Top 100 Video Games Of All Time

80 – 71: Beloved Cult Classics

80. Final Fantasy IX (2000)

• A love letter to classic Final Fantasy, blending medieval fantasy with deep storytelling.
• One of the most charming and emotional RPG casts, led by Zidane, Vivi, and Garnet.
• A refined turn-based battle system with a job-class-inspired ability system.
• Gorgeous pre-rendered backgrounds and a timeless art direction.
• Many fans consider it the best Final Fantasy due to its storytelling and character depth.

79. BioShock Infinite (2013)

• A gripping, mind-bending narrative with one of the most shocking endings in gaming.
• Stunning world-building with Columbia, a floating city filled with dark political themes.
• Dynamic combat mixing traditional shooting with Vigors (special abilities).
• Elizabeth is one of the most well-developed AI companions in gaming.
• Tackled deep themes like American exceptionalism, racism, and fate vs. free will.

78. Hades (2020)

• One of the greatest roguelike games ever made, featuring tight combat and deep replayability.
• An incredible narrative that unfolds through repeated runs, keeping players engaged.
• Gorgeous art style and voice acting that bring Greek mythology to life.
• Fast, fluid combat with a vast array of weapon and upgrade combinations.
• Won multiple Game of the Year awards and redefined what roguelikes could be.

77. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

• Expanded on Super Mario Galaxy with even more creative level design and mechanics.
• Introduced Yoshi into the Galaxy formula, adding new abilities and movement options.
• One of the best 3D platformers ever, with consistently fresh and inventive level ideas.
• A perfect balance of challenge, fun, and sheer wonder.
• Often regarded as one of the best sequels in gaming history.

76. The Last Guardian (2016)

• An emotionally gripping story about the bond between a boy and a giant creature, Trico.
• Unique AI behavior that made Trico feel like a real, living companion.
• A beautiful, dreamlike world with breathtaking visuals and atmosphere.
• Deliberate, slower-paced gameplay that focuses on emotional storytelling.
• From the creators of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, delivering another masterpiece.

75. Kessen 2 (2001)

• A unique blend of real-time strategy and cinematic storytelling.
• One of the most visually impressive strategy games of its time.
• Features an alternate history take on the Three Kingdoms era.
• Large-scale battles with a mix of tactical planning and action.
• A hidden gem for strategy fans.

74. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

• A masterclass in precision-based combat, rewarding skill and timing over brute force.
• Introduced the posture system, which redefined swordplay in action games.
• One of FromSoftware’s most challenging yet rewarding games.
• A beautifully realized world set in Sengoku-era Japan, with breathtaking landscapes and intense duels.
• Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019.

73. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

• A return to Mario’s open-ended, sandbox-style gameplay reminiscent of Super Mario 64.
• Introduced Cappy, allowing for creative platforming and unique character possession mechanics.
• Every kingdom is bursting with secrets, platforming challenges, and nostalgic nods to past Mario games.
• Nearly endless replayability with Power Moons hidden everywhere.
• One of the most polished and joyful gaming experiences ever created.

72. StarCraft (1998)

• One of the most influential real-time strategy (RTS) games ever made.
• Perfectly balanced three-race system (Terran, Zerg, Protoss) that remains legendary in competitive gaming.
• Revolutionized esports, especially in South Korea.
• Deep strategic depth, requires resource management, unit positioning, and fast decision-making.
• Its expansion, Brood War, is still played competitively decades later.

71. Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)

• One of the best arcade street racing games, featuring extensive car customization.
• Introduced an open-world structure that gave players the freedom to explore the city.
• A killer soundtrack that perfectly captured the underground street racing vibe.
• A huge variety of race types, including drift, drag, and circuit races.
• Helped define the golden era of Need for Speed and influenced future racing games.