Nowadays, video games can be defined as full-fledged worlds that keep many people engaged and excited worldwide. No matter if you are looking for exciting action games, intriguing stories or simply want to spend an hour in front of the computer playing, there are games that made a significant mark in the industry. This article lists some of the best video games of all times chosen based on the critical acclaim, player rating, innovations, and replayability.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Released in 2017, this game brought a true revolution in the open world games. In this game, players can freely roam in the kingdom of Hyrule without any restrictions and solve puzzles, defeat opponents and find secret locations.
Why it is one of the best:
Massive open world
Creative gameplay with physics involved
Beautiful art style
Excellent exploration mechanics
Available platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Minecraft
As the most sold video game in the history, this game gives an unlimited possibility for the creation and discovery due to its build, crafting, survival and exploration mechanics.
Features:
Infinite worlds generated procedurally
Multiplayer option
Educational application
Many thousands of mods developed by the community
Available platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobile phones
Grand Theft Auto V
Despite the years passed since the game was released, it still remains one of the most popular games due to its large world and the success of the online mode.
Key Features:
Three playable main characters
Massive open world in the form of the city
Good storyline
Updates in the online part
Available platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
One of the best role-playing games in the history that offers great storytelling and a lot of player choices.
Feature Rating
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Graphics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Combat ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Exploration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Side quests ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Red Dead Redemption 2
This masterpiece of the Western genre offers beautiful graphics and one of the most emotional stories in the gaming history.
Why Players Love it:
Realistic open world
Character development
Stunning graphics
Immersive gameplay
Elden Ring
This game developed by From Software is an excellent combination of challenging combat and the large world full of mysteries.
Best For:
Hardcore role-playing fans
Exploration enthusiasts
Fans of the boss battles
Tetris
Sometimes, simple things are the best ones. This puzzle game has been entertaining players for decades and became iconic in the video games industry.
Why It Endures:
It is easy to learn how to play
It is hard to master it
Timeless gameplay
Available on almost all platforms
Half-Life 2
Valve changed the history of the first-person shooter games with this title, introducing realistic physics and cinematic storytelling.
Standout Features:
Mechanics of the gravity gun
Excellent artificial intelligence
Great characters
Unrealistic graphics for its time
Dark Souls
The game that brought popularity to the “Souls-like” genre.
Players like:
Fair and difficult combat
Deep lore
Rewarding gameplay
Excellent boss battles
Super Mario Bros.
There is no way not to mention this Nintendo classic that defines the platformer games.
Reasons for the legacy of this game:
Iconic levels
Easy to use controls
Family-friendly game
Big impact on other games
Portal 2
Combination of interesting puzzle-solving and funny writing with unforgettable characters.
Players enjoy:
Portal mechanics
Excellent co-op mode
Funny storyline and great humor
Outstanding voice acting
God of War (2018)
This game presents the return of Kratos who now has more emotional story about fatherhood.
Highlights:
Excellent combat
Great storytelling
Beautiful universe based on the Norse mythology
Character development
Mass Effect 2
Landmark science fiction RPG where your player choices really matter.
Why it stands out:
Deep companions
Meaningful choices
Rich universe
Excellent combat improvements
Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the greatest RPGs of the recent years that offers unlimited possibilities of role-playing and freedom in the game.
Best features:
Branching storylines
Cooperative multiplayer
Turn-based tactical combat
Great voice acting
Chrono Trigger
Iconic JRPG of the past years that is beloved by the players for its original time-traveling mechanics and many endings.
Comparison table
Game Genre Best For
Breath of the Wild Action-Adventure Exploration
Minecraft Sandbox Creativity
GTA V Open world Action
The Witcher 3 RPG Storytelling
Red Dead Redemption 2 Action-Adventure Immersion
Elden Ring Action RPG Challenge
Tetris Puzzle Casual gaming
Half-Life 2 FPS Innovation
God of War Action Story
Baldur’s Gate 3 RPG Role playing
What Makes a Video Game Truly Great?
The greatest video games usually possess some key features. These games present innovative mechanics, good storytelling, immersive worlds, and remain fun to play long after the release. Also, they tend to become inspirations for future developers, changing the graphics, the design or the level of freedom of the gameplay of other video games. Of course, people’s preferences may differ, but the games in the list above always rank in the top according to the players and critics.
Conclusion
Video games of all time continue influencing both players and developers. From the creative freedom of Minecraft to the storytelling of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the innovative exploration in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, these games are the best that the industry can offer.
