Video games have captivated people for decades. From the earliest arcade games to the most cutting-edge latest releases, video games have stood the test of time and had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Each game has set a new standard for what a video game can be and pushed the boundaries of gaming in its unique way. So, join us as we take a journey through the history of gaming and explore the seven absolute best video games of all time.
A Brief History of Video Games
Video games have a rich history dating back to the 1970s and 1980s when arcade games like Pong and Space Invaders were hits. As technology progressed and home consoles and personal computers became more prevalent, puzzle and action-adventure games such as Super Mario Bros and Tetris gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The advent of 3D graphics and online gaming in the late 1990s and early 2000s brought about a new era of gaming, with titles like Grand Theft Auto III and World of Warcraft revolutionizing the open-world and massively multiplayer online genres. Today, as the video game industry continues to evolve and expand, we look back at the 7 best video games ever released.
#7. Perfect Dark (Metacritic Score: 97)
| Publisher | Rare |
| Available Platforms | Nintendo 64 |
| Developer | Rare |
| Genre | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | May 22, 2000 |
A first-person shooter game, Perfect Dark revolves around Joanna Dark, who is tasked with ending an extraterrestrial conspiracy by dataDyne. The game features a Linear Campaign mode, which allows you to follow the level-based storyline as you maneuver Joanna Dark throughout the map. The gameplay includes multiple roles, such as opening doors, operating computers, and lifts. These roles are assigned to a context-sensitive button to make the gameplay easier. This makes it the ultimate videogame for first-person shooter enthusiasts.
Apart from the campaign mode, Perfect Dark also offers a multiplayer configuration, which includes a cooperative play mode and a death match setting against the AI. The cooperative mode in the campaign allows you to team up with AI-controlled bots to defeat enemies and clear missions. These missions have non-linear objectives, allowing you to approach enemy resistance in any way you choose. You can also carry unlimited weapons. However, when you sustain injuries from your opponents, you are provided with protective shields since there are no recovery items.
Perfect Dark also features challenging levels with three difficulty settings. These levels have distinct objectives, different damage levels from opponents, and other game aspects. To add to the excitement, the game also has a Counter-Operative mode that lets you play against your friends in multiplayer-styled gameplay. The multiplayer mode also offers a variety of options like Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and King of the Hill modes.
- Nintendo 64
- Developed by Rare
- Dolby surround sound, widescreen compatibility, and stunning special effects, including dynamic lighting, chest-thumping explosions and realistic smoke, dust and steam clouds
- 3D models rendered to create life-like characters
#6. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Metacritic Score: 97)
| Publisher | ZA/UM |
| Available Platforms | Windows, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Developer | ZA/UM |
| Genre | Role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Released | March 30, 2021 |
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut takes place in a seaside district of a previously war-stricken city. In this game, you take on the role of an amnesiac murder detective who starts having memories of his previous life events and the current city situation. Disco Elysium stands out among other role-playing games as it features no combat, instead focusing on dialogues and skill checks for progression.
In this game, you control a detective in a dialogue-filled open world. The detective partners with Kim Kitsuragi. He offers additional support and guidance as you navigate various levels. To progress, you must master skill checks and engage in thought-provoking conversations. An added layer of depth is provided by the ability to access the detective’s inner thoughts, unlocked from a secondary thought cabinet, which can influence the story’s outcome.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut features four primary character abilities: Intellect, Psyche, Physique, and Motorics. Each of these has a further six secondary skills. To improve your character’s secondary skills, you must earn enough skill points from leveling up or completing missions. Furthermore, certain aspects, such as clothing, can positively or negatively affect your character’s skills. Experience levels also play a significant role in the game. They allow you to advance to higher levels and acquire more slots in the Thought Cabinet.
#5. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Metacritic Score: 97)
| Publisher | Rockstar Games |
| Available Platforms | Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows |
| Developer | Rockstar Studios |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | October 26, 2018 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game and the third installment in the Red Dead series. In this version, you control Arthur Morgan, a legendary outlaw, as you undertake various missions and activities such as shootouts, hunting, and robberies. This game features third and first-person perspectives and allows you to roam the in-game map freely.
