We Seasoned Gaming folks have been discussing our favorite games recently, and we began to wonder what each member would consider the best ten games of all time. So, each of us came up with such a list, in no particular order (these are simply our top ten with no priority set to the games), and we added a few words to explain why each made said list. And without further ado, let’s get right to it.

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Ains

Elden Ring

Having reviewed it prior to launch and having now invested another 500+ hours in Elden Ring, I feel confident saying it’s not only one of the greatest games ever made but one of my absolute favorites. Its scope, design, lore, and depth are almost immeasurable, with the community spending countless hours analyzing its characters, stories, and meaning. It is the definition of a timeless gaming triumph.

Halo: Combat Evolved

In 2001, I finished paying for my GameCube and decided to try this new “Xbox” console at the kiosk on my way out. Over 20 minutes later I went home with only one thing on my mind: playing more Halo: Combat Evolved. I bought an Xbox that night, and, since that time, I have invested thousands upon thousands of hours in the series. Combat Evolved changed the course of console FPS games and my gaming journey forever, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

The Last of Us

This is a tough one for me to express, but having lost a teenage son, the opening of The Last of Us hits different. The story that follows, the relationship that is built between Joel and Ellie over the course of their journey, and the choices Joel eventually makes all struck me with a tremendous amount of weight. It is a timeless game for me and, as a creator, it’s why I’m so proud of this deep dive I did years ago.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar are master world builders, and that is no more evident than in Red Dead Redemption 2, which I personally believe represents the greatest game world ever developed. The amount of life, interconnections of stories and behaviors, and randomization of events combine with the sandbox to provide an experience that’s never been replicated. Combine that with powerful stories, amazing characters, and, of course, Arthur Morgan, and you have another timeless classic.

Phantasy Star

While everyone with a NES was playing Dragon Warrior and/or Final Fantasy (both great games in their own right), those of us with Sega Master Systems were playing (the superior) Phantasy Star. The classic RPG formed a large part of my early love for the genre with multiple, dense planets, advanced 3D corridors, memorable characters, and a high degree of difficulty. Phantasy Star is a game I will always put on a pedestal. 37 years later, I still have my original copy.

BioShock

Seems appropriate to call it lightning in a bottle…BioShock took the foundations of the System Shock games and created something that broke through popular culture. From the initial plane crash to Andrew Ryan, big daddies, Sander Cohen, and the eventual discovery of “Would You Kindly,” BioShock left an indelible impression on me. It’s a game that I also happened to share with my youngest son at the time, and, so, it’s one that I reflect on often.

Super Mario World

In my mind, Super Mario World is still the pinnacle platformer. While others have come close in both 2D and 3D forms, Super Mario World was a revolutionary title when it launched with the SNES. It took the incredible foundation of Super Mario Bros. from the NES era and brought it forth with flawless level design, countless secrets, and gameplay that is as fresh today as it was over 30 years ago.

Borderlands 2

Borderlands was already a beloved game for me, and Borderlands 2 was the ultimate expression of that formula. It perfected shooting and looting (at the time) while providing near-endless gameplay due to its world-structure, loot tables, and enemy design. It’s also a game that was shared across a wide range of my friends and family, which resulted in hundreds of hours of memories and laughs.

Cuphead

I’d been thinking about whether to include Cuphead, and I simply believe it deserves it. Cuphead made waves from the first second it was shown, and, upon its eventual release, it was clear that Cuphead was special. A near impossible release when you understand the effort that went into making it, it’s not only wholly unique, but incredibly polished while being one of the best, modern examples of what I would call a proper “SHMUP.” I adore Cuphead and hope it’s not the last we see of it from Studio MDHR.

Gears of War 2

As you’ve likely noticed, shared experiences mean a lot to me. Gears 2 is another representative in that vein. Not only do I love the evolution of the Gears IP and characters with the sequel, but it represented a time in my life where I gamed competitively every night and eventually became a big part of the Epic Games and Gears of War community. Despite the online issues, which are well documented, Gears 2 featured amazing maps and was an excellent representation of Gears of War design at its best.

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Alejandro

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

When you basically have set the ground floor for what action/adventure games in a 3D space can be, what else is there to say? The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the very definition of a timeless masterpiece. It was a watershed moment in gaming that blew my feeble 5-year-old mind back in 1998, and it remains the purest 3D Zelda experience around.

Shadow of the Colossus

“Can Games Be Art?” Whenever I think of what game to use as an example of for this, my mind always drifts back to Fumito Ueda’s legendary second PlayStation 2 game, Shadow of the Colossus. Transcending its conceit as a boss rush, the scale, tone and vibe of Shadow of the Colossus remains indelibly seared in my mind as my favorite game in Sony’s ultra popular second console.

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater really showed me what was possible in sandbox style stealth action gameplay. While Metal Gear Solid 4 and 5 play better nowadays, they don’t have the confident heart and purity of this installment. The battle of Naked Snake against her mentor, and the ultimate resolution of the conflict that put into motion the rest of the franchise, is what I always remember the most when I think of Metal Gear Solid.

