If you're feeling a wave of 2000s nostalgia, you're not alone. The seventh console generation—powered by the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii—truly hit its stride in 2007. Developers had mastered the hardware, and the result was a flood of iconic releases that still define genres today. From epic space operas to rhythm-game revolutions, 2007 gave us games that shaped the next decade. Here's our ranking of the best video games of 2007, counting down from great to greatest.
10. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Naughty Dog kicked off its legendary franchise with a PlayStation 3 exclusive that wowed players with its visuals. While later entries like Uncharted 2 and The Last of Us refined the formula, the original Drake's Fortune was a bold step forward. Its cinematic storytelling, charismatic characters, and immersive graphics made it one of the first must-have titles for Sony's new console. Sure, the gameplay feels dated now, but in 2007, it was a revelation.
9. Crackdown
Originally a vehicle to access the Halo 3 beta, Crackdown surprised everyone by being a stellar open-world game in its own right. You play as a super-soldier cop who gains abilities like super-strength and agility, letting you leap across rooftops and take down gangs in a futuristic city. The vertical gameplay and addictive progression system made it a cult classic. It also helped fill the void while waiting for Grand Theft Auto IV, which was delayed to 2008.
8. BioShock
In almost any other year, BioShock would be the top first-person shooter. But 2007 was stacked. What sets BioShock apart is its unforgettable setting: the underwater city of Rapture, a dystopian art-deco nightmare. The game's atmospheric storytelling, moral choices, and unique plasmid powers created a single-player experience that remains unmatched. It's a masterclass in world-building and narrative design.
7. God of War II
Released on the PlayStation 2 in 2007, God of War II was a swan song for the legendary console. It pushed the PS2 to its absolute limits with epic set pieces, brutal combat, and a gripping revenge story. Kratos' journey through Greek mythology was bigger and bolder than the first game, setting the stage for the franchise's future. It's a testament to how much life the PS2 still had in its twilight years.
6. Rock Band
While Guitar Hero III dominated in 2007, Rock Band changed the rhythm-game landscape by letting you play as a full band. With drums, bass, vocals, and guitar, it was a social phenomenon. The co-op experience of rocking out with friends was unparalleled, and it spawned a series that defined late-2000s parties. For fans of music games, this was a game-changer.
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Infinity Ward rebooted the Call of Duty franchise with a modern setting, and the result was a blockbuster. Modern Warfare delivered a gripping single-player campaign with iconic moments like "All Ghillied Up" and a multiplayer mode that became the gold standard for online shooters. It set the template for the next decade of first-person shooters and remains a high point for the series.
4. Mass Effect
BioWare's space opera introduced players to Commander Shepard and a galaxy full of moral dilemmas, alien races, and epic choices. Mass Effect combined deep RPG mechanics with third-person shooting, creating a universe that felt alive. Its branching narrative and memorable characters like Garrus and Tali made it a landmark in storytelling. The trilogy that followed cemented its legacy, but it all started here.
3. Halo 3
Bungie's conclusion to the original Halo trilogy was a cultural event. Halo 3 refined the series' combat, introduced the iconic Forge mode, and delivered a satisfying end to Master Chief's story. Its multiplayer was a phenomenon, with custom games and online battles that kept players hooked for years. It's the definitive first-person shooter of the generation.
2. Portal
Valve's Portal was a surprise hit that redefined puzzle games. With its innovative portal mechanics, dark humor, and unforgettable villain GLaDOS, it was a short but unforgettable experience. The game's "cake is a lie" meme became internet legend, and its clever level design inspired countless imitators. Portal proved that a game doesn't need a long runtime to be brilliant.
1. Super Mario Galaxy
Nintendo's Wii masterpiece took platforming to the stars. Super Mario Galaxy featured gravity-defying levels, a stunning orchestral score, and inventive power-ups that made every planet feel fresh. It was a joyful, creative triumph that showcased Nintendo's ability to innovate. For many, it's the best Mario game ever made, and it easily earns the top spot for 2007.
2007 was a year that reminded us why we love gaming. Whether you were exploring Rapture, saving the galaxy with Master Chief, or jumping between planets with Mario, these titles defined a generation. For more on the best of entertainment, check out our ranking of The Most Mind-Bending Surreal Horror Movies Ever Made or dive into 21st Century's Best High Fantasy Movies. And if you're in the mood for a binge, our list of Netflix's Best Miniseries Under 6 Episodes has you covered.
