By Josh Pederson and Gerald Glassford, Pop Culture Cosmos Staff In 2018, we reached out to gaming fans via social media to decide on what they thought were the best video games of all time. Dozens of top 10 lists were sent and after calculating them together (using a 10 point scale) a top 200 list was formed. So here is the "ultimate" list of video games chosen by gamers for gamers as we count down the best of the best in the video game industry... 200(Tie) Time Crisis and Vigilante 8 [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT0GjW3oiQM&w=560&h=315] The end of the arcade era was both a beautiful and devastating time to be a gamer. The quarter arcades were slowly fading away, and there was high hope for arcades that ran on credit to carry on the legacy, and for a while it did. If you spent any time in arcades in the late '90s or early 2000s you've probably heard of a little arcade shooter called Time Crisis. Time Crisis could be played alone or with a buddy, and though they attempted to revive the franchise on consoles, it never quite regained the popularity or fun that it had in the arcade.
With vehicular combat that carries the action to the maximum, Vigilante 8 never ceases to excite and challenge gamers with a series of twists, turns, bumps jumps, and narrow roadways all the while avoiding the onslaught from those who seek to do you harm. It's a good thing your car (or bus) can come equipped with an arsenal of heavy weapons and special power-ups to fight off the bad guys and take over the road maps with skill and also a bit of luck doesn't hurt as well. Get set to fire that rocket button and honk that horn and "evade" your enemies because this is one rush hour you may not want to escape from anytime soon. 199) Tales of Grace F
Squeaking onto our list is Tales of Graces F. Originally released in Japan as Hepburn: Teiruzu Obu Gureisesu is considered a core entry in the infamous Tales series and takes place in a world called Ephinea, where moody teenage protagonist Asbel Lhant befriends an amnesiac girl named Sophie and then watches her die. Seven years later, she’s back, and there’s a kingdom to save. Garnering average scores by reviewers, this entry in the Tales series is more of the same, but holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. 198) Super Meat Boy
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6_YREOHTNw&w=560&h=315]
Super Meat Boy is one of those obscure indie games that have risen above the challenges of an oversaturated market and nestled itself deep within the hearts of awkward gamers. In the game, you’re a red cube-shaped character who is trying to rescue his girlfriend from the evil clutches of Dr. Fetus. Known for being challenging and fun, this platformer scored nines across the board and was released on just about every console out at the time. It is considered by many to be one of the most challenging games to come out in modern times as it was released in a time where gamers were clamoring for harder difficulty games. 197) Super Ghouls and Ghosts
Developed and published by Capcom, Super Ghouls and Ghosts is a Super Nintendo game was released in 1991 as the third game in the Ghosts n' Goblins series. In the game, you play as a noble knight named Arthur, who as you can probably guess, has to rescue a princess from demons. For anybody with fond memories of his game, you'll probably remember having to play it twice to actually complete it. Though it sounds like an annoyance, finally defeating the evil Emperor Sardius was both satisfying and quite the accomplishment. 196) Sonic and Knuckles
It was only a matter of time before a Sonic the Hedgehog game found its way onto the list. If you're a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, chances are you've played this little gem. Originally released on the Sega Genesis in 1994, Sonic and Knuckles was developed alongside Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but due to time restraints and money, was a released as a single game that features "lock-on technology," meaning you could plug Sonic 2 or Sonic 3 into the Sonic and Knuckles cartridge, allowing you combine elements from each game into one. Though this game is more of the same from the first two games, it's notable in the fact that Knuckles is the third playable character introduced into the came, and was the first character in the series to have the ability to both glide and climb. 195) Sinistar
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z40wfr83oTk&w=560&h=315]
"Beware...I live!" If you grew up in the arcade, this is the ultra-creepy sound you heard before you contributed a few dozen quarters into this arcade classic. Sinistar is a multi-directional shooter arcade game developed by Williams Electronics. In this game, the player or players pilot a spacecraft and must create "sinibombs" and use them to destroy the game's boss, Sinistar, a spacecraft that looks like a skull. What's most memorable about this game is a bug that grants the player nearly infinite lives if exploited at just the right time. "Run, run, run" and stay alive while you can in this fast-paced shooter that evokes inspiration from games like Asteroids, Bezerk, and Galaga. 194) River City Ransom
The '80s wasn't just a weird time for movies, it was also a weird time for video games. River City Ransom was developed by Technos Japan and released in 1989. The game follows high school students Alex and Ryan as they mount a daring rescue attempt to save Ryan's girlfriend Cyndi from the evil clutches of a villain named "Slick." Imagine Grease and Double Dragon turned into a video game and it might come close to all of the great things about River City Ransom. 193) Psychonauts
Psychonauts is a game that offered fans a breath of fresh air in a time where original video games were few and far between. However, despite being well received by the fans, it didn't do so well for Majesco and was considered a commercial failure. As a platform game, Psychonauts incorporates various elements from adventure games and allows you to control the main character Raz in a third-person, three-dimensional view as you navigate the worlds you perceive as being real, as well as the ones that aren't. Rumor is that there's another Psychonauts game in development and is planned for a 2020 release. Will we ever see it come to fruition? Who knows but the original cult classic is definitely worth checking out. 192) Portal 2
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0K5EXfgJnk&w=560&h=315]
Portal 2 is unique in the fact that it not only was it one of the last original titles made by Valve, it also successfully combined a compelling narrative with the puzzle genre. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this game, Portal exists in the same world as the vaunted Half-Life series. Portal 2 is rumored to take place long after the events of Portal and Half-life 2 and once again finds you controlling Chell who after the last game was put into stasis after destroying GLaDOS and escaping the facility . . . for the moment. This game features hours of compelling storytelling and fun that can be played solo or shared with a friend in co-op. 191) Pac-Man
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dScq4P5gn4A&w=560&h=315]
Whenever people over fifty talk about video games, chances are, they're going to make reference to this Video Game Hall of Fame entry and a foundational piece to the industry itself. Can you blame them, though? After all, Pac-Man was one of the biggest video games of all time, generating more than $2.5 billion dollars in quarters by the end of the 1990s. In this classic game, players navigate Pac-Man through different mazes, gobbling dots, while trying to avoid ghosts. But here's the catch, there are a total of 256 levels, and once your lives run out, it's over. No checkpoints here. 190) NHL 96
Considered to be one of the greatest sports games ever made NHL '96 was the first game hockey game to include major and double minor penalties. The PC version was also the first game in the series to have multiple cameras, thanks to EA's "Virtual Stadium Technology," which was a big deal for the time. NHL '96 also included fighting, complete with animations depicting knocking the losing player on his back, causing him to squirm on the ice, or pulling a jersey over his head while allowing you throw punches. Ah yes . . . simpler times. 189) Mega Man 8
Is it any surprise that Mega Man made the list? The eighth installment in the popular Capcom franchise, Mega Man 8 is a continuation of the original Mega Man storyline, complete with in-game cutscenes, as well as anime scenes. The game begins with Mega Man investigating a mysterious energy reading, but wouldn't you know, right as he gets there the evil Dr. Wily is retreating with the mysterious power source. From there it's more side-scrolling and platforming action with plenty of bad voice acting. 188) Mass Effect
Who can forget Bioware's masterpiece Mass Effect? A video game which transformed the video game narrative and brought about the value of choice to the gaming experience. In Mass Effect, you play as Commander Shepard, whose mission it is to save the galaxy from the rogue specter named Saren. With the help of the crew of the Normandy and your ability to navigate relationships with various crew members, you set out amongst the cosmos, and it is beautiful. If you look past the latest entry, it's hard to deny the legacy left by this game. 187) Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest (1999)
One of the most complete sports games of the '90s, Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest provided a complete experience with a Home Run Derby, season and World series mode while still maintaining solid gameplay and detailed play-by-play announcing. Many consider this one of the best sports games ever on the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color and helped pave the way for similar titles in the genre that came later such as the Major League Baseball 2k and MLB: The Show series of games. 186) Grand Theft Auto 4 (2008)
What is there to say about Grand Theft Auto 4 that hasn't already been said? This sprawling adventure based in the fictional Liberty City (which is based on New York City) was one of the mainstays of the previous console generation. It's the approach to creating a living breathing city in both a single-player campaign and multiplayer mode for many to try and emulate it but not quite duplicate it until its successor Grand Theft Auto V came along some five years later. The game still continues to have it fans whether it emanates from the mods created on the PC version or the extended life it received from the outstanding downloadable content added on in The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. 185) Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
The ninth installment and the first in the series to be released on the Nintendo Gamecube, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance let you choose from a roster of up to 46 different characters each with their own unique abilities to battle the forces of darkness all while trying to prevent a civil war. The Fire Emblem series has always been unique in the fact that, whether they meant to or not, the narrative always finds you navigating some sort of social or political side-plot. And just like in the real world, Path of Radiance's villain seeks to exploit it. 184) Final Fantasy Tactics
As the first (and probably not the last) Final Fantasy game to make the list, Final Fantasy Tactics has a unique place in the hearts of gamers who grew up in the '90s. Taking a break from the battle style of previous Final Fantasy games, Tactics is a turn-based game that takes place in the kingdom of Ivalice, which is later revisited in the numbered entry Final Fantasy XII. Not only is Final Fantasy Tactics the first in the series to use 3D in-game graphics, but it's also the first to get a successful spin-off. Spend a few hours in this game, and you'll see why it's considered a cult-classic. 183) Chips Challenge
What great metaphor for life. Chips Challenge is a game released on the Atari in 1989 and is about a nerd in high school named Chip McCallahan, who is hopelessly in love with Melinda the Mental Marvel (try saying that five times fast). Chip asks Melinda to prom, but will only go if Chip solves a series of difficult puzzles. Sounds like dating has changed that much. The game features 148 tile-based levels full of frustration, but all through the game you can't help but feel for our love-sick protagonist. Nearly twenty-six years later - thanks to religion and funding - Chips Challenge 2 was released on Steam, alongside the original game, complete with a level editor. 182) BloodRayne
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ5LsZX17Mo&w=560&h=315]
What's sexier than a half-vampire fighting nazis and other creatures of the dark? Well, not many things. BloodRayne is set in 1933 in a place where people believe in vampires. You play as a half-vampire named Rayne, who is looking for her father and kills anybody who gets in her way. Though hyper-violent, BloodRayne cornered a market that few video games dared to go, and for that reason, this 2002 gothic hack and slash game will forever be considered a classic amongst anybody who happened to pick it up on the Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, or PC. 181) Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Probably the most modern game to make this list, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the first true sequel in the series and also the first to be released on the Nintendo Switch. Though the mythology gets a little difficult to track sometimes, its visuals are truly breath-taking, and it holds nothing back when you find your party roaming through areas with high-level enemies. There's DLC slated to be released in the fall of 2018, but will it be enough to bring fans back to the never-ending sea of clouds? I guess we'll find out. 180) WWF Superstars of Wrestling (Arcade)
WWF Superstars of Wrestling stands tall as one of the finest early wrestling options available at the arcade. So what could be better than throwing some quarters into the slot and beating you know what out of your best friends (or an AI opponent if you didn't have any)? In this game, players select two wrestlers from a list which included Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and the Honky Tonk Man among others to tag-team their way through a series of matches in New York City and Tokyo until they could raise the championship belts and defend them with honor. Not only were there in-game cut scenes, but before each match, you could see your wrestlers entering the ring via the "ring cart." Are you ready to play? "Macho Man" Randy Savage certainly was. 179) The Last of Us
There are very few things that gamers agree on these days, but one thing they do sing combined praises for is Naughty Dog's 2013 action-adventure game The Last of Us. After an outbreak of a mutant fungus, a smuggler named Joel is tasked with escorting a teenage girl named Ellie across the post-apocalyptic United States. While there are a variety of different ways you can play this game, there's nothing more satisfying than a stealth kill made out of an improvised weapon. Written by Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us features not just top tier writing, but also voice acting and a soundtrack from some of the biggest names in the industry. The Last of Us 2 is scheduled to be released in 2020. Will that happen? Who knows? But for now, this is definitely a game worthy of your time. 178) Team Fortress 2
