A gamer is likely asked this question at least once in their lifetime. And that’s only about their favorite overall. What about their favorite on a specific console, in a particular generation, or even within a single year? This topic is perfect for SEO-optimized YouTube videos and is now gaining even more traction on TikTok. As I mentioned before, I’ve been gaming for over 20 years, so narrowing it down to my Top 10 is incredibly challenging, especially since I’ve played around 200 or more games according to my GG profile. You can check more in the About Me page.
Top 10th: Final Fantasy VII
This game is often heralded as a milestone in gaming history, comparable to the cultural impact of Star Wars on cinema—and rightfully so. Decades later, its narrative and world-building continue to surpass many of today’s high-budget releases. The characters leave a lasting impression, brought to life with expertly crafted dialogue that feels strikingly authentic. The intricately designed world, even with its pre-rendered visuals, exudes a level of believability that remains unparalleled. While the gameplay might seem outdated to someone from Generation Z like me, it was undeniably groundbreaking for its time. Discovering it years after its debut, I found its storytelling far superior to the shallow plots of most modern “cinematic” games. This one hits the Top 10 most influential games list easily.
9th of Top 10: Metal Gear Solid
If you grew up in the 90s and had a PlayStation 1, chances are you experienced this game. It stood out as one of the most unique and cinematic titles of its era. While its sequels expanded the narrative, plot, and gameplay to extravagant levels, the original’s genius was in its simplicity and how much it achieved with just two discs. What truly made it memorable was the depth of its jargon and lore—it felt like a military encyclopedia brought to life. I discovered it a bit late myself, but its legacy is undeniable. This game consistently ranks among the top 10 PS1 titles of all time.
8th of Top 10. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
I couldn’t overlook an N64 game, and this one remains a monumental achievement in gaming history. Every Zelda title is exceptional, but this one broke the most boundaries. It flawlessly combined elements of first-person shooting, horror, puzzle-solving, adventure, and action, delivering a well-balanced experience. The story, while seemingly straightforward, revealed clever nuances that brought depth and fascination.
Its groundbreaking camera system set the benchmark for 3D action games that came after. What truly makes it stand out, however, is its daring refusal to hold your hand. There were no glowing markers or quest lists; the game trusted players to explore, uncover, and tackle challenges independently. While Navi provided occasional hints, these games were infamous for letting players get stuck—and that was part of their allure. In an era without online guides, you had to depend on your ingenuity and discussions with friends, exactly as the developers envisioned. This one hits the Top 10 games of all time lists every time.
7th of Top 10: Super Smash Bros Ultimate
I could easily list every Smash game here—they’ve all consumed hundreds of hours of my time. But this one stands out above the rest. Since its release, I’ve racked up nearly a thousand hours. It’s the most content-rich fighting game ever created, featuring over 89 characters, each uniquely designed. Truly the pinnacle of platform fighters, if that’s even a genre.
My friends often turn off all the items and hazards for me, which takes away many of the game’s unique elements. The intense chaos that unfolds can be visually overwhelming, with action covering every corner of the screen. Its enduring appeal is unparalleled, and it’s unlikely we’ll encounter another game like this for years to come. I think this one will always hit the top 10 games for switch lists.
6th of Top 10: Batman: Arkham Knight
Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are highly regarded, though much of their acclaim could be attributed to their innovation at the time. Even so, this game stands out as a polished and remarkable experience. While the Batmobile may have seemed overused or intrusive to some players, the seamless open-world design, smooth combat mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and masterful camera work establish a benchmark that surpasses many open-world games weighed down by excessive content.
It made players feel like Batman while elevating video games as a respected artistic medium for licensed content. This marked the decline of poorly made movie tie-in games. Major media conglomerates began to see the potential in leveraging their established IPs, though few have successfully matched the authenticity and success of this approach—Warner Bros. included.
5th of Top 10: Persona 5 Royal
Exploring Japanese culture through games and anime is both enchanting and captivating, offering an immersive glimpse into a world that feels distant yet familiar. Few countries could inspire such an imaginative life simulation game, seamlessly integrating cultural elements into an RPG framework. The user interface design stands out as a true work of art, earning praise for its creativity and innovation year after year. At its core, this game masterfully combines life simulation with dungeon-crawling, creating an experience that is both unique and endlessly engaging. Its brilliance is undeniable, leaving a lasting impression without the need for words.
