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The 100 Best Video Games of All Time

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The Best Video Games of All Time

What are the best video games of all time?

There is no shortage of amazing video games that have been released in the past few decades, but some have exceeded expectations to become the best of all time.

Today, we are giving these video games the credit they deserve and counting down the most incredible games ever released in video game history. 

 

The 100 Best Video Games of All Time

All of the games on this list have been chosen due to their popularity and legacy, which has made them stand out more than any others.

While we’re sure that not everyone’s favorites have been included, we tried to make this list as inclusive and well-rounded as possible.

Here’s our list of the 100 best video games of all time:

 

100. League of Legends

This free-to-play online gaming phenomenon took the world by storm in 2009 and it has been going strong ever since.

As one of the best free MMORPG games, League of Legends is filled with enjoyable gameplay and lots of things to master.

 

99. Starcraft

Blizzard Entertainment began planning Starcraft back in 1995 and when it finally was released in 1998, it received some of the highest praise ever given to a video game at the time.

It has since gone on to be considered one of the best real-time strategy games of all time, with a solid fan base that is still going strong today.

 

98. Elden Ring

Created in collaboration with the brilliant Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring is one of the newest releases on our list, but one that has quickly risen to earn a place as one of the best video games ever released.

With a vast open-world, numerous classes to play, and some of the most awe-inspiring boss battles in gaming history, there is something for everyone to be excited about when it comes to playing this game.

 

97. NFL 2K1

When NFL 2K1 was released, it received universal acclaim for its amazing gameplay both on and offline.

For fans of NFL games, NFL 2K1 is a must-play, even today, and even the newest NFL games can thank this installment for serving as a brilliant foundation.

Much deeper and more refined than the original game, NFL 2K1 has some of the best AI in the franchise along with some of the best gameplay mechanics ever seen in a sports game.

 

96. Metroid

This game kicked off the legendary series and introduced the world to Samus Aren, a galactic bounty hunter protecting the galaxy from ruthless space pirates and other dark forces who seek to use the parasitic power of the Metroid creatures.

First released on the NES in 1987, Metroid knocked all expectations out of the park and cemented its place as one of the best video games of all time, and one that millions of fans still go back and play today.

 

95. Unreal Tournament 2004

This first-person shooter is the third game in the Unreal Tournament series and it contains a significant number of game mechanic changes and visual changes that make it stand out from all the rest.

Other major changes include the introduction of vehicles and the Onslaught game mode, which allows players to take part in large-scale battles.

 

94. Divinity: Original Sin II

This role-playing game serves as the sequel to Divinity: Original Sin, but it surpassed its predecessor with its interactivity and combat complexity.

The story is one of the best in any RPG and it has long been considered a masterpiece, with both critics and fans praising its storyline, quests, and replayability.

 

93. Pac-Man

Everyone knows Pac-Man and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t played it at least once.

Pac-Man has enjoyed undying success since 1980 and some even considered it to be the most important and iconic video game of all time, with millions of dedicated fans still playing it across the globe.

 

92. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

The GTA series pops up quite a bit on our list, but Chinatown Wars takes the 92nd spot for its amazing mechanics and unique gameplay that fans love.

Today, Chinatown Wars remains the highest-rated Nintendo DS game, and despite the initial controversy surrounding its drug dealing minigame, it is still one of the most played GTA titles.

 

91. Fallout: New Vegas

Transporting players to the heart of the Mojave Desert, Fallout: New Vegas brought back a lot of the fundamentals of Fallout 2 which had been missing from Bethesda’s Fallout 3, which moved the franchise to the East Coast.

Despite its insanely short development cycle of only 18 months, many fans and critics hail New Vegas as the best Fallout game ever released, and its refined mechanics coupled with intricate RPG story-telling make it incredibly replayable.

Although some may argue that Fallout 3 is the better game, we can’t help but give the title to New Vegas, since it brings back a lot of what fans of the original two games fell in love with.

 

90. Hades

Hades is another recent release that quickly earned a spot as one of the best video games ever released.

