Video games are a source of enjoyment and entertainment for hundreds of millions around the world. In them, we journey to new worlds to take part in grand adventures or have more simple, quaint experiences. There are a ton of different video games out there, but there a some that have immersed more players than most. That’s what this list focuses on. The following top 50 video games are ordered by their sales, not necessarily by quality, and does not account for free-to-play games. It’s time to travel through time and revisit some of the best video games of our lives!
50. The Sims
First on the list is The Sims. In this game, the player lived out lives in the suburbs and performed everyday activities. It seems like a strange concept at first but was executed very well due to the game’s artificial intelligence. This allowed the NPCs to carry out their lives and led to very unique interactions. The player could control every aspect of these characters’ lives, including their daily routine, their house and their career.
The Sims was a huge hit at the time for its revolutionary design. It received many awards and spawned a variety of sequels and spinoffs. This game has infinite replayability, as the player can never actually win or complete the game. The Sims characters can die, but they can also live on forever, just like the legacy of this video game.
49. Pokemon X and Y
Next up is Pokemon X and Y. These two games advanced the video game series to its sixth generation and brought players to the Kalos region for the first time. As a 3DS game, it had improved 3D graphics and gameplay that helped make it one of the fastest-selling games on the system. It also introduced Mega Evolution, a new way to power up certain Pokemon to give them a new form and unlocked power.
That’s not all though. It brought character customization to the game which enabled players to choose their own avatar and buy clothing to outfit them with. The Fairy type was added to the game too. Overall, this stepped the Pokemon franchise into its modern age and gave the developers more confidence to make new mechanics, similar to Mega Evolution, to add much more depth to the game.
48. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is among the most memorable modern video game stories. This post-apocalyptic survival game features two main characters, Joel and Ellie. Joel has to protect Ellie from flesh-eating zombies as he escorts her across a devastated United States. The story has an incredible narrative that explores the relationship between the two main characters and is deeply moving.
To survive, the player has to utilize a host of weapons, manufactured and improvised, through a variety of settings and terrain. On top of the great story, the Last of Us had a multiplayer mode that attracted a wide variety of players to play longer. It has a sequel in development that is highly anticipated and, if as good as the original, will probably make this list when it releases.
47. Grand Theft Auto 3
Grand Theft Auto 3 is just one of many GTA titles on this list. And for good reason, this chaotic, action-fueled game was one of the early GTA games that drew in players. Its three-island metropolis of Liberty City was the player’s playground, where they could wreak havoc, drive/pilot a variety of vehicles, and overall live an adventurous gangster life.
Its an oldie but a goodie. It’s considered the first 3D game of the series and, though the graphics look rough now, were great for the time. GTA3 boasted a well-designed city and soundtrack that won it fame from different critical sources. Since its release, its been ported to a Windows version in 2002 and a mobile phone version in 2011. This game helped to revolutionize the GTA series and was a landmark game in itself.
46. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
Everyone knows about Mario Kart, but the Sega equivalent of it back in the early days was Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. In it, the player could pick a character from about 20 iconic Sega characters to compete as. Next, they would descend upon different tracks to race against others, who could be NPCs or your own friends!
It couldn’t quite contest Mario Kart’s popularity but was a popular game in its own right. It was released on multiple different platforms, including the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo DS. On all of these, it was given a positive reception and a good deal of sales. In the end, it was a great pick-up-and-play game that gave people all across the world hours and hours of fun times!
45. Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land brought video games’ most iconic character to the Game Boy. This 1989 game was made to help sell the Nintendo console, and as such was “smaller.” This was in terms of size, enemies and levels (there were only 12). But, crucially, it wasn’t smaller in terms of fun, as it consisted of the same levels of fun from its predecessors.
There were some key differences that make Super Mario Land stand out from earlier Mario games though. First is that the damsel in distress wasn’t Princess Peach, but Princess Daisy. It was her first appearance in the franchise and she became a key character for it afterward. There were some smaller changes too, like the setting being Sarasaland and the flagpoles being replaced with platforms. Overall, this game was a great addition to the Mario legacy and a decent first step into their portable consoles.
44. Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart 7 is the Nintendo 3DS’ best-selling game and for good reason. The Mario Kart series is already a huge part of many people’s childhoods, but this one, in particular, managed to make the game even more fun. The hang-glider, ability to drive underwater and full vehicle customization were all introduced to give players more to do with the game.
