Tyson's Top 100 Video Games

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100. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

U.S. Release Year: 2017

Platform: Switch

The hype for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was immense before it launched in March of 2017. It's open world, climbing, hang gliding, and robust physics system did wonders for the Zelda formula. There is a reason this is a lot of people's favorite Zelda game. While the Switch version is the one I would recommend getting, the Wii U version is also fantastic.

99. Wipeout

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: PlayStation

Wipeout proves that fast-paced futuristic racing games can be a lot of fun. This game was a fantastic showpiece early on in the PlayStation's life.

98. Metroid: Samus Returns

U.S. Release Year: 2017

Platform: 3DS

Samus Returns is a remake of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid 2: Return of Samus. You control Samus Aran and need to eliminate the metroid presence on the planet SR388. Like other Metroid games, you will explore the planet and collect various power-ups and abilities. I found this game to be challenging but also very enjoyable.

97. A Hat in Time

U.S. Release Year: 2019

Platform: Swtich

A Hat in Time is an adorable and fun 3D platforming game where you play as Hat Kid. Your goal is to collect Time Pieces to power up your spaceship so you can return home. You collect these Time Pieces by completing various tasks in the games levels.

96. Wave Race 64

U.S. Release Year: 1996

Platform: Nintendo 64

Wave Race 64 is a Jet Ski racing game. It's water graphics and water physics are still impressive today. This game was a showpiece early on for the Nintendo 64 back in 1996.

95. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

Eternal Darkness is a unique kind of survival horror game. Its Sanity Effects are designed to mess with your mind more than the game wanting to scare you with jump scares. I liked how you play through the game as a multitude of characters on your way to ultimately destroy an ancient evil bent on taking over the world.

94. Final Fight

U.S. Release Year: 1989

Platform: Arcade

Final Fight is a simple but fun beat'em up. The Mad Gear Gang has kidnapped Jessica and it's up to Haggar, Guy, and Cody to fight their way through the gang to save her. Console ports such as the Super Nintendo and Sega CD have been great in their own ways, but the best way to play this game is the arcade version.

93. Resident Evil Village

U.S. Release Year: 2021

Platform: PlayStation 5

Resident Evil Village has quickly become one of my favorite Resident Evil games. I like the protagonist, Ethan Winters, and his story about getting his kidnapped daughter back was great. This game also has some of my favorite antagonists from the series. The first person viewpoint works well, and I had a lot of fun playing through the game multiple times.

92. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Super Nintendo

If there is one group of characters who are perfectly designed to beat up bad guys, it's the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This Super Nintendo port of the arcade game is a fantastic beat'em up. I had lots of fun fighting Shredder and his Foot Clan.

91. Pac-Man

U.S. Release Year: 1980

Platform: Arcade

It's amazing how even early video games like Pac-Man can be so fun and addicting. It's simple design of going around a maze to eat all the dots while avoiding ghosts works so well.

90. Dig Dug

U.S. Release Year: 1982

Platform: Arcade

Dig Dug is another one of those fun, simple arcade games. You dig into the ground so you can defeat the various monsters underneath by inflating them or squishing them under a rock. Plus, the way the music plays as you take each step is super classy.

89. Resident Evil Code: Veronica

U.S. Release Year: 2000

Platform: Dreamcast

I have noticed that Resident Evil Code: Veronica gets a bad rap online nowadays, but I find this to be a very fun Resident Evil game. You control Claire and Chris as they escape from an Umbrella base. This is one of the last Resident Evil games to use the classic Resident Evil design before Resident Evil 4 changed everything. Because of this, Resident Evil: Code Veronica holds a special place in my heart.

88. Animal Crossing

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

Animal Crossing is a one of those games that shows you that activities like picking fruit or fishing can be a lot of fun. It also shows you how crappy it is to owe money to Tom Nook. I had a lot of fun going around my Animal Crossing town and doing activities like planting trees, talking with the villagers, and filling my house with random junk.

87. Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey

U.S. Release Year: 1996

Platform: Nintendo 64

I know next to nothing about hockey, but this game is a lot of fun to play. It's an easy game to pick up and play due to its arcade style gameplay. I had lots of fun with my friends playing this game during the early days of the Nintendo 64.