Having earned the praise of gaming journalists and players around the world, Team Fortress 2 is what many would call the "perfect" multi-player game. With nine character classes to choose from and critical acclaim for its art direction, gameplay, and humor, it would seem that despite taking nearly nine years to complete, Valve can do absolutely no wrong. As a free-to-play game, be prepared to sink several hours into Team Fortress 2 if you're looking for something to pass the time until Half-Life 3. 177) Syphon Filter
Wait a minute! You're not Solid Snake! Having the misfortune of resembling so closely Metal Gear Solid (which happen to come out around the same time), Syphon Filter is a third-person shooter/stealth game that has you hiding in shadows and shooting terrorists in an attempt to apprehend the game's big bad Erich Roemer. With six games in total, the Syphon Filter Series had a lengthy stay on the market, and assuming Splinter Cell isn't about to make a comeback, has a high probability of success should it appear some new iteration any time soon. 176) Super Mario Sunshine
There was a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Nintendo to follow up Super Mario 64 with something special, and as the second 3D platformer in the series, they rose to the occasion. This entry takes a break from the old formula of Bowser being the main protagonist (though he is in the game) and introduces Bowser Jr. who seems eager to follow in the footsteps of his father. Garnering great reviews all across the board, Super Mario Sunshine finds you clearing stages, achieving bonus objectives, and obtaining Shine Spirtes in attempt to take down Bowser Jr. and restore light to the Isle of Delfino. It's not Super Mario 64 but it's a worthy successor. 175) Star Fox
What top 200 list complete without everybody's favorite space-flying fox named Fox McCloud. This rail shooter was released in 1993 has you taking on an evil scientist named Andross, who has declared war on the Lylat system. With the help of his friends, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare and Slippy Toad (we'll give you a moment to guess what type of animals they are), they take on Andross's army in an attempt to save the galaxy. Star Fox was originally released on the SNES and has since spawned several sequels across multiple generations of consoles. 174) Shadow the Hedgehog
After Sega got out of the console manufacturing game, they had to learn to evolve to stay in business, which meant finding ways to keep their properties fresh and relevant with gamers looking to play something on Gamecube, Playstation 2, or the Xbox. And what better way to keep Sonic the Hedgehog fresh than by making a game about a gun-wielding clone with amnesia? Shadow the Hedgehog was released to unfavorable reviews from critics, but fans loved it for its replayability, and the game went on to sell 2 million copies within two years of its release. 173) Road Rash
Anybody who owned a Sega Genesis remembers this high-octane motorcycle game, where you raced down a seemingly endless two-lane road while fighting for first place in a race against 14 other opponents who want to win just as bad as you do. Road Rash was released in 1991 saw a bevy of rereleases with each new console generation. The last game in the franchise Road Rash: Jailbreak was released in 2000, and ever since, gamers have been wondering when this legendary franchise is going to return. 172) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Our buddy Link has been seen in through many generations, in many different forms, but none (with the exception of Ocarina of Time) stand with the tenth entry in the franchise The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This time around, the game is set on a series of islands, where Link has to save his sister from - you guessed it - Gannon. Wind Waker spawned two direct sequels and an HD remaster on the Wii U. It's also noted for being the last Zelda game done in this animation style before moving on to the more realistically-styled Twilight Princess. 171) Hot Rod
Based on the incredibly popular Hot Rod Magazine, this top-down racing game developed and released on the Sega allows players to compete in races and upgrade their car if they choose. For anybody who played Hot Rod up thinking it was going to be your standard racing game, they had another thing coming to them. If you got a little too carried away on the gas pedal and misjudged a turn causing you to fall off the screen, you were penalized by losing gasoline. If your meter went to zero before finding those flashing "G"s or finished the race, you got a game over. 170) Grand Theft Auto 3
No other franchise in gaming history has garnered as much controversy as Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto. Considered one of the most significant games and one of the greatest video games of all time, Grand Theft Auto III has you playing as Claude, a bank robber who was betrayed by his girlfriend and accomplice Catalina. After being freed from a rather long jail sentence, Claude finds himself wrapped up in the criminal underbelly of the city in a third-person action game with a great story and plenty of side-quests. 169) Dungeon Explorer
This late '80s action role-playing game was originally released on the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 and is considered by many to be the pioneer of the action role-playing genre. Dungeon Explorer allows you to pick a class (ie: fighter, warlock, witch, bishop, elf, bard, or gnome) and sees you on a quest to recover a stone and bring about the downfall of the very originally named King Satan. Dungeon Explorer would later see a sequel, a spin-off, and a rerelease on Sega CD, Nintendo Wii, and Playstation. 168) Darksiders
In an era of bulky protagonists and oversized weapons, Darksiders stands as a titan. Developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ, Darksiders sees you playing as War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. While this isn't a game you would want to play with your pastor, it's biblical themes and character conflict are interesting enough to keep you engaged through the fall of man, plenty of betrayals, and a divine conflict that will have you screaming at your television for hours long after you've finished the game. Darksiders saw a release on multiple consoles, as well as a remaster on modern gen systems. A sequel was released in 2012 but was nowhere near as memorable as this apocalyptic entry. 167) Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi showed up in arcades as the era of quarter gaming was coming to an end, and due to its success, Sega ported the game to their Dreamcast console, making it the third best-selling game in the United States. It later showed up on Playstation 2, Nintendo Gamecube, and PC with sequels developed for later generations. Anybody who played this game remembers the stress of that time as you tried to get your rider to their destination on time. You can now play the original game on iOS, and its sequels (the latest of which was released in 2017) on more modern consoles. 166) Comix Zone
This 1995 beat 'em up game was made for the Sega Genesis and took place entirely in the panels of a comic book. You play as Sketch Turner a freelance rock musician living in New York City while simultaneously working on his comic book named "Comix Zone". One night a lightning bolt hits the pages of his comic and releases its villain out into the world. As with most games in the genre, Comix Zone is a platformer that will have you feeling nostalgic from start to finish. 165) ActRaiser
ActRaiser plays like Golden Axe meets Sim City in the fact that it's a platformer and city-building simulation crammed into one game. When not running around levels fighting evil creatures, players take control of an angel and play in a top-down fashion, protecting and guiding villagers through growing and maintaining civilization. As an interesting hybrid game, it's easy to see why it's still so popular today, and why it's made our top 200 list. 164) Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
In an era of where anybody with an opposing political opinion is considered a Nazi, it's easy to see why Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is considered one of the most socially relevant games of our generation. Also having the honor of being in President Trump's anti-violence anti-video game reel (scenes out of context, of course), this monumental and hyper-violent game set in an alternate history sees you back in the shoes of B.J. Blazkowicz who appeared to not make it out of the first one, but thanks to a long coma and "modern" science is back in the game, taking on new enemies and old ones. As a huge fan of this franchise and the narrative they've created, it bums me out to no see it in the top 100, but if you're reading this, make sure you give it a play. You won't regret it. 163) Undertale
Undertale is one of those rare games that only comes along once (maybe twice) a lifetime. Developed by an American Indie developer by the name of Toby Fox, this game puts you in the shoes of a human child who has fallen into a large secluded area deep beneath the Earth that's been separated by a magic barrier. Much like Stardew Valley, every aspect of Undertale from the world itself to the soundtrack was developed and written by one man. Three years after its initial release, it's now on just about every platform and has scored nearly perfect scores with game critics everywhere. 162) Super Smash Bros Melee
When one thinks of Nintendo, the first thing that comes to mind is obviously Mario (or Zelda) and the next thing that comes to mind (for most) is Super Smash Bros. As the first Smash Bros game to be released on the Nintendo Gamecube, Super Smash Bros Melee takes out the health bar that so many fighting games are known for and replaces it with a percentage meter. The game also features a wide variety of characters from Nintendos large roster of games including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, and Pokemon, and even characters from games outside of their wheelhouse like Fire Emblem (which at the time had never been released outside of Japan). With all of the hours, gamers all over the world put into this game, it's no wonder it made the list. 161) Soul Calibur
Soul Calibur is a name that has become synonymous with fighting games. The first game in the franchise titled Soul Edge was an arcade game and exported overseas as Soul Blade on the Sony Playstation. Soul Calibur arrived in arcades a year later and was ported exclusively to the Sega Dreamcast. In this series, legendary fighters trying to obtain a legendary weapon that can stand against the evil of the Soul Edge. Though a bit rusty out the gate, it's easy to see how influential this game has been on the genre. 160) Sonic the Hedgehog
As the only gaming mascot to ever give Mario a run (no pun intended) for his money, Sonic the Hedgehog has a very special place in the hearts of gamers all over the world. In 1990 Sega ordered its in-house team to create a game featuring a mascot for the company. After hours in a room and several days mulling over ideas, they decided on a blue hedgehog who can run really fast. The game was well-received by critics and fans and is considered by many to be one of the greatest games of all time. As you've already seen on this list, it's spawned a number of sequels, comic books, and even cartoons. 159) Snatcher
Hideo Kojima is one of the biggest names in the video game industry today. Responsible for bringing classics to life like Metal Gear Solid and the yet to be released Death Stranding, Kojima's origins go a lot further back than you might have thought. Making the 159 spots on this list, Snatcher is a cyberpunk game that takes place int the wake of an event called "The Catastrophe." With fifty percent of the world's population wiped out, you play as Gillian Seed, an amnesiac tracking down machines known as snatchers while also trying to unravel your own past. Like most Konami games, it's long, confusing, and still somehow great at the end of it. 158) Smash TV
In 1990, developers Eugene Jarvis and Mark Turmell created a dual-stick shooter called Smash TV. As you can see in the video above, this game was a top-down shooter that borrows various elements from Robotron 2084 and took the action to a whole new level. Competing in a violent game show, players move from one room to the next, trying to clear stages and get out alive. The Super NES, Genesis, and Game Gear versions were called Super Smash TV and were released to mixed reviews. 157) Rock n' Roll Racing
The '90s was a weird time for racing games. Instead of the simulators we have today like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsports, which are pretty straight forward, developers were putting out all sorts of hybrid racing games that blended various elements of other popular video games. Rock n' Roll Racing is one such game. the game was developed by Silicon and Synapse, whom you might know now as Blizzard Entertainment, Rock n' Roll Racing pits four racers against each other making them race while also trying to blow each other up. Is this what inspired games like Twisted Metal? Who knows, but we do remember sinking hours into this particular title on the Sega Genesis. 156) RoadBlasters
There's nothing more threatening to drivers (especially millennials) than being in a hurry to get somewhere and running out of gas. In RoadBlasters, not only is the threat of running out of gas imminent, but it happens while you're racing other drivers. Too bad electric cars weren't around. If you can complete all fifty rallies without running out of gas, you were considered a legend. How many players actually did that? We'll never know, but you can count on feeling both satisfied and frustrated while playing this game. 155) Pokemon Red
Every kid remembers their first Pokemon game. It's the role-playing game for beginners. This 1998 top-down game had you playing as Ash Ketchum a pokemon trainer from the land of Kanto. In Pokemon Red, it's your job to capture Pokemon, collect badges and eventually take on the most elite Pokemon trainers in all the land. Though not without flaw, your childhood is lacking if you've never sunken any time into this amazing game. 154) Pokemon Gold
Pokemon Gold was one part of the second installments in the Pokemon series. Released on the Game Boy Color in 2000 this is believed by many to be the best game in the series, as well as one of Nintendo's most significant titles. Pokemon Gold sees you exploring a brand new region called Johto, which lies just west of Kanto. As with the first game, you get to choose between three different elemental type pokemon. Assisted by Doctor Elm this time around, you earn badges, take on Team Rocket, and you can even journey back to Kanto to see what your friends have been up to since that last game. Why this one isn't higher up on the list, I don't know, but I'm glad it's here. 153) Out of this World (Another World)
