Top 100 Best Video Games of All Time
Compiling a list of the greatest video games of all time is no easy task, given the vast and diverse range of titles that have left a significant impact on the industry and players. Here are some of the most influential and beloved games that are often considered among the best:
1. **The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)**
- This game redefined open-world exploration with its vast, beautifully crafted world and innovative gameplay mechanics. It's widely praised for its freedom and sense of adventure.
2. **Halo 2 (2004)**
- A landmark title in the first-person shooter genre, "Halo 2" introduced online multiplayer on consoles through Xbox Live and delivered a memorable campaign.
3. **The Last of Us (2013)**
- Known for its gripping narrative, strong character development, and emotional depth, this action-adventure game has been lauded as a masterpiece of storytelling in gaming.
4. **Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)**
- This crossover fighting game is celebrated for its fast-paced gameplay, diverse roster, and enduring popularity in the competitive gaming scene.
5. **Super Mario 64 (1996)**
- A revolutionary title that set the standard for 3D platformers, "Super Mario 64" showcased the potential of 3D gaming and remains a beloved classic.
6. **Final Fantasy VII (1997)**
- With its epic story, memorable characters, and impressive graphics for its time, "Final Fantasy VII" brought JRPGs to a wider audience and left a lasting legacy.
7. **Super Metroid (1994)**
- This iconic game perfected the Metroidvania genre, offering a deep, atmospheric experience with non-linear exploration and tight controls.
8. **Tetris (1984)**
- One of the most influential puzzle games ever created, "Tetris" is timeless and has been enjoyed by generations of players for its simple yet addictive gameplay.
9. **The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)**
- Often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made, "Ocarina of Time" set new standards for action-adventure games with its immersive world and innovative mechanics.
10. **Minecraft (2011)**
- A cultural phenomenon, "Minecraft" allows for limitless creativity and exploration, making it one of the best-selling and most influential games of all time.
11. **Street Fighter II (1991)**
- This game popularized the fighting game genre and introduced many mechanics still used in fighting games today. Its impact on gaming culture is immense.
12. **The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)**
- Known for its expansive open world, deep lore, and endless modding possibilities, "Skyrim" remains a favorite for RPG fans.
13. **Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)**
- These games started the Pokémon phenomenon, combining RPG elements with creature collecting and battling, creating a beloved franchise that continues to thrive.
14. **Grand Theft Auto V (2013)**
- With its vast open world, engaging storyline, and extensive online mode, "GTA V" is one of the best-selling games
1. **The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)**
- This game redefined open-world exploration with its vast, beautifully crafted world and innovative gameplay mechanics. It's widely praised for its freedom and sense of adventure.
2. **Halo 2 (2004)**
- A landmark title in the first-person shooter genre, "Halo 2" introduced online multiplayer on consoles through Xbox Live and delivered a memorable campaign.
3. **The Last of Us (2013)**
- Known for its gripping narrative, strong character development, and emotional depth, this action-adventure game has been lauded as a masterpiece of storytelling in gaming.
4. **Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)**
- This crossover fighting game is celebrated for its fast-paced gameplay, diverse roster, and enduring popularity in the competitive gaming scene.
5. **Super Mario 64 (1996)**
- A revolutionary title that set the standard for 3D platformers, "Super Mario 64" showcased the potential of 3D gaming and remains a beloved classic.
6. **Final Fantasy VII (1997)**
- With its epic story, memorable characters, and impressive graphics for its time, "Final Fantasy VII" brought JRPGs to a wider audience and left a lasting legacy.
7. **Super Metroid (1994)**
- This iconic game perfected the Metroidvania genre, offering a deep, atmospheric experience with non-linear exploration and tight controls.
8. **Tetris (1984)**
- One of the most influential puzzle games ever created, "Tetris" is timeless and has been enjoyed by generations of players for its simple yet addictive gameplay.
9. **The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)**
- Often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made, "Ocarina of Time" set new standards for action-adventure games with its immersive world and innovative mechanics.
10. **Minecraft (2011)**
- A cultural phenomenon, "Minecraft" allows for limitless creativity and exploration, making it one of the best-selling and most influential games of all time.
11. **Street Fighter II (1991)**
- This game popularized the fighting game genre and introduced many mechanics still used in fighting games today. Its impact on gaming culture is immense.
12. **The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)**
- Known for its expansive open world, deep lore, and endless modding possibilities, "Skyrim" remains a favorite for RPG fans.
13. **Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)**
- These games started the Pokémon phenomenon, combining RPG elements with creature collecting and battling, creating a beloved franchise that continues to thrive.
14. **Grand Theft Auto V (2013)**
- With its vast open world, engaging storyline, and extensive online mode, "GTA V" is one of the best-selling games
Transcript
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 100 Video Games
00:25of all time.
00:32For this list, we'll be looking at the titles that have the best that gaming has to offer.
00:37While we're looking at fun value as a defining factor, we're also taking into account the
00:41impact these games have had and how they've influenced the industry.