Super Mario Galaxy

The impact Super Mario 64 left on me as a 3-year old witnessing the jump from 2D to 3D is something I still remember ’til this day. That magic I felt was met and surpassed by Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, the most confident, creative 3D platformer that is still my high watermark for 3D Mario going forward. Even as much as I loved Super Mario Odyssey as a follow up, nothing touches Galaxy, which is still THE 3D platformer to beat. 

Red Dead Redemption 2

“See the Fire In Your Eyes”. “And I Stand Unshaken”. If you’ve played and beaten Red Dead Redemption 2, I can’t imagine hearing those lyrics and not welling up remembering Arthur Morgan’s final days in Dutch Van der Linde’s gang. The greatest game ever made by Rockstar, it’s also one of the greatest stories ever told in one of the most beautiful worlds ever created, and it’s one of the most impressive games I’ve ever had the pleasure to play.

Mass Effect 2

My favorite in the spectacular Mass Effect trilogy, Mass Effect 2 showed me the power of how much depth you can extract from such a simple conceit. Commander Shepard’s recruitment mission for the suicide mission against the Collectors is the greatest character-driven western RPG I’ve ever played, with one of the greatest cast of characters that is yet to be beaten. The first game’s story may be more “epic,” and the third one’s action and scale may be more impressive, but the intimacy and confidence of Mass Effect 2 still stands tall as one of my favorite sci-fi games of all time. 

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

The finest game ever made for the PlayStation 3 and my favorite on the system, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the perfect summer blockbuster turned video game that set the template for third person action games going forward. The set pieces of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception may have been more ambitious, and the story of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End more emotional, but Uncharted 2 remains top of class and as pitch perfect as the series ever got.

God of War (2018)

The ultimate apex of marrying the story-driven quality of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us with pitch perfect gameplay, God of War (2018) remains, to me, the finest example of Sony’s pursuit of high-quality, over-the-shoulder, narrative-driven, third-person action games. Kratos’ atonement over his destructive behavior in the excellent Greek trilogy remains one of my favorite stories told in any medium, and at the time of its release, it showed me that single player games still had power and surprise to give in a sea of multiplayer slop. God of War is the game I credit for rejuvenating my love for video games when I was feeling my love drain away, and for keeping me a gamer ever since.

Final Fantasy VI

Even just experiencing it recently via the recent release of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, Final Fantasy VI is a true masterpiece that almost 30+ years since its release has left an impact on me for the daring ambition it was playing with all the way back in 1994. Square Enix was at the peak of their power in what was ostensibly their last pixel art Final Fantasy. Its incredible and extensive cast of characters, the greatest, most devious villain ever, the greatest soundtrack ever, and the epic story and themes that I’m shocked were even touched on all the way back then have a weight and power only true gaming masterpieces hold. Final Fantasy VI is my favorite JRPG of all time, and it’s close to my favorite game ever. 

Super Mario World

Perfection. It’s the only way I can describe Super Mario World, the video game that set me in the path of gaming when I was just 2-years-old. It’s the most pitch-perfect 2D platformer ever made, and it’s the one I use to judge new 2D platformers. My yearly gaming tradition is playing it to completion every time my birthday rolls around, and playing this game is pure joy from start to finish. I never think I’ll ever have a game as impactful to my life, and that I love as much as I do, as Super Mario World.

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Bryan

The Last of Us

Naughty Dog’s original opus is my favorite piece of media across all forms of entertainment. From a story and performance standpoint, it is absolutely perfect as it never gets less impactful no matter how many times I play it, and I doubt it ever will. 

Metal Gear Solid 3

Though most seem to think MGS2 was the height of Kojima’s power, I’ve always been more attached to the story and gameplay of the third game. Witnessing the birth of Big Boss and the comparatively low-tech mechanics of the gameplay made it a very different, immensely appealing experience, and it features one of the best, most emotional final boss fights of any game I’ve ever played.

Super Mario Bros. 3

There’s nothing original about having Super Mario 3 on a favorites list, but it would be almost criminal for a platformer geek like myself to leave it off. Who among us can’t picture the iconic yellow boss, the world map, and, of course, the first time we took flight with the Tanooki Suit? Even now, 36 years later, it’s still one of the best platformers ever made. 

BioShock

One of the best combinations of story and gameplay I’ve ever experienced, with some truly scary moments thrown in for good measure. The story is incredible, but the performances really bring it to life. The fact that even such a memorable collection of psychopaths is upstaged by the game world itself is a testament to how well Ken Levine and his team realized Rapture and brought it to life as the game’s most interesting character.

Uncharted 2

The game starts at full throttle with the now-legendary train scene and never slows down until the end. Massive set-pieces, crumbling buildings, and a globe-trotting story with a cast of characters both endearing and despicable. It is absolute proof of the game’s strengths that, despite featuring one of the worst final boss fights ever, Uncharted 2 is still regarded as one of the best PlayStation games of all time.

