Video games have come a long way since the first pixelated arcade cabinets. With stunning visuals, gripping narratives, and immersive gameplay mechanics, modern games have solidified their place in mainstream entertainment. But, as the saying goes, “you can’t appreciate where you are without understanding where you’ve been.” For that reason, here are ten must-play video games of all time.
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Super Mario Bros.
Released in 1985, Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the video game industry, paving the way for generations of platformers. Players controlled the titular character as he navigated through increasingly difficult levels, rescuing Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. With its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, Super Mario Bros. is a timeless classic. -
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Considered one of the greatest games ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. Players control the hero Link as he travels through the land of Hyrule, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and collecting magical artifacts. The game’s innovative targeting system and time-traveling mechanics make it a standout. -
Tetris
Simple yet addictive, Tetris is one of the most played games of all time. Released in 1984, the puzzle game challenges players to arrange falling blocks into complete lines. It’s a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master, making it appeal to casual and hardcore gamers alike. -
Grand Theft Auto V
With its massive open world, cinematic narrative, and controversial subject matter, Grand Theft Auto V is a game that demands attention. Released in 2013, players take control of three characters as they navigate the seedy criminal underworld of Los Santos, California. The game’s sandbox style allows players to explore at their leisure, making for countless hours of gameplay. -
Half-Life 2
The sequel to the 1998 classic, Half-Life 2, was released in 2004. Players control the silent protagonist Gordon Freeman as he battles the alien race known as the Combine. The game’s storytelling, pacing, and physics-based puzzles make it a standout in the first-person shooter genre. -
Minecraft
Initially released in 2011, Minecraft quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Players enter a virtual world made entirely of blocks and are tasked with surviving and building structures. The game’s endless possibilities and community-driven mods make it one of the most creative
