Come along as we dive into the greatest titles in history!
Throughout gaming history, there have been plenty of titles that have significantly impacted the industry by introducing innovative mechanics and features. These most influential games often weren’t flawless, but their boldness made them stand out.
Take Final Fantasy VII, for example. Some younger gamers might wonder how its cutscenes were once considered cutting-edge, but this jRPG was an absolute trailblazer in 1997. Its influence is still felt today, and many still regard it as one of the best games of all time. And that’s just one example.
Want to see more? Keep reading to discover other groundbreaking releases!
What are the best games ever made?
Before we dive into our list, we want to mention that the 12 games we’re highlighting aren’t the only ones that have immensely influenced the gaming industry. Many other notable titles could have been included, but we had to narrow it down. We’d love to hear about your own picks in the comments
Final Fantasy VII
Of course, everyone has their favorite Final Fantasy game. Some might swear by the classic formula of FFIV, cherish fond memories of FFIX, or embrace action-oriented changes in FFXVI. However, there’s only one truly legendary entry: Final Fantasy VII.
The seventh mainline installment was revolutionary, shifting to full 3D graphics and impressing with its visuals at launch. It also played a major role in making the JRPG genre popular in the West. Without it, many beloved classics might not have been translated into English. For this reason alone, FFVII is deserving of high praise. Just think about how different the gaming world would be if this title had never existed.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft has experienced its ups and downs, with the past few years being especially tough. Though a shadow of its former glory, WoW remains a powerhouse, still attracting thousands of players and generating significant profits.
Back in 2004, the grass was greener, Blizzard didn’t have as many PR crises… and WoW was an online RPG of unmatched scale. While MMOs were already around, Blizzard was the one to make them truly “massive” and arguably the most influential game. In the following years, nearly every publisher sought to replicate WoW’s success.
Even now, despite facing hurdles, World of Warcraft is going strong, with a dedicated fanbase still losing track of time exploring a vast open world and lore. Therefore, you might want to stock up on some cheap WoW time cards to stay in the game.
Minecraft (Included with Game Pass)
Not all games have made such a profound impact on the entire industry, often influencing only specific genres. Some titles, even if they’re exceptional, appeal to a particular audience. That said, Minecraft is definitely not one of them. This hit from Mojang captivated both younger and older gamers alike. Bear in mind the indie studio managed to do it before Microsoft took control over the brand.
Many recent releases are inspired by Minecraft’s gameplay, yet none have reached its level of success. It’s unlikely that it will be surpassed anytime soon.
Minecraft is available on Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that provides access to an ever-growing library of games. Below, you’ll find the best deals for a 1-month membership.
Witcher 3 Wild Hunt (Included with PlayStation Plus)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a truly exceptional RPG that has it all: a gripping story, a stunning world, intriguing characters, and choices with real consequences. What more could you ask for?
Well, we haven’t even mentioned engaging side quests yet. Even the simpler ones stand out, whether through their narrative or witty dialogue. While many games, like recent entries in the Assassin’s Creed series, have tried to match Wild Hunt’s success, none have come close. If the upcoming fourth game and the remake of the original meet all the expectations, we’re in for a real treat.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is currently available in the PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium catalog. Subscribe to enjoy it along with other fantastic titles for a single monthly fee.
Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is hard to find these days, as the only way to get it is through Silent Hill HD Collection for Xbox 360. Fortunately, the much-anticipated remake from Bloober Team is on its way, and we can only hope it reaches the same legendary status, though that may be a tall order.
While Silent Hill 2’s gameplay isn’t groundbreaking and adheres to traditional survival horror conventions, its story is a masterpiece. It evokes fear in a much more subtle way than just throwing monsters at you. It’s simply a must-play.
Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojima is often referred to as a genius and visionary. To be fair, it’s hard to argue with that when you consider the types of titles he’s created. A highlight of his career is undoubtedly the Metal Gear series.
In this article, we’ll focus on the first entry, which was outstanding for several reasons. For starters, it was the first true stealth game. While earlier titles had some stealth elements, they weren’t as central to the overall experience. Moreover, MGS felt more cinematic than any game before, showing Kojima’s love for cinematography.
Dark Souls
Few developers can claim to have invented a new genre, but FromSoftware is one of them. With Demon’s Souls, they introduced what we now call soulslikes—games with real-time combat, sparse storytelling, and tough boss fights.
However, the genre’s popularity grew even more with the release of Dark Souls a few years later. The structure evolved, featuring a more open world and interconnected locations. Despite some rough edges, it remains one of the best games of all time.
GTA 3
In 2025, Rockstar might once again revolutionize the industry with Grand Theft Auto VI. But before we look ahead, let’s revisit the title that made waves in 2001: Grand Theft Auto 3 (now part of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition).
Back then, it was groundbreaking with its open city (remarkably large for its time) and diverse selection of weapons. It also gave players significant freedom and was rendered in 3D. While these features might not wow us today, this game set the stage for future entries in this popular sandbox series.
Super Mario 64 (Included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
Most people remember Super Mario 64 as the game that brought our beloved mustachioed plumber into the 3D realm. But that’s not the only thing that made it special; its levels were more open compared to other platformers of the time, filled with secrets and collectibles that encouraged thorough exploration. Add in its dynamic camera system and 360-degree analog control, and you have one of the most important games of all time.
If you’d like to revisit it today, subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This service provides access to the Nintendo 64 library on your Switch, among other perks.
Halo: Combat Evolved (Included with Game Pass)
Halo has seen its share of highs and lows in recent years, but it’s still one of the most iconic series out there. It all started with Halo: Combat Evolved for Xbox in 2001. Bungie proved that you could create a console FPS that not only competed with but often outshined its PC counterparts. The game boasted a huge map that you could explore on foot or with various vehicles.
Curious to see how it still holds up? Check it out in the Master Chief Collection, available as part of Game Pass.
Take a look at our article featuring the top FPS games on Game Pass for more shooter recommendations.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
When you ask what the best Zelda game is, you’ll hear all sorts of answers. Some might rave about Breath of the Wild; others might point to A Link to the Past or Link’s Awakening. But one entry keeps coming up at the top of these lists: Ocarina of Time.
This immersive adventure game popularized many mechanics that became industry standards, such as context-sensitive buttons and the ability to lock the camera onto enemies. However, it’s the clever puzzles and epic boss battles that truly made it exceptional.
Half-Life series
We’re rounding up our lineup of the best video games ever with Valve’s magnum opus, the Half-Life series. When Gabe Newell’s team releases something, they go all-in, delivering true innovation (well, except for a few outliers like the card game Artifact, but let’s not mention that…).
Both the original Half-Life and its sequel are known for their incredible atmosphere and groundbreaking physics. Unlike other FPS games of that era, they tell much of their story through the environment instead of relying on scripted scenes. Then there’s Half-Life: Alyx, a VR masterpiece that offers so much freedom it genuinely feels like you’re living in its world.
That wraps up our list of the most influential games. Which one is your favorite? Is there any game you think we missed? Let us know in the comments!