Half-Life

I’d played FPS games since the original Doom, but Half-Life really turned my world upside down. The cinematic nature of the game was totally new for the genre. I’ll never forget the first time you get outside the facility, with jets strafing and bombing all around you, and the screen shaking endlessly. It was a sublime gaming level, and it set the stage for years of Half-Life fandom (HL3 RIP). 

Resident Evil 4

I was not a horror gamer when I picked up RE4, but it was the perfect combination of action and horror with plenty of jump scares and incredible atmosphere. I was instantly hooked, and, to this day, I still have the first encounter with the Chainsaw Man as one of my favorite gaming moments of all time. 

BioShock Infinite

While it’s tough to say if Columbia is better than Rapture, the cast of characters and enemies is certainly on up to the standard set by the original. Traversal is a blast with the skyhooks, the story is a convoluted masterpiece, Elizabeth is a Top 3 companion character, and the ending is absolutely mind-blowing. Add in the DLC that takes you back to witness the fall of Rapture, and Infinite is a stunning achievement that stayed with me long after I played it. 

Hogwarts Legacy

As a huge fan of the Harry Potter universe, I pined for this game for more than a decade. I’m not afraid to say I got a tear in my eye when I first glimpsed the castle, and the game lived up to every hope and dream I had for it. You can easily spend 50+ hours doing everything the developers created, and I loved every one of them.  

Command & Conquer

EA Westwood didn’t create the RTS genre, but it sure felt like they did for anyone who played Command & Conquer all the way back in 1995. The gameplay was exhilarating, and my go-to tactic of finding an undefended spit of land where I could drop an engineer to build a base on enemy territory was a sure-fire winner. There’s just something about firing it up to hear the NOD anthem and that radical rock soundtrack.

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Don

Crusader Kings 2

Do you want to build a world-spanning empire?  Do you want to make the lives of your people better by building improvements to your counties?  Do you want to plant your dynasty on the throne of every major nation in Europe?  You decide. I’ve seen everything from my own character accidentally inheriting the kingdom of France to the Pope being my wife’s lover.  The true RPG level of storytelling that you can accomplish in this game is nearly unparalleled.

Final Fantasy VII: Remake

I loved all of the characters, I loved the story, I loved the gameplay, just all of it. Though it’s not a perfect game, I still went back a few days after beating it, going for a Hard Mode run and even getting the platinum trophy. The streamlined nature of the narrative tells a compact story where I was always ready to keep moving, and it left me wanting more. Truly, this is a masterclass of a video game.

Horizon: Forbidden West

Forbidden West is a remarkable technical achievement in basically every fashion.  It’s still one of, if not the most, beautiful games of this generation, it’s a monumental leap in lip-sync and facial animation over its predecessor, and it’s an improvement in the gameplay across the board. The story is one that is truly fascinating to watch unfold, the voice acting is excellent, and the open world map is enormous and littered with things to do. There’s not a lot more to say about this game because it stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of modern games.

Assassin’s Creed 2

This game took a solid idea and turned it into the foundation for a formula that would, in the years since its release, impact and eventually dominate the video game industry in a way for which I am forever grateful. I believe that it still, to this day, has the strongest story in the franchise. The epic journey of Ezio Auditore da Firenze over the course of more than 20 years, watching him grow from spoiled rich kid to Master Assassin and seeking vengeance on those who wronged him, is one of the most powerful in video games. It’s one of the few games I’ve finished 3 times or more, and it’s still my personal favorite.

Mass Effect 3

Anyone who complains about Mass Effect 3 being a step down from the prior two Mass Effects is wrong. It has a stronger story than ME2, but has more intimate character interactions and storylines than ME1 with a cast of characters that includes those you already know and love along with new ones that you’ll love by the end. The story is my personal favorite of the franchise, even with its controversial ending.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The reason The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is on here is because this game opened my eyes to what freedom was in a video game. The absolute joy of walking out of the sewers of the Imperial City and basically being told that I could go anywhere and do anything is something I still remember to this day.  The mind-blowing, paradigm shifting experience about what a video game could be that I experienced in Oblivion all those years ago earns it a spot on this list.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

GSF for life. Now, anyone who knows the story of the game will know that not all members take this phrase as literally as some others, but to me, I believe it to my core. The story of San Andreas is the best one that Rockstar has ever told, in my opinion, even better than its Red Dead franchise. It’s a state-spanning epic, spinning a tale of family, loyalty, revenge, and justice. To this day, the acting remains top tier, the story is as thrilling and engaging as ever, and there’s no map, no roads, no moment in a game, where I feel more like I’m heading home than when I see that bridge that leads straight into CJ and the Grove Street Families’ cul-de-sac. GSF for life.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

No game has this level of storytelling quality with this level of reaction to choices with this level of graphical beauty with this level of character development with this level of overall enjoyment. Geralt of Rivia is one of the best, most complex characters ever written, somehow designed with both a moral code and the ability to be a horrible monster, if you so choose, and either path feels equally viable. And that’s not even mentioning the side quests, which should be studied in universities around the globe for teaching narrative writing, being so powerful and surprising, never making you feel like they’re unimportant or causing you to want to skip them.  

