tube)
No mini-maps
Some badges help outside of battle? ()
Can buy hints from a fortune teller
Battle audience mechanic
Random shop restocking mechanic
Blood Will Tell (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Hack 'n Slash w/ RPG elements (weapons level up, stat upgrades), TP view w/ automatic camera (right stick goes into FP mode which isn't useful), CPU ally which you can give orders to and switch to - She's good for puzzle and platforming segments; Linear structure w/ maze levels/areas but can backtrack for optional bosses (often requires puzzle solving)
Gain a weapon that can be used to create platforms similar to Quackshot
Area maps and semi-transparent mini-maps
No fast travel system
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure (PC, 2004/PSP, 2007) - 3D ARPG w/ Platforming, TP view, Rhythm element to combat (for critical hits), Block puzzles
No ability gating?
Mini-maps
Two endings
Super Mario 64 DS (NDS, 2004) - 3D, TP view, See Mario 64
Temporary balloon form (NDS only) - temporary flight, temporary giant form (NDS only) - smash rolling boulders and invulnerability)
Basic map feature on NDS (vague top down view, rotates based on the camera, shows the current star's location)
New playable chars in the DS version which sometimes leads to alternate ways of getting to stars
Getting 100% on DS and going to the castle roof lets you find a green rabbit which gives you another key to the drawer of the Princess's rec room (mini-games)) and you can get a wing cap in the courtyard area
X-Men Legends (Multi, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Beat 'em up, TD view, Linear and level-based (you sometimes revisit previous levels), Party-based (select 4 from a larger roster to create a team, switch on the fly, can switch chars in and out of the team at save points), Escort and destructathon segments
Some ability gating (create bridges, flight)
Semi-transparent mini-map
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (Multi, 2004) - See the prequel, More hack 'n slash focused (many combos, dual wielding option, can pick up and use enemy weapons, more bosses), Some chase segments (get chased by the main villain), Somewhat less linear (hub area and backtracking to previous areas (usually in different time periods?) - these change in some ways when you do, hidden challenge areas for HP upgrades), No escorting here
Can gain haste+slowed down surroundings abilities based on power tank collection but you don't gain new moves over the course of the game (start with more moves instead)
Save points don't give clues to the next puzzle here
Healing points (fountains)
Draining life in the end game
No mini-map - no maps at all?
Jak 3 (PS2, 2004) - 3D TPS/Action Platformer, See the prequel, Desert hub area (larger and more barren than the city, some enemies), More vehicle segments
Some new temporary movement abilities?
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (PS2/PC/XB, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TP view, Linear, Switch between 3 chars on the fly (party-based, the other two are CPU controlled like in SoM)
Ability gating in that only 1 char can jump
Second Sight (Multi, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D AA/Stealth Action/TPS Hybrid, TP view (FP aiming mode)+automatic camera toggle, Level-based w/ some open ended levels?, Minor platforming
Gain some exploration/traversal focused psychic powers over the course of the game (projection - go through laser traps as a ghost of sorts and possess enemies after it's upgraded, charm/partial invisibility, psionic blast? - basically force push) - start with telekinesis which lets you move/throw enemies and objects around+interact with stuff from afar
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege (PS2, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D Hack 'n Slash w/ some AA elements (time travel puzzles, upgradeable equipment), TP view w/ automatic camera, Linear?, 2 playable chars, Non-tank controls
Swing to normally unaccessible areas using Oni Fireflys as Jacque - no other ability gating?
Item drop magnet
Thief: Deadly Shadows (PC/XB, 2004) - See the prequel, TP view/FP view hybrid (switch at will), City hub area w/ shops (missions tend to be split up between two areas), Linear?, Can't swim or use rope arrows here
Ability gating?
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II (PS2/XB, 2004) - See the prequel, TD view, 2-player Co-op, 5 chars/classes, Can choose which order to do some levels in, Some platforming
No ability gating?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2, 2004/PC/XB, 2005) - 3D Open World AA, Various vehicles
No ability gating?