The core gameplay is essentially the same though, attracting anyone who’s played any other Mario Kart easily. The fast-paced racing and power-up items are recognizable and still extremely enjoyable. Its rise can be contributed to its local and online multiplayer options that made racing against friends more accessible. The Mario Kart series is beloved by many and this one is no different.
43. Call of Duty: Ghosts
Call of Duty is another recognizable franchise for the general population, and Ghosts was one of their popular, yet controversial ones. Infinity Ward’s sixth Call of Duty game was heavily focused on the multiplayer aspects, and to their credit, this part was done extremely well. So was the new game mode, Extinction, that brought a breath of fresh air to the series.
The major downside to it was the lackluster single-player campaign. It was rather uninspired and had what most considered a bad ending to the story. Fortunately, most gamers flock to Call of Duty games, and Ghost in particular, for its awesome multiplayer modes. Thus, Call of Duty: Ghosts was still very successful and an overall good addition to the franchise.
42. Super Mario Bros. 3
Ahhh good old Super Mario Bros. 3. Not only was this a great sequel to the Super Mario Bros. series of video games, it made a great television show too. But, the game itself was very similar to its predecessors, keeping the story of rescuing the Princess from Bowser intact. Despite this, it was raved about by critics as one of the best video games of all time, and for good reason.
That’s because the game had great graphics, gameplay, sound and depth. It wasn’t a pushover easy and was challenging enough to give it a ton of replayability. The most noticeable feature added in this game was Mario’s new powerups. The Super Leaf, which gave him a raccoon-like appearance and flying capabilities, and the Grog Suit and Hammer Suit. This is a beloved Mario game for many reasons though, and is a must-play for fans of the series.
41. Brain Age
Brain Age’s motto is a Nintendo DS game developed with the task of helping you “Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!” It obviously isn’t the typical concept for a video game but it was actually very well-received. In this game, you take a few minutes every day to solve various puzzles that are meant to stimulate your mind and problem-solving skills.
Though the hard science benefits behind this game are debated, it no doubt made an impact on the market. With its wide diversity of puzzles and levels, it maintained a high level of replayability. Plus, watching your Brain Age go lower definitely brought a sense of pride and accomplishment to the player. This recipe for success spawned three sequels and left behind a very unique legacy in the video game world.
40. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an RPG based off of Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels. It features a well-crafted open world where you play as Geralt of Rivia who must slay monsters and eventually rescue his adopted daughter. There were so many things this game did well to make it a truly immersive experience and a modern masterpiece.
Some of these things were the realistic world, the character development of Geralt, and the meaningful side quests. The side quests, in particular, are exemplary from this game, as they were like stories in themselves and had real impact on the world. Overall, this is one of the best fantasy RPGs out there and essential for any lovers of the genre.
39. Lemmings
Lemmings is a unique game for sure. This puzzle-platformer was released on a bunch of different platforms in the early 1990s and was a hit. In it, the player had to control the Lemmings to alter the landscape. The goal is to create a path from the entrance of the map to the exit. But the Lemmings can be harmed and die from various conditions, so time is of the essence!
Upon release, it was praised by critics. It was called a very original concept and was totally addicting. Puzzle games have been a huge part of the video game industry since its inception, and as Lemmings introduced a survival element to the tried and true genre, it stood out from the crowd. Lemmings is a true classic and should be appreciated as such.
38. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is another gangster’s paradise. This installment is set in Vice City, based off of Miami. It actually takes inspiration from a number of different real-life events in Miami and this helped to create a more attractive world. Inside this world, the player controls Tommy Vercetti after he is released from prison and starts to build a criminal empire.
As is typical of GTA games, this one had a wide, open world to explore. Here, the player can do whatever they want. Stealing cars, beating random civilians and starting shootouts with the police are all fair game. This game was praised for its finely detailed world and its improved story and characterization of the protagonist. It was a great predecessor for the iconic series’ modern games.
37. Frogger
Next up is another video game classic that everyone knows. Frogger! The goal is simple in this game, to cross from the bottom side of the screen to the top. But to get there, your player-controlled frog has to hop over a busy highway and a river filled with danger. You get 10 points for every hop forward you make and 50 for finishing the level.