The expansion presented here is undoubtedly one of the finest additions to a game, surpassing even the best DLCs. It integrates so intuitively and seamlessly that it feels like an essential part of the experience. If JRPGs are considered a true genre, this game proves it deserves its own award category. This is a top 10 contender for best JRPG’s pretty easily
4th of Top 10: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
I’ve never come across a trilogy so bold in its philosophical depth. Is it pretentious? Definitely. Yet, it’s remarkable that a developer managed to create a trilogy over a decade where every entry feels vital, unique, unified, and self-contained. Let’s hone in on the third game. The earlier installments explored different dimensions of time—the first focused on the future, the second on the past. This final chapter shifts to the present—or more specifically, the danger of clinging to the status quo. It unpacks the seductive nature of comfort and stability, revealing how they can strip away the potential for what might be.
The story’s themes are compelling and thought-provoking, even if the narrative feels somewhat convoluted, similar to its predecessors. The RPG’s active time battle system is both innovative and effective, serving as a foundation for the broader experience. What truly shines is the ambition to tackle such complex themes, a challenging endeavor executed with remarkable confidence. The art design is especially impressive—delivering visuals comparable to PS4 quality, all while running on the Switch, making it a standout achievement. For many JRPG enthusiasts, these games appear to have embraced the ambitious spirit once synonymous with the Final Fantasy series.
3rd of Top 10: Bloodborne
Every Souls game is a masterpiece, and that’s an undeniable truth. However, Bloodborne served as my first introduction to this studio’s remarkable legacy. Calling it a culture shock would be putting it lightly. There’s no hand-holding—your success hinges solely on your determination and effort. It demands focus, analysis, and constant vigilance at every turn. While it can be mentally exhausting, the sense of achievement is unmatched. The world design is so detailed and interconnected that it feels alive, almost like a tangible, breathing organism.
Bloodborne features some of the most stunning art design in gaming. Despite its technical limitations, the gothic aesthetic is flawless. The enemy designs are exceptional, both visually and in how they challenge your combat skills, with each encounter offering a unique experience. The lore is captivating—complex enough to intrigue without becoming overly complicated. The gameplay resembles a careful dance where every move matters. Each dodge, attack, and resource is meaningful. While it demands time to master, the mechanics are expertly crafted, offering depth while staying approachable. It easily ranks among the Top 10 Lovecraft-inspired works in modern media.
2nd: Super Mario Sunshine
This is pure nostalgia, and I’ll admit that upfront. The game reveals its age through technical limitations and a 3D design that relies heavily on its central gimmick to make up for some frustrating aspects. Its status among the greats is definitely up for debate. However, despite all of that, I still believe it’s a solid game at its core. While its predecessor revolutionized 3D platformers, this one captures the spirit of summer fun in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Every true mario fan has this in their Top 10 easily.
Today, 3D platformers primarily thrive in the indie space, but there’s a reason Mario remains a cultural icon—it’s not just his appearance or legacy, but the fact that his games consistently redefine industry standards. Nintendo doesn’t release these games frequently because surpassing what came before is no easy task. That sentiment feels especially true here. I don’t think there will ever be another game quite like this one. It’s flawed, it’s messy, but to me, it’s unforgettable. After all, it was the very first game I ever played.
1st: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Smash Ultimate gave me around 1,000 hours of fun, but Skyrim? Easily double that—probably more, though I stopped keeping track long ago. I’ve completed the game about a dozen times, and each playthrough has been more detailed and comprehensive than the last. Honestly, I might as well call myself a speedrunner at this point. But what makes it so addictive? Bethesda mastered the art of progression. That gradual sense of growth and evolution is hard to describe, but they’ve perfected how to present it in ways that keep players hooked.
The exploration remains unmatched. Sure, the movement mechanics could use some refinement, but the sense of curiosity it inspires in players is undeniable. Bethesda has been trying to recapture the magic they created here ever since—trying to figure out how to recreate what was truly lightning in a bottle. A true sequel feels almost impossible. It would either need to go incredibly deep or strip things down further, but either way, it wouldn’t be Skyrim.
This game left a cultural mark. Ask any gamer—especially the “dude bros”—about their top 10, and Skyrim will almost always make the list. My best friend has since moved on to Warframe, which isn’t really my thing, but he admits our friendship wouldn’t exist without this game. That’s the kind of impact Skyrim has. Here are my bonus games:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- The Last of Us Part II
- Halo 3
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Red Dead Redemption II
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare II and Black Ops
- Shadow of the Colossus
- Far Cry 3
- Devil May Cry V