00:45Which video game do you think deserves to be at the top of the list?
00:49Let us know in the comments.
00:51Number 100 Pong
00:58This table tennis-themed game might seem simplistic now, but we have Pong to thank for today's
01:02gaming landscape.
01:04Its success inspired further innovation in this form of entertainment, making Pong an
01:08absolute trailblazer.
01:15Despite being about half a century old, it has an evergreen quality that people of any
01:19generation can enjoy.
01:21The goal of scoring the most points from one end to the next ignites a competitive spirit
01:25in players.
01:26Uncomplicated gameplay makes Pong arguably the most user-friendly title, encouraging
01:31even non-gamers to indulge in it.
01:33Whether it's playing against AI or another person, Pong exemplifies the meaning behind
01:38simple but addictive.
01:45Number 99 Psychonauts
01:53Psychonauts deserves credit for its out-of-the-box style at a time when platform games had become
01:56relatively formulaic.
01:58It follows protagonist Raz as he attends a camp for people with psychic powers.
02:02The diversity of its backdrop is what truly captures players' attention, though.
02:06Raz can access different people's minds to help them overcome their issues.
02:10These open up various levels where each person's thoughts give shape to unique environments.
02:20Because of this, Psychonauts features impressive depth in its gameplay, balancing both platforming
02:25and puzzle-solving.
02:27The central mystery surrounding the camp is engaging in its own right, complemented by
02:31Raz's growing psychic skills.
02:33While there's a large learning curve, perfecting Psychonauts' gameplay carries a definite
02:37sense of accomplishment.
02:44Number 98 Bloodstained – Ritual of the Night
02:54Gaming may have evolved over the years, but Metroidvania will always remain in style.
02:58Bloodstained – Ritual of the Night takes players on a journey in a sprawling castle
03:02filled with obstacles and deadly enemies.
03:04Along with being a throwback to classics like Castlevania, the game puts its own spin
03:07on things when it comes to its graphics and combat system.
03:16A wide array of weapons allows players to seamlessly switch between them, creating a
03:20distinct style in each playthrough.
03:22Ritual of the Night's 2.5D graphics add a modern touch to the Metroidvania visuals,
03:27enhancing its appeal to a wider audience.
03:29Its intriguing supernatural storyline translates well within gameplay, giving a bit of everything
03:34for fans to enjoy.
03:42Number 97 Cuphead
03:50Remember when games used to be all about silliness and fun?
03:53Cuphead certainly does, containing a classic-era feel to its proceedings.
03:57It plays out like a Looney Tunes episode come to life, dropping players in a world where
04:01the protagonist fights through hordes of over-the-top enemies.
04:05While the idea of blazing through the 2D map sounds easy, Cuphead's variety of bosses
04:09makes things a lot more difficult.
04:16Platforming and combat go hand-in-hand, meaning there's very little margin for error.
04:20All things considered, the game manages to simultaneously be lighthearted and a challenge.
04:25It also remains memorable for the way cartoonish aesthetics truly capture the thematic qualities
04:30of the game.
04:38Number 96 Space Invaders
04:47Here's another game that changed everything for years to come.
04:50Even those who haven't played Space Invaders have seen a game that was influenced by this
04:53title.
04:54The shoot-em-up genre was introduced through Space Invaders' success, filling up arcades
04:58worldwide as fans couldn't get enough.
05:01Players have to contend with an alien army, with gameplay all about shooting them down
05:05before they can progress beyond borders.
05:07Of course, the endless loop means failure is inevitable, but the main appeal is about
05:11scoring the highest points.
05:17As such, most gamers know the satisfaction that comes with blitzing through enemy forces
05:22on the way to getting that top score.
05:30Number 95 Castle Crashers
05:40This side-scrolling hack-and-slash game personifies the chaotic energy gamers want from their
05:45playthroughs.
05:46It's a callback to a genre that's moved on from its roots, so getting back to a simple
05:49but charming game is more than welcome.
05:52Castle Crashers never takes itself too seriously either, featuring plenty of humor in the protagonist's
05:56quest to save the princess.
06:08Since each knight has a unique ability, players can extend the game's value by replaying with
06:12a different character.
06:13Boasting an impressive arsenal of weapons and magical abilities, Castle Crashers is
06:17a 2D feature that gets louder and more explosive the longer it goes.
06:22And with as many as four players possible for co-op, it's the best game to play with
06:26friends.
06:35Number 94 Crash Bandicoot Warped
06:46The Crash Bandicoot series has been around for a while, but it was Warped that took its
06:50popularity to the stratosphere.
06:52It retains all the previous installment's starting points and doubles down on creating
06:56rich environments filled with platforming fun.
07:05Not to mention all the wacky characters and an equally offbeat story that the series excels
07:10in.
07:11No matter which time period Crash lands in, each mission has its own identity with endless
07:14replay value.
07:17Warped thrives on fast-paced gameplay with tense moments, as Crash has to overcome challenging
07:20obstacles and relatively tough boss fights.