This dungeon crawler game was fully released in 2021 and it follows the son of Hades, Zagreus, as he tries to escape the underworld and reach the summit of Mount Olympus.

While the gameplay is spectacular, the whole storyline is also one of the best, with branching stories that give players an incentive to complete multiple playthroughs.

 

89. Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo 2 is one of the best racing games of all time and, when it was first released, it even surpassed sales of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in the UK.

Featuring fine-tuned racing mechanics and two different game modes, arcade, and simulation, Gran Turismo 2 is one of the most in-depth and customizable racing games ever made.

 

88. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Set in the Star Wars universe and developed by Bioware, KOTOR is set 4,000 years before the Galactic Empire’s founding, and it deals with Darth Malak’s attack against the Galactic Republic.

While its story and gameplay made KOTOR a standout game, its story, plot decisions, and alignment system are what really made it a hit with fans.

 

87. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl was surrounded by hype as soon as it was announced and it blasted through all expectations to become one of the greatest games ever made.

Released on the Wii console, Brawl unleashes loads of new characters, including Meta Knight, Pit, and Zero-Suit Samus, which players can use to bash their way through levels.

 

86. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt of Rivia returns in the best Witcher game and one of the best video games ever released.

Not only is the gameplay and story in this installment amazing, but the huge open-world map gives players so much to explore.

Monsters lurk around every corner waiting to be slain and, as Geralt, players control the fate of the whole world in this Game of the Year winning masterpiece.

 

85. SoulCalibur

SoulCalibur ignited one of the most successful series in video game history and set the stage for incredible future games that are still beloved by gamers.

As the first game in the series, SoulCalibur introduced people to an amazing 3D fighting world with iconic characters, knock-out combos, and stunning graphics.

 

84. Bloodborne

This action RPG takes place in the gothic Victorian-inspired city of Yharnam and it tasks players with finding the source of a blood-borne plague spreading rapidly among the inhabitants.

There is no shortage of places to explore, mysteries to solve, and weapons to collect as you make your way through this game, and it bears many similarities to the Souls series, which helped make it even more popular.

 

83. Doom

Released in 1993, this first-person shooter gives players control of a space marine who must fight their way through hordes of demons invading from the depths of hell.

The history of Doom spans 20 years and it is, without a doubt, one of the most influential games released for any system.

 

82. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a one-of-a-kind, must-play game for any fans of online MMOs.

In the game, players take on the role of Warcraft heroes with the ability to explore the vast world alongside thousands of other dedicated players with whom they can interact and team up with or fight against.

 

81. Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong has come a long way as a household name, but it all stems from a 1981 platformer that spawned this 1994 game of the same name.

In Donkey Kong, players are tasked with rescuing Pauline from Donkey Kong as he hurls obstacles at Mario to hinder his progress.

While the character of Donkey Kong wasn’t controllable in this installment, it did help amp up the popularity of Donkey Kong Country, which was released a few months after this game.

 

80. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is another more recent game to make our list and it is also one of the most unique.

This non-traditional RPG features no combat and instead forces players to solve problems with skill checks and dialogue that is influenced by the 24 skills you can choose from.

What’s more, is that the whole game has an incredibly beautiful oil painting style of artwork that makes it incredibly distinctive and fun to play through.

 

79. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

Metal Gear Solid was brought online for the first time with Subsistence, allowing players to team up with up to 7 friends to fight for dominance.

There are loads of new gameplay modes to take advantage of, as well as new online modes that include death matches, team death matches, stealth missions, and rescue missions.

 

78. Diablo II

This action RPG hack and slash game takes place shortly after the events of the first game and brings back the dark fantasy and horror themes that fans love.

Taking players through five unique story acts, the battle never stops as you try to prevent the destruction wrought by Diablo’s return.

 

77. Burnout 3: Takedown

Burnout 3: Takedown is a game geared towards racing fans who love destruction and the main goal is to create as much damage with your car as possible.