86. Mario Party 4

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

Mario Party was a very innovative game when it came out on the Nintendo 64. The fourth game in the series is by far my favorite of the bunch. Collecting stars as you move through the game board and the various minigames you play is a lot of fun.

85. Star Fox 64

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64

Star Fox 64 in my opinion, is the pinnacle game of this rail shooter series. You play as Fox McCloud from Team Star Fox who are out to help save the Lylat system from the evil Andross. This was also the game that Nintendo used to launch their Rumble Pak accessory, and it really did add to the game.

84. ChuChu Rocket!

U.S. Release Year: 2000

Platform: Dreamcast

ChuChu Rocket! is an addicting puzzle game where you need to place arrows on the ground so you can get the wandering mice into your rocket while keeping them from getting eaten by a wandering cat.

83. Metroid Prime

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

Metroid Prime is the first time the Metroid series went with a 3D polygonal world and a first person viewpoint, and it knocked it out of the park with its quality. This is such a fun game. The Metroid mechanics of exploring an area, collecting new weapons and abilities, and taking down various creatures works so well in a 3D environment. This is definitely a classic for the GameCube.

82. Pikmin 2

U.S. Release Year: 2004

Platform: GameCube

Pikmin 2 is my favorite entry in the Pikmin series. I like how this entry in the series doesn't impose an artificial time limit on you. I have such a sick kind of glee having my Pikmin do my bidding of collecting treasure and taking down various creatures.

81. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

U.S. Release Year: 2024

Platform: Switch

I have enjoyed the Tomb Raider series since its inception, and this HD remaster is the best way to play the first 3 games. A new graphics engine, control setup, and a better save system improve the first 3 Tomb Raider games in such a fantastic way.

80. Horizon Zero Dawn

U.S. Release Year: 2017

Platform: PlayStation 4

I am in the minority of people who enjoyed Horizon Zero Dawn more than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I thoroughly enjoyed going through Aloy's story and finding out what happened to this post apocalyptic Earth.

79. Super Monkey Ball

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: GameCube

Who would have thought that a game about rolling a monkey in a ball through an obstacle course could be so much fun? The multiplayer is great too. I will die on the hill that the Monkey Target minigame is one of the best multiplayer experiences that you can have on the GameCube.

78. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

U.S. Release Year: 2013

Platform: 3DS

A Link Between Worlds is the sequel to the Super Nintendo Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past game. In this game, Zelda gets captured and Link must save her yet again. The unique feature of this game is your ability to become a painting and attach yourself to the walls. I had a lot of fun going back through the Link to the Past version of Hyrule and the new Lorule.

77. The Simpsons

U.S. Release Year: 1991

Platform: Arcade

The Simpsons arcade game is a fun beat'em up starring the Simpson family. You need to go through Springfield and beat up some bad guys to save Maggie. Sadly, this game didn't come to any 90's era gaming consoles, but it did have a digital release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

76. Cruis'n USA

U.S. Release Year: 1996

Platform: Nintendo 64

I remember when Cruis'n USA was used to market the Nintendo 64 (Ultra 64 back then) in the arcades. I enjoyed playing the arcade vesrion a lot. The Nintendo 64 version isn't as good graphically as the arcade version, but thankfully the gameplay is fantastic. I had a lot of fun racing through several areas in the United States.

75. Mortal Kombat

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Arcade

I can still remember the first time I saw Mortal Kombat in an arcade. I was at the Lagoon amusement park in Farmington. I watched a guy play as a Scorpion and was fighting Sonya. He won and did his fatality. I was turned off by the violence until I got to play the game many months later. After playing it, I got hooked. I really like how Mortal Kombat had a better emphasis on its story compared to other fighting games at the time. Even after 32 years of playing this game, I still enjoy it like the first time I played it.

74. Dr. Mario

U.S. Release Year: 1990

Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System

Mario is a pill pusher doctor, but thankfully this puzzle game is a lot of fun. Your goal is to match the colors on the pills to the viruses so you can destroy them. It is amazing how this simple concept becomes so addicting and fun.