07:23Still, the catchy soundtrack and vibrant level design injects a carefree atmosphere that
07:27makes this entry such a delight to play.
07:36Number 93 Borderlands 2
07:46This first-person RPG shooter can either be completed in single-player or up to four.
07:51Either way, fans are in for a world of immersion, as the planet of Pandora has hours worth of
07:56content.
07:57In the quest to liberate Pandora from the clutches of Handsome Jack, the game leaves
08:00room to uncover everything from weapons, treasures, and plot-heavy choices.
08:04The RPG elements set it apart from most shooters since individual choices lead to separate
08:09scenarios.
08:15Characters are easy to relate to thanks to some smart and humorous dialogue, as Borderlands
08:192 embraces its dark comedy traits.
08:22Although things can get repetitive, the addictive gameplay is such that players have no problem
08:27with going back for more.
08:35Number 92 Dead Space 2
08:46What's scarier than undead creatures out to get you?
08:48That would be undead creatures in space.
08:51Dead Space 2 has Isaac Clarke fight off an outbreak of the Necromorphs for a second time,
08:55with the bloody horror dialed up to eleven.
08:57There's something dangerous lurking around every corner, but the game gives us an edge
09:01through Isaac's awesome arsenal of weaponry, leading to fun, new ways to decapitate the
09:05enroaching horde.
09:12This blend of action and fright sets up Dead Space 2 for the thrill ride it is.
09:17Placing us in Isaac's shoes also gets us into his psyche as the harsh environments
09:21take its toll.
09:22This makes Dead Space 2's horror aspect shine, even amidst the pile of corpses.
09:35Number 91 Horizon Zero Dawn
09:46A gripping story, a likable protagonist, and an open post-apocalyptic world to explore
09:51all are ingredients for a bonafide blockbuster.
09:54Horizon Zero Dawn centers around Aloy, a young hunter who figures out the truth about a past
09:58calamity that ravaged the Earth.
10:07With killer robots and bandits around, exploration isn't initially easy, but leveling up the
10:11skill tree and learning the intricacies of weapon control keeps the difficulty in check
10:15as we come across new locations.
10:18Those looking for a strong narrative will find Aloy's journey captivating all the way
10:21through.
10:22Meanwhile, gaming purists can spend hours hacking mecha-dinos, tracking side missions,
10:27and uncovering every inch of this incredible world.
10:37Number 90 Kingdom Hearts II
10:47Most people would love the chance to visit this many Disney universes.
10:50Kingdom Hearts II makes this dream come true, bringing with it fan favorites like Mulan,
10:55Jack Sparrow, and more along for the ride.
11:02With Goofy and Donald Duck by his side, Sora's story heads into darker territory as he tackles
11:07both the heartless, classic Disney villains as well as Organization XIII.
11:11Oh, and the characters from Final Fantasy.
11:14At its core, Kingdom Hearts II is a hack-and-slash RPG where players can indulge in high-octane
11:19battles whilst indulging in the ultimate rabbit-hole narrative, should they be willing to make
11:23the jump.
11:26Number 89 Middle-Earth – Shadow of Mordor
11:37Number 88 Shenmue
11:52Number 87 Team Fortress 2
12:03Number 86 Rayman Legends
12:14Number 85 Grim Fandango
12:22Grim Fandango is a solid example that proves the narrative can be a game's primary selling
12:26point.
12:27It follows Manny Calavera, who investigates the Land of the Dead to solve a brewing conspiracy.
12:32Its creative presentation comes from adapting Mexican culture using film noir as a framing
12:43device.
12:44While gameplay is very linear, the banter between the characters and the overall flow
12:48of the story removes any hint of repetition.
12:51Its use of 3D visuals keeps the story engaging as players are encouraged to fully dive into
12:56Mexican lore.
12:57They don't make them like these anymore.
13:06Number 84 Dragon Quest VIII – Journey of the Cursed King
13:17Number 83 Stardew Valley
13:27Number 82 Dishonored
13:38Number 81 Mario Party 2
13:47Number 80 Banjo-Kazooie
13:57Games with excessively large maps are the norm today, but Banjo-Kazooie wowed fans back
14:01in the day with as many as nine worlds to explore.
14:04There's no need to worry about complex structures or difficulty spikes as Banjo-Kazooie never
14:09tries to be anything but a light, fun-filled adventure.
14:18Keeping up with Nintendo's penchant for presentation, the game instantly captures the attention.
14:22Colors pop from the screen for dazzling visuals, with its fun-filled soundtrack completing
14:27the experience.
14:28Even after all these years, this fluffy duo are still beloved.
14:38Number 79 The Walking Dead – Season 1
14:50Number 78 Conker's Bad Fur Day
15:00Number 77 Prince of Persia – The Sands of Time
15:11Number 76 Divinity – Original Sin 2
15:22Number 75 Burnout 3 – Takedown
15:31With a focus on extreme racing and daredevil antics, Burnout 3 easily gets the adrenaline
15:36pumping.