There are over 100 events to play, 40 unique tracks to race on, and a special crash mode that rewards you for creating huge pileups.

 

76. Tomb Raider

Released in 1996, this action-adventure game was first released on the Sega Saturn, which you can still play using one of the best Sega Saturn Emulators, but it later came to the PlayStation and has been remade for later consoles as well.

Introducing players to the iconic Lara Croft, Tomb Raider is focused around finding the Scion of Atlantis, an artifact that requires players to navigate many different areas and solve numerous puzzles to find.

 

75. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Giving players control of Sam Fisher once again, players have to navigate through a series of hazardous operations to investigate and eliminate the source of attacks stemming from North Korea.

What makes Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory stand out so much is its amazing stealth mechanics and intuitive level design that keeps you on your toes and checking around every corner.

 

74. Mortal Kombat

Although it was released back in 1992, Mortal Kombat is one of the few games that still holds up today as a must-play for any gamer.

Not only did Mortal Kombat revolutionize the fighting game genre and change video games forever, but it introduces players to iconic characters that have stood the test of time.

 

73. Metal Gear Solid

As the stealth game that started the award-winning series, Metal Gear Solid first debuted in 1998 and it was written, directed, and produced by the legendary Hideo Kojima.

Introducing players to the iconic Solid Snake for the first time, this game tasks players with neutralizing a terrorist threat by utilizing some of the best stealth mechanics ever designed.

 

72. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

The sixth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Black Flag throws players back into the conflict between Assassins and the Templars.

Set in the West Indies during the Gold Age of piracy, the whole game combines stealth, exploration, and naval battles into one glorious, must-play bundle.

 

71. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Symphony of the Night thrusts players into the role of Dracula’s descendant, tasked with ending the vampire bloodline once and for all.

Featuring over 140 different enemies to fight, loads of unique bosses and tons of fun magical spells, this Castlevania game really outdid itself in terms of fun gameplay elements.

 

70. Street Fighter II

Street Fight II is another of the greatest fighting games to have left a lasting impact on the genre and it is one that every gamer should play at least once.

While it has been updated for many modern consoles with gameplay improvements, there is something special about the original arcade version that makes it one of the greatest games ever made.

 

69. Borderlands 2

This first-person shooter was released in 2012 and it follows up five years after the events of the first game.

Although the original Borderlands was a great game, this sequel completely knocked it out of the park in terms of gameplay, story-telling, and fun game mechanics.

 

68. Halo 3

Halo 3 gives players a chance to finish the fight that started in Halo 2 and it concludes the story arc that began in Halo: Combat Evolved.

With brand new vehicles, weapons, and gameplay elements, this game expanded upon everything that the first few games had created and improved a lot of the mechanics that fans had issues with.

 

67. Quake

Quake is filled with 32 single-player levels and 6 deathmatch levels that give players loads of destructive power.

Bash, crush, and explode your way through the game as you take on some truly terrifying enemies that are horrible enough to show back up in your nightmares.

 

66. Civilization II

This turn-based strategy game really hit its stride in Civilization II and when it first debuted in 1996, fans couldn’t get enough.

The goal of the game is to build a small primitive tribe into a huge, thriving civilization while competing against other computer or human-controlled civilizations.

Civilization II really forces you to think strategically as you manage and grow your cities, and any wrong move can result in lasting failure.

 

65. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Along with being one of the best Xbox 360 games of all time, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is also one of the best games ever created.

Taking place in the providence of Cyrodiil, players can customize their characters in loads of great ways to make them unique as they try to stop the Mythic Dawn and the legions of Daedra spilling in through the opened Oblivion Gates.

 

64. Gears of War

Gears of War is a beautiful blend of survival horror and strategic action, throwing players into a harrowing story and a battle for humanity’s existence.

This game revolutionized tactical combat in video games and blew players away with its insanely detailed visuals.

 

63. Celeste

Celeste is often hailed as a modern masterpiece, giving new life to the platformer genre in this inspiring game.

