Everyone has their own opinion about what the best video games of all time are, but one group of experts on the subject has risen above the rest as an authority. IGN (formerly Imagine Games Network) has been rating and reviewing video games since 1996, so they have more than 20 years’ worth of opinions on games to draw from! You might be surprised by the results of their list of the 8 greatest video games of all time, according to critics. It’s ranked according to critic score rather than public score, so it’s based entirely on expert opinion rather than popular vote!
#50: Super Mario Bros.
At number 50 on the list is a game that any fan of video games would know: Super Mario Bros. This 1981 classic captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world with its iconic 2D gameplay and catchy music. The 1985 NES release became the best-selling video game for more than 30 years with 40 million copies sold before it was superseded by Wii Sports in 2006. The game introduced Mario to people everywhere and left an indelible mark on pop culture, cementing itself as one of the greatest video games ever made.
Critics have often cited this game as one of their favorites due to its unique design and fun factor while acknowledging that it did not take long for it to become repetitive once you finished the first few levels.
#49: Half-Life 2
-It not only redefined the first-person shooter genre but also made storytelling in games narratively exciting with its introduction of dynamic storytelling. This game was so good that it received a 10/10 score from IGN and would go on to sell over 12 million copies.
-Half-Life 2 is thought by many to be one of the greatest video games ever made. It had a significant impact on critics and gamers alike with its profound storytelling and atmospheric environments, considering it such as one of the most influential video games in history. It’s often regarded as one of the best single-player first-person shooters in gaming history
#48: Dragon Age II
BioWare’s game draws upon the gameplay experience and stylistic approach established in their first Dragon Age game. The player assumes the role of a Grey Warden who has been exiled by King Cailan after he is persuaded by an advisor to let the Grey Wardens take a dangerous mission. Along with the player’s party, they must attempt to find a way back home and fight an impending war that threatens not only Ferelden but Thedas as well.
Dragon Age II won numerous awards and was praised for many things including its story and combat. BioWare created what many call one of the greatest video games ever made with this installment.
#47: Halo 3
Set after the events of Halo 2, players fight for the human race as Master Chief in a full-scale invasion by the Covenant. Equipped with an arsenal of advanced and powerful weapons and vehicles as well as support from friendly marines who lend a hand throughout various levels, players must venture deep into space in order to destroy the Covenant once and for all.
While this campaign takes place in familiar settings with established enemies, Bungie succeeded in upping the ante by introducing new enemies (for example, Brutes), improved graphics that create more realism with each passing level and an open environment where there is no linear path towards victory. The end result is Halo 3’s place among the Greatest Video Games list.
#45: Metal Gear Solid V
While not technically a military shooter by definition, Metal Gear Solid V excels in its portrayal of one through the narrative lens. Throughout your campaign, as Big Boss, you will dismantle a weapons facility and eventually take on Outer Heaven’s leader Liquid Snake who is secretly mimicking his older brother Solid Snake (or Liquid Ocelot). At the same time, you are informed that a lethal weapon known as Metal Gear Rex has been constructed at the research facility you have been assaulting. If this sounds complex, it’s because it is. Even if people like myself understand what is going on from my years watching the cutscenes from previous games unfold in new ways, there are still layers upon layers with side missions to undertake and timelines intertwining all over the place.
#46: Fallout 4
Critics say Fallout 4 is one of the greatest video games in recent years. Now with improved combat and building mechanics, streamlined settlement systems, and enemy AI that feels a lot more varied than previous games. Game reviewers say this game will easily last over a hundred hours for players who enjoy doing side quests or the more basic go-from point A to point B quest structure. As stated by most fans on the Fallout 76 subreddit: it’s been a long time coming, but finally, we have our next Elder Scrolls game after Skyrim came out 6 years ago!
#44: Red Dead Redemption II
Like its predecessor, Red Dead Redemption II is set in the dying days of America’s Wild West. Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a senior gang member in the Van der Linde gang. The game features much more varied missions than its predecessor and really feels like an ambitious effort from Rockstar Games. While certainly not perfect (more on that below), Red Dead Redemption II may be one of the greatest video games ever made.
#43: World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is among the greatest video games ever made. It’s also the single most popular MMORPG in the world, boasting over 100 million subscribers since its release in 2004. With 7 expansions and 12 years since it first came out for PC and Mac OS X, WoW has generated billions in revenue for Blizzard Entertainment. In fact, it was actually the first MMO to break a billion dollars in terms of sales!