The 50 Greatest Games of All Time (probably [WIP])™
These are not my personal favorite games. This list is my attempt at a more critical approach to ranking the greatest games of all time.
You're bound to disagree with the list, and I hope you let me know. Please feel free to comment arguing for or against the list's rankings, inclusions, and omissions. I've already consulted with others to verify the worth of these games. If I get enough suggestions, I can expand the list to 100 games.
To qualify, a game must demonstrate cohesion, elegance, excellence, and integrity in its design, context, and aesthetics. The game must also be three years old or older (to avoid adding games just because they're "the new hotness"). It also cannot try to induce FOMO (fear of missing out) in the player (though I've made one exception). The original releases of these games are listed unless otherwise specified.
Other games being considered: Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, Burnout 3, 80 Days, Hollow Knight, The Witcher 3, Elite Beat Agents, ときめきメモリアル 2, Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3, Ghost of Tsushima, Subnautica, Inscription, Outer Wilds, Devil May Cry V, Disco Elysium, Spiritfarer, Monster Hunter (one of them, I'm sure), The Secret of Monkey Island, The Oregon Trail, Batman Arkham Asylum, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, What Remains of Edith Finch, Okami, Iji, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations, Sly 2 Band of Thieves, Hades, Bangai-O Spirits, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Xenoblade Chronicles (one of them), Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Threes, Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare, Super Monkey Ball, Red Dead Redemption (1 or 2), ESPN NFL 2K5, Ultima 4
Still too early to add but they'll probably quality in a few years: Elden Ring, Balder's Gate 3
I haven't played so many of these please help
You're bound to disagree with the list, and I hope you let me know. Please feel free to comment arguing for or against the list's rankings, inclusions, and omissions. I've already consulted with others to verify the worth of these games. If I get enough suggestions, I can expand the list to 100 games.
To qualify, a game must demonstrate cohesion, elegance, excellence, and integrity in its design, context, and aesthetics. The game must also be three years old or older (to avoid adding games just because they're "the new hotness"). It also cannot try to induce FOMO (fear of missing out) in the player (though I've made one exception). The original releases of these games are listed unless otherwise specified.
Other games being considered: Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, Burnout 3, 80 Days, Hollow Knight, The Witcher 3, Elite Beat Agents, ときめきメモリアル 2, Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3, Ghost of Tsushima, Subnautica, Inscription, Outer Wilds, Devil May Cry V, Disco Elysium, Spiritfarer, Monster Hunter (one of them, I'm sure), The Secret of Monkey Island, The Oregon Trail, Batman Arkham Asylum, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, What Remains of Edith Finch, Okami, Iji, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations, Sly 2 Band of Thieves, Hades, Bangai-O Spirits, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Xenoblade Chronicles (one of them), Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Threes, Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare, Super Monkey Ball, Red Dead Redemption (1 or 2), ESPN NFL 2K5, Ultima 4
Still too early to add but they'll probably quality in a few years: Elden Ring, Balder's Gate 3
I haven't played so many of these please help
50 Games
50
One of the most cohesive and elegantly designed games I've ever seen. The systems, context, and aesthetics all tie together brilliantly. Unfortunately, it's a multiplayer game from Nintendo, so the online has problems. Additionally, the series loves inducing FOMO (fear of missing out) through Splatfests and other features. Splatoon is the exception to my "No FOMO" rule due to its other qualities, but the presence of FOMO means it will forever remain at the bottom of this list, even if it gets expanded to 100 games.
A tremendous action-platformer with distinct levels and ample replay-value.
This spot really goes to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but Sonic & Knuckles also happens to have the best box art of all time. It just looks nicer being listed here.
This spot really goes to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but Sonic & Knuckles also happens to have the best box art of all time. It just looks nicer being listed here.
There's no denying that Space invaders is an important game, given how influential it's been to gaming as a whole. The reason why it was though is because it was so great, with how it rewards risky play and strategy.
An approachable fighting game that may also be the most content-rich game on this list.
Imagine Project+ is just half a space above this game.
Imagine Project+ is just half a space above this game.
With a new structure that allows for more freedom and opportunities for emergent narratives, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild crafts a beautiful world that feels alive.
One could argue for any Pokémon game to be on this list, but the first generation set the standard and remains the most cohesive.
Game Freak, your next game can have this spot if it's in the style of Legends Arceus and you spend five to seven years developing it.
Game Freak, your next game can have this spot if it's in the style of Legends Arceus and you spend five to seven years developing it.
The combat system is deep, stylish, and satisfying. The story and set-pieces are wildly enjoyable. Some of the gimmick sections can be frustrating, but the rest of the game is brilliant enough that the whole package remains wonderful.
A unique, engaging puzzle game coupled with one of the best stories written for a game.
A racing game that's approachable for casual players with enough depth for veterans to demonstrate skillful play.
An early example of a game using context to add weight to a player's choices and skill.
Shovel Knight released as a wonderful homage that reminded us of only the best parts of a bygone era of gaming. Then they kept adding more of it.
Every aspect of Hollow Knight creates a sense of dreadful wonder.
38
This game distills the essences of these sports into their most impactful interactions and turns them into toyetic physical activities.
