The best games of all time cannot be ranked according to one specific criteria in a world of games from different genres and games from different generations. In the world of gaming, technology continues to push boundaries and as a result, creativity knows no bounds. 2023 has been a particularly brilliant year for gamers with a lot of much-anticipated games released so far, and even more major titles coming out in the remainder of the year.
As gamers feast on their chosen platforms to experience their favorite titles of the year so far, the list of the all-time best games keeps changing with several titles moving places as the new titles get added on. Here’s how the games fared among other highest-rated games of all time.
10. Super Mario Bros. (1983)
The oldest game on this list Super Mario Bros. has survived decades of generations ever since its release. The original has since spawned a plethora of games but has never been phased out from the gaming community even after 40 years. Gamers played alone as Mario or took turns to play with a friend, who had the option to choose a second character to play alongside, named Luigi. A side-scrolling game, it tested the player’s ability to avoid obstacles, kill or jump over oncoming enemies, and take giant leaps perfectly.
As the game survives generations with modern iterations still being played today, the original will always make the list of best games in everyone’s books.
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09. Tetris (1985)
The second oldest game on this list of best games of all time, Tetris is another game that got everyone from kids to adults, absolutely hooked to the game when it came out. Tetris has a very simple game design, where gamers try to sort out bricks in all sorts of shapes and designs as they fall from top to bottom. The popularity of the game was astounding as Tetris got ported to at least 70 different systems, holding the Guinness World Record for it.
Tetris has also seen a variety of modern iterations, with one of the latest iterations being Tetris Effect: Connected which is available on all gaming platforms.
08. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG and the third game in The Witcher game series. It’s an open-world game, played with a third-person perspective. The game’s massive world, played with great characters, and the excellent combat and RPG gameplay, elevates the game’s gameplay. Even compared to the previous two games in the series, Witcher 3’s RPG systems are well organized in more ways than one. Even the game’s DLCs complimented the game and were ranked quite high.
07. GTA V (2013)
GTA 5 was so ahead of time when it was released, that the game still feels quite modern for a decade-old game. It wouldn’t be wrong in any sense to say that this is an all-in-one game, as GTA 5 allows gamers to do whatever they wish to do. From high-speed police chases to races to planning a heist in GTA Online, the game has something to suit all gamers, whatever their mood. The game continues to get a whole lot of new gamers playing the online version. Recently, there was a re-release of an Enhanced Edition for the Xbox Series consoles and PlayStation 5.
06. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Mass Effect set the stage for the trilogy and the sequel, Mass Effect 2 just took the series to a whole new level. Gamers experienced one of the most heart-wrenching stories, but one that gamers still remember quite fondly. Mass Effect 2 revolves around the themes of family, and revenge, and ends with players finding their place in the universe. One of the best-rated and reviewed games, Mass Effect 2 improved from the original in every single way from characters, story, and gameplay.
05. Minecraft (2011)
The best-selling game of all time behind Tetris, the cultural impact of Minecraft is enormous. The game is still one of the most-watched gameplays, on all streaming channels. Gamers have been letting their imagination fly wild as they build, chop down trees, dig, and even slay animals and enemies on the way. This freedom to do whatever gamers wished to do in the game, has made it one of the best-ranked games ever since its release.
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04. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
RDR 2 was quite an emotional ride for many gamers, as many hailed the game as an absolute masterpiece. The second game on the list by Rockstar Games studio, with yet another game that was way ahead of its time, even if it’s just 5 years old. Gamers get together to play the game even now for the “pure joy” they get from the cowboy life fantasy which many gamers can fulfill with the game. RDR 2 is still hailed as one of the very few games that got open-world gaming spot on, as gamers got an experience like no other game while exploring what the game had to offer.
03. God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) isn’t really the first game in the series, but it reset the storyline by skipping 150 years since the events of the previous game, God of War III (2010). The new breath of life in the franchise brought with it a well-written and beautifully narrated single-player campaign that crafts together a thrilling, memorable, and engrossing adventure. From the music to the bond between Kratos and Atreus to the brilliant experience while using the Leviathan Axe, God of War shines almost every step of the way, as it perfectly honors the past while heading towards new untold stories.
02. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has ruled the hearts of many gamers, old and new, with a simple formula. The game lets players do whatever they want, in any order they decide to. The game’s open-ended approach lets gamers freely explore a massive, beautiful, and intriguing world with little specific regulation. Gamers got a gorgeous, free open-world action-adventure game that quickly became one of the best-selling games of all time.
01. Best Game Of All Time, The Last of Us (2013)
Not many games leave players thinking of the main campaign for years after completing it. The Last of Us is one of those games that lingers in gamers’ memories even now, as the chilling, emotional ride just makes sense by the time the game ends. Joel and Ellie’s story never once felt artificial as it felt real throughout, all thanks to the script, animation, and acting done by the two characters. Gamers completed the game with a lot of emotional weight on their chest, because of the experience they go through, making it an unforgettable game.
The best game in recent times recently got a live-action adaptation as well, which was also highly successful, with Pedro Pascal playing the role of Joel, and Bella Ramsey playing the role of Ellie.
The list is made objectively and while several smash-hit titles aren’t listed, that’s not to say the other amazing games are by any means not worthy. This is a very short list of just the top 10 games, and hence not many games could be fit into it. Gamers can look forward to a lot of new upcoming games this year which might make it to the list next time.