73. Final Fantasy X

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: PlayStation 2

I find Tidus to be a terrible character, but thankfully, a great cast of party members helps elevate this game. Going on the adventure to save Spira from Sin was an epic one indeed.

72. Phantasy Star Online

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: Dreamcast

Nowadays, Phantasy Star Online should be called Phantasy Star Offline since the servers got shut down some 17 years ago. Even offline this game is a lot of fun. Multiple classes, a randomized level layout, and a fantastic loot system make saving the colonists of Ragol worth a trip or two.

71. Resident Evil 3

U.S. Release Year: 2020

Platform: Xbox One

This remake gets a lot of hate online, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Helping Jill escape from a zombie infested Raccoon City while being chased by Nemesis makes for some epic moments.

70. Grand Theft Auto III

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: PlayStation 2

Grand Theft Auto III is probably one of the most famous PlayStation 2 games. I know a lot of people seemed to like the violence that the game featured, but for me, it was the open world setup that drew me in. I had fun just driving around and find what places I could do sweet jumps or seeing what kind weird stuff I could do with the game mechanics.

69. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

U.S. Release Year: 2003

Platform: PlayStation 2

Out of all the survival horror games I have played, this is the one that has frightened me the most. The tale of two sisters stuck in a haunted village and having to fight ghosts with a camera was frightening indeed.

68. Tecmo Bowl

U.S. Release Year: 1989

Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System

I haven't played many football games, but I found Tecmo Bowl to be a lot of fun. It's simple and easy to get into and play. Also, props to the developer who made Bo Jackson so overpowered.

67. Diddy Kong Racing

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64

There are several kart racers on the Nintendo 64 and Diddy Kong Racing is my favorite of the bunch. I liked how this game had a story and the different vehicles that you can use are a lot of fun.

66. SimCity 2000

U.S. Release Year: 1994

Platform: MS-DOS PC

I am not the best at city builder games, but I enjoyed my time with SimCity 2000. It has the perfect blend of simplicity and complexity. It is a lot of fun to see your city start out small and then grow into a massive city.

65. Tekken 3

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: PlayStation

Out of all the Tekken games, I still like Tekken 3 the most. Fun fighting mechanics, a great cast, and wacky arcade endings make this the best hand-to-hand fighter you can get on the PlayStation.

64. X-Men

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Arcade

During the 1990s, this was by far the best X-Men game that you could play. Fighting Magneto and his minions was a lot of fun. Sadly, this game never made it to any consoles in the 90s. It did have a digital release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for a short time.

63. Super Mario Galaxy

U.S. Release Year: 2007

Platform: Wii

In my opinion, Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best Wii games that you can play. Going around and collecting Power Stars as you explore various galaxies in order to save Princess Peach is a fun time. I loved the gravity effects and the new character, Rosalina, is awesome.

62. Silent Hill 2

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: PlayStation 2

Silent Hill 2 is considered one of the best survival horror games, and it does earn that honor. The game starts with James Sunderland receiving a letter from his dead wife that sends him on an adventure through their favorite vacation town, Silent Hill. This game is an experience that fans of the survival horror genre need to play.

61. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: PlayStation

In the 1990s, Crash Bandicoot was Sony's answer to Nintendo's Mario. This sequel improved on the original game in every way. This game can be frustrating at times, but it is also a lot of fun.

60. Super Burnout

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: Jaguar

I am sure a lot of people are looking at this and wondering how a Jaguar game could be on anyone's top 100 list, but seriously, this is a fantastic motorcycle racing game. In my opinion, this is the best Jaguar game that you can play today.

59. Stardew Valley

U.S. Release Year: 2017

Platform: Switch

The farming sim genre used to be the domain of the Harvest Moon series of games, but Stardew Valley came in and took over its farm. Growing crops, tending to my animals, and interacting with the townsfolk became such an enjoyable experience for me.

58. Jumping Flash!

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: PlayStation

Jumping Flash was an early PlayStation platformer that has impressed me since its release. It uses a first person viewpoint and the game is built around your jumping mechanics. It is a really fun 3D platformer.