Kingdom Hearts 2

“Thinking of you, wherever you are.”  Kingdom Hearts 2 is a game that’s never far from my heart, it’s never far from my mind, and it’s (almost) never far from me physically. This is the only PS2 game that I always take with me when I move, rather than leaving it at my parents’ house, ever since I moved out for college during the PS3 era. KH2 is a game about friendship, about bonds, and about hope. I credit this game, and its predecessor, largely for forming my personality and my outlook on life, as it was released during my formative years. This game’s message, its impact on my life, who I am as an adult, and the sheer joy it instills in the player earns it its place on this list.  Oh, and it has fifteen-year-old Kairi, who, to my 12-year-old boy’s heart was my first waifu.

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is my favorite game of all time. It’s a game that I have gone back to many times over the years, either in my own playthrough or watching other people play. The cast of companions is the strongest party in any game, and it’s so well written, with characters even outside of the main cast that you just can’t forget and a plot that seems like it’s by-the-numbers fantasy but has layers of mystery and intrigue hidden beneath the surface. There’s no positive message in Origins and no uplifting lessons to be learned. It’s about stepping up, being thrust into a position you’re ill-prepared for and doing your best. It’s about you, and your actions, because you are the Warden.

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Elliot

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble

Oft maligned, DKC3 is a total nostalgia pick for me as it came with my first ever console, the SNES. Simply, Donkey Kong Country 3 really introduced me to video games in a big way. The way Dixie and Kiddy work together was really fun and interesting, and the music is phenomenal. I will never forget waking up early on the weekend to play this game over and over again.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations

This is probably a controversial one, but Assassin’s Creed Revelations was the culmination of so much storyline, and it felt like a true end of a trilogy. I was completely hooked on Ezio and Desmond’s stories and eagerly awaited the sequels. Although Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed 2 are incredible games, the way Revelations finished the story and tied everything in with Altair makes this game the one that deserves a place on this list.

Katana Zero

A hardcore, ultra-fast-paced, one-hit-kill action platformer with gorgeously designed pixel artwork, visceral combat, and a surprisingly deep and emotional story – Katana Zero is unforgettable. The soundtrack from Bill Kiley and Ludowic is also one of the all time greats; combining a gritty cyberpunk dystopian energy with grunge-y and grimy pulsating dark synthwave music. 

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor was a game I couldn’t put down until I rolled credits after 110 hours. Narrative twists and turns and tension abound, with a villain that I think goes down in history as one of our industry’s best. There’s no moment where you’re left hanging for some reward after exploring, deepening character relationships, or fighting a powerful enemy. The game continually feeds you new mechanics, activities, characters, upgrades, and an incredible story.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro nearly broke me. It’s definitely the hardest game I’ve ever played, but in the same breath the most rewarding. Sekiro taught me patience, persistence, determination, and character. Sekiro’s depiction of feudal Japan with a supernatural twist was immensely captivating. The way the story is told and the sense of adventure is tremendously beautiful, and the combat is second to none.

Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 improved on the formula of its predecessor in every single conceivable way. The story is memorable; the biomes are more interesting and diverse; the characters were so different to the original yet unique, and there were more and better guns. If Gearbox can replicate something akin to this with their next iteration, I’ll be very happy.

God of War (2018)

It was impressive the way Santa Monica Studio turned one-dimensional Kratos into this struggling widower father, conflicted with connection to his son and saying goodbye to another love of his life. The combat had such intensity, the cinematography was beautifully portrayed, and the characterisation of Kratos and Atreus – not to mention the myriad of side characters – was simply awe-inspiring.

Elden Ring

With a sense of exploration unlike anything that came before, a beautiful yet haunting world with unforgettable vistas, and a gameplay loop that was challenging and satisfying in equal parts, Elden Ring is such an icon of our modern generation. There is just something about the way From design their worlds, with labyrinthine exploration and a sense of discovery unleashed to the player to truly immerse themselves.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 is one of those rare open worlds where the sense of discovery and immersion is left in the player’s hands. The voice acting, the storytelling, the decision-based narrative, and every single character with their flaws and motives made me truly obsessed with this game. The fact that Hearts of Stone and Blood & Wine are two of the all time greatest story expansions shows how much true care and passion went into this game’s development. Oh, and Gwent is an all-timer…

Mass Effect 2

Although Mass Effect 2 is my favourite game of all time, without Mass Effect 1 setting the stage so beautifully, the sequel couldn’t possibly be here. The huge squad of characters in ME2 are so wonderfully fleshed out with conversations, backstories, brilliant voice acting, and loyalty missions. With the combat refined, the characters deepened, and the paragon and renegade system expanded upon, for me, the unforgettable experience that is Mass Effect 2 cannot be dethroned.

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Eric

Halo 2

Before I got a job, the only time I would ever get a new game was on my birthday or Christmas, with one exception. When my dad watched the 11 o’clock news on Nov 8th, 2004, and saw just how absolutely insane the midnight launches of Halo 2 were as millions of people waited outside in the cold, he told me we could go to Gamestop in the morning as long as I didn’t tell my mom. Halo 2 went on to become one of the most influential games of all time, changing online multiplayer, and it was the most influential game in my life as Halo-mania took over my school, forging many lifelong friendships in the process. 

