The gaming world has been shaped by a variety of incredible titles over the years, each contributing something unique to the medium and expanding what we know as “great gaming.” Whether it’s an immersive open world, a compelling story, or groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, the best games have a lasting impact on the players who experience them. Over time, these titles evolve beyond just video games, becoming cultural phenomena that define entire generations of gaming.
One of the best games in recent memory is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). Developed by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 took the open-world RPG genre to new heights. Players take control of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, navigating a vast, warga62 richly detailed world filled with intricate lore, unforgettable characters, and emotionally charged storylines. The sheer size of the game’s world, coupled with the complexity of its quests and multiple branching storylines, makes The Witcher 3 one of the most expansive and immersive experiences ever created in gaming. Its success is a testament to how far RPGs have come in terms of narrative and player agency, and it remains a benchmark for other open-world games to strive for.
Similarly, the Dark Souls series has revolutionized action RPGs, offering a level of difficulty and satisfaction that is both punishing and rewarding. Known for its unforgiving difficulty, Dark Souls (2011) and its sequels, such as Dark Souls III (2016), have earned a cult following for their deep lore, intricate world-building, and intense combat. The games’ non-linear storytelling, where much of the lore is hidden in environmental details and item descriptions, encourages players to dive deep into the world to uncover its secrets. The sense of accomplishment when overcoming its brutal challenges makes Dark Souls an unforgettable experience, influencing not only other games but also creating an entirely new subgenre of action RPGs known as “Souls-like” games.
In the world of PlayStation, the best games have defined the platform’s legacy with both innovation and excellence. One of the defining titles for PlayStation 4 was God of War (2018). The game redefined the franchise by shifting from a linear, hack-and-slash action game to a more cinematic, narrative-driven experience. With the backdrop of Norse mythology, players follow Kratos, the former Greek god, and his son Atreus as they embark on a journey filled with monsters, gods, and moments of intense emotional depth. The game’s seamless world design, fluid combat, and deep themes of fatherhood and redemption made it one of the best games not just of the PS4 era, but of all time. The 2018 God of War remains a masterclass in storytelling, game design, and emotional engagement.
For PlayStation Portable (PSP) fans, the handheld console also offered some of the best gaming experiences of its time. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) was one such game that pushed the limits of what was possible on a portable system. This open-world action-adventure game took the famous GTA experience and shrunk it down for the PSP, letting players explore Liberty City, engage in missions, and wreak havoc on the world in ways only GTA could offer. Despite the limitations of the hardware, the game felt just as expansive and thrilling as its console counterparts, offering an experience that was both familiar and fresh for fans of the franchise.
The best games of all time are more than just entertainment; they push the boundaries of what video games can achieve, whether through intricate storytelling, innovative gameplay, or a level of immersion that pulls players into another world. From the massive open worlds of The Witcher 3 to the punishing difficulty of Dark Souls, and even the emotional depth of God of War and GTA Liberty City Stories, these games define not only their platforms but the entire gaming industry. As gaming technology continues to evolve, the best games will continue to inspire and set the standard for what is possible in interactive entertainment.