10 of the Best Video Games of All Time
Listing the best video games of all time is no easy feat. After all, gamers have very personal attachments to their favorite games, and when they don’t make the list…well, let’s just say it’s impossible to please everyone. This list includes nostalgic classics that have withstood the test of time as well as modern hits that have redefined their genre and helped to shape the growing industry.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC)
The Witcher 3 is far from an average RPG. It takes the traditional fairy tale formula and adds a touch of darkness and evil, providing an action-RPG experience that hits all the right notes for RPG veterans as well as gamers new to the genre. Engrossing writing, unique characters, and a wonderfully developed world make The Witcher 3 an incredibly engrossing adventure.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
Grand Theft Auto V takes everything gamers loved about the GTA that came out five years previous and refined it to perfection. Whether you’re completing missions or running around causing mayhem, this ambitious game provides endless gameplay possibilities.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005, GameCube, PlayStation 2, PC, Wii, Zeebo, iOS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Resident Evil 4 is the go-to game for fans of the horror genre. It came out in 2005 and still has endless replay value to this day. From the cheesy b-movie dialogue to the brooding atmosphere, this game remains an immersive thrill ride. The pacing, level designs, cutscenes, and bosses are all top-notch, and few (if any) horror shooters have come close.
- Portal 2 (2011, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, Linux, Mac OS)
Portal 2 was the perfect Portal sequel, expanding on the original’s incredibly unique style. It’s a first-person puzzle-platform game with phenomenal replay value. Unlike most puzzle games, the story has outstanding detail and originality, keeping the player fully immersed until the goosebump-giving ending.
- Super Mario 64 (1996, Nintendo 64)
Super Mario 64 took the classic Mario game and cranked it up a few million notches. For many young gamers, it was truly a game-changer. Exploring the familiar-yet-completely-new 3D world took hours, and each level was more fun than the last. The game is packed with secrets, creating a truly magical experience.
The controls are also exceptional, with moves like the triple jump and backflip opening up endless possibilities for exploration. While some may champion Super Mario Odyssey as a superior game, Mario 64 opened the door and made it all possible.
- Doom (MS-DOS, 1993)
Doom is a classic. It may not have been the first shooter, but without it, the genre just wouldn’t be the same. There’s just something about blasting demons with a variety of iconic weapons that feels so right. The blocky graphics may not hold up to today’s standards, but in a weird way, that’s part of the charm. There are plenty of new translations available on modern systems, so if you don’t have an old PC to dust off, you can still play this timeless shooter.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998, Nintendo 64)
Ocarina of Time was a groundbreaking release. The game took the 3D style of Mario 64 and elevated it to new heights, creating one of the most immersive gaming experiences of the time. Whether you were riding Epona through Hyrule Field, exploring the inside of a Deku Tree, or fighting enemies in the belly of a whale, Ocarina of Time was pure magic from front to end.
- Final Fantasy VI/III (1994, SNES)
The Final Fantasy series is unparalleled in pure RPG greatness, and VI (released as III in the U.S.) embodies everything that makes the franchise so amazing. Music that tugs at your heartstrings, characters that you genuinely care about, and an incredible world to explore make FF6 a journey that must be taken by all gamers.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past (1992, SNES)
Link to the Past is pure magic. From beginning to end, the player is transported to an enchanting world fraught with peril, mystery, charm, and adventure. Every inch of the map is filled with excitement and possibility. Link to the Past set the stage for every other Zelda game, making it one of the most important video games there will ever be.
- Chrono Trigger (1995, SNES)
Chrono Trigger is considered by many to be the quintessential JRPG experience. It was absolutely revolutionary for its time, featuring gorgeous graphics, multiple endings, fascinating plotlines, and wonderfully engaging characters. The many stories connected brilliantly, and choices you make throughout the game cause ripple effects that make you question your every move.
The battle system is a joy to use, and virtually every aspect of Chrono Trigger’s gameplay still just feels right to this day. This is a game that never gets old, and it has endless replay value thanks to the multiple endings and a massive universe that spans time and space.
There are plenty of absolutely incredible games missing from this list — that’s unavoidable. Drop a comment below with your favorite game, or even your own top list.
Author Bio: Grace Li is a blogger and works as an editor at Gamer2go. She’s been published across many digital platforms for her expertise in Gaming and Entertainment field. In free time she’s volunteering at her local pet shelter.