Despite looking simple, the story is filled to the brim with emotion, and the platforming mechanics are reactive with puzzles that actually feel rewarding to solve.

 

62. Persona 5 Royal

An enhanced version of Persona 5, this version of the game, comes with an additional Phantom Thief, a new palace, a new city location, and additional social and plot elements that really make a big difference.

The combat in Personal 5 Royal is smooth and intuitive, while the role-playing and dungeon-crawling elements are well designed and paced out in a way that makes them complement each other perfectly.

 

61. Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is an incredible role-playing game that has since spawned two other games, with another in development at Bioware, along with numerous comics and novels.

Building on a strong traditional RPG foundation, Origins has a rich and engaging story, coupled with numerous different paths for the player to take.

It quickly became a favorite among role-playing fans and one of the best games of all time.

 

60. The Sims 3

Although Sims 4 has been going strong for many years now, many consider Sims 3 to be the game that surpassed them all.

Along with being one of the best real-life simulation games, Sims 3 has a robust selection of customization options that none of the other Sims games feature.

It also had a fantastic open world where you could explore and meet other Sims without having to worry about long loading screens.

 

59. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Throughout Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, players are introduced to new gameplay mechanics at every turn with action that never lets up.

From storming into a warzone to stealth sniping in a ghillie suit, this game changed the way shooters and war games were created and has become an iconic game in the Call of Duty franchise.

 

58. Devil May Cry

Devil May Cry introduces players to a private investigator, Dante, who specializes in investigating the paranormal.

Forced to enter the demon realm and avenge the death of his family, this game thrusts players into a dark supernatural battle for the existence of humankind.

 

57. God of War

God of War unleashed Kratos into the world of gaming for the first time and it has since gone on to become one of the most successful video game franchises in history.

Filled with towering monsters, brutal boss fights, and lightning-fast quick-time events, God of War is an unrelenting game that draws you in with its gameplay and keeps you coming back for its well-written story.

 

56. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4

Filled with 190 progressively harder goals to achieve, Pro Skater 4 forces you to get good or go home.

Levels constantly evolve and your career can be customized in loads of inventive ways, ensuring that you get the pro skating experience that suits you best.

 

55. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 builds on the foundation left by its predecessor and manages to up the ante even more.

Not only does it have a unique and action-packed single-player story, but it also comes with Special Ops missions that test your skills against a ticking clock to achieve your objectives before the time runs out.

 

54. Final Fantasy VII

Developed for the original PlayStation console, Final Fantasy VII follows the story of Cloud Strife in his journey to try and stop a megacorporation from using the world’s essence as an energy source.

Often considered to be one of the most influential games in history, the Final Fantasy VII Remake was released in 2020, bringing this incredible game to a new generation of consoles.

 

53. BioShock Infinite

Set in the year 1912 on the flying city of Columbia, players control agent Booker DeWitt as he attempts to rescue a young girl named Elizabeth.

The level designs in Bioshock Infinite are mind-blowingly beautiful and the story is particularly engaging for fans of the series, especially when coupled with the fantastic DLC.

 

52. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing is a game that unites people and New Horizons, despite being the fifth installment in the series, is without a doubt the best.

Played in real-time, this social simulation game adjusts based on your location and players can customize their villages any way they want, as well as their entire gameplay experience.

Whether you’re working alongside friends or just playing to pass the time, this seemingly simple game has a ton of great features to offer and it’s incredibly hard to put down.

 

51. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

Pro Skater 3 lets you play as one of 12 professional skateboarders or a custom skater created by you.

In-game, you can travel across the world, from Tokyo to L.A., learning new moves, and make your way up to become the number one skater in the world.

 

50. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

This 2015 stealth game was written, directed, and designed by the legendary Hideo Kojima and it follows the story of Venom Snake as he seeks revenge on the people who destroyed his forces during Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zero.

Praised for its player freedom, gameplay, and ending twist, this stand-alone prologue is deceptively amazing, which has earned it a solid place on our list.

 

49. Portal 2

Similar to the original Portal, this platform puzzle game requires players to solve problems by placing portals and teleporting between them.