World of Warcraft

During my teens I had to make a very difficult decision: World of Warcraft subscription or an Xbox Live subscription? I chose Xbox. Though I got older and started earning a paycheck, eventually making my way to Azeroth, I always wondered what It would have been like to be there on day 1. I didn’t have to wonder any more after the launch of WoW Classic in 2019, and what I found was one of the greatest multiplayer experiences there is. WoW was the first MMO to really blow up back in 2004, and here I am writing about it in 2025 as it is still the best MMO in the world. That is unparalleled success. 

Elden Ring

When open-world games started to become mainstream, I remember being amazed when looking onto the horizon and thinking “I can actually go over there!” However, I also remember watching open-world games slowly devolve into maps filled with icons, where players no longer look to the horizon but instead follow breadcrumbs and markers on a mini map, following a breadcrumb trail from map marker to map marker. Then Elden Ring launched, a breath of fresh air as it plops you into a world full of mystery, begging to be explored at your own free will. Add in some of the most gorgeous biomes, creatures, music, and the most refined and customizable combat we’ve seen from FromSoftware, and you have yourself the best game of the last 20 years.

Destiny

My two most cherished gaming experiences have been provided by Halo and World of Warcraft. So what happens when the stars align and makers of each combine to create their own game? Well, you end up with Destiny. After spending countless hours playing the beta, and picking up my copy with my Clan at the last midnight launch my city has ever had, I was hooked on Destiny. Raid leading, chasing grimoire cards, going to the lighthouse, I did it all. Destiny has easily been the game I spent the most time playing from the Xbox One launch until now and Killing Oryx in the King’s Fall raid before the first reset is still my greatest ever video game accomplishment. 

Doom

Of all the games on this list, the one that has been a part of my life the longest has easily been Doom. The game pioneered first person shooters with the visionary John Carmack at the helm in the ’90s, and it is still churning out some of the greatest FPS gameplay we have more than 30 years later. From playing the shareware version on my dad’s beige box Windows 95 rig to having to have consecutive sleepovers in order to get through the horrifying Doom 3 on my original Xbox, Doom has been a constant in my gaming life that I hope never ends.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

As a kid, I was convinced that I didn’t like RPGs as my experience with them had been limited to only JRPGs. Turn-based just didn’t click with me in those years, and I wanted something where I could build my own character. Then came the original Xbox with a little game called Morrowind. The first time I set foot in Seyda Neen, I was blown away by how vast and limitless the game felt at the time. Future installments have left Morrowind in the dust when it comes to presentation and mechanics, but Morrowind still holds the crown for its world and sense of wonder. 

DOTA 2

I built my first gaming PC in 2010 to play Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty, but while I loved that game, I missed playing on a team with my friends. Then a little thing called League of Legends happened, and this discovery of a new (to me) MOBA genre completely hooked me. This was the start of an addiction that would hit its apex when I got into the beta for DOTA 2. Even though it’s one of the most difficult games to pick up and play, once you cross the Rubicon and understand its ins and outs, you are left with one of the best team-based PvP games of all time. Outside of World of Warcraft, I don’t think there is a single other game that comes close to the 3500+ hours I have logged into DOTA 2. 

Gears of War 3

The Xbox 360 is what I consider to be the greatest console of all time, and Gears of War is its flagship title. It’s not common anymore for games to ship with a full suite of Campaign, PvP multiplayer, and PvE Multiplayer, and Gears 3 did it the best. Not only did the campaign deliver an epic conclusion to the trilogy, but the changes to gameplay was Epic Gears at its most refined. On top of that, the multiplayer was the best we have ever seen from a progression standpoint before we all were dragged kicking and screaming into the lootbox/battlepass era we find ourselves in now. 

God of War (2018)

It’s rare to see games in this day and age, especially high budget AAA games, take massive risks. So I was a bit surprised when it was revealed that one of Sony’s most successful franchises was undergoing a massive style change. On top of that, they committed to telling Krato’s Norse story with a no-cut camera. Anyone who knows even a little bit about film or television knows just how daunting of a task this is. However, the mad lads at Sony Santa Monica pulled it off, and the resulting experience is one of the most immersive stories I have ever played. They could have stopped there, and I would have been happy, but they also delivered some amazing spectacle and challenging combat to boot. 

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

Before Xbox Live or Battle.net, we had to play against the people in our own living rooms, and no game was more competitive for pre-teen me than Mortal Kombat. Whether it was watching the movie countless times or dancing like a maniac to the incredible theme song, all things always led to the living room, where champions were forged. The main format in which this Kombat took place was putting every fighter’s name in a hat and drawing our teams. Your fighter dies if they lose, and the last team standing wins. Mortal Kombat 3’s massive roster made this ritual 10x better, and that’s why it’s on the list.