Out of this World is an action-adventure platforming game originally released on the Atari ST in 1991. In this game, players take on the role of Lester Knight Chaykin, a physicist from the earth, who unwillingly finds himself on a hostile alien planet thanks to an experiment gone wrong. What makes this game stand out amongst other titles is that instead of side-scrolling the game is presented through flipping screens. Since it's original release, Out of this World was given new life with a 20th-anniversary edition that seemingly found its way onto just about every console ever since. 152) Minecraft
Minecraft has done for gaming what Pokemon Go has done for obesity. Though many will argue that Fortnite has become the new Minecraft in terms of bringing non-gamers into gaming, Minecraft spawned an entire sub-culture within gaming, creating conventions, YouTube stars, and has been streamed for countless hours on Twitch. Whether you're a casual gamer who enjoys building things, or you're more into competitive gameplay, or perhaps you enjoy a good story, Minecraft has something for everybody. 151) Super Mario 64
If you owned a Nintendo 64 or grew up in the 64/Playstation era of gaming, chances are you've played this game. To say that Mario 64 is a classic would be a severe understatement. This game not only breathed new life into Mario, but it was also the first time our favorite plumber graced the screen of a 3D platformer, and it was good. The Mario games that followed this release were great, but it's unlikely we'll ever see another game that truly redefines Nintendo quite like Super Mario 64. 150) Kirby: Superstar
Anybody who was a kid during the Super Nintendo days remembers a floating pink ball named Kirby. Kirby: Super Star was advertised as featuring eight games: six sections and two minigames. Though each of these games was different, they were all different, each allowed you to use Kirby's abilities to eat, float, run, and spit your way across a variety of areas in a sometimes limited amount of time. The game has seen several rereleases since 1996, and Kirby's latest adventure can now be played on the Nintendo Switch. 149) Horizon: Zero Dawn
Praised by many as being one of the best looking games Sony has in its current catalog, Horizon: Zero Dawn received critical renown for just about every aspect from its open-world story to the game's voice actress Ashly Burch. In this post-apocalyptic adventure, you play as Aloy, a hunter who seeks to unravel the mysteries of the past while having to fight through various mechanized monsters. Nobody expected Guerilla Games to make something this great, but we're all glad they did. 148) Grand Theft Auto Vice City
It was only a matter of time before this juggernaut of a franchise made it back onto the list. Grand Theft Auto Vice City is the sixth title in the series and the first numbered entry since Grand Theft Auto dropped in 2001. This game takes place in a fictional city that looks an awful lot like Miami. And for those of you who were adults when this game came out, you probably remember all of the controversies over the way the game handled violence and race. Despite all of that, it still went on to sell over 17.5 million copies and is still selling well today. 147) God of War (2005)
There are few characters in video games today as iconic as the Ghost of Sparta. God of War is a third-person hack and slash adventure game developed by Sony Santa Monica and sees you playing as Kratos, the once faithful servant to Ares, who tricked Kratos into killing his wife and daughter. As Ares lays siege to Athens, Kratos looks for the Pandora's Box, the one thing believed to be able to stop Ares. With more than 4.6 million copies sold and more sequels (the latest of which was amazing) than I can count on one hand, it's easy to see why God of War is such an iconic franchise. 146) Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
We were beginning to wonder when we'd see this world-famous marsupial. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex is the fourth installment of the iconic franchise and sees players controlling Crash and Coco taking on Doctor Cortex once again, as well as his new secret weapon. This game follows the events of Crash 3, which ended with Cortex being berated by a mysterious group for not spreading enough evil. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex was released in 2002 to mixed reviews, but was still held in high esteem by the fans. 145) Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
We could probably write an entire list about all of Valve's achievements in gaming, but none of those did for gaming what Counter-Strike: Global Offensive did. This game not only breathed new life into the multi-player genre, but it also spawned gaming cafes, where gamers could pay money and spend hours playing as terrorists or counter-terrorists across multiple maps with plenty of different load-outs to choose from. It then became a cornerstone of the burgeoning e-sports industry with tournaments that captured the imagination of millions around the globe. Valve, of course, tried to push the franchise into the next generation with sequels and spin-offs, but none of those ever captured the magic of the original. 144) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Surprisingly, this annual franchise has managed to stay relevant among casual gamers with a version for everybody. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 returns gamers to modern times, allowing them to play through three different game modes including Campaign, Spec Ops, and Multiplayer. Critics have praised it as being of one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. It even sold 4.7 million copies within the first 24 hours of its release. If people are getting tired of Call of Duty, it certainly isn't showing. 143) Bayonetta 2
Bayonetta 2 was announced at a Nintendo Direct presentation back in 2012, and unlike the first entry, was exclusive to Nintendo. This game picks up right where Bayonetta left off and improves upon the fast-paced mechanics of the first entry. The over-the-top antics and fast and furious chain damage continues the fun of the first in a grand design. 142) Bagman
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB6viGFy5-8&w=560&h=315]
Bagman is very much like the much more popular Pac-Man except it takes place in a mine environment. This 1982 arcade game has you maneuvering Bagman through various shafts to collect money, avoid guards while adding to that high score. With only five mechanics to really worry about, some may be wondering how Bagman made the list. Sometimes the simplest games are the best ones. 141) Toe-Jam and Earl
If there's one thing you have to hand game developers of the '90s it's that they had a complete and total lack of fear when it came to bringing odd video game concepts to life. For example, ToeJam and Earl were about as strange as they came. Released on the Sega Genesis in 1991 ToeJam and Earl sees you playing two very unique aliens searching for the pieces of their crashed space ship on earth. Considered to be a rogue-like, Sega commissioned two sequels that were met with mixed reviews, but rumor has it that a next-gen entry in the series is well into development. 140) Tiger Heli
Tiger Heli is a vertical scrolling shooter that puts you in the control of a helicopter, while you take on hordes of enemies armed with tanks, battleships, and artillery. With a total of four stages and a goal of getting the highest score. Tiger Heli is a good time with friends but definitely has its frustrations. 139) Super Smash Bros Brawl
Many feel this is the best entry in the Super Smash series as it capitalized on the Wii's tremendous success and provided not only a great variance of characters and stages (80 combined) but in strategy as well with the different controller options (Wiimote, classic, nunchuck and GameCube options) that were made available. Even as this series continues on with an updated version for the Switch, Super Smash Bros Brawl still stands out as one of the best games for the Nintendo Wii console. 138) Star Wars: The Old Republic
This MMORPG developed by BioWare and is said to be one of the most expensive games ever made. With different classes to choose from, extensive customization options, fully voiced dialogue, and dialogue options, they went all out for this adventure into a galaxy far far away. The plot of Star Wars: The Old Republic takes place 300 years after Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, in the midst of the battle between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic, more than 3,000 years before the events of the Star Wars films. With six add ons and a few novels to supplement the massive story, you can easily devote several years of your life to this game and everything it offers. 137) Speed Rumbler
Known as Rush & Crash in Japan arcades in the mid-'80s, Speed Rumbler is a top-down car shooter had the player slipping and sliding in all directions while simultaneously trying to avoid and shoot at a variety of enemies and obstacles. Seemingly lost among the past of arcade classics gone by, the game did find a new life for a period of time as part of the Capcom Classics Collection vol. 2 for the Playstation 2 and Xbox consoles. 136) Silent Hill
One of the most beloved survival horror franchises in gaming, the Silent Hill series has seen many highs and lows when it comes to its overall success but its 1999 original still stands out as a benchmark for the entire genre. Konami gambled that gamers would be interested in broadening their pallet beyond the Resident Evil series when it comes to horror and jump scares in a video game setting and it first they were correct as this entry introduced a marketed competitor to RE for many years until the series fell on hard times the earlier part of this decade and a failed Kojima revival did not come to fruition. Here's hoping Silent Hill will someday get the reboot and/or re-imagining the initial outing deserves. 135) Policenauts
One of the hidden gems in the resume of vaunted game designer Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear series), Policenauts stands out for its innovative cutscenes and sci-fi narrative. Although this game never officially released outside of Japan it has still found its way to many Kojima enthusiasts intrigued by this point and click adventure which is part buddy cop/part space adventure as they search for a murderer delves into a deeper look into a proposed future of organized crime. English localization has been made available for both console versions available with bonus points for the Saturn copy if you have a light gun still available. 134) Pokemon Blue
Much like its red counterpart, Pokemon Blue has you scouring the Kanto region for Pokemon, gathering badges, taking on your rival, and conquering the Elite Four. With solid reviews across the board, Pokemon Blue was a game that every kid had in their collection. With Pokemon making the jump on the Nintendo Switch in November, let's hope that this blue classic gets a remaster for a new generation of pokemon trainers. 133) Paperboy
If you ever wondered why there isn't a good newspaper delivery boy simulator it's because nothing will ever live up to this 1985 arcade game. Developed by Atari Games, Paperboy puts you in the shoes of a newspaper delivery boy as you attempt to deliver newspapers, vandalize the houses of non-subscribers, and avoid all of the hazards in the streets. A sequel was developed and released in 1991, but this classic has remained quiet ever since. 132) New Super Mario Bros Wii
Thanks to the Nintendo Wii and after failed attempts to integrate it into the Mario 64, Shigeru Miyamoto was finally able to explore his ideas of cooperative multiplayer in the side-scrolling follow up to New Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo DS. Though some gamers and critics were disappointed by the lack of new content, New Super Mario Bros Wii was released to good reviews and helped revitalized falling Nintendo Wii sales. 131) Mortal Kombat 2
A sequel to the hyper-violent hit in the arcades, Mortal Kombat 2 took the gruesome fatalities and intense fighting action to an even higher level. MK2 proved to be an even bigger success both in homes and malls across the world as the home version's first week of sales even outpaced similar openings from films at the time such as The Lion King, Forrest Gump, and True Lies. 130) Mega Man X
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Mega Man series, Mega Man X features relentless action that's both approachable and a great access point for those still wanting to get into the series. If the SNES or other older iterations do not seem enticing enough a Mega Man X Legacy Edition will hit across all major consoles in late July 2018 giving those wanting to experience this classic in HD the opportunity to do just that. 129) Marvel vs. Capcom (Clash of Super-Heroes)
Deviating from previous Capcom-Marvel fighter crossovers, Marvel vs. Capcom was the first to include characters who were not in the Street Fighter universe. Now you could have match-ups with your favorite X-Men or Avenger against a beloved Capcom character such as Mega Man, Strider, and even Arthur from Ghost n' Goblins. The game found great success on the Sega Dreamcast, solidifying it along with future releases as one of the best consoles for fighting games even with its short lifespan. 128) Half-Life 2 Episode 2
Prayers have been made, petitions have been signed and many others have been holding out hope beyond all hope that Valve will ever come around with an Episode 3 of this epic series. The reason why is because of Half-Life 2 Episode 2's epic first-person gameplay and science fiction storytelling. Following the adventure of Dr. Gordon Freeman never gets old in one of the most beloved and critically hailed games of its era. 127) Donkey Kong
The classic arcade game that turned Mario, Princess Peach and Kong into stars in this arcade hall of fame entry that combines skill, dexterity, and timing in what proved to be a game that easily translated its brilliance to many console iterations as well. Now an established cornerstone of the Nintendo brand if anyone wants to ever understand the importance Donkey Kong has with the video game industry check out the movie King of Kong and get back to us then. 126) Devil May Cry
As an interweaving tale of bloodlust, vengeance and betrayal, Devil May Cry as a story shifts between our world and a demonic one, Dante's battles against demons, monsters and the forces of evil sets the stage for a much-beloved video game that has entranced gamers since this 2001 spectacle which has spawned three more iterations since (with another on the way). It's hack n' slash fighting and strong narrative compels the player forward with a seemingly relentless onslaught of demons in the way...not to mention his love/hate relationship with Trish as well. 125) Dangaronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
One of the most underrated and under the radar series to come out this decade, Dangaronpa has garnered an ardent and strongly supportive fan base while limited is still extremely vocal about their love for this Japanese mystery game. With Dangaronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, somewhere in Hope's Peak Academy, a killer is loose murdering fellow classmates and it is up to Makoto Naegi to find out who it is before it's too late. The game alternates lifestyles between a regular student at school and an investigative sleuth determined to find the killer which makes for a great time for those looking to delve into a world of mystery, murder and a different form of higher education. 124) Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