Since Frogger was such a success in the 1980s, it’s been ported and released to a host of different systems. Because of this, millions have played it across generations. In addition, it has one of the largest legacies in video game history. There are over 30 sequels to this too, further illustrating the appeal of this game that makes it one of the most iconic games.
36. Super Mario World
Super Mario World is one of the best Mario games. As in most of the games, Mario had to rescue his princess from the evil Bowser and his army of Koopalings. The graphics were excellent for the early 1990s and it was a huge selling point for the game. Furthermore, there were a ton of secret levels and generally more diversity among levels that gave it more replayability than previous Mario games.
Moreover, Super Mario World added Yoshi to the franchise! This adorable green dinosaur creature let Mario ride on him and ate enemies in his way. Since his introduction, Yoshi has become an important character in the Mario franchise. Because of all this, many consider Super Mario World as one of the best video games of all time and its sales help to reflect that.
35. Borderlands 2
Sitting at #35 on the list is Borderlands 2. AIts a shooter-looter sort of game, with a heavy emphasis on gunplay and finding new, unique weapons. But anyone who’s played it knows there so much more to it. It’s a witty game with intriguing role-playing elements that add a special appeal. The dialogue is funny and there is a surprising amount of humor that a first-time player might not expect from a shooter game.
On release, it was praised by critics. It has a unique art style that sets it apart from the majority of other games, but most people loved the charm of the humor and world. Because of this, it was nominated for a whole host of awards. To state that Borderlands 2 was merely the Game of the Year in 2012 is not enough, and hopes are high that the soon to be released sequel will live up to the same standard.
34. Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
Up next is perhaps some of the most cherished Pokemon games. Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald make up Generation Three and are beloved by many. They were released on the Game Boy Advance and brought some upgrades in terms of graphics and gameplay. It added double battles which in turn created a new layer of intricacy to Pokemon battling that was welcomed by many.
The story is similar to its predecessors; the player must catch and battle Pokemon with the goal of beating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion. But they also had to foil the nefarious Team Magma or Team Aqua, depending on the game, and encounter Groudon or Kyogre (or Rayquaza in Emerald). In 2014, remakes of the game were released on the Nintendo 3DS. This is definitely a classic for many Pokemon fans.
33. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of Infinity Ward’s best installments in the franchise. This game captivated many for years after its release in 2009 and people still truly want a remake. The multiplayer is the focal point of any COD game, and this one, in particular, had a satisfying mix of guns, maps and tech upgrades that all amounted to a fun, addicting experience.
But the story mode is another draw. It was short and had one controversial level, but had characters that players attached to. It was well-written with significant plot twists and an ending that was fulfilling. The co-op missions were great as well and added potentially hundreds of hours of gameplay. The Call of Duty Modern Warfare series is an awesome one and this one specifically deserves a lot of praise for raising its standard even higher.
32. Mario Kart DS
Mario Kart DS, released in 2005, was one of Mario Kart’s biggest successes. Now on the portable DS, players could bring Mario and friends anywhere they wanted! There were a handful of different race modes to play, which made the game never go stale. This, along with local and online multiplayer, gave players a ton of options on how to play that gave it endless replayability.
People without the game could even join in on the fun, as there was an option for a friend to use DS Download Play to play with someone’s game. It easily became one of the best-selling DS games because it further improved on Mario Kart’s formula for success, with improved graphics, design and gameplay. Mario Kart DS filled many’s live with hours of enjoyment and is fondly remembered.
31. Nintendogs
Ohhh the cuteness! How could you not buy a game where you can play with adorable dogs all day? Well, a lot of people thought that at least, as Nintendogs was a huge success for the Nintendo DS in 2005. The game was fairly straightforward to grasp, you got to take care of dogs and interact with them in a plethora of ways.
The player used both the touchscreen and microphone to do things with their dogs. You could throw balls, frisbees, pet them or give them verbal commands like “sit” or “roll over.” You could also take them for walks and to various competitions. It was a unique experience among video games that captured the hearts of many. It’s not a game a lot of people would expect to be on this list, but a pleasant surprise to be sure.