15:37Turning things into overdrive, the game encourages rough-rousing on the street, as players need
15:41to crash into their opponent to achieve victory.
15:43The primary objective is to win by any means necessary, and the no-holds-barred content
15:48is notable for appealing to gamers who aren't very savvy in the racing genre.
16:00Burnout 3 makes aggression a key weapon, liberating players of all worries.
16:04There's nothing like the feeling of completing a perfect takedown, especially because of
16:07how well it's rendered on-screen.
16:10Add in over 60 cars, several game modes, and multiplayer, and we've got an exhilarating
16:14racing game in every sense of the word.
16:25Number 74 Super Mario RPG – Legend of the Seven Stars
16:36Number 73 Yakuza 0
16:46Number 72 Spyro – Year of the Dragon
16:56Number 71 Sly 2 – Band of Thieves
17:08Number 70 Marvel vs. Capcom 2 – New Age of Heroes
17:17Many crossover fighters might be out there, but few offer the same blockbuster action
17:21that this one provides.
17:23Rather than come across as too gimmicky, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 justifies its existence through
17:28a diverse roster with easy-to-play, yet hard-to-master fighters.
17:38Whether it's Marvel's Spider-Man or Capcom's Mega Man, the game has a mouth-watering level
17:43of talent to satisfy multiple fandoms.
17:45Its animation is designed to inspire a level of familiarity, playing out like the panels
17:49of a comic book story.
17:51The fluidity of its battle system is such that players can switch between three characters
17:55without interfering with the match's pacing.
17:57It's an intense, fast-paced fighting game that rewards those who work on fine-tuning
18:01their combos.
18:08Number 69 Dance Dance Revolution
18:17Number 68 Diablo 2
18:28Number 67 Splinter Cell – Chaos Theory
18:38Number 66 Titanfall 2
18:48Number 65 Left 4 Dead 2
18:59Gunning down the undead has never been so much fun.
19:02Stuck in a zombie apocalypse where things go completely off the rails, players can tackle
19:06this undead firefight in single-player or up to four-player co-op.
19:10Teamwork adds the required depth and variety to gameplay, as the characters need to keep
19:14each other alive to continue the campaign.
19:24The sequel in particular drastically ups the ante in terms of locations, mission variety,
19:29and the tightness of its controls.
19:31This is what happens when you take a simple premise and fine-tune it to perfection.
19:41Number 64 Metroid Prime
19:52Number 63 Celeste
20:00Number 62 Donkey Kong Country 2 – Diddy's Konquest
20:12Number 61 Shovel Knight
20:23Number 60 Far Cry 3
20:35Another day, another trendsetter.
20:37One that presented players with freedom of choice in how they wanted to gun their way
20:40through a tropical, enemy-infested open world.
20:43Rook Islands is easy to get lost in, with plenty of side missions and activities in
20:47addition to its trip of a main story.
20:50Stealth your way through outposts, hunt after rare beasts, collect everything, and spruce
20:54up your arsenal.
21:02What can now be considered bloated gameplay was a breath of fresh air back during Far
21:06Cry 3's debut.
21:08In terms of characterization, Far Cry 3 does well with a wonderfully bizarre mix of anti-heroes
21:12and villains, especially when it comes to the likes of Vos, who solidified himself as
21:17one of the medium's greatest antagonists almost instantly.
21:26Number 59 World of Warcraft
21:37Number 58 Ms. Pac-Man
21:46Number 57 Hollow Knight
21:54Number 56 Mortal Kombat
22:06Number 55 The Sims 2
22:15This sequel took the journey of life and turned it into putty for players to create their
22:19own slice-of-life experience.
22:21It's impressive how even the most monotonous tasks can be fun when seen through The Sims
22:252's lens.
22:26Players can create everything from their avatar's appearance to building a whole neighborhood.
22:36At the time of its release, such realism took the gaming landscape by storm and fans wanted
22:41to explore all possibilities in store.
22:43From pursuing relationships to fine-tuning character habits and furthering their careers,
22:48the game has it all.
22:49Although technically there aren't any challenges, there's a real sense of achievement when a
22:53Sim completes a long and happy life.
22:56Or, you know, when you inevitably destroy it all during a sadistic streak.
23:00Don't pretend you didn't do it.
23:08Number 54 Eternal Darkness Sanity's Requiem
23:17Number 53 Disco Elysium
23:32Number 52 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
23:36Number 51 Tomb Raider Anniversary
23:54Number 50 Wii Sports
24:03There was a time when it seemed like everyone was addicted to this little title.
24:07Packed with virtual versions of tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing, Wii Sports brought
24:12the outdoors right into players' homes.
24:14Thanks to the ease of use, it's a game intended simply for breezy, casual playthroughs.
24:25With the Wii's motion sensor capabilities, the fun factor is authentic, especially for
24:29those who wanted to play with their families.