A.I.M. (Artificial Intelligence Machine)(PC, 2004)? - 3D ARPG, Flight/hover-based (robot avatar), FP view, Open world?, Factions?, Weather changing NPCs?
Ability gating?
Map feature
Ninja Gaiden (XB, 2004/PS3, 2007) - 3D Hack 'n Slash/Action Platformer w/ RPG elements (upgrades, shops), TP view w/ FP aiming mode, Hub area (Level-based and linear)
No ability gating?
Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar Byuu to Deru! Megane-Kun (GBA, 2004) - Linear 2D Action Platformer/Misc action (some long maze levels, some levels are timed, beat 'em up and sokoban-like segments), TD/Side view hybrid, Shops w/ temporary upgrades, Hidden bonus levels, One Shoot 'em up level
Mini Review
Breakdown (XB, 2004) - 3D FPS/FP Beat 'em up/AA/Survival, CPU ally, Linear structure but interconnected world?
Minor ability gating (gas mask)
Starts with you vomiting in the intro scene for some reason
Have to lean down to pick up items
Tales of Rebirth (PS2, 2004)(Untranslated) - 2.5D ARPG/JRPG Hybrid (isometric exploration/side view battles w/ 3 rows, manually upgrade your gear, 3D overworld/world map exploration in TP view), Very minor platforming during exploration (no jump button outside of battle?)?, Puzzles, Cooking?
Minor ability gating (melt ice blocks w/ a spell, more?)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow (Multi, 2004) - See the prequel (fewer alternate paths through levels?), Minor platforming?, added MP mode (4-player matches, asymmetric in that one team plays in TP view an the other FP view w/ different gear)
Any new exploration gadgets?
Save anywhere on PC
Operation Shadow (N-Gage, 2004)? - 3D AA/TPS, Vehicles
Tenchu: Fatal Shadows (PS2, 2004) - See the prequel, 2 playable chars (ayame and rin), No 2-player?, No shops? (find items or get them as rewards after missions)
Some exploration/traversal tools (Chameleon and invisibility spells, Hand Claws - cling to walls, some decoy and stunning tools, start with a grappling hook)
The Incredibles (Multi, 2004) - 3D AA/Beat 'em up w/ Platforming, TP view (FP aiming mode), Level-based and linear (level select menu)?, 4 playable chars (each one has their unique levels and abilities, violet only gets one level and it's stealth based)
The Suffering (PC/XB/PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP/FP view hybrid (switch at will), Level-based and linear, Basic morality system affecting the ending, Minor platforming
No ability gating?
Transform into a beast after killing enough enemies (using it too much can kill you and affects the ending) - not used for gating?
City of Heroes (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (detailed char creation), Some platforming, Level gated zones/sub areas
Gain travel powers as you level up (fly, super speed, super jump, teleport)
Maps (and mini-maps?)
Rest skill (regenerate your HP and endurance)
World of Warcraft (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (Real-time battles and exploration), TP view, Jumping but little platforming?, Mounts (hippogryph can fly, horses, tigers, raptors; some have been removed), Cooking and fishing, Optional PvP combat
Maps and mini-maps
"corpse runs" after death (similar to Diablo) - as a ghost/wisp run back to the location you died at (can also resurrect at a graveyard but you reduce your armor/weapon durability by 25% and incur ten minutes of resurrection sickness which further hinders your abilities)
Fast travel via vehicle routes (or you or someone else at a high level teleporting you)
EverQuest II (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (many races and classes - 4 main classes w/ 6 subs each?, choose starting city), TP view, Jumping but little platforming?, Mounts (leaping+gliding+flying ones at higher levels), Crafting, Houses
No ability gating? (invisibility spell)
Maps (w/ auto-mapper) and mini-maps
Fast travel (CPU controlled mounts, teleport stations)
Monster Hunter (PS2, 2004/PSP, 2005 (Remix)) - 3D ARPG/MMORPG (real-time combat), TP view, Very little platforming (can climb ledges+vines and jump down), Hunting/Gathering/Capturing quests, Crafting and Cooking
No ability gating?