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Patrick

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

When I first played Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, I didn’t realize that I would love it as much as I do now. I played it with a gleeful joy while unlocking all of the mysteries that I could, but I had no idea, at that time, that I was playing what would become my favorite game of all time. Looking back, it’s not surprising. After all, it was a 2D game when 3D was all the rage, and it played in a manner that so many games did back then, but it had everything: crazy atmosphere, leveling mechanics, equipment, builds, ghastly enemies, beautiful pixel graphics, a haunting soundtrack, secrets around every corner, and a general aesthetic over everything which cemented it, wholeheartedly, as my personal G.O.A.T.

Elden Ring

When Elden Ring was close to releasing, I wasn’t on the hype train. Through all of the delays it went through, I wasn’t sure it would be that great. Don’t get me wrong, I was still going to buy it, but I wasn’t as crazy excited as some others were…and then I played it. And I couldn’t stop. Even when I was doing “life stuff,” I was still thinking about different areas, puzzles, encounters, and secrets. It consumed my mind like few games ever had since the NES days, and I still play Elden Ring quite often, discovering new things in the process.

Super Mario World

Super Mario Bros. is as iconic as gaming itself, so picking a game from the legendary list of titles that spawned from it isn’t exactly easy, but Super Mario World is so good that it still seems an obvious choice. Playing Super Mario World for the first time felt like I was truly playing a next-generation game. When I heard the echo effect in the first underground area, I was floored with emotion. I knew, even back then, that I was playing a timeless masterpiece, and that still holds absolutely true.

Super Metroid

I have so many fond memories from the original Metroid, so to say that Super Metroid gave me even more is pretty remarkable. The music and atmosphere put me in a place that I needed to escape to during my teen years, and no other game is perhaps as nostalgic to me as Super Metroid. More than a masterpiece, it’s a fine companion to me whenever I want to revisit those precious days.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The original Legend of Zelda was magical, but A Link to the Past was even better, and it blew me away with its well-hidden secrets and unending charm. Solving puzzles to journey further into each dungeon felt so good as many of them required thinking outside of the box compared to the traditional, simpler puzzles that we’d encountered in games before. Going back to it each year, it still holds up.

Street Fighter II

Through all of the evolution of fighting games, my favorite memories of the genre come from facing off against all of my school friends in Street Fighter II, whether at the arcade or playing one of the fantastic home ports. Street Fighter II is not only the beginning of fighting game greatness (sorry Karate Champ, Shanghai Kid, and the others that attempted the spark before it), it is still, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle.

Borderlands 2

As the ultimate “just turn it on and have fun” game, Borderlands 2 is very special to me as it came during a time in my life where I welcomed the escape. It also has the distinction of introducing me to Ains due to us discussing features about the game in a Borderlands forum before the game’s launch.

Rocket League

When I simply want to play something to melt the stress from the day, Rocket League is a favorite go-to. It’s very quick and easy to get into and finish matches, and the “easy to learn, hard to master” game play is so good that it hasn’t changed at all since launch, and it still takes less than a minute to find a match. It is fun in its purest form.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Even though Assassin’s Creed II is the best in the series, Odyssey is my personal favorite to play. For me, adventuring around ancient Greece is a joy I’ve wanted since I was a teen in history class, and with the ridiculously expansive world map to explore, the adventures are nearly endless.

Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World streamlined the formula that many were already addicted to. Choosing this over Monster Hunter 4U and Monster Hunter Rise is a tough choice, but I have to respect the game that introduced so many to the franchise and solidified it as one of the premiere franchises in video games.

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Peter

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

I came to Witcher 3 late, and it may seem strange given that it is on this list, but it did not click with me immediately. It was actually on my third time starting a new game that it not only clicked, it consumed. The visceral, gritty world that acted as a canvas upon which one of the absolute finest experiences in gaming was drawn left me speechless as the credits rolled. This game did what nearly all open world games fail to do: it stayed interesting and compelling, begging to be explored while offering up some of the finest side quests in any game. Add the stellar cast, amazing story, and, of course, Gwent, and The Witcher 3 earned itself a permanent spot in my favourite games of all time.

Unreal Tournament

Say the words “CTF-Face,” “Sniper Rifle,” and “M M M M Monster Kill” to gamers of a certain era, and they will not be able to help but smile as memories of countless hours, LAN parties, and Frak Cannons enter their mind. These are my memories of Unreal Tournament, and they are incredible. It was as much how I enjoyed this game as it is the game itself. It was my first real introduction to FPS multiplayer, and for months I played it far too much with family and friends alike. The game still feels great to play, the weapons still satisfy as they gib your opponents, and the arenas stand the test of time.

Mass Effect

Whilst I am choosing Mass Effect 1 to feature in this list, it really is the trilogy that cements this entry. It’s one of the best Sci Fi stories ever told, and part of what makes this true is how the games in the series delivered that story. This was “your” story, “your” Shepard, with decisions large and small carrying across all three games to their conclusion. With the incredible lore building, the unforgettable companions, and those moments that struck such a chord that you just needed to pause and take a moment to process what just happened, these games still thrill me 5+ playthroughs later.