A highly-regarded game on the Nintendo DS, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow continues the vaunted Castlevania franchise by providing a quality blend of role-playing and platforming elements while still embracing much of what has made the series so beloved by gamers. The game received high scores from critics upon its initial release with many noting the "Magic Seal" system is one of the most unique and creative uses for the DS stylus. 123) Banjo Kazooie
When it comes to why Rare Studios is so well thought of in the gaming industry, one just has to look at their peak in the history of the 1990s to understand why the development team was so renown for its time. Classics such as Perfect Dark, Goldeneye N64, Battletoads, and Killer Instinct are just a few of the games that helped launch this company to its great 90's success. What must be included on this stellar list is this great adventure Banjo Kazooie where platforming, puzzle-solving, and quick reflexes help navigate Banjo through a variety of fun obstacles and amusing levels that made the game not only a great game but a key component to the success of the Nintendo 64 as a third-party entry. 122) Twisted Metal
Presenting vehicular combat at its finest, Twisted Metal proved to be a big hit early on in the original Playstation era. With its chaotic gameplay as you navigate through a barrage of armored opponents, the weapons options and pickups kept the game interesting and fun for many gamers in the mid-'90s. This set the stage for a series of Twisted Metal games which popularized the system for the rest of the decade and early on with its successor the Playstation 2. 121) Super Smash Bros (Wii U/3DS)
One of the highest-rated games on the much-beloved 3DS and the ill-fated WiiU, Super Smash Bros proved to be one of the few success stories on the system and a game still thought of highly on the competitive tourney market even today. Boasting a huge roster of almost sixty characters, the fun and frantic gameplay proved to be a hit not only on the now-dead WiiU but an even bigger hit on a previously unapproached platform in the 3DS where mobile fighting was taken to a whole new level. 120) Splatterhouse
Taking liberally from the Friday the 13th and many other horror movie staples, Splatterhouse is a heavy dose of hack n' slash with a dash of Double Dragon beat em' up fun mixed in. Albeit the game might not be considered at the next family game night at your local PTA (along with Mortal Kombat of course), it did spawn successive sequels that help propel the series success into the 1990s. Just don't ask us to explain the plot of the game, because like many horror movies it's not why you're there in the first place. 119) Silent Hill 2
Running just ahead of its stalwart predecessor, Silent Hill 2 further expounded into the series' mythos and strong foundations. Increasing the suspense this time around with an improved soundtrack and an increased focus on mystery and intrigue, the puzzles essential to being solved were deeper than any seen in a horror survival game of its kind until Resident Evil 4 upped the ante even further four years later. 118) Shining Force 2
The Sega Genesis is still one of the most beloved consoles ever to grace the marketplace. One of the reasons for this adoration comes from Sega's willingness to promote games that were a little "outside the box" and that didn't always meet treat traditional game standards. Sure the system had fighters, shooters, platformers and sports games but Shining Force 2 and its tactical RPG style gameplay proved to be a critical hit and sales success in Japan while being a mainstay in the Genesis game library. 117) Puyo Puyo
So how does a game originally released on the somewhat forgotten MSX2 line of computers get a spot in the top 200? By being a cute Tetris clone that proves to be just as challenging, addicting and fun as its better-known puzzle competitor. Puyo Puyo proved to be a hit on many diverse gaming platforms throughout the 1990s and even can be found as merged product iteration that has been reimagined for a new gaming generation appropriately titled Puyo Puyo Tetris and available on all major gaming platforms today. 116) Perfect Dark
One of the most critically acclaimed shooters of its era, Perfect Dark amazed players with an enriching story and intense action in a genre already infiltrated with many options. Rare's line of success in the '90s continued into the new century with this stellar FPS as Joanna Dark's quest to stop dataDyne captured the imagination of gamers in this spiritual follow-up to Goldeneye 007. Unfortunately a successor to the game, Perfect Dark Zero was a commercial and critical flop that hindered the early progress of the Xbox 360 and helped push Rare and the series itself into relative obscurity soon after. Will we see a revival again at some point of the Perfect Dark series? A definite possibility seeing as how the original still fares so well with gamers. 115) Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee has endured with fans for so long due to its charm, engrossing story and approachable gameplay. Yes, it's a platformer but one that dances to a beat of a decidedly different tune. The quest to free as many fellow Mudokon slaves as he can take Abe on a harrowing journey with many puzzles, obstacles, and dangers to navigate through, much of which still holds up well even today. With cinematics that chronicled the journey through a strange and fascinating world very different from ours, this is truly an odd world indeed. 114) Monster Party
Who knew a journey into the Dark World would have such a lasting effect with gamers? But that's exactly what happened as this NES classic featuring a baseball bat-wielding boy named Mark venturing through the creepy underserved has continually been talked about as a beloved title within the retro community. Is it the monsters from traditional or Japenese lore in the game that Mark is constantly up against, the content that was mysteriously kept in the game that got by the family-conscious Nintendo or the secrets left out that has given the game a life of its own. No one knows for sure but if one has played Monster Party they'll probably tell you it was a scary good time. 113) Metroid Prime
Not the first but what may be the best in the Metroid library, Prime was the first iteration in the series to utilize 3D graphics and in doing so took the series to a whole new level. This brought a whole new perspective to the FPS genre as Nintendo now had a shooter which could favorably compare with any others in that era. The challenges that face Samus as she battles against the Parasite Queen in this realm of space pirates are always fun, interesting and frantic and reaffirm why Metroid Prime is one of the highest-rated games ever made for the Game Cube console. 112) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Being one of the greatest video game developers of all time, Hideo Kojima has seemingly an endless list of titles to choose from that show off his brilliance when it comes to creating that next great console experience. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is no exception to this as the Playstation 2 classic garnered numerous awards and a reputation for being one of the best ever released on the system. The cold war setting only adds to the action as the further adventures of Snake has the stealth and action going at a level as well as virtually any other time in this storied franchise. 111) Mario Party
With an amazing array of 50 minigames, Mario Party cemented itself as a standout on the Nintendo 64 and the foundation for what would become a series that has spanned over a dozen more iterations across every Nintendo platform since (with a Nintendo Switch title Super Mario Party coming this October). Whether the contestants (up to 4) are racing, balancing, bowling or any of the other crazy things this game demands, the quest to get the most stars always keeps this game, and the series for that matter, a rousing good time. If you don't believe us just ask our friends at Mario Party Wars, who have embodied the spirit of these games throughout their own awesome gaming adventures. 110) Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
As the second Zelda game to use 3D graphics, the follow up to Ocarina of Time, and the sixth installment in the main series, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Nintendo certainly had their work cut out for them with this one. The game takes place in Termia, a world that runs parallel to Hyrule, and also introduces a three-day cycle (72 hours in-game) and an instrument to manipulate things in-game. It was later remade for the Nintendo 3DS and scored nearly perfect ratings with game critics. Here at the PCC, we'll always have a special place in our hearts for The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. 109) Kingdom Hearts 2
Wondering when Kingdom Hearts would show up on this list? Wonder no more as the third game in the Square Enix Disney collaboration and the second game in the numbered entries, Kingdom Hearts II picks up one year after the events of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. You're back in the shoes of Sora, taking on the sinister Organization XIII while traveling through Disney worlds and meeting the cast of Final Fantasy games. Does the plot make sense? Not really. After all, it is a Tetsuya Nomura game. It is fun? Heck yeah, it is. We're hopeful that after Kingdom Hearts III there will still be plenty of life left in the series. Even if we're all senior citizens by the time the fourth one comes out. 108) Killzone
All hail the Halo killer! Just kidding. Killzone was released in 2004 on the Playstation 2, and was rumored to be Sony and Guerilla Games' answer to Halo. The game is set in 2357, where a bunch of warring space factions fights for dominance. The series saw six games released across five different consoles and has been dormant ever since. Will we see another one? That's the questions everybody keeps asking, especially after the success of Guerilla Games' newest project, Horizon: Zero Dawn. With a new generation of consoles on the horizon and nostalgia hot in the market, anything is possible. 107) Half-Life 2 Episode 1
Valve returns to the list with Half-Life 2 Episode 1, the first game in a series of episodic sequels to 2004's hit Half-Life 2. The game puts you in the shoes of Gordon Freeman, a scientist who happened to be around when an accident opens up an inter-dimensional portal to a world called Xen and fills the facility with angry creatures. Players make their way through combat-oriented challenges and physics-based puzzles from the intense opening to the cliff-hanger ending. 106) Gears of War
One of the most influential games of the last console generation, Gears of War proved to be a huge hit for Microsoft and Epic as it was a sorely needed first-party success for the Xbox 360 and proved that the system maker could field a quality title that didn't say Halo on it. With a revolutionary 3rd person over the shoulder gameplay system, action-oriented story and a truly fun 4v4 multiplayer component that captivated players and created another foundational series that Microsoft could count on for years to come. The battle for Sera between the Cog heroes fending off the Locust horde never gets tiring and the distinct feeling of using the shotgun to blow someone to smithereens or slice someone in half with the Lancer is truly something that never gets old. 105) Curse of Monkey Island
Believe it or not, LucasArts was once known for more than just adventures in a galaxy far far away. The Curse of Monkey Island is a point and click adventure released in 1997, and is the sequel to The Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge. Featuring a cast of zombie pirates, cannibals, and all sorts of odd beings, The Curse of Monkey Island stands on its own as a PC/Mac game unlike any other. 104) Burnout Paradise
Remember that game trailer that featured a Guns N' Roses song? So do most gamers. When you narrow that list down to EA car franchises, one game sticks out above the rest. Burnout Paradise is an open-world game developed by Criterion Games and published by EA. For those of you familiar with the franchise, it might be the only game series out there where the point is to actually destroy as much as you can, making it the perfect car game for people who aren't very good at car games. Originally released on Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, Burnout Paradise saw decent scores, plenty of add-ons, and even a next-gen remaster. 103) Alpha Centauri
For those of you PC master-race members, you're probably familiar with a game designer named Sid Meier. Alpha Centauri took everything that was great about the Civilization series and took it into space. The game received critical acclaim with many claiming it was better than Civilization II, meaning Sid Meier had his work cut out for him for whatever came next, which was delivered in the form of Alien Crossfire, an expansion that didn't just add more to the storyline, but also introduced new factions, technologies, secret projects, and so much more. 102) UN Squadron
Nobody ever accused Capcom of sticking to one genre. This 1991 side-scrolling classic was released on a bevy of different computer platforms, as well as the Super Nintendo. Released in Japan as Area88, U.N. Squadron is based on the manga series of the same name and is a side-scrolling shooter, unique for the energy bar feature. Each of the three playable pilots has specific planes and abilities, with buyable upgrades available. 101) Terranigma
Super Nintendo returns to the list with Terranigma, a 1995 action-role playing game that puts players in a top-down perspective and utilizes a real-time battle system that makes you act according to what you're according to what your character is doing. With four chapters and plenty of role-playing archetypes, Terranigma will always be a classic to those who are fans of the genre. 100) Tecmo Super Bowl
Back before EA bought out the NFL video game license, Tecmo reigned supreme. Tecmo Super Bowl is the first football game to be licensed by both the NFL and the National Football League Players Association, thus allowing them to use real football teams and real football players at the same time. Allowing you to play through an entire season with a roster of at least 20 players, Tecmo Super Bowl still has a unique cult following even all of these years after its release. 99) Sunset Riders
One of the few noteworthy Western genre video games not having the word "Red" in it, Sunset Riders was a game that may have lacked complexity but more than made up for that in "gunslinging' fun. This side-scrolling shoot em' up had up to four players in the arcades and while packing only a two-player capability for home consoles, the Genesis version offered a quick draw style PvP shootout that created all sorts of havoc. The travels made from town to town collecting bounties on the bad guys made for a great time for gamers who enjoyed this type of frantic action. 98) Streets of Rage 2
Speaking of side-scrollers, Sega's love for the genre would not be complete without an entry from the Streets of Rage library. Fighting your way through the city, Streets of Rage 2's action and chaotic gameplay delighted gamers even more than its predecessor. While the game still echoes the influence of Double Dragon, this iteration of the Streets of Rage series proved to be the most well thought of with gamers. Pick up that katana or weapon of choice everyone and start wailing away at the bad guys as you fight off the Syndicate one "goon" at a time. 97) Sonic CD
