Top 100 Video Games Of All Time

50 – 41: Genre-Defining Classics

50. Resident Evil (1996)

• Defined the survival horror genre with tense gameplay and limited resources.
• Iconic moments, including the first zombie reveal and that dog hallway.
• Introduced classic characters like Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine.
• Atmospheric mansion design with puzzle-solving elements.
• Spawned one of the biggest horror franchises in gaming history.

49. Mario Kart 8 (2014)

• The most refined and polished Mario Kart entry to date.
• Introduced anti-gravity racing and improved track designs.
• Massive roster of characters and vehicles.
• One of the best-selling and most beloved multiplayer games of all time.
• The definitive kart racing experience.

48. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

• Defined the Metroidvania genre alongside Super Metroid.
• Open-ended, non-linear exploration with RPG mechanics.
• Stunning sprite art and gothic atmosphere.
• One of the best soundtracks in gaming history.
• Alucard’s abilities and progression make for an unforgettable experience.

47. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)

• A unique blend of Mario’s world with traditional RPG mechanics.
• A charming story filled with humor and memorable characters.
• Innovative turn-based combat with interactive timing mechanics.
• One of the earliest RPGs to introduce action-based commands.
• A fan favorite that influenced the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series.

46. The Last of Us Part II (2020)

• A bold, risk-taking narrative that subverts expectations.
• Emotional, raw performances that elevate video game storytelling.
• Brutal, weighty combat that enhances the game’s themes.
• Visually stunning, with some of the best motion capture in gaming.
• One of the most divisive but artistically ambitious games ever made.

45. Dark Souls III (2016)

• A culmination of the Souls series’ best mechanics, refining the combat and world design.
• Some of the most memorable and challenging boss fights in the genre.
• Incredible lore and storytelling that rewards exploration and fan theories.
• A more fluid and faster combat system compared to previous Souls games.
• Considered by many as the ultimate Dark Souls experience.

44. The Witcher (2007)

• Established the Witcher franchise, later leading to The Witcher 3.
• Choice-driven RPG with morally complex decisions.
• Unique combat system blending alchemy, swordplay, and magic.
• Deep, mature storytelling inspired by Slavic mythology.
• Set the foundation for one of the greatest RPG series in gaming history.

43. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

• A darker, more grounded take on the GTA formula with a compelling story.
• Niko Bellic is one of the most complex protagonists in the series.
• A highly detailed open-world recreation of Liberty City.
• Improved physics and AI make for more immersive gameplay.
• A landmark in open-world storytelling.

42. Portal (2007)

• Brilliant puzzle design that introduced the mind-bending portal gun.
• Dark humor and unforgettable writing, thanks to GLaDOS.
• A short but perfectly paced experience with a lasting impact.
• Rewarding physics-based puzzles that challenge the player’s perception.
• The cake is a lie—one of gaming’s most iconic phrases.

41. Halo 2 (2004)

• Revolutionized online multiplayer for console gaming with Xbox Live integration.
• Expanded the Halo universe with a dual-perspective campaign.
• Introduced dual-wielding and vehicle hijacking mechanics.
• A cliffhanger ending that left players eagerly awaiting Halo 3.
• One of the best multiplayer FPS games of its generation.