Video games have been dominating the media and entertainment culture for decades now. With new games being released every year, many have argued that specific titles are amongst the greatest video games ever made. From hundreds of awards to peak player counts that sit in the tens – or hundreds – of millions, some of these games truly are awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
But which video games actually are the greatest games of all time?
The Best Video Games of All Time
Spanning the years, various different unique video games have been released; some better than others, of course. But which of these games hold the title of one of the greatest video games ever made?
Here is a list of the five highest-rated video games of all time as scored by Metacritic.
5. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Metascore: 97
Super Mario Galaxy was an instant staple within the gaming community upon its release. Nintendo had always been pushing their 3D Mario games to new heights, but Super Mario Galaxy was literally out of this world.
With a Metascore of 97, Super Mario Galaxy is the fifth highest-rated video game of all time.
Related: 5 Best 3D Super Mario Games
4. Soulcalibur (1999)
Metascore: 98
Soulcalibur was one of the first 3D fighting titles to really spice up the specific genre of games. Its popularity skyrocketed after its release. The game was released on the Sega Dreamcast at the time, but the more recent titles in the franchise are playable on all platforms.
With a Metascore of 98, Soulcalibur is the fourth highest-rated video game of all time.
3. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (2000)
Metascore: 98
If you have any interest in video games, then you have definitely heard of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The first game of this series not only had some of the most fun skateboarding mechanics but also one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time. Arguably, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater still holds up and is incredibly fun to play.
With a Metascore of 98, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is the third highest-rated video game of all time.
2. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
Metascore: 98
The Grand Theft Auto series is massive; there is no disputing that. But often overlooked because of Grand Theft Auto V’s popularity is Grand Theft Auto IV. This game was first released for the PS3 and the Xbox 360, and quickly became the favorite of the franchise. Now, with people waiting for the sixth installment’s release, players are still hopping back into Grand Theft Auto IV.
With a Metascore of 98, Grand Theft Auto IV is the second highest-rated game of all time.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Metascore: 99
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time absolutely changed the way video games were perceived forever. No game had created such an immersive and vast world before, making Ocarina of Time stand out. The popular title has been re-released countless times and still continues to be an incredibly popular game within the video game world.
With a Metascore of 99, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is not only one of the highest-rated Zelda games of all time, but it also holds the title as the highest-rated video game of all time.
