Top 25 Games of All Time

The Top 25 Games of All Time

From classic arcade titles to modern masterpieces, we count down the most iconic and influential games in history.

#25: Pac-Man (1980)

This yellow pellet-muncher has become a cultural icon, and its simplicity and addictive gameplay have made it a timeless classic.

#24: Donkey Kong (1981)

This platformer introduced Jumpman, later known as Mario, and set the stage for the 3D adventures of Super Mario 64.

#23: The Legend of Zelda (1986)

This action-adventure game revolutionized the genre with its open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

#22: Metroid (1986)

This sci-fi action-adventure game introduced the concept of interconnectivity between levels and features a female protagonist, Samus Aran.

#21: Castlevania (1986)

This gothic horror game set the standard for the platformer genre with its dark atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and iconic characters.

#20: Final Fantasy VII (1997)

This epic RPG redefined the genre with its 3D graphics, memorable characters, and groundbreaking storyline.

#19: GoldenEye 007 (1997)

This first-person shooter revolutionized the FPS genre with its split-screen multiplayer and innovative gameplay mechanics.

#18: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

This 3D adventure game set a new standard for 3D gaming with its immersive world, memorable characters, and innovative time-travel mechanics.

#17: Half-Life (1998)

This first-person shooter redefined the genre with its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and immersive gameplay mechanics.

#16: The Sims (2000)

This life simulation game revolutionized the genre with its sandbox gameplay, character customization, and social simulation mechanics.

#15: Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

This open-world game set a new standard for open-world gaming with its interactive world, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

#14: Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

This first-person shooter revolutionized the genre with its immersive gameplay, memorable characters, and innovative multiplayer mechanics.

#13: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (2002)

This 3D adventure game introduced a new art style and set the standard for future Zelda games with its innovative gameplay mechanics and memorable characters.

#12: World of Warcraft (2004)

This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set a new standard for the genre with its immersive world, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

#11: Half-Life 2 (2004)

This first-person shooter introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as gravity manipulation, and set the standard for future FPS games.

#10: Portal (2007)

This first-person puzzle game introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the portal gun, and set the standard for future puzzle games.

#9: BioShock (2007)

This first-person shooter introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to collect and use plasmids to gain new abilities, and set the standard for future FPS games.

#8: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)

This action-RPG introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to explore a massive open world, and set the standard for future open-world games.

#7: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

This 3D adventure game set a new standard for open-world gaming with its innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and immersive world.

#6: Super Mario 64 (1996)

This 3D platformer introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to explore a 3D world, and set the standard for future 3D platformers.

#5: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)

This action-adventure game introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to explore a vast open world, and set the standard for future Zelda games.

#4: Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)

This fighting game introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to fight with iconic Nintendo characters, and set the standard for future fighting games.

#3: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000)

This action-adventure game introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to relive the same three days, and set the standard for future Zelda games.

#2: Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

This 3D platformer introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to explore a massive 3D world with gravity manipulation, and set the standard for future 3D platformers.

#1: Tetris (1984)

This puzzle game has become a cultural icon and has been ported to countless platforms, remaining one of the most iconic and enduring games of all time.

Dexerto — 2025-11-27