Sega had their hands in all kinds of different technologies back in the '90s. While Nintendo was sticking to the cartridge format, Sega was looking into putting games on disc, much like the PC. Unfortunately, though the games were successful, the technology was slightly ahead of its time. On the illusive Sega CD, however, was, of course, a game featuring everybody's favorite hedgehog. Sonic CD is a 1993 side-scrolling game, similar to the original Sonic the Hedgehog, where it's your goal to collect power rings, rung through levels, and wouldn't you know . . . fight Doctor Robotnik. If you want to get your hands on this classic, you can play it now on most modern consoles, as well as iOs. 96) NHL 10
Sports fan or not, it's hard to pick up a hockey game and not find it at least a little entertaining. As NHL 10 introduced a whole bunch of new features into the franchise and was introduced at a time hockey was finally getting the recognition it deserves, it's no wonder this game has such a special place in the hearts of gamers. Introducing battle on the boards, intimidation tactics, post-whistle action, a new first-person fighting engine, new ways to score, more precise passing, improved goalie AI, an interactive atmosphere, battle for the cup, and the ability to be a GM, NHL 10 has something for every fan. 95) MVP Baseball 2005
This one was a bit divisive. If you're a fan of MVP Baseball 2005, you either believe that it's the greatest sports game of all time or you think it's just okay. There aren't a lot of people in between those two spectrums. What makes this game so unique? Players can spend hours in the dynasty mode or coach their own teams through owner mode. Though the game garnered average scores with critics, there are no questions here that it stands tall among all other baseball games. 94) Left 4 Dead 2
Considered by many to be the best of the zombie horror shooters, Left 4 Dead 2 takes frantic action and breathless survival to a whole level. Combing the best features of Left 4 Dead with all-new maps that create even more havoc, this game succeeds because of the need to stay sharp and work together to live to the next level. Just try to survive running across the bridge in the game with your friends and you'll be like us in begging Valve to come out soon with a long-awaited Left 4 Dead 3. 93) Gran Turismo
We were wondering when Sony's flagship racing franchise would make its way onto this list. If you grew up during the dawn of the Playstation, the chances are high that you've played Gran Turismo. I would even go as far as to say that this is the first racing simulator of its kind. With an immersive single-player mode and a split-screen mode that allows you to decimate your friends, Gran Turismo will always be the standard when it comes to racing simulators. 92) Excitebike
Any kid (or adult) who owned a Nintendo console remembers intense and infuriating ride that is Excitebike. A launch title for the NES in 1985, Excitebike lets the player choose to race solo or against computer-assisted riders within a certain time-limit. If you're looking to take a walk down memory lane to play this gem, get ready to mash that B button down. 91) Castlevania
As huge fans of the Castlevania series, we will gladly make the bold statement that Castlevania doesn't get enough credit for being as influential as it was. This action-platformer almost flawlessly combined soundtrack, gameplay, story, and immersive dungeon crawling into the perfect package. Castlevania puts players in the shoes (or armor?) of Simon Belmont, as he fights his way through Count Dracula's castle and takes on all of your favorite monsters. Both Nintendo Power and Game Informer ranked it in their top 100 games. It only seems appropriate that it made our list. 90) Bomberman
Bomberman laid the groundwork for many of the puzzle strategy games to come. Taking place in a galaxy known as the Bomber Nebula, Bomberman grows bored with making bombs underground and hears a rumor that robots who make it to the surface world become human. He decides to make a break for it, and thus your adventure begins. With more sequels and side-stories than one can easily count, Bomberman has become a staple adventure for anybody looking for a little explosive fun. 89) Bloodrayne 2
The equally bloody follow-up to 2002s Bloodrayne. This game puts you back in the shoes of Rayne and is set 60 and 70 years after the ending of the last game. The game opens with Rayne entering the Blood Library, where she discovers that not only is her father leading a following of Nazis. He doesn't even remember who she is. Apparently, he's had a lot of children. So what does Rayne do? She seeks out his offspring and kills them one by one. Bloodrayne 2 came out in 2004 to mixed reviews, but fans of the series consider it a worthy follow up. 88) Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed II is one of those games that will forever standout not Ubisoft's beloved franchise but in gaming as a whole. While the adventures of Altair in Assassin's Creed were interesting and fun at times, the story was lacking and the combat was choppy. In Assassin's Creed II, they managed to fix those problems while introducing a hot-blooded protagonist named Ezio, who cuts down the Templars in an attempt to get revenge for his family. Assassin's Creed II also has the honor of being the game that expanded the mythology of the franchise into what we see today. 87) Street Fighter
Street Fighter has probably been remastered, upgraded, and reproduced more than any other game in the history of video games. Originally released in 1987 as an arcade game, this Capcom masterpiece was the first competitive fighting game and started a movement still going strong in e-sports today. With six numbered entries and a plethora of expansions and add ons, the Street Fighter franchise shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. 86) Snow Bros
The very originally titled Snow Bros is a 1990 platform arcade game late released on the Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and mobile. The objective is to throw snowballs at enemies until they can no longer move, and can be played in single-player or with a friend. As obscure a title as it is now (with the Famicom version being worth hundreds of dollars), people obviously loved it enough to vote for it and make it somewhat high on this list. 85) Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus stands tall (no pun intended) amongst other games for its emotional premise and minimalist design. This game has very little backstory for the characters and their relationships to one another, but you don't seem to mind. Like the wanderer, it's your job to track down each Colossus and discover its weakness to defeat it. With an average score of 91% from critics, Shadow of the Colossus is a fan favorite with Playstation fans all across the globe and was recently remastered for the Playstation 4. 84) Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown is a long-running series that has been dormant since 2009. However, across its 18 entries, the original entry has become a beloved memory and gaming experience for anybody lucky enough to play it. This fighting game takes place in 18th Century Japan, during the seclusion period of the country's history. What makes this game stand out is, even though it was it highly popular in the west, there's is little to no English actually used in the game. Each game in the series takes place in a different time period and expands upon the mythology and history of the first. 83) Red Dead Redemption
This game was one of those inevitable entries on every top 200 video game list. After going above and beyond for their flagship series Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar Games took us back to the west with Red Dead Revolver back in 2004 and six years later they took us back to that world with Red Dead Redemption. This game puts you in the shoes of former outlaw John Marston and has you fighting your way across an untamed world in the third-person perspective. Red Dead Redemption is considered by many to be the greatest video game of all time and was released to nearly perfect scores. Red Dead Redemption 2 is set to hit shelves this fall. Will it live up to the hype of the original? I guess we'll have to wait to find out. 82) Persona 4: Golden
Persona is one of those series that has fans across all eras. The fourth numbered entry in the series, Persona 4: Golden is a remastered and upgraded version of Persona 4. With a new story and voiced dialogue, you can spend a good chunk of your life playing this one. Gamers have invested over 100 hours of gameplay into this one in an attempt to uncover the true ending of the story. If you still have a Playstation Vita, this is one worth checking out. 81) Ninja Gaiden: Black
Ninja Gaiden can easily go down in gaming history as one of the most difficult and frustrating franchises to ever be made. Despite this little fact, it's still very much loved by gamers everywhere. Ninja Gaiden Black is a reworked version of 2004's Ninja Gaiden and introduces a new mission mode, which puts the player in different types of scenarios that they have to overcome. The bosses in this game are bigger, worse, and more challenging than the original. If you think you're up for it, be our guest. 80) NBA Jam
NBA Jam is a now-defunct series originally developed by Midway. In this game, you 2 on 2, and it was one of the first games to feature officially licensed NBA players and teams. NBA Jam would allow you to spend hours making slamming dunks that defied human capability and also made it so you could track your characters stats and records. This 1993 hit saw release on many consoles and made it all the way to 2011 before disappearing like so many other licenses into the shadow of EA. 79) Metal Storm
This mech-based action-platformer was developed by Tamtex and published by Irem. Released on the Nintendo in 1991, the story takes place in 2501 when a laser weapons malfunctions on Pluto and begins destroying the solar system. It's your job to pilot an M-308 mech suit, storm the base, and activate the weapons self-destruct system before it's too late. Metal Storm only ever got average reviews, but it has made its way on to top 100 lists all over the Internet. 78) Halo 3
Halo fans everywhere were anxiously anticipating this 2007 title. As the end of a trilogy, Bungie put you back in the boots of Master Chief, one of the last Spartan soldiers designed by the UNSC to take on the Covenant. In this game, you shoot, punch, and plasma charge your way through aliens, parasites, and sentinels to the tragic and emotional ending to a story arc that began back in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved. Though we did eventually get more adventures with Master Chief, many of us look back fondly on Halo 3 for both its single-player campaign and the hours we invested into the multiplayer. 77) God of War 2
God of War II had a lot to live up to after the critical praise of the first game. This hack and slash action-adventure games lets you once again take up the blades of chaos to take on Zeus and anything else that stands in his way. This game has more blood, more combos, and even a little bit of time travel to keep the plot moving. Now that we know where Kratos will eventually end up, it's hard not to look back on these earlier entries with a little more cheer. 76) Elder Scrolls: Oblivion
Bethesda's 2006 entry into the Elder Scrolls series was it's most daring to date, and though many gamers look back on their journey through the oblivion gates in frustration, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is still played by many fans today. As the fourth entry in the franchise Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion places you in the province of Cyrodiil, a place that was talked about in other entries, but never explorable. With its open map and nearly infinite ways to play the game, one can skip the story and wander around the open-world forever exploring dungeons, hunting animals, engaging with the fully voiced NPCs. There were two expansions released for Oblivion, and even today it's considered a classic. 75) Celeste
Probably the most recent game to make this list, Celeste is a platforming game made by indie developers Matt Thorson and Noel Berry. It follows a young woman named Madeline as they attempt to climb Celeste Mountain because according to legend, something at the top has the power to soothe her inner turmoil. Celeste is not only fun and incredibly challenging, but it also tackles the theme of mental health in a way that few other games have. If you add that to the engaging NPCs and amazing soundtrack, it's not wondering Celeste made this list. 74) Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
It was only a matter of time before our friend Nathan Drake made the list. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception has our favorite treasure hunting duo Nathan Drake (voiced by Nolan North) and Victor "Sully" Sullivan (voiced by Richard McGonagle) searching for the Atlantis of the Sands. This entry not only gives you more action-adventure, but it also dives further into the mythology of the series by offering some backstory on our heroes and paving the way for the fourth and final game. 73) Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
The adventure that started it all. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is a 2007 action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog. For those of you unfamiliar with the franchise and its protagonist Nathan Drake. You play a treasure hunter, who, in this entry, finds the coffin of his alleged ancestor Sir Francis Drake using a family heirloom. In the coffin, he finds Sir Francis Drake's diary, which leads him on an adventure to El Dorado. Originally announced at E3 2006, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune quickly became a fan favorite, winning several awards from game review sites and sold over a million copies in its first two months on shelves. 72) Strider Arcade
Another Capcom game, Strider was released on arcade systems in 1989. This side scroller introduces the world to Hiryu, the main character of the manga Strider Hiryu, as well as a playable character in just about every Capcom created fighting game since the '90s. Strider went on to influence major franchises like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and several others. Though the character of Hiryu lives on, the future of Strider is currently unknown. There was rumored reboot back in 2014 but was canceled by Capcom. If you're looking to get your hands on this classic, the remaster is out now on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam. 71) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Still thought of today as being one of the best (if not THE best) Star Wars video games. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic aka KOTOR stands out as not only a definitive title in the RPG genre but one of the defining games of the original Xbox console. Though its graphics have aged, its compelling storytelling and gameplay still are as compelling as ever to anyone who wants to sit down and play this classic for an hour or two...or maybe thirty. 70) M.U.L.E.