What makes this sequel amazing is that it adds additional features like tractor beams, lasers, light bridges, and gels that alter player movement, giving players a lot more to mess around with.

 

48. Age of Empires

This real-time strategy game is all about history and building up an ancient civilization by progressing through four different ages.

Often considered a mixture of Civilization and Warcraft, this game gives players a lot of freedom to make choices and create empires the way they see fit, for better or for worse.

 

47. Sonic The Hedgehog

This Japanese game was created by Sega and it follows the adventure of a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog as he speeds through levels and collects coins.

Sonic has become such a huge staple that he even has two live-action movies under his belt now, and a lot of this success is due to this incredible first game.

 

46. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

This action-adventure game was released worldwide in 2000 and it was the second in the franchise to use 3D graphics.

Taking place two months after Ocarina of Time, this amazing game thrusts Link into a parallel world where players are given only 72 hours to stop the moon from crashing into the planet.

 

45. Grand Theft Auto III

Tossing players into a full 3D city with hundreds of NPCs, loads of vehicles, and a gigantic arsenal of weapons, Grand Theft Auto III pulled out all the stops and quickly became one of the best games in the series.

Players really get to feel like the stars of their own gangster movie when playing and it is easy to lose track of time with all the fun debauchery you can get up to.

 

44. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past is one of the greatest Zelda games of all time, and it allows players to travel between the light world and the dark world, fighting monsters and uncovering ancient secrets.

It also allows players to play with up to three friends, which really made it stand out as a must-play for fans of the series.

 

43. Halo 2

Halo 2 is a brilliant gem in the crown of the Halo franchise and when it was released it quickly became the most popular title on Xbox Live.

Picking up where Combat Evolved left off, Master Chief returns to give the Covenant back their bomb and stop the Great Journey in one of the best games ever released by Bungie.

 

42. Fortnite

Fortnite is a phenomenon, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kid who doesn’t know at least one dance move from this addicting battle royale.

As one of the funniest games to play with friends online, Fortnite is something that everyone should play at least once.

 

41. Red Dead Redemption

A follow-up to Red Dead Revolver, this Western-style game quickly enraptured players with its gameplay and epic storyline.

Giving players control of outlaw John Marston, Red Dead Redemption is an amazing adventure across the American frontier with all of the exploration and shooting that you would expect in the Wild West.

 

40. SimCity

This city-building game was the first in the series and it was released in 1989 as an unexpected hit.

Because of the success of SimCity, we have all the amazing Sims games we know today, but this original still stands out as one of the best city-planning simulators ever created.

 

39. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Taking place in Vice City during the 1980s, this GTA title follows Tommy Vercetti through the hedonistic and corrupt streets as he tries to gain power.

Aside from all the weapons that you can use to take down anyone in your way, there are loads of fast cars to hijack and speed through the city wreaking havoc at your leisure.

 

38. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto games have earned quite a few places on this list, so it should come as no surprise that we can’t leave out San Andreas.

This game, set in the early 90s, thrusts players into a homicide conspiracy where you have to prove your innocence, save your family, and take back control of the ruthless streets.

 

37. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Serving as the epic continuation of Baldur’s Gate, this RPG is set in an area of the Forgotten Releams called Amn.

With over 300 spells to use and 130 monster types to fight, Shadows of Amn was filled with action, adventure, and everything a great RPG game needs.

 

36. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

With Metal Gear’s top-secret technology having been leaked, it falls to Solid Snake to infiltrate a transport caravan and learn about a new prototype.

However, things quickly go sideways in this action-packed stealth game, with players forced to think creatively in order to stay alive.

 

35. BioShock

Bioshock introduced players to the stunning submerged city of Rapture for the first time and it was a show stopper.

Filled with unique abilities to collect, dark secrets to uncover, and monsters lurking around the depths, Bioshock stands out from any other game ever made and has quickly become an iconic title in the gaming world.

 

34. Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo is one of the most advanced racing games ever released, and it features 11 stunning environments to speed through.