Worse drops in SP
Maps and mini-maps
No platforming:
Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (GBA, 2004) - See the prequel, Melee weapons replace guns, Exp point leveling w/ manual stat distribution, Hub town w/ NPCs, Fewer mini-dungeons but the optional ones are about as big as the main ones, Side quests/"requests", More limited item carrying capacity, Weapon crafting, More IRL sunlight mechanics (puzzles, item decay, forging weapons, item prices), No platforming
Can transfer your completion data from Boktai 1 for a stat boost
Gain a vampire form which can transform (bat - fly over small pits, mouse - move into tight spaces, wolf - regain hp by attacking)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D WRPG (reputation/influence), Party-based, No platforming?
Movement abilities aren't used to reach new areas? (Force jump (can get it with one class only?), Knight speed?)
Champions of Norrath (PS2, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TD view, No platforming
The Bard's Tale (PS2/XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TD view, No platforming
Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade (Multi, 2004) - 3D ARPG/Hack 'n Slash, TP view, Linear, No platforming
Sacred (PC, 2004) - 2D ARPG, Isometric, No platforming
Beyond Divinity (PC, 2004) - 2D ARPG, TP/Bird's Eye view, No jumping
Sudeki (XB, 2004/PC, 2005) - 3D ARPG, TP view, No platforming; Mini-map
Fable (PC, 2004) - 3D ARPG, TP view, No platforming
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Stealth, No platforming besides falling down in a few spots (no jump button)
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (GC, 2004)(MGS Remake) - See MGS
Kuon (PS2, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP view w/ static camera angles, Linear but takes place in one big location (a manor), No platforming (no jumping); Short, Map feature (no mini-map), Consumable spells ()
Katamari Damacy (PS2, 2004) - 3D Action Puzzle/Collectathon/AA (roll every loose object into a sticky ball to make it grow - its size determines how big the objects you add to it can be), TP view, Level-based and linear (level select screen, open ended levels); No mini-map?, No ability gating and no power ups, Diameter eyeballing mode (try to get the ball as close as possible to the objective),
Silent Hill 4: The Room (PS2/XB/PC, 2004) - 3D AA/Survival Horror, TP/FP view hybrid (mostly TP) w/ automatic camera, Small hub area, No platforming (besides jumping into a few holes); No ability gating?, Map feature
Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (PC/PS2, 2004)(Expansion) - 3D MMORPG (can switch classes once unlocked, Semi-TB battles), No platforming?, Mounts (chocobo, raptor, crab, beetle, levitus, tulfaire (chimera), etc.; some can hover but you can't fly freely nor jump); Fast travel via found teleporter books (or airship flights), Map feature and mini-map+compass, Auction house, No hunger or fatigue mechanics
Disney's Toontown Online (PC, 2004)(Original version is dead/closed) - 3D MMORPG, Shops, Pets, Houses, Mini-Games, Platforming in some mini-games only?; No ability gating?, Mini-maps
Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 (GBA, 2004) - Tales of-like ARPG, TD View (Exploration)/Side View (Encounters) Hybrid, Crafting, Can only jump during combat?; No ability gating? (run faster and jump higher based on your agility stat), Dialogue heavy
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2, 2004) - 3D ARPG, TD/Bird's eye view, No platforming besides falling down some holes (can't jump outside of battle)
Riviera: The Promised Land (GBA, 2004) - 2D JRPG, Very little platforming (no jump button - just a context sensitive action at times)
Mabinogi (PC, 2004) - 3D MMORPG (JP, pretty detailed char creation, talents/jobs instead of classes), TP view, Mounts (horses, more?); No ability gating?, Mini-maps
Dragon Ball Z: Buu's Fury (GBA, 2004) - 2D/2.5D ARPG (manual stat distribution), TD view (mode 7 style overworld/hub map w/ flight), No platforming (can fly between pads in some top down view segments but the movement seems automatic), Literal level gates w/ level numbers on them; No ability gating?, Can stun lock bosses, 4+ playable chars (switch at certain pads)
Trickster Online (PC, 2004) - 2D MMORPG (JP), TD view, No platforming; Maps