24:31Shooting for the win promotes a healthy competitive spirit that carries its own thrill.
24:35It goes to show that straightforward gameplay can be just as exciting and mainstream as
24:40any other AAA game.
24:42After over 80 million units sold, it's the platform's biggest success yet.
24:52Number 49 GoldenEye 007
25:03Number 48 Mega Man 2
25:13Number 47 Nier Automata
25:23Number 46 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
25:34Number 45 Ratchet & Clank Up Your Arsenal
25:47Complete with tongue-in-cheek humor, gadgets, and a core dynamic between the protagonists,
25:51this threequel established the series as a mainstay in the combat platforming subgenre.
25:55Armed with over a dozen weapons, Ratchet & Clank's battle against the maniacal Dr. Nefarious
26:00is a bonanza of bullets, explosions, and sci-fi goodness.
26:11Although it might seem geared toward a younger audience, beating the game's challenging
26:14difficulty is anything but child's play.
26:17It can be merciless with the way it unleashes hordes of enemies at a moment's notice.
26:21Thanks to its stylish presentation and high-impact weapons, the game is equally rewarding as
26:26it is demanding.
26:33Number 44 Persona 5
26:46Number 43 Hades
26:56Number 42 Gears of War 2
27:10Number 41 Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2
27:22Number 40 Fire Emblem Three Houses
27:36Awakening may have brought this franchise back to life, but Three Houses made it a mainstream
27:40superstar.
27:41The staple of its predecessors are all taken to the next level here, forging relationships,
27:46navigating the world, branching storylines, and emphasis on tactics, Three Houses implements
27:51them all to a T.
27:58Put in the role of a teacher, players have to guide one of three dorms to glory as political
28:03strife and civil war threatens to consume everything.
28:06The combat cycle never gets old, but its true strengths come from the nuance of its
28:10extensive cast, and the pain that comes when choosing a side also means potentially going
28:15against those you've forged a bond with.
28:17It's easy to see why so many are still so enraptured by it.
28:26Number 39 Devil May Cry 3 Dante's Awakening
28:38Number 38 Animal Crossing New Horizons
28:49Number 37 Chrono Trigger
29:00Number 36 The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim
29:10Number 35 Castlevania Symphony of the Night
29:20The 2D side-scrolling genre was on its way out of popularity, and then Alucard burst
29:25onto the scene.
29:26It's the reason the term Metroidvania has entered the pop culture lexicon, as the game
29:30revolutionized the landscape alongside the Metroid series.
29:41With a riveting gothic soundtrack and an eerie castle filled with monsters to slay, the game's
29:46main star power comes from its aesthetic value.
29:48Thanks to intricate level design, exploring Dracula's castle is like treading into a
29:52horror story, only you get to bite back.
29:55Symphony of the Night's non-linear gameplay enables players to traverse the deepest depths
29:59of the castle and fully appreciate its artistry.
30:02The game's enduring popularity has led to several re-releases and continues to serve
30:06as a foundational example of the medium.
30:15Number 34 Uncharted 2 Among Thieves
30:32Number 33 Shadow of the Colossus
30:43Number 32 God of War
30:53Number 31 Batman Arkham City
31:04Number 30 Undertale
31:15As unassuming as it is monumental, this little indie is an absolute triumph.
31:20On the face of it, the premise of guiding a lost child back to the surface is straightforward,
31:24but Undertale's bullet-hell mechanics and curious take on morality made this a journey
31:28to remember.
31:29Whether they're treading the path of the pacifist or going full genocide, players had to consistently
31:34tackle unconventional opponents with a highly diverse movepool.
31:45To this day, Undertale is easily recognizable because of its distinct character designs,
31:49minimalist approach, incredible soundtrack, and serves as living proof that sometimes
31:54an indie can be so much more than a darling.
31:57It can outshine practically everything else just by excelling in each of its implemented
32:02aspects.
32:10Number 29 Fallout New Vegas
32:26Number 28 Sonic the Hedgehog 2
32:37Number 27 Final Fantasy 9
32:48Number 26 Super Mario World
32:59Number 25 Mass Effect 2
33:10A sequel more than worthy of being considered one of the greatest sci-fi game experiences
33:14to date, the focus mainly falls on assembling a crew with Commander Shepard for a seemingly
33:18impossible mission.
33:20In addition to riveting storytelling, Mass Effect 2's value is driven by its complex
33:24characters, no matter how major or minor they may be.
33:37And given how player choice can lead to their ultimate demise, the stakes could not be higher.
33:41It's this agency combined with the stellar third-person gunplay that made this the pinnacle
33:46of the trilogy.
33:47To the extent, it might be impossible for the franchise to ever reach such heights again.
33:51There is only one Garrus, after all.
33:57Number 24 Assassin's Creed 2
34:06Number 23 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
34:17Number 22 Red Dead Redemption 2
34:26Number 21 Portal 2
34:34Number 20 The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
34:45To think that after so many installments, a Zelda game could shatter expectations this
34:49much is a testament to how incredible a game Breath of the Wild truly is.