30. Sonic the Hedgehog
Next up is everyone’s favorite hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog! Inspired by Mario, Sonic’s first appearance came in 1991 and was hugely popular. Seeing as it spawned a whole, massive franchise, this is no surprise. In this game, the player controlled Sonic as he run and rolls past obstacles and fights robots to free the animals the evil Doctor Robotnik trapped inside of them.
In truth, Sonic was the primary reason for the Sega Genesis’ rise as a console. The game’s visuals, audio and gameplay were all praised by critics, as well as the fast-paced style of the movement. Its difficulty, though harder than most games, made for a satisfying challenge. This was only the first of many Sonic games, and as other firsts do, deserves a large amount of praise and recognition.
29. Kinect Adventures!
Kinect Adventures is the Wii Sports of the Xbox Kinect, featuring a host of minigames that utilized/showed off the Kinect’s motion controls. Unlike Wii Play though, the player could use their full body to play, instead of relying on just the controllers. These types of games have a wide appeal, so it being the Xbox 360’s best-selling game certainly makes sense (especially since it was included as a bundle with some of the consoles).
Inside the game, players took part in sports-like games similar to track-and-field, handball and rafting. These were unique games that weren’t normal sports but were most interesting as a result. Though its the highest-selling game on the system, it had mixed ratings due to its small number of games. All in all, its not something worthy of being considered a masterpiece but was a lighthearted, fun experience regardless.
28. FIFA 18
Fifa 18 is the 25th game in the Fifa series that blew every one before it right out of the water. It largely stuck to the typical Fifa formula but was criticized for having few upgrades from the previous one. But it appeals to an audience that lacks variety in the video game market and has good gameplay, story and graphics. In addition, the story mode is well done and compelling.
But, it is important to note that there was some major controversy surrounding this game and EA. This revolved from their microtransaction system that encouraged gambling practices and made certain things pay-to-win. But this certainly doesn’t ruin the game, and Fifa fans of any generation along with general football (soccer) fans can pick it up and enjoy it.
27. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 capitalized off the success of the first Black Ops but made some noticeable changes. First of all, it was set in the modern era, with a wider selection of guns and killstreaks that allowed for deep customization choices. Also, the story built off of its predecessors and improved on it, making the usually-lackluster Call of Duty story modes significantly better.
Of course, the Zombie mode was great too. The story behind the mode was more visible for those who enjoyed that, but the thrill of the survival game was still core. Especially since there were new maps and mechanics to explore. Ultimately the multiplayer is the main point of this game, and due to reasons mentioned earlier, drew millions in to take part in the fast-paced gunfights.
26. Pokemon Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
Now onto the most recent Pokemon games, the Pokemon Sun and Moon series. This brings trainers to the region of Alola, where they have to travel to different islands and battle the Kahunas, who replaced the standard Gym Leaders. You still are entrusted with finding and catching Pokemon though, and with a ton of new Pokemon as well as new Alolan forms of old ones, its quite the task!
There were noticeable improvements to core elements of the game too, including a better battle interface and better balancing of certain mechanics. Additionally, Z Moves were added to the franchise. This new mechanic unleashed the hidden potential of a Pokemon’s move to make it insanely strong. These games that made Generation Seven are fantastic for old and new Pokemon players alike.
25. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
We’re now halfway through the list! And up now is another Pokemon generation, Generation Four. In Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, players traveled the Sinnoh region to defeat the Gym Leaders and challenge the Elite Four. It added 107 new Pokemon to catch and train, while also adding a few gameplay features. The first of which is the reintroduction of the time mechanic, which wasn’t present since Gen 2.
Secondly, the Poketch was introduced. This nifty little device had a bunch of tools to help trainers and fully utilize online services. Lastly, there was an underground area that players could explore, make secret bases and interact with friends. These new features to the game were marvelous add-ons to an already great series. Its no surprise they rank so highly here.
24. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a marvel of a game. The first Red Dead Redemption was a blast to play with a gripping, unique story and this second game captured the same elements to craft a truly stunning masterpiece. The protagonist of the game is Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Line gang, that has to survive the Wild West while fighting other gangsters and even the law.
There’s so much to praise about Red Dead Redemption 2. The story is amazing, and so is the world around it. There is a fine attention to detail that really makes the world feel authentic. The characters are very well-written too. It was a highly anticipated game and was awarded an incredible amount of accolades since its release for all these reasons. It is also in conversations for one of the best video games of all time.
