Top 100 Video Games Of All Time

90 – 81: Outstanding Games That Defined Eras

90. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

• The biggest Yakuza game to date, expanding the turn-based RPG formula.
• Features dual protagonists: Ichiban Kasuga and Kiryu Kazuma.
• A massive open-world adventure spanning multiple cities.
• More side activities and minigames than ever before.
• Reinforces Like a Dragon as one of the best RPG franchises today.
• Many impactful and emotional moments.

89. Xenogears (1998)

• One of the most ambitious RPG stories ever told, blending philosophy, religion, and sci-fi.
• Deep combat system combining turn-based mechanics with martial arts-inspired combos.
• A dual-layered battle system: on-foot and in giant mechs (Gears).
• Some of the most memorable characters in RPG history.
• A spiritual predecessor to the Xeno series (Xenosaga, Xenoblade).

88. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

• The most open-ended and mechanically deep Metal Gear Solid game ever made.
• Stealth-action gameplay is perfected with unparalleled player freedom.
• Huge, dynamic open world with emergent gameplay moments.
• The story’s unfinished state is controversial, but the gameplay is near-perfect.
• One of Hideo Kojima’s most ambitious projects.

87. Inside (2016)

• A haunting, minimalist puzzle-platformer with deep, thought-provoking themes.
• Beautifully atmospheric with an unsettling, dystopian world.
• No dialogue—storytelling is done entirely through gameplay and visuals.
• One of the most memorable endings in gaming history.
• Won multiple Game of the Year awards for its artistic direction.

86. Stardew Valley (2016)

• The ultimate farming simulation game with deep RPG mechanics.
• Created by a single developer, Eric Barone, and became a massive indie success.
• Endlessly relaxing and rewarding, offering farming, fishing, mining, and relationship-building.
• A deep world with secrets, events, and characters that evolve over time.
• One of the best indie success stories ever.

85. Dota 2 (2013)

• One of the biggest and most competitive MOBAs in gaming history.
• Extremely deep strategy and mechanics, with a steep but rewarding learning curve.
• Hosts The International, one of the largest esports tournaments with record-breaking prize pools.
• Constant updates and balance patches keep the game fresh.
• A massive, dedicated community that has kept the game alive for over a decade.

84. Persona 3 Reload (2024)

• Modernizes Persona 3 with stunning visuals, improved mechanics, and quality-of-life updates while preserving its core identity.
• Explores profound themes of mortality, self-discovery, and fate, making it one of the most impactful RPG narratives ever.
• Upgrades turn-based battles with Persona 5-inspired mechanics, making combat smoother, faster, and more strategic.
• Expanded interactions and deeper character development make the cast even more engaging and memorable.
• A beautiful mix of new and remastered tracks, fully voiced dialogue, and a visually reimagined world elevate the entire experience.

83. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)

• The biggest Smash Bros. roster ever, featuring every character from past games and DLC fighters.
• Tight, balanced gameplay that appeals to both casual and competitive players.
• A love letter to gaming history, packed with references, music, and stages from across franchises.
• Online and local multiplayer that has kept players coming back for years.
• One of the best-selling fighting games ever.

82. ESPN NFL 2K5 (2004)

• The game revolutionized sports gaming with its ESPN-style presentation, complete with authentic commentary, halftime shows, and post-game analysis.
• Tight, responsive controls and smart AI made for one of the most fluid and strategic football experiences ever.
• Offered an immersive experience with team management, weekly preparation, and player development, setting a standard for future sports games.
• Released at a budget price of $19.99, directly challenging Madden NFL and proving that high-quality games didn’t need to be full-price.
• Many fans and critics still consider NFL 2K5 the best football game ever made, with its realism, physics, and gameplay depth surpassing even modern titles.

81. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (1992)

• Perfected the formula introduced in the first Sonic the Hedgehog.
• Introduced Tails, adding co-op gameplay for the first time.
• Faster, more polished level design with memorable stages like Chemical Plant Zone.
• One of the best-selling Sega Genesis games of all time.
• A legendary soundtrack that remains iconic to this day.