When it comes to the best games, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Video games span countless genres, and what is considered the best game often depends on personal taste and gaming experiences. However, certain titles stand out as groundbreaking in their innovation, storytelling, and gameplay, earning them iconic status among gamers worldwide. These games transcend their release dates and continue to capture the imaginations of new players. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a mind-bending puzzle, or an emotionally charged narrative, the best games have something special that makes them unforgettable.
One such example of a timeless game is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998). Released on the Nintendo 64, it remains one of the best video games of all time, widely praised for its revolutionary gameplay, intricate dungeon designs, and masterful use of 3D technology. Players take on the role of Link as he embarks on a journey to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf. The open-world slot exploration, puzzle-solving mechanics, and the use of music as a gameplay element set Ocarina of Time apart from other games of its era. The ability to travel through time by playing the ocarina, alongside the rich lore and captivating characters, contributed to its lasting influence on both the Zelda series and the gaming industry as a whole.
Another game that defined its generation was The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), a monumental open-world RPG from Bethesda. Set in the fictional land of Skyrim, the game allows players to immerse themselves in an expansive world filled with diverse landscapes, bustling towns, and endless quests. What sets Skyrim apart is its non-linear gameplay and freedom. Players can engage in a variety of activities, whether it’s slaying dragons, joining factions, or simply exploring the vast world. Its dynamic combat system, skill progression, and deep lore captivated players, making it one of the best RPGs of all time. The game’s modding community further extended its longevity, allowing players to continue enjoying and reshaping the world of Skyrim for years after its release.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013) took open-world gameplay to new heights by offering an expansive, living city filled with activities and missions. Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA V allows players to control three distinct characters—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—each with their own unique storylines and motivations. The game’s vast city, based on Los Angeles, is filled with opportunities for chaos, exploration, and drama. GTA V is notable for its satirical commentary on modern society, as well as its innovative gameplay, which allows players to seamlessly switch between characters. The game’s narrative, combined with its action-packed gameplay and open world, made it one of the highest-grossing games of all time, and its online multiplayer component, GTA Online, remains a popular platform for millions of players worldwide.
Yet, some of the best games are not always about vast worlds or cutting-edge graphics. Journey (2012), an indie game developed by Thatgamecompany, captured hearts with its minimalist design and emotional storytelling. In Journey, players control a robed traveler in a vast desert, with the ultimate goal of reaching the peak of a distant mountain. What makes Journey unique is its ability to tell a powerful story through visuals, music, and exploration rather than dialogue. The game’s online multiplayer component, where players could encounter each other without ever exchanging words, further added to its emotional depth. Journey remains one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant games in the history of gaming, showcasing the power of video games as an art form.
The gaming world has no shortage of memorable experiences, from expansive open-world games to intimate, story-driven adventures. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto V, and Journey are just a few examples of games that have transcended their original release dates to become cultural landmarks. Whether through immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, or emotional storytelling, the best games are those that leave a lasting impression and continue to be celebrated by gamers of all generations.