34:53Hyrule has never felt more vast and fit for uninhibited adventure, given how players are
34:58free to explore every inch of it right from the start.
35:08In addition to its gorgeous visual style, its non-linear framework means that players
35:11can immerse themselves in the open world to their heart's content.
35:15Whether it's solving one of its numerous puzzles, cooking, assisting NPCs, gathering Korok Seeds,
35:20or combating Ganon's goons, Breath of the Wild is truly one of those games that rewards
35:24those who choose to invest in its sandbox.
35:34Number 19 Pokemon Gold and Silver
35:48Video games didn't have as much long-play potential back in the day, but Pokemon Gold
35:52and Silver proved that didn't have to be the case.
35:54Their combined success skyrocketed the Pokemon brand's status into the powerhouse it is now.
35:59With over 200 species of Pokemon available, becoming the best like no one ever was felt
36:04more fun than during our journey through Johto.
36:13As far as visuals go, it offered a much-needed upgrade.
36:16As for the core content, Poké Battles had never been more fun and varied as they were
36:20during the second gen.
36:22And need we say more about the quantity of content available, it still gets our hearts
36:26pumping every time we head to the peak to battle Red for the unofficial crown.
36:39Number 18 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
36:49The Wii U's Mario Kart 8 was phenomenal in its own right, but the Switch's Deluxe is
36:53on an entirely different level.
36:55Along with the original's DLCs, Deluxe had a multitude of new characters and a revamped
37:00system that made racing all the sweeter.
37:02The soundtrack, dynamic racetracks, and eye-popping visuals contribute to the game's over-the-top
37:07yet exciting environments.
37:15It's a hardcore racer where everything goes, with a family-friendly touch to satisfy just
37:19about everyone.
37:21Whether it's tossing Piranha Plants on opponents or defying gravity by driving on walls, Deluxe
37:25gives us the best kind of Mario fun on wheels.
37:29It's no wonder the game's gone on to become the greatest commercial success the Nintendo
37:32Switch has seen yet.
37:40Number 17 Halo 2
37:50Online multiplayer shooters are the norm now, but we have Halo 2 to thank for perfecting
37:54the groundwork.
37:55While destroying the Flood in Covenant is a blast, the prospect of gaining victory over
37:59fellow gamers carries a unique sense of satisfaction that Halo 2 thrives upon.
38:04Although whoever shoots best will always win, the game's map allows players to think strategically
38:08to secure another win.
38:10Each difficulty level is designed precisely to fit a player's skill level, so there's
38:14a whole lot of fun no matter how you want your playthrough to be.
38:23Halo's true mastery of delivering high-impact co-op and multiplayer entertainment marked
38:28an evolution in gaming, and for our buck, still stands as the franchise's best outing.
38:38Number 16 Super Metroid
38:50The game that showed the world Samus is here to stay, while proving that exploration can
38:54be just as gripping and dynamic as shooting and platforming.
38:57It broke new ground with features such as item inventory and rapid firing.
39:01Players have to locate power-ups to uncover the whole map, which never gets old thanks
39:06that arrive one after another.
39:14The lack of repetition means that every new area requires its own strategy, whether it
39:18be navigating to unseen sections or taking out bosses with new tactics.
39:23It's hard to keep track of how many derivative works were influenced by Super Metroid, but
39:27the original remains the ultimate side-scrolling experience.
39:38Number 15 Half-Life 2
39:48The internet has had an endless array of Half-Life 3 confirmed memes for years now, and it's
39:53no wonder thanks to just how monumental Half-Life 2 proved to be.
39:57Gordon Freeman's goal to defeat the Combine is a layered struggle, one that doesn't waste
40:01time leading players to fend for themselves.
40:03Half-Life 2's list of enemies vary from one ability to another, requiring different manners
40:07of approach in fending them off.
40:14This combined with genuinely witty puzzle sequences sets it apart from standard shooters, especially
40:20with something as delightfully addictive as the gravity gun at our disposal.
40:24Its excellent writing, enduring characters, and sharp gameplay ensured Half-Life's legacy
40:28would remain amongst the top echelons of gaming.
40:38Number 14 Bioshock
40:51It was rare for a game to hit people in a genuinely impactful way until Bioshock came
40:56around.
40:57With morality-based decisions at its core, we guide protagonist Jack in a dystopian world
41:01where painful choices have to be made.
41:03The underwater city of Rapture is aesthetically brilliant, with its tragic history able to
41:07be felt in everything from its sprawling design to hefty enemies like the Big Daddies.
41:20Bioshock keeps one hand on the story and another on gameplay, all building towards
41:24what many consider the greatest twist in gaming.
41:27Atmosphere and thematic qualities, superb gameplay, a wonderful villain via Andrew Ryan,
41:32as well as the balance beam between moral quandary and the need to level up, this game
41:37truly was shooting on all cylinders, both mechanically and creatively.
