The 21st century has gifted us with stunning titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War, but it all started in the 20th century. From the 1970s onward, three decades of groundbreaking games laid the groundwork for everything we play today. Sure, the graphics were pixelated, the controls clunky, and the designs dated, but these games were revolutionary. They shaped genres, introduced mechanics, and captured our imaginations. Here, we rank the 20 best video games of the 20th century based on gameplay, design, visuals, narrative, influence, originality, staying power, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality.
20. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
The Metroidvania genre exploded in the 1990s, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night remains its polished pinnacle. You play as Alucard, Dracula's son, who awakens to save Richter Belmont from a demon-infested castle. The game blends gorgeous artwork with tight action-platforming and a sprawling, labyrinthine map. It's a masterclass in exploration and combat, influencing countless titles that followed.
19. The Sims (2000)
Barely making the cut, The Sims is a life simulator that let players create characters and control their relationships, careers, and daily lives. It broadened gaming's appeal beyond traditional audiences, introducing non-gamers to an open-ended digital toy. This 2000 release was one of the last defining games of the century, shifting how people viewed video games forever.
18. Resident Evil (1996)
Capcom's Resident Evil kicked off the survival horror genre in 1996. An elite task force investigates mysterious murders and gets trapped in a mansion with zombie-like creatures. The game prioritized tension over action, blending frightening moments with resource management. Thirty years later, it's still a terrifying experience that spawned a legendary franchise.
17. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Nintendo's Super Mario 64 brought platforming into 3D with impeccable design. Mario jumps into paintings inside Princess Peach's castle to collect stars and rescue her from Bowser. It pioneered a freely moving camera and immersive 3D worlds, setting a standard that still holds up today. It's better than most modern 3D platformers.
16. Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
The 1990s were defined by Pokémon, and Pokémon Red and Blue started it all. Players travel the Kanto region to catch monsters, defeat Gym Leaders, and become the Champion. The game emphasized real-world connection through trading and battling, creating a global sensation. Its blend of digital and real life cemented its legacy as a celebration of gaming and companionship.
15. Space Invaders (1978)
From the 1970s, Space Invaders is a true classic. Players shoot descending alien waves with a spaceship. Though simple, its influence is immense. The accidental increasing wave speed introduced rising difficulty, a revolutionary mechanic. It set up the future of gaming and remains a pioneer.
14. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
The Zelda franchise is legendary, and A Link to the Past is the perfect 2D entry. Link must rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon, navigating a rich world with dungeons, puzzles, and items. Its top-down design and non-linear exploration influenced action-adventure games for decades. For more on visually stunning games, check out our list of the most visually stunning video games.
13. Half-Life (1998)
Valve's Half-Life redefined first-person shooters with its immersive storytelling. Scientist Gordon Freeman fights through the Black Mesa Research Facility after a resonance cascade. The game used scripted sequences and environmental storytelling, pulling players into the narrative without cutscenes. It set a new bar for narrative in games.
12. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Square's Final Fantasy VII brought Japanese role-playing games to the mainstream. Cloud Strife and his allies battle the Shinra Corporation and Sephiroth in a dystopian world. Its cinematic cutscenes, deep story, and memorable characters made it a cultural phenomenon. It remains one of the most beloved RPGs ever.
11. Doom (1993)
id Software's Doom popularized the first-person shooter genre. Players blast demons on Mars with a arsenal of weapons. Its fast-paced action, multiplayer deathmatch, and moddable engine revolutionized gaming. It's a cornerstone of PC gaming and a testament to raw, visceral fun.
10. Super Metroid (1994)
Nintendo's Super Metroid perfected the Metroidvania formula. Samus Aran explores the planet Zebes to retrieve a stolen Metroid. The game's atmospheric world, non-linear progression, and power-ups created a sense of isolation and discovery. It's a masterwork of game design.
9. Street Fighter II (1991)
Capcom's Street Fighter II defined the fighting game genre. Players choose from a diverse roster of fighters and battle in one-on-one matches. Its combo system, special moves, and competitive multiplayer sparked arcade culture and esports. It's a timeless classic that still draws crowds.
8. Mortal Kombat (1992)
Midway's Mortal Kombat shocked the world with its digitized graphics and brutal fatalities. The tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld fighters became a cultural lightning rod, sparking debates about violence in games. Its impact on pop culture and the ESRB rating system is undeniable.
7. Pac-Man (1980)
Namco's Pac-Man is an icon. Players navigate a maze, eating pellets while avoiding ghosts. Its simple yet addictive gameplay appealed to everyone, breaking gender and age barriers. Pac-Man became a mascot for the entire medium, appearing in merchandise and media. It's a symbol of gaming's golden age.
6. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. saved the video game industry after the 1983 crash. Mario and Luigi traverse the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Its tight platforming, power-ups, and level design set the template for side-scrollers. It's the most influential game of all time.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Nintendo's Ocarina of Time brought Zelda into 3D with stunning results. Link travels through time to stop Ganondorf, using the ocarina to solve puzzles and warp. Its lock-on targeting, time travel, and epic scope set a new standard for action-adventure games. It's often called the greatest game ever made.
4. GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Rare's GoldenEye 007 revolutionized console first-person shooters. Based on the James Bond film, players complete missions with stealth and shooting. Its four-player split-screen multiplayer became legendary, defining social gaming in the late 1990s. It's a benchmark for licensed games.
3. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid elevated video game storytelling. Solid Snake infiltrates a nuclear facility to stop a terrorist threat. Its cinematic cutscenes, stealth gameplay, and fourth-wall-breaking moments made it a masterpiece. It proved games could be art.
2. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Square's Chrono Trigger is a time-traveling RPG masterpiece. Crono and friends journey through eras to prevent a global catastrophe. Its multiple endings, innovative combat, and beautiful soundtrack make it timeless. It's a perfect RPG that still captivates players today.
1. Super Mario 64 (1996) – Honorable Mention
While we already ranked Super Mario 64 at 17, its impact cannot be overstated. It's a top contender for the best game of the century. For more on the best games across genres, check out our ranking of the top sci-fi movies of the last decade and the best horror movies based on books. The 20th century gave us the foundation of modern gaming, and these titles remain essential plays.