In gameplay, you can either take on the role of Van der Linde gang member Arthur Morgan or returning protagonist John Marston. Each of these characters has its unique abilities and advantages. For example, Arthur can swim, while John cannot. You can also use various combat options, including attacks and firearms, to complete your missions. When you engage in criminal activities, you will attract the attention of law enforcement, who will set bounties on your head and bring in skilled bounty hunters.
Red Dead Redemption 2 has an extensive game world of unique landscapes, travelers, bandits, different settlements, and wildlife. The horses available come in handy when traversing the vast game world. Another notable feature is the ability to bond with your horse after repetitive usage, regardless of whether you own or stole it. You also have the option to hijack a stagecoach or train and use it as a mode of transport. This version also includes side activities such as dueling, bounty hunting, gambling, and searching for collectibles.
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created. 4K Ultra HD not available on Xbox One or Xbox One S consoles
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun
#4. Super Mario Galaxy (Metacritic Score: 97)
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Available Platforms | Wii |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Genre | Platform, Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | November 1, 2007 |
Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Selects) is a critically acclaimed 3D platform video game with numerous awards and accolades, including several Game of the Year awards and a BAFTA Award for Best Game. The game follows Mario as he embarks on a journey through space to rescue Princess Peach from the game’s main antagonist, Bowser. The game is best played by those who enjoy platformers and the Super Mario series.
In the game, you control Mario as he travels through different galaxies. Each galaxy contains an enemy boss, several missions, and its gravitational force. This force allows you to walk sideways or upside down. You can use somersaults, long jumps, and wall jumps to gain momentum and move faster or issue solid and powerful attacks. The game also features a three-piece health meter, which quickly depletes through contact with hazards and taking hits from enemies. However, collecting special coins or touching bubbles underwater can restore the health meter.
Super Mario Galaxy also features the spin technique, allowing players to perform melee attacks, trigger special launch propellers, activate several power-ups, climb vines, and ice skate. The health meter can temporarily expand to six units through a Life Mushroom. There is also the Co-Star mode, where two players can cooperate and play together.
- Shake, tilt and point! Mario takes advantage of all the unique aspects of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller.
- Unleashing new moves as you shake the controller and even point at and drag items with the pointer.
- Perform mind-bending, low-gravity jumps across wild alien terrain as they experience platforming for a new generation
- Multiplayer features for two gamers playing together
#3. Grand Theft Auto IV (Metacritic Score: 98)
| Publisher | Rockstar Games |
| Available Platforms | Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Windows |
| Developer | Rockstar North |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | April 29, 2008 |
Grand Theft Auto IV, the sixth entry in the Grand Theft Auto series, is set in the fictional Liberty City and allows you to explore a vast open-world environment. Originally released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the game features mission-based gameplay where players must complete various tasks to advance. If you appreciate mature themes, including violence, drug use, and explicit language, this is game is worth a try.
In the game, you take on the role of Niko Bellic and explore the city, steal cars, and engage in various activities such as going to bars, clubs, and gyms. The game’s world is navigated on foot or by vehicle. Furthermore, some cabs can take you to any destination. You can also take on various side missions and activities, such as vigilante missions and street racing. To fight your opponents, you can use firearms and explosives. A health meter also depletes when you take on several hits. However, it can be fully regenerated by consuming special food, using medical kits, or calling for paramedics.
Grand Theft Auto IV is a third-person perspective game. You can play online multiplayer mode, where up to 32 players can engage in cooperative and competitive gameplay. At any given time, there are several active missions to fulfill. You can use body armor to absorb gunshots and explosive damage to protect yourself. When your health is entirely depleted, the gameplay concludes. This version features several new activities, such as a vigilante mini-game, a cell phone for contacting friends and starting activities, and in-game television programming.