Diablo 2

Diablo 2 is another game that, coupled with LAN parties, has given me some of my best gaming memories. The opening cinematic set the tone to a game that I would end up giving easily over a thousand hours to. The dark story, grotesque enemies, and beautifully horrific locales were the foundation upon which one of the most addictive gameplay loops was built. The feeling of getting that final set piece of equipment or ultra rare unique as you and your friends defeat Baal for the 100th time is simply unmatched. Returning to the game with Resurrected showed that, despite its age in some respects, the magic is still very much there, and you never get tired of hearing, “Stay a while, and listen.”

Prey (2017)

Perhaps a game that would not find itself on many a top ten, Prey, for me, is a masterpiece. This was Arkane at their finest. The incredible opening to this game, something that somehow was not spoiled for me considering I played a few years after launch, is still one of my favourite moments in gaming. What follows is one of the most atmospheric and immersive games I have played. As you explore the station and read the logs and audio files, you begin to piece together what might have happened, or so you think, until the game’s jaw-dropping conclusion. The powers and abilities you can learn, the way you can control traversal with the Gloo cannon, and the way the game somehow makes you feel powerful yet only seconds away from death at all times make Prey an immersive sim at its finest.

Final Fantasy VII

For me, Final Fantasy VII was the game that demonstrated how deep a game could be. It told a story in a way that I thought previously impossible in a game. As the opening FMV transitioned into gameplay and Barret waves you off the train in time with the unforgettable music, it was clear I was in for something special. Of all the games on this list, FF7 may well be the one I have replayed the most. Even now, all these years later, I love going through the story, collecting all the Materia, learning all the enemy skills, defeating the weapons, and finding myself immersed each time. Gaming was a really fun hobby before FF7; it was a passion afterwards.

The Last of Us

Numb, speechless and numb. This is how I felt when I first rolled credits on The Last Of Us. I could not believe what I had just experienced. This game had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The lines between movie and game were blurred, with an experience consisting of brilliant, tense gameplay sandwiched between incredible cutscenes that kept the momentum and tension up. I have played through The Last of Us four times now, and it never fails to leave an impression. Joel and Ellie’s story is one for the ages.

Elden Ring

I had never played a FromSoft game before Elden Ring. I was always put off by their reputation for being unforgivingly difficult, and I was ready to skip Elden Ring as well, set aside as another game I would be happy that others enjoyed. But I got caught up in the hype around release and, despite my trepidations, I decided to pick it up. Fast forward to today, and I have over 300 hours in the game across Xbox and PC, 100% achievements on both. Elden Ring is a game that I can’t see ever being outside of my top ten. It’s a game I keep installed and will often go back to with my NG+ as it is one of the best games I have ever played.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

KOTOR was everything I wanted as a Star Wars and RPG fan. Set nearly 4,000 years before A New Hope, KOTOR immediately compelled with its unfamiliar setting in the Star Wars universe. I loved the DnD-style approach to its combat, but where the game truly excelled for me was in its writing and story. BioWare took a beloved IP and built not only a phenomenal cast of characters, but also allowed us to travel to and explore various worlds, some familiar and some new, and it all culminates in a story twist that blew my mind the first time I rolled credits.

Halo 3

Deciding on which Halo game made my list was tough, but, ultimately, the way I experienced Halo 3 cemented it as my favourite in the series. Halo 3 was the first Halo game to release after I had moved out of the family home. I picked up a copy, my younger brother (still at home) picked up a copy, we booted the game up, jumped on Xbox Live party chat, and, about 12 hours later, we rolled credits on one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. Experiencing each level together as we played through, culminating in that epic Warthog sequence, is what the word “peak” was created for. For months, we played campaign missions, multiplayer, and used forge to make Warthog racetracks. Also, like some others on this list, the game is always installed and ready for a session.

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Rae

Kingdom Hearts

The Kingdom Hearts series is the whole reason I’m a gamer, and I could spend a lot of time expounding on why I love each of the games. We’ll take it as a given that I did that here, or we’ll be here all day.

Cultist Simulator

I can’t really recommend this game. It doesn’t offer enough run-over-run progression to really feel like a proper roguelike, death can come up so fast and so unfair that I unabashedly save scum, and it’s so obtuse with its hints that the only way to really figure out how to pull anything off is to use the wiki and forums. That said, I love the damn thing. It’s a creepy, well-done existential/Eldritch/body horror with absolutely stunning storytelling and worldbuilding. Even when I lost to bad RNG time after time, it kept me playing.

Disney’s Dreamlight Valley

What can I say about this that hasn’t already been said? It’s a love letter to the Disney movies I grew up with, an unabashed nostalgia trip where imagination and friendship are the most powerful magics of all. Just… let’s pretend the Star Path doesn’t exist, okay?

Genshin Impact

I play a lot, and I mean a lot, of gacha games. I always come back to Genshin Impact due to its satisfying combat, enjoyable exploration, a variety of characters for any playstyle or personality, and a story that makes me genuinely want to keep going.

Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya

I wrote a whole piece about this already. This is my perfect game. 

Monster Train

I found this one on Game Pass and bought the whole thing for myself. It was my introduction to roguelike deckbuilders, and it’s still my favorite of the genre with satisfying gameplay and enough story to latch onto.