41:50Number 13 Bloodborne
41:52There's no doubt that Bloodborne is an acquired taste, namely those who can withstand its
42:05frighteningly difficult levels.
42:07The RPG is all about trial and error, with a whole lot of errors, but the end result
42:11speaks for itself, a Soulsborne experience that's truly enrapturing.
42:23The only way to survive is to be ready to attack at all times, providing a sense of
42:27urgency and exhilaration to gameplay.
42:29The marriage between gothic themes, aggressive combat, and horrifying enemies really sell
42:34Bloodborne's distinct identity.
42:36The elevated difficulty can be offset by mastering every feature available, and this kind of
42:40dedication contributes to the hundreds of hours fans spend on the game.
42:44It might not be for everyone, but for genre fans, it doesn't get better than this.
42:55Number 12 Resident Evil 4
43:01Every acclaimed over-the-shoulder feature such as Gears of War, Uncharted, and God of
43:10War have Resident Evil 4 to thank.
43:13This revolutionary take on the third-person camera was introduced and normalized by this
43:16game, and in doing so, created an action-horror game for the ages.
43:28Along with other reinventions such as the multi-item inventory system and dark sense
43:32of humor, the game offered empowering gameplay unseen in the franchise until this point.
43:37It gave players the ability to bring down parasitic hordes in a thrilling manner that
43:41only someone like Leon Kennedy could provide.
43:44Even so long after its release, Resident Evil 4 doesn't feel dated in the slightest, a testament
43:50to its evergreen nature.
43:59Number 11 Tetris
44:10Tetris is so entrenched in mainstream culture that it's hard to believe it's only been
44:14a few decades since its creation.
44:16Available just about everywhere in the world, the game has been lauded for being a brain
44:20teaser in a simple package.
44:22No matter what age group a person belongs to, Tetris appeals to everyone.
44:32Despite being easily accessible, besting Tetris isn't as easy as it seems.
44:36But it's because of this challenge that players spend so much time looking to beat their best
44:40scores.
44:47Revamps like Tetris Effect have kept the brand going strong into the 21st century, with variations
44:51that add an entertaining spin to its tried and tested formula.
44:55And no matter how many new games enter the fray, Tetris' recognizability has never been
44:59diminished.
45:06Number 10 The Last of Us
45:18Thrilling, haunting, and most of all, heartbreaking, The Last of Us took the canvas of a post-apocalyptic
45:23survival action-fest and turned it into something beautiful.
45:26The dynamic between Joel and Ellie is palpable both within the story and gameplay as they
45:31keep each other alive against hordes of infected and malicious human survivors.
45:35Players are witness to just how visceral the end of civilization, and how even those
45:40we root for can make us question our sense of right and wrong.
45:49There's a refreshing sense of realism from the vulnerabilities the protagonists display,
45:53as the game thrives on backs-to-the-wall combat and stealth.
45:57Everything from level design to character traits is curated to fit where the narrative
46:00is headed.
46:01The Last of Us is a landmark achievement in story-driven gameplay, and that is never going
46:06to change.
46:16Number 9 Street Fighter II – The World Warrior
46:27Street Fighter is synonymous with arcade fighters, and World Warrior arguably represents its
46:31peak.
46:32Its success exploded the fighting genre into popularity, making way for tournaments, game
46:36mastery, and influencing many other quality titles in the process.
46:40At the time, the opportunity to select multiple fighters with their own moves and abilities
46:44was a remarkable achievement.
46:55Adding in style and edgy characterizations to these fighters injected real personality
46:59into the game, as fans identified with the ones they liked most.
47:03To this day, unlocking special moves and defeating opponents with a flurry of attacks delivers
47:07the desired adrenaline rush.
47:09Its success paved the way for a plethora of Street Fighter entries that have replicated
47:13World Warrior's quality, although the original has still stood the test of time.
47:24Number 8 – Silent Hill 2
47:37The Resident Evil series established the horror genre, but Silent Hill 2 truly showed just
47:42how terrifying gaming could really be.
47:44Incorporating a dark palette and a highly vulnerable protagonist, it reflects the fears
47:48anyone would feel if they were left in absolute isolation, with only supernatural monstrosities
47:53for company.
48:02Deeper themes of loneliness and despair make the game more than just survival horror.
48:06Iconic villains like Pyramid Head represent the traumatic psyche of fractured hero James
48:10Sunderland, whose past sins are brought before his eyes with every sinister puzzle solved.
48:15Exploring the town's eerily pulsating atmosphere is a wonderful thrill.
48:19With minimal combat support and monsters in abundance, the fear factor in Silent Hill
48:232 remains sky high all the way through.
48:32Number 7 – The Witcher 3 – Wild Hunt
48:45The most striking aspect of The Witcher 3 is the sense of scale it represents.
48:50The game wants you to stay in the mystical continent as long as possible, complete with
48:54day-night cycles that imitate the great outdoors.
