Games Released in December 2000

585 new games debuted in December 2000, with PlayStation being the most active platform. December 15 was the busiest day, with 37 releases. Pokémon Crystal Version was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

December 15 saw the most activity with 37 releases.

37 releases

December 15

36 releases

December 8

34 releases

December 1

33 releases

December 14

How did each week compare?

The first week of December was the busiest with 102 releases.

Week 1 (December 1–7)

102 releases

Most popular release in Week 1

American McGee's Alice

Shortly after her second adventure, Through the Looking-Glass, Alice's house is burnt down by an accidental fire, killing her family and leaving her as the only survivor. As time progresses Alice loses touch with reality. She is institutionalized in Rutledge Asylum, where she is observed and treated by Dr. Heironymous Wilson. Alice's only possession in Rutledge is a stuffed rabbit. Ten years after Alice was committed to Rutledge, she finds herself sucked back into a Wonderland that has been twisted by her own broken mind. The White Rabbit summons Alice to aid a radically altered Wonderland, which became a twisted version of itself as it came under the horrible rule of the Queen of Hearts. The Cheshire Cat serves as Alice's companion throughout the game, frequently appearing to guide her with cryptic comments.

Week 2 (December 8–14)

86 releases

Most popular release in Week 2

Pokémon Crystal Version

Pokemon Crystal is an enhanced version of Pokemon Gold and Silver and a role-playing game played from a top-down perspective. As in the earlier versions, the player explores the Johto region, catches and trains Pokemon, and battles other Trainers in turn-based combat while earning Gym Badges and filling out the Pokedex. Crystal keeps the same core adventure while adding refinements, including the option to play as a female character and animated Pokemon sprites. It retains series staples such as a real-time clock, Pokemon breeding, and trading and battling with other games via a link connection.

Week 3 (December 15–21)

92 releases

Most popular release in Week 3

Project I.G.I.: I'm Going In

Project I.G.I.: I'm Going In (released in Europe as simply Project I.G.I.) is a tactical first-person shooter developed by Innerloop Studios and released on December 15, 2000 by Eidos Interactive. It is one of the first computer games to feature realistic weaponry and tactical combat situations. Pursue and defeat a homicidal ex-Russian Colonel before she turns Europe into a nuclear wasteland in Project IGI: I'm Going In. This first-person shooter emphasizes stealth and guile instead of massive firepower. Jones has to sneak into the toughest military installations in Eastern Europe, and once inside, use his skills in thievery, computer hacking, sabotage, and reconnaissance to stop the madwoman. The enemy's Artificial Intelligence will react to his every action and use military tactics to track his position. In order to counter its surveillance, bunkers, tanks, and gunships, Jones is equipped with NATO spy gear and assault weapons. If the odds get stacked too high against him, he can call in a napalm strike via his Map Computer. Upon release the game garnered mixed reviews due to a number of shortcomings, such as poorly programmed Artificial intelligence, lack of a mid-game save option, and the lack of multiplayer features. However it was praised for its superb sound design and graphics, thanks in part to its use of a proprietary game engine that was previously used in Innerloop's Joint Strike Fighter. It was followed up in 2003 by I.G.I.-2: Covert Strike.

Week 4 (December 22–28)

43 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Rayman 2: Revolution

Ubisoft's personable and popular cartoon hero is back and more ambitious than ever in the PlayStation 2-exclusive re-imagining, Rayman 2: Revolution. Now in full 3D and blending humor, suspense, and blinding speed, Rayman must escape an intergalactic zoo by using the powers of his still-imprisoned friends to open the door to an even greater power to free them. Unique to the PS2 version of the game are a number of brand new stages, a harder difficulty level, and a progressive upgrade system that gives Rayman a number of abilities not found in other iterations.

Week 5 (December 29–31)

14 releases

Most popular release in Week 5

Jagged Alliance 2: Unfinished Business

The smoke is clearing and the bullets have stopped flying. Arulco is free at last, but your job's not over. An all-powerful corporation is assaulting the tiny country, and once again, you're needed! Enter a whole new chapter of the critically acclaimed Jagged Alliance 2 with all new weapons, new mercenaries, new terrains and the fantastic new Mission Builder! Gear up - you've got some Unfinished Business to take care of!

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PlayStation received 77 new titles in December 2000. The runner up was PC with 72 new titles.

PlayStation77 releases

PC72 releases

Game Boy Color66 releases

Dreamcast41 releases

PlayStation 238 releases

Nintendo 6411 releases

Arcade8 releases

Mac7 releases

Web browser3 releases

WonderSwan Color3 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in December 2000 with 68 titles. Simulator followed closely with 42.

Adventure68

Simulator42

Role-playing40

Sport39

Racing35

Strategy34

Shooter33

Puzzle29

Platform27

Fighting24

2000 Review

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