For those of you expecting a game called M.U.L.E. to be about people sticking drugs in their clothes for smuggling purposes, think again. This Atari classic is set on the fictional planet of Irata (which is Atari backward) and is a strategy game set in space. It's your job to grow, collude, and build a society worthy of the stars. Thought the game only sold 30,000 copies, the only review it got was perfect . . . for whatever that's worth. 69) Mother 3 (Earthbound 2)
Besides Pokemon, this might be the only Game Boy exclusive (at launch). Mother 3, otherwise known as EarthBound 2 is a role-playing game developed by HAL Laboratory and Brownie Brown. This 2006 entry in the Mother series is also the last game in the franchise. Mother 3's story is told in eight chapters and uses a hybrid battle system, where attacks must be used according to the beat of the music. If you were one of the few kids who owned the 64DD for Nintendo 64, Mother 3 allowed you to play in a pixelated 3D version of its world. Unfortunately, as of this writing, there are no ports, remasters, or plans to do so. 68) Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
When Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was first announced, fans of both franchises could hardly wait to get their hands on this legendary crossover. Developed by Midway Games and released on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe's story revolved around one franchise invading the universe of the other. Thanks to some interdimensional shenanigans, Darkseid and Shao Kahn merge into one being and cause the worlds to merge together. With 22 playable characters and more combos than any living person can remember, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is far from the best game in either franchise, but it's still worth playing. 67) Kingdom Hearts
As the first entry into Square Enix's groundbreaking partnership with Disney, Kingdom Hearts had a lot of weight on its shoulders. In this game, you play as Sora in a war against the Heartless. You team up with established Disney and Final Fantasy characters as you journey through several worlds both familiar and original to take on the forces of darkness. Though critics were torn on exactly how to score the game, there's no doubt that it has and continues to build a legacy that gamers will continue to feed for years to come. 66) Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct has seen many iterations over the years, the most recent of which came out in 2013 as a downloadable launch title for the Xbox One. The first, however, is the game that built the foundation for what would come. Developed by Rare, Midway, and Nintendo, the original Killer Instinct released in 1994 in arcades, and hit consoles a year later. It was followed up in 1996 with Killer Instinct 2 and Killer Instinct Gold. Though it didn't exactly reinvent the fighting genre, it did offer a little variety in a market dominated by Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. 65) Fallout: New Vegas
Originally believed to be an expansion to Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas takes place in the year 2281 in the area surrounding Las Vegas. It's been over 200 years since the Great War of 2077, and with mankind reemerging from the shelters, there's a power struggle happening in the wastelands. If you mix that with mutants, bad guys, and all matter of creatures trying to kill you, you'll find a typical Fallout adventure as only Bethesda (and Obsidian) would be able to create. With a bevy of storylines and endings, this is considered by many to be the most expansive Fallout game yet. 64) Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
This psychological horror action-adventure game was originally planned for the Nintendo 64, but thanks to some setbacks in the development cycle, it had to hold out until 2002, and it was well worth the wait. With Resident Evil ruling the genre, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem adds a bunch of new features like allowing you to play from multiple points of view throughout the narrative. There's also a sanity meter that is cool until isn't. While it released to scores above 90% from critics, its sequel was sadly canceled back in 2008. 63) Dragon Warrior Monsters
Dragon Warrior Monsters is the first game in the Dragon Quest Monsters series and features Terry and Milly from Dragon Quest VI when they were kids. Though the franchises are clearly different, Dragon Quest Monsters always has the unfortunate hassle of being compared to Pokemon due to similar gameplay. As you play along with the narrative, you train, breed, and travel (wait that does sound like Pokemon), gaining experience to make it to the end of the game. Originally released on Game Boy Color and Playstation, it later had a rerelease on Nintendo 3DS and mobile devices. 62) Double Dragon 2: The Revenge
Double Dragon is one of those games that not only perfectly captures the essence of the cheesy action films of the late '80s and early '90s, it's also very endearing, and I'm sure that a lot of gamers wouldn't be opposed to a modern iteration... Double Dragon II: The Revenge is a 1988 side-scrolling beat 'em up game and the first sequel to Double Dragon. Though the game was originally created as an update to the original, the memory size was so large that it had to be its own game. With a few new moves added in, like the Hurricane Kick, Double Dragon II: The Revenge was well worth the quarters it cost to play. 61) Destiny
There has never been a game more universally loved, hated, and then loved again like Bungie's Destiny. In this online multiplayer game, you take on the role of a Guardian, whose job it is to track down an alien being while preventing mankind from being wiped out. With a solid progression and class system, as well as both PvE and PvP, Destiny's reputation, while always being in flux, is worthy of the legacy of Bungie. 60) Bucky O'Hare
The creatures of '90s gaming were always peculiar, but Bucky O'Hare definitely stands out. This cosmic green rabbit is tasked with saving his crew on a series of planets while using asteroid to jump around. Often compared to Mega Man, Bucky O'Hare is an action platformer released on the Nintendo in 1992 that features a story revolving animals fighting in space. I wish there was more depth to it, but there isn't. 59) Brave Fencer Musashi
Amongst the many titles released by Square for the original Playstation, Brave Fencer Musashi definitely stands out. With combat that takes place in real-time, 3D environments and voice-over dialogue, it paved the way for many of the role-playing games that followed. In this game, you play as Musashi, a reincarnated being who saved a kingdom 150 years prior from a dark wizard simply called The Dark Wizard. Now that evil has returned, and it's up to you to stop it. While critic scores were sort of all over the place, it did garner enough love for a sequel titled Musashi: Samurai Legend in 2005. 58) Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey breathed life into Nintendo in a way that few other games have. Not only did it have the honor of being the first Mario game on the Nintendo Switch, but it was also nominated for various awards and sold over ten million copies it's first five months. What can I say about this Mario game that hasn't been said about any of the others? Well, yes, Bowser is up to his old tricks again, but this iteration is a welcomed return to the somewhat open-world exploration that was never quite perfected in older games. Also, the cooperative mode allows you to have a friend play as Cappy, who can take control of enemies and help Mario. Another great thing about this game is that has so much replayability, making it feel fresh every time you turn it on. 57) Halo 2
Bungie changed the landscape of gaming with Halo: Combat Evolved. Never before has game launched with a brand new system received as much acclaim as it did. Halo 2 was a welcome return to form for Bungie and the Master Chief. This 2004 sequel puts you back in the fight nearly two years later, introducing new features like double-wielding and the ability to use to the energy sword, which probably ended a few friendships. The game's campaign even got an added boost from Breaking Benjamin during the raiding of the prophet's ship. While Halo 2 can be considered The Empire Strikes Back of the franchise, the monstrous cliff-hanger was well appreciated when Halo 3 released in 2007. 56) Warlords
Warlords is a turn-based strategy game mixed with role-playing elements that take on the genre in a new way, adding more technical aspects to the construction and maintenance of your city and army. Each hero class comes with their own unique properties and special abilities, meaning you have to pick carefully according to the way you play. Unlike most strategy games, in this one, you have to approach war from a more diplomatic point of view, and if diplomacy fails, a battle ensues. The series has been dormant for more than a few years, but who knows what till happen in the future? 55) Resident Evil
The game most recognize as the grandfather of horror survival games, the original Resident Evil set the bar high for all other games in the genre by providing a chilling narrative with unique puzzle-solving and intense action found in few other games in that time period. The success of this game laid the foundation for a slew of games, spinoffs, and movies unlike anything else ever seen in the video game industry. 54) Pokemon Silver
There are probably no better examples of a game utilizing what was special about the Game Boy Color than Pokemon Gold and its much-beloved alter ego in Silver. While the game still has much of what made the previous games so fun, added features that increased functionality and time management were introduced that made capturing, training and evolving your pokemon even more fun than before. With this game, it's so much fun when you "Gotta' catch them all". 53) Onimusha
Capcom has a roster of franchises very few can match. With series such as Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Monster Hunter among many others, it goes almost without saying how many other franchises the company owns have found their own success and appreciation with gaming fans at large. One such series, Onimusha has a beginning iteration in the series that proved its own worth by creating a fascinating game world that took heavy influence from ancient Japanese culture. The dangers that hero Samanosuke faces in this third-person sword fest uses many of the same gameplay techniques found in some other famous Capcom games, but they way they're utilized herein Onimusha helps make it a classic all on its own. 52) Spyro the Dragon
What evolved into a franchise targeting a younger audience was spawned originally as a wondrous journey through a magical land that only our precious little dragon friend could make his way through. In his travels to save fellow dragons, Spyro's quest takes him through a 3D platformer that while emulating similar titles still found its own excellence through its charm and balance between skill-laden platforming and correctly timed fire breathing and charges. Still fondly thought of today as a standout in the Playstation library, look for this title and its two successors to be lovingly remastered in a release coming back to consoles this fall that will remind games just how fun a Spyro game can be. 51) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
One of the cornerstones of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, San Andreas was a massive open-world adventure that provided a unique social commentary and narrative, unlike almost anything the gaming world had seen before. With subject matter that intentionally straddled the line of its "M" rating and controversial content (Hot Coffee anyone?) that had opponents screaming in protest but gamers howling with delight, it's no wonder this vast journey through the streets of San Andreas remains one of the most successful video games of all time. 50) Doom
One of the classic benchmarks for the first-person shooter genre, Doom has the original space marine trapped on the planet Mars fighting off hordes of alien monsters as the battle through tight corridors leads from one frantic shootout to another. The game not only established the first-person genre as something the industry could rally behind, but its multiplayer planted the seeds for what was to come for an almost immeasurable amount of FPS games moving forward. 49) Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is in our opinion, one of the best, if not the best, games in the series. It was also the first game to introduce naval style combat by allowing you to set sail in the 18th century the Caribbean, taking on other ships sent by the British, Spanish, and those dirty Templars. The rest of the game, however, is your typical Assassin's Creed romp as only Ubisoft can deliver. You play as Edward Kenway, the future father of Haytham Kenway and future grandfather of Ratonhnaketon, the protagonist and antagonist from Assassin's Creed III. As one of the best selling games of 2013, this game will have you longing for the pirate life in no time. 48) Secret of Mana
The Secret of Mana is one of those rare games that helped define a genre. Released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 2, this 1993 action role-playing game had you traversing a fantasy world, where mana is highly sought after for its power. It comes complete with plenty of towns and villages to explore, dungeon crawling, bosses, and a progression system. If you want to jump into this addicting fantasy world, you can play it on iOS, Android, or check out the 3D remaster for Playstation 4. 47) Contra
Who doesn't remember Contra? This 1987 action game is a side-scrolling shooter originally released in arcades. It can be played in single-player or cooperatively and has all of the tropes of an '80s action film. The story takes place in the year 2633, and you play as two commandos of the Contra unit, trying to save the world from the Red Falcon Organization and the aliens who control them. Though the last game came out in 2014, the series has left a lasting legacy. 46) BioShock
BioShock is one of those games that gamers will remember forever. It's a moralistic story, creepy set pieces, and jump scare action has made it a must-play adventure for anybody with a PC or console. Though Ken Levine has been out of the gaming world for a bit, he filled the world of Rapture with rich, interesting, and terrifying thing to explore or stay away from. And who can forget the big daddies? Whether you use a plasma/weapon combo or barely win, taking them down is one of the most satisfying experiences any gamer can have. Also, you can play it on modern consoles in the BioShock: The Collection. 45) NFL Blitz