57. Kirby's Epic Yarn

U.S. Release Year: 2010

Platform: Wii

If there is a game that can give me diabetes because of its cuteness, then this is it. Kirby's Epic Yarn is such an adorable and fun game. Everything is built with yarn, and seeing Kirby transform into objects like a car is so freaking adorable. Beep Beep.

56. Perfect Dark

U.S. Release Year: 2000

Platform: Nintendo 64

Perfect Dark was Rare's first-person shooter follow up from the fantastic GoldenEye 007. I really enjoyed playing as the secret agent Joanna Dark and using her arsenal of weapons and tech. The multiplayer modes were pretty awesome as well.

55. Parasite Eve

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: PlayStation

Parasite Eve is a unique blend of survival horror and role-playing that ended up producing a fantastic PlayStation game. One cool feature of this game is that in combat, you can move around and actively avoid enemy attacks.

54. NBA Jam

U.S. Release Year: 1993

Platform: Arcade

NBA Jam is my favorite basketball game. It's a two-on-two, fast-paced basketball game. Killer dunks and getting the basketball on fire to score tons of three-pointers is awesome.

53. Tomb Raider: Underworld

U.S. Release Year: 2008

Platform: Xbox 360

I have always enjoyed the environmental exploration that you get to do in the Tomb Raider games. Underworld has some jank, but I really enjoyed climbing up stuff, swinging from poles, swan diving into lakes, and some great level set pieces, which makes this a fantastic entry into the series.

52. Super Mario All-Stars

U.S. Release Year: 1993

Platform: Super Nintendo

I was having a hard time trying to decide which 8-bit Super Mario game to put on this list. Do I go with the fun but dated original Super Mario Bros. or the latter but massive Super Mario Bros. 3? In the end, I decided to choose them all with the Super Nintendo All-Stars game. This version not only gives you all three games, but also the Japan only Lost Levels game. Also, a save system helps out a lot as well.

51. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike

U.S. Release Year: 2000

Platform: Dreamcast

I never played Street Fighter 3 back when it was released due to fatigue with the series. Over the past few years I have been going back to the Street Figther 3 games and man is Third Strike incredibily fun to play. The graphics are amazing as well. I would love to see a new HD Street Fighter game using graphics like this.

50. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: PlayStation

When Symphony of the Night was released, the gaming industry was moving away from sprites to polygons. I remember the talk about whether this game would be good at all because of its sprite based graphics, and thankfully it turned out awesome. The mix of exploration and role-playing game elements helped elevate this game to a critical darling with its fans. It is a fun game and deserves the honor it gets.

49. Virtua Tennis

U.S. Release Year: 2000

Platform: Dreamcast

Virtua Tennis in my opinion is the best tennis game that you can play today. I played this game a few years ago and quickly fell in love with it. It's any easy game to pick up and play, and I really like that.

48. Viva Pinata

U.S. Release Year: 2006

Platform: Xbox 360

I remember the hate this game got from certain video game websites before it released. I ended up avoiding the game for a bit, but I finally decided to give it a try, and I am so thankful that I did. This game is a lot of fun. You need to manage a garden that can attract Pinatas to it. It's an easy and chill game to play.

47. Daytona USA

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: Saturn

This arcade port suffered a graphical downgrade on the Saturn, but its gameplay is top-notch. The Lets Go Away song is also one of the best racing soundtracks ever.

46. Bayonetta 2

U.S. Release Year: 2014

Platform: Wii U

Bayonetta is one of my favorite action game heroines. I am happy that Nintendo decided to pick up the tab on this game since it is an incredible fun action game. I love all the crazy moves that Bayonetta can do, and you get many different weapons to use to take down your foes.

45. Silent Hill 3

U.S. Release Year: 2003

Platform: PlayStation 2

I really enjoyed this direct sequel to the original Silent Hill. Playing through Heather's story and learning more about her past and the cult was a fantastic journey.

44. Two Point Hospital

U.S. Release Year: 2018

Platform: Windows PC

I am surprised how fun running a hospital can be. I have spent well over 100 hours with this game. This game has a good mix of simulation and comedy, and it is one that you need to play.

