Creating a definitive “best of all time” video game list is no small feat, especially with so many iconic titles and diverse opinions in the gaming world. Using an innovative methodology, we compiled data from fourteen different “best games” lists from reputable sources, merging their individual rankings to produce one ultimate consensus resulting in the top 10 games of all time.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often hailed as the quintessential adventure game, combining a captivating story with revolutionary gameplay mechanics. Its immersive journey through Hyrule set a new bar for action-adventure games and has since inspired countless titles. The game’s blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving was groundbreaking for its time, cementing it as a timeless classic.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined the open-world genre, allowing players a unique sense of freedom to explore a vast and intricately designed landscape. By removing traditional boundaries and offering endless ways to tackle challenges, Breath of the Wild brought a fresh perspective to open-world gaming and remains one of the most innovative titles in recent years.
Grand Theft Auto V is Rockstar’s ambitious crime saga that blends the stories of three protagonists within a sprawling, vibrant cityscape. Its open world is alive with details and dynamic elements that give players limitless possibilities, from chaotic heists to everyday city interactions. The game’s narrative depth and technical achievements make it a staple in the sandbox genre.
The Last of Us delivers a haunting story set in a post-apocalyptic world, where the bonds between its characters add a deep emotional layer to its tense gameplay. The game explores themes of love, loss, and survival with a rare maturity, creating a gripping experience that resonates far beyond the screen.
Tetris proves that simplicity can be profoundly impactful. Its addictive, tile-matching gameplay has captivated players for decades, making it a timeless staple in the world of video games. The game’s elegance lies in its straightforward concept, which remains challenging and entertaining, regardless of how many times it’s replayed.
Resident Evil 4 revitalized the survival horror genre, introducing a perfect balance of action and suspense. With its intense encounters and strategic resource management, it set a standard for horror games and led the series into new, thrilling directions. Its influence is evident across the genre, as other titles have adopted its dynamic approach to horror.
Metal Gear Solid elevated the possibilities of storytelling in games, blending stealth gameplay with a compelling narrative and cinematic presentation. Its characters and plot twists engaged players in ways few games had before, setting the tone for story-driven games and popularizing the stealth genre in the process.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a sprawling fantasy epic that takes RPG storytelling to new heights. Players navigate a richly detailed world where their choices shape the fate of characters and events. With its complex characters, intricate world-building, and moral dilemmas, The Witcher 3 is a gold standard for RPGs.
Super Mario 64 brought platforming into the third dimension, revolutionizing how players move and explore within a game. Its open levels and intuitive controls gave players freedom like never before, influencing countless platformers that followed. Super Mario 64 remains a benchmark for 3D game design.
BioShock transports players to an eerie underwater city, presenting an engaging narrative that explores themes of power and choice. Its atmospheric world and philosophical undertones make it more than just a shooter; BioShock challenges players to consider the moral implications of their actions, making it one of the most thought-provoking games of all time.
These ten games each pushed boundaries within their respective genres and left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, proving that video games can be as impactful and memorable as any other art form.