With loads of cars to choose from and fantastic feedback, playing this game really makes you feel like you’re right there in the driver’s seat.

 

33. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The ninth game in The Legend Of Zelda series, this game features a new cel-shaded art style but retains the classic sword-swinging and puzzle solving that fans love.

Players are treated to some of the best environments in any Zelda game, long with loads of memorable characters, and a compelling story that makes this game stand out uniquely from the rest.

 

32. Resident Evil 4

Along with being one of the best Nintendo Wii games of all time, this installment in the Resident Evil series is also one of the best games ever created.

Giving players control of Leon Kennedy once again, Resident Evil 4 takes you on a top-secret mission to investigate the disappearance of the president’s daughter.

Set in a mysterious European location, players must do everything they can to survive hordes of deadly enemies in a fight for their lives.

 

31. Half-Life

Following the story of Gordon Freeman, as he tries to escape the Black Mesa Research Facility after an invasion by aliens, Half-Life combines engaging storytelling with some of the greatest combat and puzzle-solving mechanics in video game history.

Winning more than 50 Game of the Year awards, it is safe to say that Half-Life has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry as a game everyone should play at least once.

 

30. Super Mario Odyssey

This sandbox-style game gives players the ability to venture through strange new worlds in a Mario adventure unlike any other.

You can sail between different worlds, run and jump through unique 3D worlds, and explore as much as your heart desires with limitless potential.

 

29. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

This chapter of The Legend of Zelda gives Link the ability to transform into a wolf and explore the darkened world of Hyrule.

Packed with loads of entertaining puzzles, tons of quests, and a brand new combat system, Twilight Princess is a must-play for any Zelda Fans and something every gamer should play once.

 

28. Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus is an artistic masterpiece and the battles in it are some of the best in gaming.

Although it came out in 2005, it has since been remade with stunning visuals for modern consoles, giving players who missed out on it a chance to experience the magic for themselves in high-definition.

 

27. Tekken 3

This fighting game is the third installment in the Tekken series and by far the best.

With a whole new cast of characters and loads of new moves to help you beat your opponents, this arcade game quickly became one of the most popular games on home consoles with tons of dedicated fans still playing it today.

 

26. Perfect Dark

This first-person shooter debuted on the N64 in 2000 as the first in the series, following Johanna Dark as she tries to stop an extraterrestrial conspiracy.

The full campaign mode is filled with engaging levels, but there are also loads of multiplayer options that make perfect dark a perfect game to play with friends.

 

25. Batman: Arkham City

Along with being one of the best Xbox 360 games of all time, Batman: Arkham City is one of the best games ever released, and certainly the best in the Batman series.

Sending players deep into the maximum security home for all of Gotham’s worst criminals, this game is dark, gritty, and filled with classic characters to interact with and fight against.

 

24. Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy throws players into space there Mario must chase down bizarre creatures that have kidnapped Princess Peach.

Players can explore amazing new planets, jump in low gravity, and perform tons of new, unique moves that are only possible in this game.

 

23. Dark Souls

If you like dying every two minutes, Dark Souls is the game for you.

This dark gothic survival game rips your humanity away and throws some of the most intense boss battles in your face.

Dark Souls may be one of the hardest video games to beat, but it is also one that has left a lasting legacy.

 

22. Resident Evil 2

Filled with action, exploration, and tough puzzles, Resident Evil 2 is the best of the series and it follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they explore the infected ruins of Racoon City.

This is one game that definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the tense atmosphere reminds you that death is never too far away.

 

21. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Nathan Drake returns in this action game willed with adventure, parkour, and exploration.

Lured back with the promise of a mysterious artifact, players have to hunt for a long-lost city and try to stay alive as a deadly killer tries to get their first.

 

20. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 is where the series peaked and you can’t tell us otherwise.

This game was loaded with some of the most memorable characters, intense battles, and amazing locations which made it stand out as one of the best.

Although ME1 and ME3 had their high points, there is just something special about this sequel that every gamer should experience.