Playing NFL Blitz was like playing football with your siblings. The more you can humiliate your opponents, the more fun the game becomes. Developed by Midway and eventually EA Sports, NFL Blitz allows players to use NFL teams, but rather than encouraging you to play by the rules, exaggerates the game and takes it completely over the top. How many friendships were ended by this franchise? We'll never know. Unfortunately, 2012 saw the last Blitz release. All there is now is Madden. 44) Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest
The second installment in the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest revolves around Diddy Kong and his girlfriend Dixie Kong (hopefully they're not related) as they try to rescue Donkey Kong, who was abducted by King K Rool. In this 2D side-scrolling adventure, you play through 52 levels in eight different worlds. True to form for games released in the '90s, the end of each world features a boss that must be defeated in order to progress. The Super Nintendo version currently holds an average score of 90%, while its rerelease on virtual console and Game Boy Advance wasn't received nearly as well, with a critic rating of 80%. 43) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The direct sequel to Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, this entry takes place four years after its predecessor. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a 1997 platform adventure game developed by Konami and released on the original Playstation. In this entry, you play as Alucard, who seeks to destroy Dracula's castle. This is the first game in the series to introduce non-linear level design and role-playing elements that were refined in the following entries. 42) World of Warcraft
Has there been a game that has taken more hours from the lives of nerds and attention from girlfriends as World of Warcraft? Since its release in 2005, World of Warcraft has accumulated more than 12 million subscriptions and grossed $9.23 billion in revenue, making it one of the most successful games of all time. Even today, Blizzard continues to put out story-driven expansions and continues to build the world that players have come to know and love. Will there ever be another entry in the series? With more than 100 million active accounts, it doesn't seem likely. 41) Final Fantasy VI (III in US)
Released as Final Fantasy III in the United States originally, Final Fantasy VI is considered by many to be the best game in the series, and others the best game ever. Developed by Square and released in 1994, Final Fantasy VI builds upon the Final Fantasy titles that came before it by allowing you to travel a world map, equip and customize your characters and progress inexperience. Taking on a far darker tone than you'd expect, the first half of the game is significantly different from the second half and is set in a world that resembles something from a steampunk novel with elements of magic. Having won numerous awards and sold over 3 billion copies, this is an adventure worth going on with any console. 40) Double Dragon
Like its successor, Double Dragon was originally released in arcades before later being made available on a wide variety of home consoles. This 1987 beat em up side scroller features the Lee brothers, who are - as you might have guessed - martial artists, who take on street gangs, thugs, and seemingly overpowered bosses. Double Dragon has not just left a legacy in video games, due to its popularity, it was also adapted into a cartoon and a movie, which Pop Culture Cosmos' very own Gerald Glassford worked on. 39) Overwatch
Blizzard's foray into the first-person multiplayer genre has been anything but unsuccessful. In fact, an open beta back in 2016, nearly 10 million players signed on to play. With each match consisting of two teams of six, there are over 20 characters available to choose from and several awards to be gained from winning from new skins to other cosmetics that will make your character stand out. Whether you play this game or not, Overwatch has had a massive amount of influence on the way the rest of the world sees gaming. It recently became an eSport with its own league and is currently in the running to be featured in the Olympics. 38) Mario Kart 64
Take me back to the days of pizza, sleepovers, and Nintendo 64. Every child of the 90s - even those who didn't own a Nintendo 64 - has played Mario Kart 64. In this legendary racing game, players control one of eight characters to race on different tracks. If your opponents drive dirty, you can collect shells and bananas to fight back. When you're bored with racing, the battle courses offer plenty more hours of good times and kart-driven mayhem. Though following entries in the series were good, nothing will ever quite live up to the bliss of Mario Kart 64. 37) Final Fantasy X
Of all of the Final Fantasy titles released in the main series, Final Fantasy X could be counted as one of the most dividing. Though the world is beautiful and the story is a lot easier to follow than previous entries, gamers will forever argue about the game's protagonist Tidus and whether or not he was too whiney. Wherever you stand on the issue, Final Fantasy X has built a very unique and massive following. Even after defeating Sin and making it to the end of the game, players are still clamoring for more adventures in Spira and closure to the romance between Tidus and Yuna. While Final Fantasy X-2 wasn't as well-received, fans are still holding out hope that Square will follow through with Final Fantasy X-3. 36) Legend of Zelda II: The Adventures of Link
There's no questioning the Legend of Zelda's dominance on this list. It would seem that our friend Link has managed to capture the imagination of gamers all across the decades he's been around. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is a direct sequel to the original. This top-down role-playing game features some platforming elements and was a significant departure from the gameplay of the original. This entry also has the unique honor of being the only game in the series that allows you to gain experience points to upgrade Link's attack, magic, and life. 35) Fallout 3
Possibly the favorite amongst Fallout fans, Fallout 3 returns players to wasteland and is the first Fallout game to be created and published by Bethesda since being purchased from Interplay Entertainment. This game has your character seeking to complete the work of their father while surviving a vicious open world and taking on the remains of the former U.S government. Fallout 3 received numerous Game of the Year awards and over 600,000 copies during its first month. 34) Super Mario Bros
A game that has probably been played more than any other video game in existence, Super Mario Bros is a title that every gamer and non-gamer has heard of. This 1985 platform game puts you in the shoes of everybody's favorite plumber, as you once again try to save the Mushroom Kingdom, rescue Princess Toadstool, and take on Bowser. This is the game that expanded this franchise into a household name, spawning more games, an animated series, and even that even a movie that we like to pretend didn't happen. If you haven't played it, it's probably also the most easy game to find, seeing how many times it's been re-released and emulated. 33) Grand Theft Auto 5
Rockstar is back on this list at number 33 with Grand Theft Auto V. This 2013 sandbox game can be played in third or first person and takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas. Like it's predecessors, Grand Theft Auto V came with plenty of controversies, including its depictions of women, torture, and overall violence. Despite all of this, it's considered one of the most significant gaming titles ever made and is, as of this writing, the third best-selling video game of all time with 95 million copies shipped and over $6 billion in worldwide revenue. 32) Conker's Bad Fur Day
Conker's Bad Fur Day is a 2001 3D platformer developed by Rare for the Nintendo 64. The game's protagonist, Conker is a degenerate squirrel who tries to get home to his girlfriend. Though it plays much like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, it's actually far simpler. Conker can run, jump, and attack enemies with a frying pan. And while the protagonists from the above-mentioned games are considered heroic, Conker is in a predicament of his own making. If you're looking to play this classic, it's available now on Rare Replay for the Xbox One. 31) Super Smash Bros (N64)
While Smash Bros was always popular amongst Nintendo enthusiasts, it was the Nintendo 64 that truly brought it to the attention of a new generation of gamers that have grown up playing it. Known as Super Smash Bros 64, this fighting game was released on the Nintendo 64 in 1999 and featured a roster of fighters from all of your favorite Nintendo properties including Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid, and so many more. Though it released to average scores by critics, any kid with a Nintendo 64 and a few friends probably sank hundreds of hours it. 30) Resident Evil 4
The Resident Evil series has had a few hits or miss games over the years, but Resident Evil 4 definitely stands with the best. Where most zombie horror games feature lack-luster narratives and glitchy combat, Resident Evil 4 is compelling, smooth, and fun to play. This game puts you in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, who has been tasked with rescuing the president's daughter from a cult. Credited with popularizing the third person over the shoulder perspective, Resident Evil 4 is a game worthy of the legacy it's left behind. 29) Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This Nintendo Switch launch title is breath-taking (no pun intended), beautiful, brings all of the nostalgia of old Legend of Zelda games, while at the same time making the franchise feel new again. This open-world adventure had critics and fans alike in a state of awe, and within a year sold almost ten million copies worldwide, surpassing The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess as the best selling game in the series. It also won several games of the year awards. Even a year after its launch it's still worth the $59.99 price tag. 28) Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty is one of those franchises that has its ups and down, yet, gamers continue to flock to each entry despite critical praise or disappointment. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare marks the first time the series has stepped out of World War II and into a modern setting. For those of you who care about the campaign, it takes place in the years 2011 and is seen from the perspectives of a U.S. Force Reconnaissance Marine and a British SAS commando. As for the multiplayer, this iteration introduces you to the loved and despised perk system that gives players an advantage in battle that, at times, seems unfair. 27) Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was revolutionary in two ways, one it allowed you to play with friends in a very limited multiplayer mode that let you pick from three different zones from the main game. It also plugged neatly into the top of the Sonic and Knuckles cartridge, allowing you to replay the game as Knuckles. While it features more of the same things that the original entry did, everybody remembers those water levels and trying not to drown. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has recently been re-released on iOS and Android. 26) Mike Tyson's Punch-Out
Despite being such a simple game, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out is hailed by many as being one of the greatest games of all time. Later released on NES as Punch-Out, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out was released in 1987 and came to life after Nintendo of America's former president Minoru Arakawa attended a boxing match featuring Mike Tyson. Allegedly he was so impressed that he wanted to use Tyson's likeness in an upcoming port of the game. Even today it still makes top 200 lists all over the internet, as is evident by its presence here. 25) Final Fantasy IV
While it took the Final Fantasy series a while to get their numbering correct - at least for their North American releases - its influence on the role-playing genre is far-reaching and without question. Final Fantasy IV (originally titled Final Fantasy II in North America) was released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo. The fourth installment in the series has you playing as Cecil, a knight who is trying to prevent the evil sorcerer Golbez from using crystals to destroy the world. Since its release, it's been remade for the Nintendo DS, Wii, mobile devices, and the PSP. In 2008 a sequel was released called Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, which shoed what happened in the aftermath of the original game. 24) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Nathan Drake returns in this follow up to Naughty Dog's 2007 hit Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The sequel takes place two years later and follows Nathan Drake into a mystery surrounding Marco Polo and is undocumented voyage from China. This entry brings back favorites from the first game Elena Fisher and Victor Sullivan, as well as introduces the star of Uncharted: Lost Legacy, Chloe Frazer. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves also had the fortune (no pun intended) of being the most critically acclaimed game of 2009. 23) Portal
This predecessor to Valve's more recent hit Portal 2 was released in The Orange Box for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 in 2007. Portal is a puzzle game that requires you to teleport from one place to the next to get through a laboratory with the assistance of an artificial life form named GLaDOS. Considered to be an important part of the Half-Life mythology, Portal ranked fairly well among game critics, garnering an average score of 90% and a sequel in 2011. 22) Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong's place among Nintendo's main mascots has been debated for years, but if you grew up in a time when he was no longer chucking barrels at Mario and instead of going on his own adventures, you no doubt have fond memories of the character. Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994 and allowed you to play as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong through 40 side-scrolling levels. It has since been re-released in many forms with plenty of sequels and spin-offs. 21) GoldenEye 007
