Whether classic films, streaming service hits, debut albums, or gas station snacks, few things in this world are as subjective or divisive as “best-ever” and “favorite” designations. In the case of video games, however, the top titles are more widely agreed upon than you’d think.

Using review score aggregator Metacritic, we’ve compiled a list of the best games ever released to home consoles or personal computers. Metacritic scores titles from 1 to 100 — the former, the worst thing you’ve ever seen, and the latter, the best.

These hits span genres as well as decades, some from early 1990s releases and others, more recently lauded launches. From traditional fighting games to action-packed RPGs, these 10 gaming classics reshaped the industry as we know it.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

METACRITIC SCORE: 99

The highest honor goes to the late-nineties action-adventure game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This isn’t the first time fans have hung out with Link, but it’s likely the most memorable for a lot of fantasy fans. Ocarina of Time dropped onto Nintendo 64 systems in North America in November 1998, becoming the first 3D entry in the Zelda franchise.

While the graphics were revolutionary at the time, Ocarina of Time‘s enthralling soundtrack, well-written dialogue, cinematics, and developers’ attention to detail remain at the forefront of fans’ minds nearly three decades later.

SoulCalibur (1999)

METACRITIC SCORE: 98

Members of the fighting game community are fiercely loyal to their favorite franchises, and SoulCalibur is no exception. “Soul Calibur” revolutionizes (3D Fighting) with amazing graphics, intriguing characters and an incredibly smooth 60 frame [sic] per second game engine,” reads the Cincinnati Enquirer’s review.

The introductory title’s success led to a series of spin-offs, including books, mobile adaptations, and even some Japanese pachislot machines (a portmanteau that marries “pachinko” and “slot machine”). The sequel for Nintendo GameCube, SoulCalibur II, is now available on Nintendo Switch 2 handhelds via the brand’s subscription-based Nintendo Classics platform.

Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

METACRITIC SCORE: 98

The expansive worlds, fully fleshed-out character arcs, satisfying missions, and high-octane car chases enjoyed throughout the award-winning GTA franchise are much better demonstrated than explained. The franchise is still a top dog, and the full-length second trailer for the series’ upcoming sixth installment nearly broke the internet when it landed on YouTube earlier this year.

The fourth entry follows now-beloved antihero Niko Bellic, the game’s gripping story, clean graphics, engaging open world, A+ soundtrack, slick combat, and movie-like cutscenes all working together to secure and retain that coveted no. 3 spot on Metacritic’s all-timers list.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

Our mustachioed Mario soars to new heights in Super Mario Galaxy, both literally and figuratively. Stunning interstellar visuals, ambient audio, new lovable characters, and buttery-smooth controls that make its notable predecessor, Super Mario 64, feel borderline unplayable.

The first Galaxy is still frequently cited as one of the Wii’s best games, though some critics go a step further, saying it lands on the list of Nintendo’s best-ever projects.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

A 3D platformer so nice, they made it twice!

Just like the first Galaxy, the second stole hearts (and Stars) across the globe. Unearth stellar discoveries spanning myriad galaxies and utilize unique power-ups, this time with our protagonist’s longtime ride-or-die, Yoshi. The follow-up doesn’t jump the shark as many sequels tend to do, instead building upon existing gameplay mechanics. And like that of its counterpart, Galaxy 2‘s soundtrack can make even the most unmoved player’s hair stand on end.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

Zelda fans don’t mess around — except in this sandbox-like masterpiece, that is.

Breath of the Wild, released on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Switch eight years ago, brought modern open-world design, kooky side quests, challenging puzzles, and mind-blowing visuals to a decades-old franchise. Breath of the Wild got an enhanced port for Nintendo’s new Switch 2 system this year, although you’ll have to shell out nearly $20 for the game’s “Upgrade Pack.”

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (2001)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

If I were to make a 2000s time capsule, a copy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater would be one of the first things inside. I’d probably throw the Neversoft logo in for good measure, too.

The third installment keeps the franchise’s early-aughts angst and streetwise charm while enhancing visuals, modernizing the game’s historically awesome catalog, introducing new and returning athletes, and launching new, larger-than-life stages. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, a contemporary version of the 24-year-old title, was released in July 2025 for the OG Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Perfect Dark (2000)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

Rare-developed shooter Perfect Dark ruled the Nintendo 64 in the early 2000s. The FPS uses the same engine as Rare’s GoldenEye 007 to send players (as female protagonist Joanna Dark) to a surreal, sci-fi environment where they must thwart the agenda of evil corporation dataDyne. The game’s now-cancelled sequel was set to be a welcome return to the franchise after a quarter-century, but the project was scrapped during Microsoft’s recent brand-wide cuts.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

“You know if any Pinkertons have been seen around here?” A question that’s near meaningless without context, but Arthur Morgan and I have spent so much time together that his off-the-cuff comments became a part of my real-world lexicon.

Red Dead Revolver and the first Redemption follow one Mr. John Marston, but the sequel (prequel, really) tells the tragic tale of repentant outlaw Arthur Morgan. From the small town of Valentine and Colter’s snow-capped mountains to Lagras’ gargantuan gator and Saint Denis’ bustling streets, the world is your oyster. If you feel like being a personified moral compass, you’re free to right myriad wrongs (like slugging the town eugenicist). If you really wanna lean into the outlaw life, however, you’re free to do so. Just remember: your actions have consequences.

Grand Theft Auto V (2014)

METACRITIC SCORE: 97

Grand Theft Auto V follows a felonious trio — Franklin Clinton, Michael De Santa, and Trevor Philips (listed in order of psychological derangement) — that crosses paths during their own respective crime sprees. Toggle between your protagonists for character-specific missions that require specific skillsets. Customize costly rides, pick up powerful weaponry, crush corrupt corporate execs (lookin’ at you, Westin), and even destroy your character’s relationship with their family. Y’know, standard Grand Theft Auto fare.

If Grand Theft Auto VI is half as fun as this one, I’ll consider the wait worth it.

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