Best Video Games of All Time: A Comprehensive List

Super Mario Bros was a landmark game that helped revive the video game industry in the mid-1980s after the video game crash of 1983. Its success and quality helped establish Nintendo as a major player in the industry and set the stage for the company's continued dominance. The game introduced many iconic elements of the Mario franchise, including:

• Enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas.
• Characters like Luigi and Princess Peach.

The Mario series has gone on to influence and shape the video game industry in numerous ways over the decades, such as:

1. Establishing 3D platforming
2. Pioneering motion controls
3. Expanding into new genres.

Mario has become one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time and a true icon of the industry. The franchise has been a consistent source of revenue and critical acclaim for Nintendo, helping establish the company as one of the most important players in the video game industry.

Mario introduced innovative gameplay mechanics that have become standard in the video game industry, such as the use of power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. Mario's biggest influence on the industry is the way it breathed life into the platformer genre, which has since become one of the most popular in video games. As of 2022, the Mario franchise has sold an estimated 826 million copies, including around 386 million from the Super Mario series alone.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, was a groundbreaking title that revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its transition to 3D graphics. Acclaimed by critics and consumers alike, the game was praised for its visuals, sound, gameplay, soundtrack, and writing, earning numerous accolades, including Game of the Year from multiple publications.

Ocarina of Time's impact on the video game industry cannot be overstated:

• It popularized features like the target lock system and context-sensitive buttons, influencing countless games that followed.
• With over 7 million copies sold worldwide and over 500,000 pre-orders in the US (more than tripling the previous record), it was a commercial success.
• It has consistently been ranked as the greatest video game of all time by numerous publications and holds the highest rating on Metacritic.

Tetris, created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet software engineer, has become a global phenomenon and one of the most iconic video games of all time. Despite its simple premise of arranging falling tetrominoes, the game's addictive gameplay and timeless appeal have captivated players across generations and platforms.

• Origins and Licensing: Tetris quickly spread across Moscow as Pajitnov's co-workers shared copies on floppy disks. When the game reached Hungary, it caught the attention of Robert Stein, a UK-based software company owner, who secured the licensing rights through a new Soviet agency called Elorg. Stein licensed Tetris to distributors in the US and UK, making it the first Soviet-created software to be sold in America.
• Commercial Success and Porting: After a legal battle with Atari Games, Nintendo secured the handheld and console rights for Tetris, bundling it with every Game Boy sold, solidifying its dominance in the market. Tetris has been ported to over 65 platforms, setting a Guinness World Record for the most ported video game. It has sold over 202 million copies, including 70 million physical units and 132 million paid mobile downloads, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was a massive, critically acclaimed game that left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. It brought the Witcher franchise into the upper echelons of gaming excellence, with incredible scores and Game of the Year awards. The game offered new experiences to gamers and perfected others, elevating the open-world genre to new heights.

• Vast Explorable Landscapes: The Witcher 3 featured vast, explorable landscapes that were more detailed and breathtaking than previous open-world games, setting a new standard for the genre. The game discouraged fast travel, instead rewarding players for taking the time to explore and experience the world.
• Atmospheric Visuals and Attention to Detail: The game's atmospheric visuals, dynamic weather, and meticulous attention to detail made the world feel truly alive, capturing the mood of a war-torn country with remarkable authenticity.
• Narrative Excellence: The Witcher 3 combined a detailed, massive open world with an in-depth, well-written story, setting a new standard for narrative in open-world games. The game elevated side quests by combining deep lore with interesting and well-written stories, making them an integral part of the experience.

Developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece that has redefined the open-world gaming experience. With its stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and attention to detail, the game has been hailed as a technical and artistic achievement, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in open-world gaming.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece that has redefined the open-world gaming experience, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in terms of graphics, storytelling, and immersion. The game's meticulous attention to detail, from the realistic animal behavior to the dynamic weather systems, creates a living, breathing world that immerses players in the harsh realities of the American frontier.

The narrative, which follows the story of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, has been praised for its depth, nuanced characters, and exploration of complex themes such as loyalty, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. The game's cinematic presentation and exceptional voice acting further enhance the emotional resonance of the story, making it a truly captivating experience.

The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Within three weeks of its release in 2013, the game sold approximately 3.4 million copies, and by July 2014, it had sold over 7 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling PlayStation 3 games.

The game received widespread critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 98 based on 98 reviews. It won numerous awards and accolades, including Game of the Year awards from various prestigious organizations such as the Game Critics Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, SXSW Gaming Awards, and the D.I.C.E. Awards. The Last of Us also won awards for its animation, writing, audio, and performance at events like the Annie Awards, Writers Guild of America Awards, British Academy Video Games Awards, Game Developers Choice Awards, and Game Audio Network Guild Awards.

Stardew Valley, the brainchild of Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has become a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2016, captivating players with its charming simplicity and addictive gameplay. Developed by a single person over four years, the game's success serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring indie developers, proving that a single individual with a vision can create something remarkable without a large team or budget.

The game's appeal lies in its perfect balance between casual and hardcore gameplay, offering a relaxing farming simulation experience while also providing depth and challenge for dedicated players. Stardew Valley's pixel art graphics and catchy soundtrack contribute to its nostalgic charm, while its engaging characters and storylines keep players invested in the game's world.

Celeste, the critically acclaimed 2018 platform game from indie studio Maddy Makes Games, follows the story of Madeline, a young woman dealing with anxiety and depression, as she climbs Celeste Mountain. Praised for its gameplay, narrative, visuals, and audio, Celeste has garnered numerous accolades, including the Games for Impact award, recognizing its positive social impact.

• Innovative Gameplay: Celeste's challenging yet accessible gameplay combines tight platforming mechanics with a unique "air-dash" ability, allowing players to navigate intricate levels and overcome obstacles. The game's difficulty curve is carefully crafted, providing a sense of accomplishment and encouraging perseverance.
• Emotional Storytelling: Beneath its charming pixel art visuals, Celeste weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of mental health, self-doubt, and the pursuit of personal growth. Madeline's journey to the summit of Celeste Mountain serves as a metaphor for overcoming one's inner struggles, resonating with players on a profound level.

Hollow Knight, the atmospheric 2D action-adventure game developed by Team Cherry, has captivated players with its intricate world-building, challenging combat, and stunning visuals. Praised for its meticulously crafted environments, haunting soundtrack, and tight gameplay mechanics, Hollow Knight has garnered critical acclaim and a passionate fan base, cementing its status as a true indie gem.

• Immersive World-Building: Hollow Knight's underground kingdom of Hallownest is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, with each area meticulously designed to convey a sense of history and lore. Players unravel the kingdom's mysteries as they explore its forgotten depths, uncovering ancient civilizations and encountering enigmatic characters.
• Challenging Combat: The game's combat system is a perfect blend of precision and fluidity, requiring players to master dodge-rolling, nail arts, and various charms to overcome formidable foes. Bosses are particularly challenging, demanding pattern recognition, quick reflexes, and strategic use of abilities.