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.
"Monolith Soft JRPG of rare ambition, directed by Tetsuya Takahashi. Shulk wields the Monado sword against Mechon machines in a world built on the bodies of two giant gods. Massive open world in free exploration, real-time MMO-like combat without transition, fifty-hour epic narration. Imaginative fantasy art direction, memorable Yasunori Mitsuda soundtrack. Absolute Wii JRPG peak, essential."
"The absolute peak of the Gradius franchise developed by Treasure. Precision bullet patterns, level variety and the depth of the Options system make this shoot'em up an unchallenged benchmark. A genre masterpiece, graphically impressive and technically perfect on PS2."
"A sublime Pro Skater 2 sequel pushing skate madness even further. Precise controls, varied levels and an unforgettable soundtrack. An absolute sports peak."
"Mario Tennis from Camelot, with exemplary handling and surprising depth. Sixteen characters, positional play and spin shots executed with delightful precision and a doubles mode worth its weight in gold. Tennis that can be festive and demanding at once, if you don't mind sweat behind Mario's moustache."
"Wave Race 64 invents the jet-ski game with revolutionary wave physics. The swell literally lives under the floats, the Kawasaki riders each have their temperament and the eight waters offer remarkable variety. Still irresistible, and one of the prettiest Nintendo games on the platform."
"Peak of the SSX series, perfect arcade snowboard. Entire open mountain to explore, spectacular night races, legendary soundtrack. Deep but accessible trick system. The best snow sports game of its generation, full stop."
"Tony Hawk 4 featuring per-level open world mode and character missions. Innovation on the challenge system. Slightly below the third but very solid. The trick list and soundtrack are excellent. A must for franchise fans."
"PES 4 polishes ball touch and spatial reading even further. Football turns into a demanding, almost magical dance on the pad. For many fans, an absolute series peak."
"SSX Tricky pushes the arcade spirit to the very top. Wild characters, crazier tricks and a cult soundtrack with Run-D.M.C. Pure adrenaline on every run, timeless fun."
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2003 refines the cult formula. Freer tricks, expanded career and skater creator. A major step in the saga, savoured for new freedom."
"Tony Hawk's Underground shakes up the saga with a hero who can step off the board. More narrative world and realistic street mood. A welcome reinvention."
"Fire Emblem Fates Limited Edition on 3DS, bundle including Birthright, Conquest and the secret Revelation route. The complete version of the Fates saga with all narrative routes available. For fans who want everything."
"Standalone XCOM expansion adding new genetic and mechanical possibilities for soldiers. Considerably enriches the base game with new challenges and strategic options. Essential for any fan of the original XCOM Enemy Unknown."
"One of the greatest tactical RPGs in history, finally modernized and accessible. The depth of the job system and the richness of the story remain unmatched, and the added voice acting honors this masterful political epic."
"Gears 2 thinks big with an epic underground campaign, Brumak set pieces and a Horde mode that invents a now standard formula. Marcus, Dom and the crew remain endearing, and Steve Jablonsky's score lands straight in the heart."
"428 is a police visual novel of rare narrative richness. Five protagonists intertwined in real-time Shibuya, choices that impact everyone. A genre masterpiece."
"A devastating visual novel that transcends its genre. The story unfurls across centuries with a rare command of revelation. The soundtrack is gorgeous and every twist lands hard. Long and dense, but one of the most affecting tales you can read on the system."
"The action keeps its signature extravagance: sumptuous combos, Demon Slave summoning giant monsters and gleefully deranged staging. The pacing sometimes scatters and the story loses the plot, but the raw thrill of combat stays at the top of the genre."
