In the world of gaming, certain titles stand out not just because of their gameplay mechanics or graphics, but because they redefine their respective genres and set benchmarks for what the medium can achieve. These are the games that leave a lasting impression, influencing not only the fans who played them but also the developers who came after them. The best games go beyond mere entertainment; they push boundaries, challenge conventions, and evolve the gaming landscape.
One of the most notable games that changed the gaming world is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Released in 1998, this game is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made. It was a game-changer in every sense, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and action into a seamlessly immersive experience. The way it blended 3D environments with puzzles, combat, and exploration set a new standard for what action-adventure games could be. Ocarina’s influence can still be seen in modern open-world games that continue to evolve in ways first explored here. Its revolutionary design, from its day-night cycle to the emotional depth of its storyline, set the stage for the adventure genre.
Final Fantasy VII is another example of a game that not only became a best-seller but also changed the RPG genre forever. Released in 1997, it brought cinematic storytelling, turn-based combat, and a rich, detailed world to the PlayStation. What set it apart was its intricate plot, filled with emotional twists and deep character development. The game also introduced players to the concept of an expansive, fully realized world in which nearly every location felt rich with lore and backstory. The impact of Final Fantasy VII was profound, as it helped popularize Japanese RPGs outside of Japan, and its characters, particularly Cloud Strife and Sephiroth, have become synonymous with the genre itself.
Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001, was another revolutionary title that helped redefine open-world games. The game introduced players to a massive, fully realized city where they could take on missions, engage in side activities, or simply explore the environment. It wasn’t the first open-world game, but it was certainly the most influential, jitutoto introducing dynamic mission structures, a mature storyline, and the freedom to interact with the world in ways never seen before. Grand Theft Auto III proved that open-world games could be more than just vast environments – they could house intricate narratives and complex character interactions, setting a standard for sandbox games that continues to be followed by many games today.
Another genre-defining title is Dark Souls, which was released in 2011 and redefined the way players approach difficulty in video games. Known for its punishing difficulty and deep lore, Dark Souls introduced the concept of a high-risk, high-reward combat system where players must learn from their mistakes. The game’s cryptic storytelling, where lore is unveiled not through exposition but through environmental storytelling and item descriptions, brought a sense of mystery to the world. The deep world-building and combat mechanics influenced an entire subgenre of “Souls-like” games that followed, creating a new wave of gaming that prioritizes difficulty, player skill, and exploration.
Moving into the realm of narrative-driven experiences, The Last of Us (2013) revolutionized storytelling in video games. This post-apocalyptic action-adventure game put players in the shoes of Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival. The game’s emphasis on character-driven storytelling, rather than traditional gameplay-driven objectives, showed that video games could create emotional, cinematic experiences that rival those of films or books. The writing, voice acting, and character development in The Last of Us raised the bar for narrative-driven games and left a lasting legacy for all games that sought to combine emotional depth with interactive gameplay.
For many, Minecraft (2011) may not immediately come to mind when considering the “best games” in the traditional sense, but its influence cannot be ignored. It fundamentally altered the way players approach sandbox games and creative expression. By allowing players to build and explore infinite worlds made from blocks, Minecraft gave birth to a new wave of creativity within gaming. The game’s simple mechanics allowed for endless possibilities, and its multiplayer capabilities opened up a social aspect that has seen the game evolve into a cultural phenomenon. The impact of Minecraft goes far beyond gaming, with its use in education, modding communities, and even in the development of user-generated content.
Super Mario 64 (1996) was yet another groundbreaking game that set the standard for 3D platformers. At the time of its release, 3D platformers were virtually unheard of, and Super Mario 64 took the leap into the third dimension with remarkable success. The game not only introduced players to fully three-dimensional levels but also perfected the platforming genre, offering a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and precise jumping mechanics. The freeform exploration of Super Mario 64, where players could tackle levels in any order, was a revolutionary feature at the time, and its influence is still felt in modern games today.
These games, among others, stand as prime examples of how a few visionary titles can shape the future of gaming. Whether by introducing innovative mechanics, improving upon existing ones, or pushing the boundaries of storytelling and world-building, these best games have set the stage for the medium’s future. As the industry continues to evolve, the influence of these titles will likely continue to inspire future generations of developers.