 

19. Fallout 3

Fallout 3 comes in ahead of New Vegas because it kicked off a new generation of fans and made Fallout one of the most well-known titles in the gaming community.

Between the grim atmosphere, killer mutants, and amazing ruins, the Capital Wasteland was a brilliant foundation upon which the rest of the series has thrived.

 

18. Minecraft

Minecraft came out of nowhere and took the world by storm, capturing the imaginations of millions of players.

This sandbox game gives players the ability to build almost anything they want and explore an almost infinite world that is remarkably diverse and enthralling considering it is all made out of blocks.

 

17. Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV introduced players to Niko Belic and his bowling-obsessed cousin, Roman, as the pair try to make a name for themselves in Liberty City.

With a huge open-world map, numerous quests, and nefarious opportunities around every turn, this game quickly became one of the best in the series and one of the best games ever made.

 

16. Super Mario World

This iconic platformer, released in 1990, follows Mario as he tried to save Princes Peach who has once again been captured.

While similar to other Super Marion games, the creative team had a lot more freedom designing this one and it shows in the numerous levels and with the introduction of fan-favorite, Yoshi.

 

15. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has become one of Bethesda’s biggest cash cows and it is still receiving updates today with the Anniversary Edition of the game being released in 2021.

Not only is the game stunningly beautiful, but it has tons of replayability and serves as one of the most ambitious Elder Scrolls titles that fans keep coming back to.

 

14. The Last of Us

The Last of Us introduces gamers to the iconic duo, Joel and Ellie, as they race across America to try and cure the fungal plague that has caused the apocalypse.

While the gameplay is phenomenal, it is the narrative and story progression that really makes this game stand out, and the dynamic between the two characters is some of the best in gaming history.

 

13. Super Metroid

This action-adventure game is the third installment in the Metroid franchise and it follows Samus as she travels to Zebes to retrieve a creature stolen by the space pirate leader.

Super Metroid has been praised by critics and fans for its gameplay, atmosphere, graphics, and music as the best in the series which is why we couldn’t leave it off of our list.

 

12. Halo: Combat Evolved

Halo: Combat Evolved kickstarted the amazing Halo series that is still going strong today.

Introducing players to Master Chief for the first time, it was hard not to quickly become obsessed with the beautifully designed levels and the intense firefights that occur between the player and the Covenant forces.

 

11. Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2 gives players control of Gordon Freeman once again as he finds himself on an Earth overrun with aliens.

With resources becoming scarce, players have to fight to survive as Gordon tries to right the wrong done in Black Mesa.

 

10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most imaginative and stunning Legend of Zelda games, and it is filled with amazing places to explore and enemies to battle.

Players have a lot more freedom to roam and chose their own paths in this installment, which makes it incredibly replayable.

 

9. Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart is one of the best Super Mario games of all time and it is responsible for ruining a lot of childhood friendships, especially if you played on the Rainbow Road.

Giving players to race as their favorite Mario characters, this game is ridiculously addicting and it is one of the best to play with friends, so long as everyone doesn’t get too competitive.

 

8. Tetris

Tetris is a classic and it requires a lot of quick thinking in order to get good at it.

However, you don’t need to be a master to enjoy it as it can be a great way to pass the time and relax.

 

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

Set in the American West in 1899, this sequel follows Arthur Morgan as he battles with lawmen and outlaws alike to survive.

Red Dead Redemption captures the gritty, harsh conditions of the Old West, and players have to be quick with their guns if they want to make it to the end.

 

6. GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye 007 is one of the most iconic games released on the N64 and it still has a large number of dedicated fans today.

Whether you play through the story or take on a friend, the level design and shooting mechanics are some of the best to come out of the N64 era.

 

5. Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 is another game that everyone with an N64 had and it is hands down, the best Super Mario game.

Combining state-of-the-art 3D graphics, the best Nintendo characters, and tons of incredible levels, this game was hours of fun for everyone.