- Carry on the Grand Theft Auto tradition playing through the single player campaign as Niko Bellic
- Get cars and other modes of transportation anyway you can
- Interact with various colorful characters who give you various missions to engage in
- Engage in multiplayer challenges ranging from cover matches to shoot-outs, System Specification: Windows Vista SP 1 / Windows XP SP 3, Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz, AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4GHz, 1.5GB, 256MB...
- Game Rated 'M' due to Intense Violence, Blood, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
#2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (Metacritic Score: 98)
| Publisher | Activision |
| Available Platforms | Playstation, Nintendo 64, Mac OS, Game Boy Advance, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows |
| Developer | Neversoft |
| Genre | Sports |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | September 20, 2000 |
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is the second game in the Tony Hawk series. It offers a free-skate mode where you can explore levels and perform tricks without any time limits. The game was initially released for the PlayStation with later editions on Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast. If you are a skateboarding enthusiast, or fan of the Tony Hawk series, this game is right for you.
Pro Skater 2’s gameplay involves controlling a professional skater. You must complete various objectives, such as performing specific tricks, collecting items, or competing in events to earn money and unlock new levels and skaters. The game’s engine and control scheme allow you to jump to great heights and perform short grinds and other stunts that defy physics. You can jump and change direction midair and move freely throughout the levels without constraint, fulfilling objectives in any order.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is played in a third-person view and features ten professional skateboarders with some unlockable ones. Some versions of the game also feature Spider-Man. The game has five modes of gameplay, with notable ones including Career Mode, Free Skate, and Multiplayer. Each mode has levels of increasing difficulty and several minigames. This version introduced cash rewards and improved graphics, making it a must-play game for fans of the series.
- Improved gameplay and graphics
- New Pros and new tricks
- Skate as legendary Tony Hawk, one of 12 other Pro Skaters, or Create Your Own Skater.
- Multiple Play Modes including 1-Player Career and free Skate Modes, 1-Player Modes like Trick Attack, Graffiti, Tag and Horse.
- Build Your Own Custom Skate Parks with The 3D Real-Time Park Editor
- Includes Hip-Hop & Punk Soundtrack Featuring Rage Against the Machine, Naughty by Nature, Papa Roach, and More
#1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Metacritic Score: 99)
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Available Platforms | Nintendo 64, GameCube |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Released | November 21, 1998 |
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an action-adventure game lets you travel through time as you take on the role of protagonist Link in a futuristic world. With exciting features like dungeons, a target-lock system, and the ability to play songs on the Ocarina, the game quickly gained popularity. It was ranked as one of the greatest video games of all time by Metacritic. The game is ideal for anyone who enjoys action-adventure games with a strong emphasis on battle and exploration.
You control Link in his quest against the evil king Ganondorf in the game. The game primarily centers on battles, where you utilize a sword and shield to combat enemies. Additionally, you can cast magic spells, embark on various side quests, explore open worlds, and go into dungeons. These side quests give you the opportunity to trade your items for more powerful ones, such as a horse. As you progress, you will acquire coins and weapons during missions, enhancing Link’s abilities and making it easier for him to defeat enemies.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is played in the third-person view within its expansive three-dimensional world. The game features a Z-targeting system that automatically directs projectile attacks toward enemies. An in-game camera constantly faces the targeted enemy, increasing focus and allowing for accurate shots. The game also includes context-sensitive actions, which allow multiple roles to be assigned to the same button. This feature greatly simplifies the controls and makes the gameplay more enjoyable.
- Considered one of the greatest single-player video games ever created
- Freely explore the changing environment with our hero, Link
- Hundreds of secret treasures
- Fight training course built into the game
- A number of fun mini-games
Final Thoughts
The above video games are not just a form of entertainment but also significant milestones in gaming history. Each has impacted the industry, shaping how we play and experience video games today. If you haven’t had the chance to play them yet, we highly recommend giving them a try. Revisiting these classics can be a great way to rekindle those special gaming memories of the past.
Up Next
- The 10 Absolute Best PC Games Of All Time
- The 10 Absolute Best Android Games Of All Time
- The 10 Best Free Nintendo Switch Games
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Paul Stringer/Shutterstock.com.
