Newer Isn't Always Better
Some games are eternal. Case in point being that some of the first video games ever released remain adored throughout the community—and not just because they shaped gaming as we know it. Did we leave out any games that continue to leave an impact decades after their release?
1. Pokémon Red/Blue
Picking a favorite Pokémon game is almost as hard as choosing a favorite Pokémon, but we have to start this list off with none other than the OG Red & Blue. One of the greatest Gameboy games ever (especially on GBC), this RPG is challenging and immersive. Apologies to any Pokémon Yellow fans out there.
2. Tetris
Released toward the end of the Cold War, this Soviet mind game crossed the Iron Curtain to become an international sensation. Tetris' casual, puzzle-based gameplay remains an excellent gateway into the larger word of video games. Plus, it has one of the best theme tunes of all time.
3. Duck Hunt
For many gamers, Duck Hunt was the game that got them into gaming. Played in arcades or on TVs by beloved uncles and fathers, this shooting gallery game is simple and addictive. We could do without the irritating laughing dog, however.
4. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong's first appearance in the 1981 game that bears his name changed video games forever. Not only did this platformer shape the genre forever, it also introduced to the masses to not one, but two of the most iconic pixel characters of all time: DK himself and Mario (then known as Jumpman)!
5. GoldenEye 007
Rare releasing GoldenEye 007 in 1997 was akin to finding a diamond at the bottom of a sewer. At a time when licensed games were awful, this game was genuinely cinematic and revolutionary. For many fans of England's favorite super spy, Pierce's Brosnan's portrayal of James Bond is iconic in part because of this game.
File:Gold classic controller pro.JPG: Thegreyanomaly
derivative work: Georgfotoart on Wikimedia
6. Metal Gear Solid
The original Metal Gear Solid would earn a spot on this list solely for the feat of introducing a hero named Solid Snake without it sounding goofy. Hideo Kojima struck god with this film that feels more like a film and less like a stealth game at time. The top-down perspective and intricate cutscenes put you at the heart of the action.
- EMR - from Chicago, USA on Wikimedia
7. Super Mario Galaxy
Yes we're putting a game that isn't even 20 years old on this list, take it up with someone else. Super Mario is pretty simple, as far as concepts go (rescue Peach—in space!) but the inventive game-play physics elevate it above a mindless platformer. This is the first Mario game on the list, but not the last.
8. Mortal Kombat II
Perhaps it's controversial to place Mortal Kombat II on this list instead of the original. However, as we will see, sequels often take the best of a good game and make an even better game. This is the case with MKII which introduces iconic characters and has deliciously gory fatalities.
9. Dance Dance Revolution
We're aware that it's a little silly to follow up MKII with DDR, however you truly cannot overstate the impact that Dance Dance Revolution had on rhythm games. Compared to later series installments, the song choice was limited, but every track was a stone-cold banger. No trip to the mall was complete without a round of DDR.
10. Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Another outstanding sequel! Sonic 2 helped keep Sega afloat during the halcyon years of the Console Wars and solidified everyone's favorite blue hedgehog as the face of the brand. Plus, it introduced Tails, and everyone loves Tails!
11. Super Mario World
The best-selling SNES game of all time, Super Mario World deserves every ounce of praise it gets. Not only does this game introduce Yoshi, but it's also incredibly immersive for a 2D game. Mario has expanded actions, the puzzles are more challenging, and the graphics look worderful.
12. Galaga
One of the classic arcade games, Galaga is the rare sequel that not only exceeds the quality of the first game, but essentially wipes all traces of the first game from public consciousness. Seriously, everyone knows Galaga, but how many people have fond memories of Galaxian?
13. Gran Turismo
Racing games can start to feel stale after a while. After all, unless you're playing each round with different friends, even the most challenging tracks start to feel monotonous. With 140 different cars and tons of tracks, you could easily sink hours into Gran Turismo without feeling bored.
Alexandros Athanasopoulos on Unsplash
14. Space Invaders
We couldn't make this list without paying our respects to one of the original games. Space Invaders wasn't technically the first-ever video game, but it was pretty darn close. No game has influenced gaming history as much as Space Invaders.
Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash
15. Grand Theft Auto IV
For how much we've been gassing up the first or second installments in iconic series, it may surprise you to see that we're skipping over the first three GTA main games. However, GTA IV is open-world perfection, returning to fan-favorite Liberty City. At least we'll always this game if GTA VI gets pushed back again.
16. Super Mario 64
It isn't an exaggeration to say that the N64 wouldn't have been half as successful as it was had it not been for Super Mario 64. That's just cold hard facts. Name a non-linear 3D game with an open world and we can guarantee that it stands on the shoulders of Super Mario 64.
17. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Speaking of games that owe Super Mario 64 big time, the next game on our list is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2! In addition to career mode, there was also free-play mode as well as a level editor that kept teens glued to their screens for hours. We won't even start on the iconic soundtrack.
18. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Hyrule was never as engaging as it was in Ocarina of Time. Ocarina of Time not only introduced generations to woodwind music, but it also introduced many features of adventure games that hold up shockingly well nearly 30 years later. Man, 1998 really was a great year for games!
19. Final Fantasy VII
In fiction, a series finding its footing and getting noticeably better is known as "growing the beard". For Final Fantasy, the seventh installment was when the series truly grew its beard. FFVII helped make console RPGs mainstream with its unreliable narrator, gritty aesthetics, and Lovecraftian horror.
20. Pac-Man
We're closing off this list with a game that's more legend than arcade fixture. It's none other than Pac-Man. Everyone loves Pac-Man, case closed.