A top 200 list that doesn't feature GoldenEye 007 is like expecting a nice day without sunshine. This 1997 first-person shooter developed by Rare for the Nintendo 64 put you in the shoes of the best spy and provocateur to ever wear a suit and tie to take on the Soviet Union. If you've seen the movie, you know the story. Let's talk about the multiplayer. Any gamer alive in the '90s has some kind of memories of this game. This was the multiplayer game to own. There were birthdays, sleepovers, and countless hours of just hanging out that revolved around this game. While GoldenEye 007 was reimagined in 2010, it never quite captured the nostalgic magic of the original. 20) Resident Evil 2
What is there to say about Resident Evil 2 that hasn't already been said several times before? Not only did this game spawn a whole genre of zombie shooters, but it redefined survival horror games, creating a standard that developers are still trying to live up to almost twenty years later. Released in 1998 Resident Evil 2 has you playing as Leon S. Kennedy, a police officer on his first day of duty. You join Clarie Redfield, a college student searching for her brother Chris. When the two of them make their way to Racoon City Police Department, you discover that something weird is going on. What is that? Just your everyday zombie infestation. After years of clamoring for a remake it was announced at E3 2018 that a remake was on its way, and people are stoked. 19) Mega Man 2
When it comes to action-platformers Mega Man has become the industry standard. Mega Man 2 otherwise known as Rockman 2: The Mystery of Dr. Wily, was released in 1988 and picks up one year after the original. You play as Mega Man as you fight your way through eight different stages, fighting Dr. Wily's robot henchman. Mega Man 2 is the best-selling game in the franchise with more than 1.5 million copies sold and has since been re-released on all kinds of consoles and mobile devices. 18) Mass Effect 2
This 2010 sequel is the second installment in the Mass Effect series took the franchise to heights far beyond the first one. Mass Effect 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first game. For those of you who thought Commander Shepard was dead, turns out he is, but thanks to a shadowy organization called Cerberus, he's brought back to life to continue his battle against the Reapers and their minion, as insect species called the Collectors. Without getting into too much detail, there's plenty of romance, betrayal, sci-fi action and an immersive story that will have you clamoring for another right after the credits roll. 17) Fable
When the original Xbox was released back in 2001, it had action games, puzzle games, first-person shooters, but it was missing something vital, something that other consoles had in plenty, something most gamers would argue is vital to the survival of a console. That something is a role-playing game. In 2004 Lionhead studios filled that void with their action role-playing game Fable. This game has you playing as a young boy who gets trained in the way of heroes after his parents are killed and his sister is kidnapped. IN Fable you're free to make your own decisions. However, each decision has an effect on your character. If you choose to do evil things, you'll start turning into a monster. If you do good, you'll turn into the hero you were meant to become. The choice is yours. Fable spawned two sequels and a spinoff before Lionhead Studios was shut down in 2017. 16) Mortal Kombat
Test your might! Mortal Kombat is a title that needs no introduction. This 1992 release spawned an entire franchise and has been rereleased more times than anybody can count. Before Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat was the controversial title for its blood and sometimes over the top finishing moves called fatalities. Whether you played this game in arcades or at home on a console, it stands tall in the fighting game genre as a juggernaut. 15) The Legend of Zelda
Link returns! Or sort of. This is actually the adventure that started it all. The Legend of Zelda is a 1986 action-adventure game released on the Famicon Disk System and Nintendo. In this entry, you play as Link, doing what the only Link can do, rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. The Legend of Zelda spawned an entire franchise that includes prequels, spin-offs and a whole lot of sequels. 14) Galaga
That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn't notice, but we did. If you weren't around in the '80s there's a high probability that the only thing you know about Galaga is that Tony Stark called somebody out for playing the game on the helicarrier in The Avengers. This 1981 arcade game is actually a sequel to a 1979 arcade game called Galaxian. The object of his game is to destroy insect-like enemies and save the world (allegedly). There's not really a greater story in this game. We're just assuming that the Earth is at stake because, well, when is it not? If you're curious about this game and why it's had such a huge influence in gaming, you can play it on the iOS or download it on the Xbox One or Playstation 4. 13) Earthbound
Earthbound or Mother 2 as it's known as in Japan is actually a prequel to a game mentioned above on the list. In this 1994 role-playing game, you're playing as a party of four, traveling the world to collect melodies in order to defeat an alien force called the Giygas. It's the second game in the Mother series and the only one to be released in English. Upon its release, it didn't score so well, but in retrospective reviews, it did considerably better, actually being labeled a "classic" almost twenty years after its release. 12) Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
188 hours is the amount of time that Josh sank into the fifth entry of the Elder Scrolls series. Some people did less, and some people did far more than that. Everybody's journey through the Nordic ancestral land of Skyrim was different, and it was definitely memorable. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released in 2011 and takes place 200 years after the events of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In this entry, players take up the sword (or sorcery) of the Dragonborn in order to defeat Alduin the World-Eater, a dragon prophesied to destroy the world. While the narrative is pretty short, the number of factions, side-quests, and the sheer size of the map make Skyrim an adventure that's worth playing even after the credits roll. 11) Halo: Combat Evolved
Queue the chanting, coming in at number 11 is Halo: Combat Evolved. If you've ever had a LAN party, you're probably familiar with Spartan 117 also known as the Master Chief. Halo: Combat Evolved takes place on an alien construct shaped like a ring, just days after the fall of the human world of Reach. You play as Master Chief, the alleged last remaining Spartan as you and your U.N.S.C. allies fight against the Covenant, a group of religiously extreme aliens trying to unlock the secrets of the halo and unleash a plague upon the galaxy. Though the mythology of the Halo series started out lacking due to the fast pace of the game, it has since been expanded upon into a whole series of games, books, short films and more. And who can forget spending hours playing against your friends on Sidewinder and Blood Gulch? Halo: Combat Evolved is well-deserving of this number 11 spot. 10) Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid has brought plenty of good fortune to Konami during its 20-year franchise. Much like the stealth-oriented gameplay of titles like Splinter Cell and Syphon Filter, Metal Gear Solid has you playing as Solid Snake in his war against FOXHOUND a shadow organization threatening to use nuclear-capable Metal Gear REX against the U.S. Government if they don't get what they want. Receiving an average score of 94% from critics, Metal Gear Solid sold over six million copies and is considered to be one of the most important video games ever made, spawning novels, comics, and sequels. 9) Persona 5
With a lot to live up to after the critical acclaim, fan love, and overall success of Persona 4, Atlus had their work cut out for them with Persona 5. Chronologically, Persona 5 is the sixth game in the series and part of the bigger Megami Tensei franchise. It takes place in modern Tokyo during the course of a school year at Shujin Academy. Together with fellow students, your protagonist develops Persona powers and becomes a group of vigilantes known as the Phantom Thieves. With plenty of dungeon crawling, character development, and hours of gameplay, Persona 5 has something for everybody. 8) Tetris
What kind of top 200 gaming list would be complete without Tetris? Designed and programmed by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov in 1983, Tetris was the first video game from the Soviet Union to be exported to America. In this classic game, you try to match up blocks in order to keep them from reaching the top of the screen. Tetris has been remade, remastered, copied, and played more than any other game in existence and is still much loved today by kids an adults all over the world. 7) Super Metroid
Super Metroid is a game that not only breathed life into a beloved franchise, but it was also arguably one of the first games to ever perfectly mix all of the elements of a video game together (atmosphere, gameplay, soundtrack, graphics). It created a standard for what makes a successful game. This side-scrolling adventure game was released in 1994 and is the third installment in the Metroid series and follows Samus Aran who travels to an alien planet to retrieve an infant Metroid that was stolen by the Space Pirate Ridley. While the series went dormant for eight years afterward, it was followed in 2002 with the release of Metroid Fusion. If you haven't gotten a chance to play it, you can pick up a Super Nintendo Classic Edition and see what it's all about. 6) Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Just when you thought Link wouldn't be back on the list, you find out you're wrong! In terms of appearances on this list, Legend of Zelda has proven to be the greatest franchise of all time, but I digress. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998. Once again you're fighting the evil Ganondorf, who wants the plunge the world into darkness. With its introduction of a target-lock system and focus on music, this Legend of Zelda game not only introduced a bunch of new features but also went on to the sell over seven million copies worldwide. 5) Super Mario World
Super Mario World is a weird one in the fact that it's not really that different when compared with Mario's earlier entries. So why the change from a numbered entry? Who knows. What can be said about Super Mario World is that introducing new gameplay elements that make Mario a little more mobile and allows you to play the game differently than before. For example, no only can you run and jump across the game's 96 different levels, you can also use new power-ups to fly, float, and execute new moves like Mario's signature spin jump. Super Mario World was released in 1990 and sold over 20 million copies, earning it the title of the best-selling Super Nintendo game ever. 4) Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Oh, look, another Legend of Zelda game. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past drops the side-scrolling elements of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and returns to a top-down perspective of the original game. The story follows Link as he once again journeys around Hyrule to defeat Ganon and rescue a maiden(s) in distress. While it didn't sell nearly as many copies as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past sold over four million copies worldwide and was followed up by the fan-favorite entry The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. 3) Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is one of those rare games that only come along once in a lifetime. It's also one of those games that you hope to never be remade out of a fear that it might ruin the original experience. Chrono Trigger was released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo by Square (now Square-Enix) dream team Yuji Horii (of Dragon Quest), Akira Toriyama (of Dragonball), Masato Kato, Yasunori Mitsuda, and Nobuo Uematsu. The game follows a group of protagonists as they travel through time to prevent the world from coming to an end. With multiple endings, plot-driven side-quests, and enveloping character development, it's easy to see why gamers think so highly of this title over 20 years after its release. 2) Final Fantasy VII
Speaking of Final Fantasy, no other franchise has done as much to bring role-playing games into the spotlight as Final Fantasy, and few games in the franchise are as beloved as Final Fantasy VII. This 1997 game developed by Square (now Square-Enix) for the Playstation is the seventh game in the series and takes place across the span of four discs. You play as Cloud Strife, who armed with a giant sword and accompanied by his allies in the revolutionist group AVALANCHE, take on the diabolical Shinra and the murderous Sephiroth. Final Fantasy VII is regarded as one of the greatest titles of all time and spawned an entire world around its mythology. There's even a remake rumored to be showing up on the Playstation 4 in the next couple of years. 1) Super Mario Bros 3
Here it is ladies, gentlemen, and beings of a non-binary nature, the game that you voted into the top spot on our top 200 list. Super Mario 3 goes where most of the games have gone before while introducing new abilities to our favorite mustached plumber. In addition to running and jumping, Mario also was given the ability to slide down slopes, pick up blocks, and climb vines as he side-scrolls his way through eight kingdoms in order to save the Princess Toadstool and the Mushroom World. Super Mario Bros 3 sold over 17 million copies, making it the third best selling Nintendo game of all time. #Top200 #videogames #greatestvideogames #Playstation #Xbox #Nintendo #PC #Sega #RetroArcade
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