23. Grand Theft Auto 4
23rd on the list belongs to Grand Theft Auto 4. GTA 4 was a huge hit at the time, as fans waited eagerly for it since Grand Theft Auto San Andreas in 2004. It took four years for GTA 4 to arrive, but it was well worth it. Its open-world was based on New York City and captured the both the grit and grandeur of the city excellently. The combat system was improved significantly, giving it a better, more responsive feel.
The story followed Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who comes to Liberty City to find the American dream. Unfortunately, he ends up getting tied up with gangsters and the criminal underground world and must fight to keep himself and his morality alive. This narrative and characters, in particular, were given great acclaim. It stands as one of the best installments in the GTA franchise.
22. Mario Kart 8/Deluxe
The Mario Kart series is world-renowned and Mario Kart 8 goes beyond the standard set by its predecessors. It features similar mechanics to the other ones, with off-the-rails racing and items, but added more. Specifically, Mario Kart 8 introduced anti-gravity, where players could drive on walls and ceilings, and also hit other karts to bounce them around.
Mario Kart 8 had a special way of bringing people together. It, of course, had singleplayer and local multiplayer capabilities, but online multiplayer too. Critics praised its smooth gameplay and high potential replayability, along with the clean graphics and great audio. You can’t find too much wrong with this game, or the series in general, so it’s great to know so many people enjoyed it.
22. Call of Duty: Black Ops
We covered Black Ops 2, now its time to cover the first Call of Duty Black Ops. Set in the 1960’s, the game utilizes a diverse array of weapons, going beyond just guns and incorporating things like crossbows and ballistic knives. This added some interesting builds in the multiplayer modes. Speaking of multiplayer, there were a few new games modes that Treyarch included that added some nice variety.
The story followed Alex Mason, a CIA agent who carries out secret missions around the world and gets caught up in a scheme larger than he could’ve imagined. The Zombie game mode was also present, and of course a key component of the game. Critics did take some points away from COD:BO due to lack of innovation and server connection problems, but those who played it still had a blast.
20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Number 20 is another Call of Duty title, but this time made by Infinity Ward instead of Treyarch. It’s fast-paced multiplayer was worthy of carrying the COD mantle, with new games modes to boot. These included Kill Confirmed, Team Defender, Infected (in private matches), Gun Game, Drop Zone, Team Juggernaut and One in the Chamber. This variety of unique game modes was a true breath of fresh air.
The story mode picks up on with John “Soap” MacTavish and John Price from MW2 as they fight new evils in the world with ex-Spetnaz operative Yuri. The story mode was the main gripe critics had with COD:MW3, but the fantastic design and satisfying multiplayer more than made up for it. With so much packed into the multiplayer, it definitely gave millions hours upon hours of enjoyment.
19. Terraria
Let’s take a break from the huge franchises, shall we? Instead, we can relax in the world of Terraria. Here, the player crafts, builds and fights in a 2D sandox world. Some may call this a Minecraft wannabe, and though there are definite similarities, Terraria stands up as a solid game no matter what. The graphics are charming and the adventure is never-ending, making it a highly replayable game.
New players might’ve had a bit of a hard time starting off, due to the lack of tutorial, but once you got the hang of it it was a blast. Creating structures and turning that into villages and towns with NPC was quite an enjoyable adventure. Plus, with a variety of different creatures and bosses to fight, those with a more action-oriented preference have their fair share of things to do too. Its truly for everyone!
18. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The GTA franchise is huge, and one of its biggest was Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, Carl “CJ” Johnson returns home to find out who murdered his mother and rebuild his old gang to its former glory. With many real-life inspriations, like the 80’s crack epidemic, LA riots and certain gang rivalries, the stakes felt real and believable.
As is customary, this GTA title boasted a living, open world. Three main cities were there to be explored, which are also all based on real American cities. A significant number of people praise this game for really sparking popularity in the Grand Theft Auto series, and rightfully so, as it was a huge map with a great narrative and freedom to play however you wanted. Its no surprise GTA San Andreas was the most sold game on the PlayStation 2.
