Games Released in January 2000

153 new games debuted in January 2000, with PlayStation being the most active platform. January 1 was the busiest day, with 69 releases. Metal Slug 3 was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

January 1 saw the most activity with 69 releases.

69 releases

January 1

24 releases

January 27

14 releases

January 31

11 releases

January 28

How did each week compare?

The first week of January was the busiest with 90 releases.

Week 1 (January 1–7)

90 releases

Most popular release in Week 1

Worms Pinball

Worms Pinball is a pinball simulation game set within the Worms franchise. The game features a single pinball table themed around two main modes, one inspired by martial arts and the other by a Western setting. Players control a pinball table that incorporates multiple objectives, rule sets, and sub-games presented through a three-dimensional LED display. The table includes transparent ramps, moving mechanical components, user-controlled elements, and magnetic fields. Gameplay mechanics replicate standard pinball techniques such as tilt functions, hit combinations, ball control maneuvers, and recovery actions. The table contains a large number of animated elements and extensive rendered animation sequences used for the LED display. Sound effects and music are integrated to accompany gameplay events. The design emphasizes depth through layered objectives and complex table rules, supporting extended play for both casual and experienced pinball players.

Week 2 (January 8–14)

15 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Metal Slug 3

“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls!

Week 5 (January 29–31)

19 releases

Most popular release in Week 5

Nox

An excellent action/RPG hybrid with very unique gameplay. Your name is Jack Mower, a 20th century dude who just happened to be sucked into the world of Nox via his TV set. The world is in danger and you have to save it! But before you embark on your epic journey you must choose your path: warrior, wizard, or conjurer. Choose the path of a warrior, and you will be able to equip and use all manner of swords, battle-axes, war hammers, and chakrams - though you’ll leave the magical mumbo-jumbo up to the Conjurer and Wizard classes. An enchanted weapon is the closest a Warrior gets to magic but that’s OK, because magic is for sissies. As a Wizard you will explore the mystical art of spell casting, ranging from enemy-confounding illusions to devastating displays of metaphysical force. You’ll also learn to set magical traps containing deadly spell combinations to thwart the unsuspecting foe. Although you’ll have to renounce the use of ungainly swords and armor in the name of your art, you will still be able to wield a staff as a last-ditch physical defense. If you choose a Conjurer you will be able to magically charm and summon creatures to do your bidding. You can even create a magical creature called a bomber which can wreak sorcerous havoc on your enemies. You’ll also get plenty of experience wielding staves and bows to fend off the few enemies who manage to slip past your minions.

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PlayStation received 46 new titles in January 2000. The runner up was PC with 45 new titles.

PlayStation46 releases

PC45 releases

Game Boy Color21 releases

Neo Geo Pocket Color21 releases

Dreamcast17 releases

Sega Mega Drive/Genesis12 releases

Nintendo 648 releases

WonderSwan8 releases

Mac6 releases

Arcade5 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in January 2000 with 29 titles. Sport followed closely with 28.

Adventure29

Sport28

Shooter27

Simulator24

Puzzle22

Strategy21

Platform19

Role-playing19

Racing18

Arcade14

2000 Review

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