43. Final Fantasy VII

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: PlayStation

Final Fantasy 7 has been one of the most anticipated role-playing games during my lifetime. This epic journey to save the planet is one that is worth taking. Its Materia system is really neat and can add different abilities to your party members.

42. Virtua Fighter 2

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: Saturn

Virtua Fighter 2 is one of the best looking games on the Saturn, and its gameplay is top-notch too. This is a fantastic one-on-one fighting game for the Saturn.

41. Beach Spikers: Virtua Beach Volleyball

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

Beach Spikers was one of those games that I randomly picked up at GameStop one day. I am happy that I did since this is a very fun two-on-two volleyball game. I had a blast playing this with my friends.

40. Ridge Racer

U.S. Release Year: 1995

Platform: PlayStation

If I am remembering right, this game launched with the PlayStation here in the U.S. and it became one of my favorite games for the console. While it is light on content, its gameplay definitely makes up for it.

39. Metal Gear Solid

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: PlayStation

This was the first game in the Metal Gear series that I played. It took me a bit to get used to the controls, but once I did, I found this to be an incredibly fun stealth action game. Its story is crazy weird, though.

38. Fighters Megamix

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: Saturn

I find it fascinating that Sega did a Smash Brothers like concept years before Nintendo, and it seems like no one noticed. This one-on-one fighting game uses characters from various Sega franchises, and it is a lot of fun to play. Who doesn't want to beat up people by playing as the Daytona USA car?

37. Contra III: The Alien Wars

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Super Nintendo

Contra 3 is my favorite game in the Contra franchise. It is so much fun going around shooting various alien creatures. You get tons of great weapons, and I liked the few overhead mode 7 stages.

36. Super Castlevania IV

U.S. Release Year: 1991

Platform: Super Nintendo

I don't think that any classic Castlevania game can get any better than this. Its eight way whip control is great, and the classic Castlevania level design is top-notch. I also love how the Bloody Tears song sounds on the Super Nintendo hardware.

35. Super Mario Odyssey

U.S. Release Year: 2017

Platform: Switch

Princess Peach has been captured again by Bowser and you must collect Power Moons to save her. What makes this different from other Mario games is that this game focuses more on exploring the various levels and finding the hidden Power Moons. This turns the game into one big treasure hunt, and it is a blast to play.

34. Super Mario RPG

U.S. Release Year: 2023

Platform: Switch

I was originally going to put the Super Nintendo version here, but the Switch version is better. This Square Enix and Nintendo collaboration made such a fantastic role-playing game starring the Super Mario cast. I think this is one of the best role-playing games on the Switch or Super Nintendo to this day. Either version is a blast to play.

33. Virtua Racing Deluxe

U.S. Release Year: 1994

Platform: 32X

Sega made a lot of great racing games during the 90s, and Virtua Racing Deluxe is one of the best ones. This 32X enhanced port of the arcade game gives you more cars and tracks. It really showed off what the 32X could do.

32. Dead or Alive 3

U.S. Release Year: 2001

Platform: Xbox

This is by far my favorite Xbox game. Its counter-heavy fighting mechanics are a lot of fun, and playing this game with 3 other friends in a two-on-two tag mode is a blast.

31. Dead Rising

U.S. Release Year: 2006

Platform: Xbox 360

I am a fan of cheesy zombie movies, and Dead Rising is one of those in video game form. You need to survive 72 hours stuck in a zombie-infested mall, and you can use everything not nailed down to fight them. Killing zombies is always an enjoyable experience.

30. GoldenEye 007

U.S. Release Year: 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64

GoldenEye 007 is a game that not only proves that movie licensed games can be fantastic, but also that the Nintendo 64 could be home to some killer first-person shooters. The single-player mode was built around a mission structure gameplay and the multiplayer mode was a fantastic, frantic time with 3 other friends.

29. Mario Kart: Double Dash

U.S. Release Year: 2003

Platform: GameCube

Double Dash is my favorite entry in the Mario Kart series. I enjoyed the dual driver setup and the character specific power-ups.

28. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Genesis

In the early to mid 90s Sonic the Hedgehog became Mario's number one rival. This sequel was a fantastic game. I always enjoyed the way the levels branched out, and the new character, Tails, was a cool addition.

27. Resident Evil

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: GameCube

This GameCube remake of the 1996 PlayStation classic is a fantastic survival horror game. New enemies like Crimson Head zombies and the monstrous Lisa Trevor were excellent additions to the game. New gameplay elements, like defense items such as stun guns or grenades, were extremely helpful additions as well.

26. Killer Instinct 2

U.S. Release Year: 1996

Platform: Arcade

Killer Instinct 2 is a fighting game built around getting as high of a combo as you can on your opponent. There is something awesome about hearing the game shout-out Uuuullltttrraaa Combo as you finish off your opponent.

25. ActRaiser

U.S. Release Year: 1991

Platform: Super Nintendo

ActRaiser is a unique and fun game. This part action platformer and part god like city builder has you taking down evil to restore peace to the world.

24. Donkey Kong Country

U.S. Release Year: 1994

Platform: Super Nintendo

I know many people enjoy the sequel more, but my favorite of the series is still this game. For me, it comes down to how the secrets are handled. I like how they are for fun and not a requirement to enter the final area, as in the sequels. This is one of my favorite platformers on the Super Nintendo.

23. Doom II

U.S. Release Year: 1994

Platform: MS-DOS PC

I prefer Doom II over the original Doom. I loved the double barrel shotgun and I really enjoyed the level design. Doom II proves that defeating demons can be a very enjoyable experience.

22. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: Nintendo 64

Ocarina of Time was the first time that the Zelda franchise would be made into a fully 3D polygonal world, and wow, Nintendo hit a home run with this. Playing as both child and teenage Link was such a fun mechanic. It was neat to see how things were different between the two time periods.

21. Super Mario World

U.S. Release Year: 1991

Platform: Super Nintendo

Super Mario World was the original pack-in game for the Super Nintendo, and I think this has to be one of the best pack-in games ever. Exploring Dinosaur Land to save Princess Peach from Bowser was such an epic quest. This game also introduced Yoshi who is freaking awesome.

20. Tetris

U.S. Release Year: 1989

Platform: Game Boy

In my opinion, Tetris is the best puzzle game ever made and also the best game to show off the Game Boy handheld. You can spend hours upon hours playing this game.

19. Ape Escape

U.S. Release Year: 1999

Platform: PlayStation

Ape Escape was one of those games that taught you that catching monkeys could be so much fun. I enjoyed all the gadgets you got, and it was the first game to make use of the new DualShock controller.

18. Streets of Rage 2

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Genesis

I don't think that you can find a better beat'em than this. Beating up Mr. X and his criminal organization with a friend is one of the best times you can have in gaming.

17. Rise of the Tomb Raider

U.S. Release Year: 2015

Platform: Xbox One

This is my favorite game out of the recent Tomb Raider trilogy. Lara needs to stop Trinity from getting their hands on immortality, and all the classic Tomb Raider stuff is here. I love all the ways I get to interact with the environment. I liked how your weapons also served as ways to solve environmental puzzles. The challenge tombs also brought back that classic Tomb Raider feel, which I liked a lot.

16. Sonic Adventure

U.S. Release Year: 1999

Platform: Dreamcast

I have always considered Sonic Adventure to be Sega's version of Nintendo's Super Mario 64. I enjoy how this game tells its story from the various view points from the different Sonic characters. Even today, I still enjoy the way this game plays, looks, and sounds.

15. F-Zero

U.S. Release Year: 1991

Platform: Super Nintendo

There are very few racing games that give me the sense of speed that F-Zero does. This early Super Nintendo game is my all-time favorite racing game and one that I would recommend to anyone.

14. Soulcalibur

U.S. Release Year: 1999

Platform: Dreamcast

In my opinion, this weapon-based one-on-one fighting game is still one of the best fighting games that you can play today. This Dreamcast version is one of the best arcade ports that anyone could ask for. Even after all of these years, I am still having a blast slicing my way through my opponents with Mitsurugi, Taki, and Ivy.