17. Wii Play
Wii Play is one of the Wii’s best party games. Sold with the Wii system itself in some cases, Wii Play consisted of nine minigames that could be played solo or with another. The games were Shooting Range, Find Mii, Table Tennis, Pose Mii, Laser Hockey, Billiards, Fishing. Charge! and Tanks!
These all showcased the capabilities of the Wii controller and were a great introduction for people with little to no experience with this crazy new console. Truthfully, many critics were harsh with their reviews of Wii Play due to its repetitive nature and easy difficulty. Despite this, millions around the world played and enjoyed the game with no second thought.
16. Duck Hunt
Duck Hunt is a classic of the NES. In it, the player had a simple objective: shoot some ducks! You have to shoot a certain number of ducks to advance to the next round, but if you can’t hit them, its game over. This wasn’t played with a normal controller though, but instead used the NES Zapper, a gun-shaped controller you could aim at the screen. This added a whole new element to the fun!
This game produced a successful arcade version, and, much later on, was released on the Wii U. The cheeky dog actually teams up with a duck from the game in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate too. According to developer Masahiro Sakurai, it is one of the “most-sold shooting games in the world.” It doesn’t have as large a legacy as other Nintendo titles but is nonetheless recognizable when you see it.
15. Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal
Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal are the second generation games of the Pokemon franchise. In them, your journey took you through the Johto region, where there was a plethora of new Pokemon to catch and battle. In fact, there were 100 brand new Pokemon to find here. This trio of games also introduced a time mechanic, Pokemon breeding and item holding, which are all still core mechanics to this day.
These games were critically acclaimed as some of the best in the series. As such, they received remakes for the Nintendo DS as well as being virtually released in their original form on the Nintendo 3DS. This game was a major step forward for the Pokemon series and helped build it into the phenomenon it is today.
14. Diablo 3
Diablo 3 is Blizzard’s highly acclaimed dungeon-crawler RPG. In it, players choose one of seven classes and must fight in the world of Sanctuary to defeat Diablo, the Lord of Terror. There were some major improvements to the gameplay from Diablo 2 which gave it a better player experience.
Diablo 3 still boasts an impressive player base across multiple platforms. The highest volume of players are from PC though, which makes sense considering the game set the record for fastest-selling PC game back in 2012. This dark RPG enthralls fans from past and present, and will certainly do so in the future.
13. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls series is a well-known one, but its pinnacle is with Skyrim. Skyrim is a fantasy RPG that introduced many people to the series and kept them around for a long time. The player is destined to defeat the dragon Alduin, but must defeat a host of foes and take on dangerous quests to get there.
But Skyrim is an open-world game. As such, the player can complete a long list of side quests and help people all over the land with different problems. Made with Bethesda’s Creation Engine, this game had mind-blowing graphics for its time. Its character creation was very unique too and helped the game get into the conversation for one of the best video games of all time.
12. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the successor to the Nintendo DS’ wildly popular New Super Mario Bros. This Wii adaptation follows Mario’s familiar storyline of saving Princess Peach from Bowser, but there is one difference unique to this version.
That is that four players can play through at once! Previously, only two players max could play, but the Wii version introduced two different colored Toads to play on top of Mario and Luigi. This allowed larger groups to play this classic title together and showcased how the Wii was so adept at bringing people together.
11. New Super Mario Bros.
Funnily enough, the first New Super Mario Bros. is next. This remake of the original Super Mario Bros. revamped the graphics and modernized it on the portable Nintendo DS. It also added some new features, such as introducing powerups and enemies from other games.
As soon as this game hit the market it blew up. Critics and fans loved it alike, and though it maintained the simple style, it became the best-selling game for the DS. This single game spawned a line of remakes for all the subsequent Nintendo consoles because of its adherence to the original game but good additions to help it thrive.
10. Wii Sports Resort
This sequel to Wii Sports, like the original with the Wii, was bundled with the Wii MotionPlus. There were a ton of new sports added to this game, but it brought back Golf and Bowling, which were popular in the original.
This was a great bundle for players of all age. Kids and adults alike could play together and compete in the virtual world and have a ton of fun while doing it. This lighthearted game displayed how the MotionPlus could improve the Wii’s motion control and brought people together for a long time.
9. Mario Kart Wii
Finally, we come to the most popular Mario Kart title. Mario Kart Wii was the series’ most popular installment and for good reason. The fast-paced racing was paired with the Wii’s motion tracking capabilities to create n incredibly fun racing experience.