48:56Witcher Geralt is caught up in a massive conflict that sets him across the sprawling landscape.
49:03But there's so much to do that fans can forget that they're supposed to be hunting
49:07after their missing daughter figure.
49:09Players can spend their time hunting monsters, forging relationships, or just messing around
49:13playing Gwent.
49:14The finesse in combat and fluidity of Geralt's movements make gameplay a treat to learn and
49:19unleash.
49:20Wild Hunt is one of the defining examples of how fantasy open-world gaming can be all-encompassing
49:25and wholly investing.
49:33Number 6 – Minecraft
49:44Far and away the greatest commercial success in gaming history, Minecraft is the most sold
49:47title ever made.
49:49The term sandbox has been thrown around a lot, but Minecraft embodies this spirit by
49:53letting players do whatever they want and however they want it.
49:57The goal is to build anything that fits the player's imagination, and the more creative,
50:00the better.
50:09The hours tend to tick by without notice, as fans let their minds soar and come up with
50:13structures that do their dedication justice.
50:16Its vast, endless map allows players to keep their rhythm going without interference, extending
50:21playthroughs to however long a person wants it to be.
50:24Minecraft has changed the way games were traditionally designed, opening up room for innovation like
50:29never before.
50:36Number 5 – Grand Theft Auto IV
50:46Grand Theft Auto IV broke barriers even its own lauded predecessors didn't.
50:50Featuring a new rendition of Liberty City vibrant with content, Rockstar's crime world
50:55was more accessible than ever before.
50:57From checking out comedy clubs to going bowling, this game has side activities galore.
51:02Its surprisingly moving story establishes that crime isn't without consequence.
51:12This is juxtaposed between experiencing the peaks of the big city and learning how it
51:16masks the harsh realities of the American dream.
51:19While Niko Bellic's arc has its emotional resonance, the average gamer will also love
51:23navigating around every corner of the alternate Big Apple.
51:26GTA IV set the benchmark for success and hasn't stopped since.
51:33Number 4 – Doom
51:44A major shift in first-person shooter popularity and gameplay occurred when Doom leaped onto
51:48the scene.
51:49Everything about the game gets the aggression going, from its banging soundtrack to guns
51:53that pack a wallop.
51:55It pushed the envelope on the level of gore shown on screen, along with dealing with otherworldly
51:59elements that stirred a tad bit of controversy back in the day.
52:10In the end though, Doom's use of 3D visuals, explosive shooting and horror-filled art style
52:15were all trailblazers.
52:16While games like Halo 2 normalized online multiplayer, Doom is among the titles to introduce
52:21it to its audiences.
52:22Its significance to gaming led to a number of Doom clones as everyone wanted a taste
52:26of the success that Doom reveled in.
52:36Number 3 – Metal Gear Solid
52:48If you want to talk about storytelling in gaming, Kojima brought it all to fruition
52:52right here.
52:53What starts as an infiltration mission leads to iconic agent Solid Snake tackling a potential
52:58nuclear disaster, all filtered through awesome set pieces, crazy bosses and immersion unseen
53:03on the original PlayStation.
53:05Shadow Moses makes for a stellar location, keeping the action at a steady pace.
53:16It goes to show that constant shooting isn't necessary for a fun playthrough, not when
53:20stealth mechanics are this well detailed.
53:22It set the bar so high in so many areas that even as its sequel ironed out the graphics,
53:27the original Metal Gear Solid's essence allows it to stand alongside its successors.
53:40Number 2 – The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time
53:50Ocarina of Time confirmed once and for all that 3D gameplay wasn't just a gimmick but
53:55the new normal.
53:56As a fantasy game, it's great.
53:58As a Zelda entry, it was a revolution.
54:01It made features like target locking and free travel the industry standard when it came
54:04to action-adventure games.
54:13An Ocarina to learn 12 different songs as the game's outline is a unique idea even
54:17today.
54:18The game's innovative presentation is significant for not just being a part of level design
54:22but to capture fans into the fantastical land of Hyrule.
54:26Its impact was felt on both consumers and developers as Ocarina of Time raised gamers'
54:31expectations and pushed studios to try and match the flawlessness that this installment
54:35brought forward.
54:59Number 1 – Super Mario 64
55:11The Mario series is arguably the first that comes to mind when it comes to video games.
55:15So it's fitting that Super Mario 64 eased gamers to a 3D experience featuring its trademark
55:20style through a different prism.
55:22It's a joyous ride through the Mario world as fans back in the day got to see their favorite
55:26characters in vivid and gorgeous detail.
55:29The transition from side-scrolling to 3D platforming might have seemed daunting but the final product
55:34is a seamless adventure for everyone's favorite plumber.
55:44Few games make players feel at home from the get-go as Super Mario 64 does, thanks largely
55:49to easy-to-use controls.
55:51With a step forward in everything from design, animation, gameplay and scale, Super Mario
55:5664's success was a win for the gaming industry at large.