The gaming industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings, evolving from simple pixelated visuals to the complex, interactive experiences we enjoy today. As technology advances, so do the games we play, but a select few titles remain iconic and unforgettable, transcending time and trends. These games set benchmarks in gameplay, storytelling, and immersion. They are the best games, with their impact still echoing through the industry.
One of the most groundbreaking games of all time is Super Mario Bros., a title that revolutionized platformers and established Mario as the face of gaming. Released in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the game introduced tight controls, imaginative level designs, and memorable music. It was the beginning of a franchise that would become synonymous with gaming. Super Mario Bros. is more than just a game; it is a cornerstone of the gaming industry, having influenced countless platformers that followed and shaping the expectations of players for decades.
Moving forward into the late ’90s, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time redefined what players could expect from action-adventure games. Released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, this title combined puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat in a vast 3D world. The story, following Link’s quest to stop Ganondorf and save the land of Hyrule, became a symbol of deep narrative in gaming. Ocarina of Time is often cited as one of the greatest games ever created, not only for its story and gameplay but also for its technical innovations, particularly in terms of 3D graphics and world-building.
The early 2000s marked the rise of open-world games, and Grand Theft Auto III was at the forefront of this revolution. Released in 2001, GTA III gave players the freedom to explore a living, breathing city while engaging in criminal activities. This level of open-world freedom Royal1000 was unheard of at the time, and it changed the landscape of gaming forever. GTA III was followed by numerous sequels and spin-offs, each building on its formula, but the original remains a milestone in the gaming world, setting the stage for other expansive titles like Red Dead Redemption and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Another notable entry in the best games list is The Last of Us, a 2013 release from Naughty Dog. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a devastated United States, facing both infected creatures and hostile human factions. The Last of Us brought emotional storytelling to the forefront, blending it seamlessly with survival gameplay. Its characters felt real, their relationships complex and touching. The game won numerous awards and helped redefine the action-adventure genre, proving that video games could be an immersive, emotional medium, just as capable as movies or books at telling deep, character-driven stories.
As the PlayStation 4 era began, God of War (2018) showed that the action genre could evolve as well. The latest installment in the series shifted its focus from Greek mythology to Norse gods, offering a more mature, reflective Kratos. The game combined fast-paced combat with exploration and puzzles in a seamless, cinematic experience. The father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus added an emotional layer to the narrative, making it one of the most praised games of the PS4 generation. The open-world elements, lush visuals, and emotional depth cemented God of War as one of the defining games of the 2010s.
The open-world genre continued its dominance with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Released in 2015, this role-playing game from CD Projekt Red became a global sensation. Its vast world, deep lore, and branching storylines offered players a living, breathing fantasy realm to explore. Players could follow the main storyline or get lost in countless side quests, each with its own stories and characters. The Witcher 3 is celebrated not just for its world-building, but for the complexity of its characters and its ability to challenge players’ moral choices. It remains one of the best games in the RPG genre.
In recent years, Red Dead Redemption 2 has garnered immense praise for its storytelling, world-building, and attention to detail. Set in the American frontier, the game follows Arthur Morgan, a member of a gang on the run, as he tries to survive in a changing world. The narrative is rich and emotional, offering players a deeply immersive experience, where every action feels consequential. Red Dead Redemption 2 set new standards for open-world games, not only in terms of its visual fidelity but also in how it makes players feel part of its world.
Finally, there’s Minecraft, a game that has taken the world by storm since its release in 2011. While its blocky graphics may seem simplistic, the game’s appeal lies in its unlimited creative potential. Players can build, explore, and survive in an infinite world, offering a nearly unparalleled level of freedom. Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated community and countless spin-offs. Its accessibility and creativity have ensured that it remains one of the most influential and best-selling games in history.
The best games are those that stand the test of time, influencing not only the players who experience them but the industry itself. These titles showcase the diversity of gaming experiences, from platformers to open-world adventures, RPGs, and survival games. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, these timeless classics will always serve as inspiration for future games, reminding us of the transformative power of interactive entertainment.