This was complemented by the addition of the Wii Wheel. This had the Wii Remote attach to it to further replicate the racing experience. In friend groups around the world, Mario Kart Wii became an instant hit and was the mainstay of many hours and gatherings.
8. Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus
It might be surprising to this Wii Fit so high up on this list, but there’s a good reason for it. While many other video games appeal to younger audiences or younger adults, Wii Fit was purchased in high volumes from older players. Even people who never played a video game picked this up to help them.
This game was designed to help people get up and move. Exercising isn’t the most fun thing usually, but Wii Fit did a great job of making it a better experience. Many adults already had a Wii in the house, so for those who wanted to get in shape, this was a no-brain buy.
7. Pokemon Red/Blue/Green/Yellow
Pokemon is a worldwide phenomenon, spawning generations of games and fans alike. These four games are our first steps into the world of Pokemon, with all of its wonders and excitement. In it, the player is given a Pokemon from Professor Oak and must travel the Kanto region.
There’s so much to do in even this first series. Battling and conquering all the Gyms, Elite Four and Champion is a mighty task indeed, only suitable for the bravest trainers. Or the player can focus on completing the Pokedex and “Catch ’em All.” The games are still enjoyable after 20 years and are worthy of respect.
6. Super Mario Bros.
The scene of Stage 1-1 is bound to make nearly every gamer nostalgic to some extent. This first level in Super Mario Bros. was the beginning of a journey for an entire generation of gamers and a true icon for video games as a whole.
Everyone is familiar with the story; Mario (and Luigi in multiplayer mode) must traverse the Mushroom Kingdom to save Princess Peach from the insidious Bowser. There have been many Mario games since this one, but Super Mario Bros. is a classic that is largely responsible for these iterations.
5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (“PUBG”) is largely attributed to being the force that drove the battle royale genre into fame. In PUBG, 100 players drop onto an island an fight against each other to be the last one standing. Players must loot guns and equipment to become stronger while fighting other players and avoiding the shrinking edge of the map.
PUBG has a ton of replayability for casual players, but a competitive esports scene as well. It isn’t as popular as the free-to-play Fortnite, but Fortnite owes a lot to PUBG for popularizing the genre. Regardless, PUBG is one of the biggest online multiplayer games that has demanded respect.
4. Wii Sports
Anyone who owned a Wii will definitely know this little joy. Wii Sports debuted in 2006 and was widely an added bundle when someone bought their Wii system. Though it was technically a freebie, this game was definitely a goodie.
It had a variety of different sports to participate in and utilized the Wii movement-tracking systems to a good degree. Furthermore, the characters Mii, or avatar, was the playable character in-game, causing the game to be that much more enjoyable. Wii Sports brought friends and family together perhaps more than any other game.
3. Grand Theft Auto 5
This most recent installment in the well-known Grand Theft Auto series is wildly popular. The single-player story mode features three very unique characters to play as, with stories that intersect along the way. It boasts a massive open world and fantastic gameplay.
The multiplayer aspect of this game is also a huge draw. Though it was released in 2013, there are still many people who play it and it receives updates. Some of the biggest streamers on Twitch continue to play the multiplayer, and with so much to do, the excitement never ends.
2. Tetris
Tetris is an iconic game developed all the way back in 1984. This puzzle game requires the player to manipulate variously sized falling blocks into lines. These lines then disappear, and after a certain number are cleared, the player starts a new level.
If you can’t create lines, the stacks will build up and hit the top, where you lose. It’s a rather simple game on the surface but requires players to be quick and reactive to whatever comes their way. This game is on almost every platform imaginable, with fame coming from arcades to home systems alike.
1. Minecraft
Minecraft is one of the most beloved video games of all time. It’s open-world aspect and endless creative options give it replayability that outlasts the rest. Though it’s graphics and gameplay are simple, Minecraft has a charm that simply can’t be beaten by most games. All ages and tastes can appreciate the wholesome fun it has to offer.
The community surrounding it has flourished since its inception, creating new ways to play the game all the time. In addition, it boasts a massive player base even after eight years and will continue to have it far into the future.
List based on the number of sales as recorded by Wikipedia.
Featured image via Immersed Games.
