What are the greatest video games in history? From 8-bit cartridges to modern blockbusters, this Top 1000 brings together the titles that defined every generation, all retested and reassessed by RomWize. For each one: its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value, so you can (re)discover the must-plays and build your collection.
"The Japanese version of Street Fighter II Plus Champion Edition, identical at heart. The pick for purists wanting the Japanese origin."
"Sega versus fighting compilation (VF2, Fighting Vipers, Bean the Dynamite...) with generous bonus content. Impressive technical showcase on Saturn. Eclectic but fun roster. One of the console's best fighting games."
"Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition is the enriched version with all DLC including Freddy Krueger and Skarlet. The definitive version of the best Mortal Kombat in years with all available additional content. Essential for fans."
"Tekken 2 considerably improves on its predecessor with more characters, enriched moves and deeper game system. Namco's series definitively establishes itself as the 3D versus fighting reference on PS1. A major progression consolidating the franchise toward its peak with Tekken 3."
"The most complete Street Fighter Alpha 3 edition, with forty-four fighters including exclusive Eagle and Maki. Capcom polishes the European port, three play-style modes and ad hoc versus; a portable fighter of rare depth."
"Capcom relaunch the 2D fighter wars with a Street Fighter IV that pairs manga illustration and a deep Focus Attack system. Ryu and friends return sublimely in 2.5D, the competitive scene is reborn, and the 360 finds in this comeback an instant Capcom versus classic."
"Sora Ltd. platform fighter with a Nintendo roster plus guests like Sonic and Snake. Stage-based combat, four-player local multi, scripted Subspace Emissary mode. One of the Smash series' peaks and an essential Wii multiplayer pick."
"Direct sequel in a doubled world of light and darkness with deeper exploration mechanics. Tougher, denser and more oppressive in mood. Without quite matching the first one's clarity, it still hits an adventure peak and confirms Retro Studios as Nintendo royalty."
"BioShock 2 explores Rapture from a Big Daddy's perspective. Enriched gameplay with drill and plasmids, new areas. Less revolutionary than the first but still magnificent and narratively dense."
"Call of Duty Black Ops is one of the best CoDs with a paranoid Cold War campaign and a multiplayer that redefined standards. Mythical Zombies mode, twisting story. A saga peak."
"Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 concludes the MW trilogy with an epic worldwide campaign and refined multiplayer. Resounding ending to the Makarov arc, memorable maps, enriched create-a-class. An excellent CoD."
"Far Cry 3 is one of the best open-world FPS of the generation. Tropical Rook Island, iconic antagonist Vaas Montenegro, total approach freedom. Jason Brody and his progressive transformation. A masterpiece."
"Killzone 2 is one of the best PS3 exclusive FPS games. Invaded Helghan, oppressive total war atmosphere, memorable Visari, reference multiplayer. A technical and artistic peak of the generation, essential."
"The port is a technical miracle: this hyperfast shooter runs at 60 frames on Switch without betraying its choreography of violence. Visually trimmed, but the combat stays that lethal dance of chainsaw, flamethrower and glory kills."
"Direct sequel adding the concept of parallel light/dark worlds, à la Zelda Twilight Princess. Aether and Dark Aether mirror each other, some areas blocked in one are reachable in the other. Beefier combat, demanding bosses, new gear like the Dark Visor. Harder than the first entry, sometimes punishing, but a rare-depth adventure. Wii Edition with polished motion controls."
"GTA IV and Episodes from Liberty City compiles GTA IV with its two DLC The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. The complete Liberty City package, one of the richest narrative experiences on PS3."
"The definitive Ubi 3D platformer on Dreamcast. Sublime world, precise controls, cinematic staging and spectacular bosses. A timeless masterpiece of the genre."
"Wario Land 3 on GBC is the best of the portable Wario series. Explore a musical world with powers gained from chests. Non-linear structure, humorous tone and abundant secrets. A GBC masterpiece."
"Direct Mario 64 sequel, tropical playground to scrub with the FLUDD water pack. Wild idea, vertiginous gameplay and tough secret stages to crack. Not the purity of its forebear but a genuine invention. Nintendo's 3D platform peak on the console."
"Rare's swansong on the N64, a 3D platformer for grown-ups with rare audacity. Conker the boozy squirrel chains parodies, profanity and unforgettable set-pieces, carried by cinematic staging and superb voice work. The off-kilter multiplayer is icing on the cake. An undisputed cult classic."