Final Fantasy IV impressed with how it ties game systems, like spells or classes, into how it tells its story.
The solitary mobile-only game on this list (please suggest more). A distinct puzzle game thanks to its unique, mind-bending puzzles.
A simple, well-presented story takes the player through some of the most intense on-rails 3D shooting the genre has to offer.
31
Complex systems allow for deep expression and creativity. Also it's just funny to mess with computer people.
With fluid controls, beautiful aesthetics, addictive score-attack gameplay, and levels inspired by research from dream psychologists, this is the most complete Sega game.
29
A top-down shooter built on a beautifully elegant concept that reveals its depth through its raw difficulty and challenging scoring system.
Toyetic game design coated in wonderful Japanese pop-art.
27
Has anyone heard of this game?
26
25
Ahead of its time in terms of game systems and plot. The player is granted incredible freedom in how to tackle challenges.
Every song can be played to using only the audio, making this the truest rhythm game. Despite that, the visuals are charming enough to make watching the screen still worth it.
It lasts less than two hours, but it says a lot in that short time and can be read in a number of different ways. While it doesn't have deep mechanics that tie themselves cohesively to the narrative, the narrative necessitates that it be told through a game. If you're a creative person, or if you know someone who is, please play this game.
22
One of the simplest games to control, and yet plentiful depth is found in how the ball interacts with the paddles. And because the nuances are so intuitive, anyone can play this game and feel like a pro.
Incredible stealth-action complemented with a fun, fascinating story. It specifically has to be this version of MGS3 since they fixed the camera.
An urban-feeling Street Fighter game.
This one is frequently held up as one of the best RPGs of all time and definitely the best in the Dragon Quest series. That said, I've heard good things about XI, and III is considered an classic, so maybe one of those could take this spot. Maybe?
18
A punishing game that demonstrated how important difficulty could be to an aesthetic.
17
A game that is truly one person's vision, Cave Story is perfect in that it is exactly what it tries to be. Not that it's without flaw (the path to the true ending is infamously unintuitive), but its strengths in challenging gameplay, gripping story, and memorable characters more than make up for it.
Still the definitive example of its genre. The movement, the mechanics, the world design, and everything else about it are exquisite and detailed.
15
A challenging platformer whose gameplay is supported by a story about personal growth. Madeline is also one of the best protagonists in the medium.
Not the most stable experience, but clever world-building and interesting decision making keeps it solid nonetheless.
Despite the run-away success of Ocarina of Time, Nintendo still bravely experimented with the sequel. Majora's Mask features a surreal setting filled with memorable characters that are bolstered by the focus on side-quests. The game is mostly remembered for its grim atmosphere, which is fantastic, but it only hits so hard because of distinct moments of happiness and levity (the game introduced Tingle after all).
Not only is there such cohesion between all the game's elements (they revolutionized the genre with new approaches to platforming while still maintaining Mario's playful aesthetic), there's cohesion with the system it's on. Both the game and the Nintendo 64 were developed with each other in mind.
Position-dependent attacks add a unique twist on the active-time battle system. The story is fun too, with twists that encourage players to rethink how they'll play, and multiple endings that depend on the player's decisions. The Dream Team developed a game that will forever stand the test of time.
10
The visuals that still look fantastic years later, story full of exciting moments, well-paced level design, and revolutionary mechanics all support each other to deliver one of the most memorable action games.
Hauntingly beautiful. Traversing empty landscapes gives way to thrilling battles that remain some of the most memorable in the medium.
8
Mother 3 is tight and focused, with genuine confidence in a plot that can juggle several disparate tones. It also improves on Earthbound's mechanics and systems, and it even adds an unobtrusive rhythm mechanic to its battles.
Minecraft delivers on so many kinds of play, from cooperation to competition, self-expression to mechanical mastery (just look at the speedruns). It's no surprise the game has managed to appeal to such a wide audience.
Please discuss why this spot should have gone to Super Mario World instead.
The developers of several games on this list cite Another World as one of their favorites and as a significant source of inspiration.
4
The best game about organizing chaos.
3
A brilliant game full of puzzles that make the most of the novel central mechanic. The dark comedic writing both complements and contrasts with the setting. Bundle all of that in a two-to-three hour long package, and you have one of the tightest PC games ever made.
Releasing in a time when games were naval-gazing more and more, Undertale remains poignant while still remembering to also possess the joy of older games. Undertale features a unique battle system that presents enemies as distinct characters, writing that knows how to be hilarious and sincere, and music that still makes people cry.
1
Journey delivers a resonant experience while leaving enough room for players to provide their own meaning to it all. It does this through minimalist design that still manages to include engaging cooperative multiplayer.
6 Comments
I would recommend checking out Red Dead Redemption II. The greatest playable TV show ever
I'd also recommend ESPN NFL 2K2005. There is no reason to play any other sports game besides it. You'll know once you play
As for Burnout. 3 is better. Paradise is more mainstream, but the menus and arcadeyness of 3 are a lot easier to get into and it isnt compromised by the need to have an open world with needless filler in place of a menu
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Also check out ultima 4. The game that brought truly deep storytelling into RPGs
Alena_03
10 months ago