 

4. Pokémon Red

Released in 1996, this role-playing game left a lasting impression on many people’s childhoods and is hailed as one of the best games of all time.

As the first Pokémon game, released alongside Pokémon Blue, this game introduced players to many of the most iconic Pokémon and has since spawned a generation of trainers who have faithfully stuck with the franchise.\

 

3. Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most unique GTA games as it gives players three protagonists to play with, in a huge open world that provides hours upon hours of content.

Adding to this, GTA online also makes it possible to mess around with your friends and other players online in a huge cooperative space.

 

2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Taking our number two spot is Pro Skater 2 which stands out as the best skateboarding game to ever be released.

Filled with new technology, new moves, new pros, and tons of new play modes, Pro Skater 2 is a classic and iconic skating game that fans still love today.

 

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

If you have ever played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, you’ll understand why we had to put it at number one.

As the best-reviewed game of all time, Ocarina of Time sees the land of Hyrule tainted and turned into a wasteland that only Link can save.

Not only is the story perfectly written, but the gameplay and level design are the best in the series making it a must-play for any gamer.

 

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 100 best video games of all time!

Each of these games has left a lasting impression on the world of gaming and inspired so many games that we can play today.

While it is always hard narrowing down a list like this, we tried to give all of these games the spotlight they deserve!

Here’s a quick recap of the 100 best video games of all time:

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
  3. Grand Theft Auto V
  4. Pokémon Red
  5. Super Mario 64
  6. GoldenEye 007
  7. Red Dead Redemption 2
  8. Tetris
  9. Super Mario Kart
  10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  11. Half-Life 2
  12. Halo: Combat Evolved
  13. Super Metroid
  14. The Last of Us
  15. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  16. Super Mario World
  17. Grand Theft Auto IV
  18. Minecraft
  19. Fallout 3
  20. Mass Effect 2
  21. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
  22. Resident Evil 2
  23. Dark Souls
  24. Super Mario Galaxy
  25. Batman: Arkham City
  26. Perfect Dark
  27. Tekken 3
  28. Shadow of the Colossus
  29. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
  30. Super Mario Odyssey
  31. Half-Life
  32. Resident Evil 4
  33. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
  34. Gran Turismo
  35. BioShock
  36. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
  37. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
  38. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
  39. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
  40. SimCity
  41. Red Dead Redemption
  42. Fortnite
  43. Halo 2
  44. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  45. Grand Theft Auto III
  46. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
  47. Sonic The Hedgehog
  48. Age of Empires
  49. Portal 2
  50. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
  51. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
  52. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
  53. BioShock Infinite
  54. Final Fantasy VII
  55. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
  56. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
  57. God of War
  58. Devil May Cry
  59. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
  60. The Sims 3
  61. Dragon Age: Origins
  62. Persona 5 Royal
  63. Celeste
  64. Gears of War
  65. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  66. Civilization II
  67. Quake
  68. Halo 3
  69. Borderlands 2
  70. Street Fighter II
  71. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
  72. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
  73. Metal Gear Solid
  74. Mortal Kombat
  75. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
  76. Tomb Raider
  77. Burnout 3: Takedown
  78. Diablo II
  79. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
  80. Disco Elysium
  81. Donkey Kong
  82. World of Warcraft
  83. Doom
  84. Bloodborne
  85. SoulCalibur
  86. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
  87. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  88. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
  89. Gran Turismo 2
  90. Hades
  91. Fallout: New Vegas
  92. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
  93. Pac-Man
  94. Divinity: Original Sin II
  95. Unreal Tournament 2004
  96. Metroid
  97. NFL 2K1
  98. Elden Ring
  99. Starcraft
  100. League of Legends

What’s the best video game of all time, in your opinion? Leave a comment below. 

Dan Western is the founder of Gaming Gorilla, as well as several other infotainment blogs. When he's not working on his business, he's likely in the gym or playing video games. Dan's current setup is a PS5/Nintendo Switch living room setup, and a custom RTX 3090, I9-10850K inside the Lian Li 011D Mini for his office setup.

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