Final Fantasy XV

I call this game the Kraft mac and cheese of video games. You either think it’s a perfect combination of familiar tropes and comfortable gameplay, or you think it’s objectively inferior to what you grew up with. I’m the former. (My boyfriend is the latter.)

Ghostwire Tokyo

I never finished this one. I probably never will. I’m not terribly fussed about that because the joy of the game, for me, is the moment-to-moment gameplay. It’s the only first-person “shooter” I’ve played, and one of the only horror games. And it’s a world and gameplay loop that I’m happy to return to over and over.

Final Fantasy XIV

I haven’t even reached the first expansion of this game, but that’s not because I don’t love it. It’s huge, and the ease of flipping between classes is such that I can spend gleeful hours or even days just leveling this one or that one and forgetting that the game really does have a story.

Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage (aka Project Sekai: Colorful Stage, aka ProSeka/PuroSeka)

A list of my favorite games wouldn’t be complete without a rhythm game, and this one wins. I love rhythm games. I find them meditative. And there’s a genre of mobile rhythm games that I call idol games because they revolve around bands or singing groups (even though usually there’s only one token idol group). These games not only have some bops and great maps for the songs, they also tell heartwarming stories for each of the characters and groups. It’s a feel good genre, and this one is my favorite.

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Ray

Planescape Torment

Planescape Torment might be my favorite CRPG. The story is absolutely fantastic – I love getting lost in the lore, talking to the characters, and discovering all the hidden details. The combat’s kind of weak, but that doesn’t matter much because the choices you make and the way the story unfolds are so powerful. 

Earthbound

Earthbound was my first RPG, and it’s still one of my all-time favorites. It perfectly blends real life with a kind of Salvador Dali-inspired absurdity that’s super memorable. Now that it’s on the Switch, I can revisit it anytime, and it’s like comfort food for my brain. I can always count on it to make me feel good.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger’s Active Time Battle system made turn-based combat feel fresh and exciting. I love how the battle system lets you use special abilities and combos that can hit enemies in different spots on the screen. It’s really fun trying to figure out the best way to target as many enemies as possible since they move around. The characters are diverse and interesting, the music is fantastic, and the art style still looks great. I’ve never actually beaten the game, but that just makes me want to play it again and again.

Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG was mind-blowing when I was a kid. It has all my favorite Mario characters, epic boss fights, and the graphics were way ahead of their time. The combat was really fun, especially with the timing-based attacks. And the music is so memorable, it’s no wonder this game still stands out as one of my favorites.

Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 scratches my OCD collector’s itch. There’s always something new to find and collect, whether it’s for crafting a legendary weapon or just completing my collection. I love trying out different skills and weapons, and the World vs. World battles are some of the best player-versus-player I’ve played. It’s great that you don’t need a subscription, and the fashion system is totally on fleek.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is my ultimate comfort game, the kind I can always return to and instantly enjoy. Its SNES-inspired art style feels timeless, and the addictive “just one more day” gameplay keeps me hooked as I optimize my farm and build my little farming empire. Playing co-op with my wife made it even more special, turning it into a shared, relaxing escape.

Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter: World was my first experience with the series, and I was blown away by how addictive its gameplay loop was. At first, learning a new weapon felt clunky and awkward. But as I mastered each one, taking down huge monsters felt amazing. It was like my character became an extension of myself. Between gathering materials, upgrading gear, and teaming up with my adorable Palico, this game showed me a level of skill-based satisfaction I didn’t know I needed.

The Evil Within 2

The Evil Within 2 took everything from the first game and made it so much better, with stunning graphics and a violent, terrifying world that kept me hooked. I loved how it blended action-packed gameplay with survival horror, and the semi-open world made exploring and finding side quests and loot rewarding. The challenging difficulty struck the perfect balance, making every moment feel tense yet fun.

Persona 5

Persona 5 absolutely blew me away with its slick, stylish presentation and unforgettable music that may be some of the best in any video game ever created. I loved how the high school setting, social dynamics, and downtime between dungeons made me feel deeply invested in the characters and their stories. By chance, shortly after finishing the game, I traveled to Japan for work, and it felt surreal visiting places I recognized from the game, like Shibuya Station. Listening to the Persona 5 soundtrack on loop while I was there made the whole experience even more special.

Neverwinter Nights

Neverwinter Nights was a defining game of my childhood thanks to its incredible toolset and hundreds of persistent worlds crafted by players and communities. Nothing else has ever come close. The community was extraordinary, with roleplaying servers that fostered collaborative storytelling, complete with dungeon master run events that allowed players to shape the history and on-going lore of the worlds. Unfortunately, with multiplayer all but dead aside from a few niche communities, the magic of that era is lost forever. I still hope another game can recapture the same spirit of player creativity and community-driven worlds that Neverwinter Nights embodied, but nothing has managed it so far.

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So, there you have it. This is how each of us sees it…for now. How about you? Who do you agree with? Who has it all wrong? Feel free to share your thoughts with us, and happy gaming!