13. Banjo-Kazooie

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: Nintendo 64

Rare made games that were of the same quality as Nintendo back on the Nintendo 64. This 3D platformer is one of the best games for that console. Collecting Jiggies while on your adventure to rescue your sister from Gruntilda was a lot of fun.

12. Resident Evil 2

U.S. Release Year: 2019

Platform: Xbox One

This is how remakes are supposed to be done. This takes everything you love about the 1998 Resident Evil 2 and gives them a modern facelift. Escaping from a zombie infested Raccoon City is one of the best moments you can have in the survival horror genre.

11. Silent Hill

U.S. Release Year: 1999

Platform: PlayStation

If you were to ask me the question of what I would consider to be the best survival horror game, I would give you Silent Hill as the answer. This survival horror game takes you on a fantastic ride as you control Harry Mason on his quest to find his missing daughter in the fog-ridden town of Silent Hill.

10. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Super Nintendo

A Link to the Past is my favorite game in the Zelda series. The light world and dark world concepts were fantastic. I enjoyed all the different items that you collected and used throughout the game. This quest to save Hyrule is one worth taking.

9. Super Metroid

U.S. Release Year: 1994

Platform: Super Nintendo

Super Metroid is not only my all-time favorite Super Nintendo game, but it is also my favorite Metroid game. You take control of Samus Aran as she explores the planet Zebes to retrieve the last Metroid. The Metroid formula of exploration and collecting new abilities and upgrades works so well.

8. Mortal Kombat II

U.S. Release Year: 1993

Platform: Arcade

Mortal Kombat 2 is everything that a sequel should be. It's got more fighters, more stages, more fatalities, more violence, and more secrets. I still find the arcade version to be the best version of this game, despite some great console ports, such as the Super Nintendo and Sega 32X.

7. Street Fighter II: Champion Edition

U.S. Release Year: 1992

Platform: Arcade

Street Fighter 2 helped put the fighting game genre on the map, and its Champion Edition version is my favorite of the series. Being able to do mirror matches and play as the boss characters helped elevate this over its original release. I still find the arcade version to be the version to play to this day.

6. Sid Meier's Civilization V

U.S. Release Year: 2010

Platform: Windows PC

This turn-based strategy game is legalized crack in video game form. I have spent over 1400 hours with the game so far since I got it back in 2010. Taking a civilization and trying to make it the best one is so addicting. Excuse me as a step away for a moment, as I am a few turns away from launching some retribution nukes on Gandhi.

5. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

U.S. Release Year: 2002

Platform: Windows PC

I have spent years playing Warcraft 3. I like how this real-time strategy game centers around smaller armies and hero units that utilize role-playing game mechanics. Sadly, the Reforged remaster that Blizzard released several years ago sucks. Stick with the 2002 release.

4. StarCraft

U.S. Release Year: 1998

Platform: Windows PC

StarCraft was a phenomenon back in the late 90s. This real-time strategy game helped create eSports as we know it today. In my opinion, StarCraft is the best real-time strategy game that you can play today. Its three races feel so well-balanced and are all fun to play. Thankfully, the remastered version that Blizzard released years ago is just as good as the original.

3. Diablo II: Resurrected

U.S. Release Year: 2021

Platform: Windows PC

The original release of Diablo 2 was a fantastic game, and this 2021 remaster is even better. A modern graphics engine, bug fixes, and an account-wide stash make this the version to play. I have spent many hours just killing the demons of hell and collecting their sweet loot with my pike-wielding Amazon.

2. World of Warcraft

U.S. Release Year: 2004

Platform: Windows PC

I haven't played a game as epic as World of Warcraft. I have spent 20 years saving Azeroth from various evil with my paladin Buffie. It's an experience that I am grateful for and wouldn't trade for anything.

1. Super Mario 64

U.S. Release Year: 1996

Platform: Nintendo 64

Super Mario 64 brought the Mario series to life for me in a way that the previous games couldn't. I spent hours just goofing around the outside of Peach's Castle. Collecting the various Power Stars by using Mario's new suite of jumping abilities was such a fun time. I still play through this game every couple of years since I got it back when the Nintendo 64 launched in September 1996.