The most important game titles in history are not limited to those that hit the top of the charts. They also include games that were groundbreaking for their time. Here is a list of the best computer and console games ever released
- Super Mario Bros (NES). This game, which was first released in 1985, was revolutionary for its time as it allowed players to explore large worlds with multiple levels without any restrictions on where they can go next or how much time they have before their lives will run out. It has set an incredible standard by which all future platformers will be judged, and to this day remains one of the most beloved video games ever made.
- Tetris (Game Boy). On the side of the surface, Tetris is a simple game where players have to slide the colored shapes into place to make the entire rows. But coupled with easy-to-understand rules, catchy music, and engaging gameplay mechanics, it has become the most popular electronic game of all time … until two years after its release in 1989
- Doom (PC). First released in 1993 by id Software Doom was a success overnight. He single-handedly defined the first-person shooter genre and was so influential that it’s still popular 20 years later. It made the PC a platform for gamers and took video game violence in the mainstream media to new heights.
- Civilization II (PC). While Sid Meier’s original game Civilization debuted in 1991, this sequel took the series to a new level of popularity when it was released in 1996. The series has since become known as an innovator in the field of strategy games, with Civilization II now having a 90 percent rating on GameRankings.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox). Around 2000, first-person shooters seemed to be getting stale, but Halo successfully brought the genre to life with an innovative arsenal of weapons, vehicles, and playable multiplayer modes. Gamers love online cooperative gameplay so much that the game has been the most played title on Xbox Live for years.
- Pokemon Red / Green (Game Boy). These two titles have turned into a phenomenon where children have become obsessed with catching these little monsters to fill their virtual Pokedexes. Since then, the series has become one of the most popular in the world, and Pokemon is on its way to becoming a franchise worthy of billions of dollars.
- Super Smash Bros (Nintendo 64). This game, which was released in 1999, not only was an instant success but also merged some of Nintendo’s greatest characters into a single game for the first time. The game successfully entered Nintendo in a three-way console war against Sony and Microsoft, and its sequel remains one of the most popular games released for GameCube.
- Grand Theft Auto III (PC). Although the previous editions of this series were a huge success, only Grand Theft Auto III from 2003 brought the greatest fame to the creators of Rockstar Games. This third-person open-world action game was the highest-rated title of the year, and has since had five successful sequels.
- Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360). This is one of those titles that once you start playing, you just can’t stop. It’s a space opera RPG with stunning graphics and a suspenseful story that’s hard to put down. Though it has its problems, this game remains true to its pedigree and offers players an unparalleled experience in the role-playing genre.
- The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Entertainment System). This classic video game, which was released in 1986, has made 2D platformers a fully fledged game genre and has been a huge inspiration for countless other NES games. Although the game has had many sequels, its first installment is still considered one of the best titles ever made.
There are hundreds of great computer and console video games that have been released over the past three decades. These 10 we have listed above are some of the most important and influential examples we have come to mind. Probably many people would put here other, interesting, classic titles.