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.
"A technically impressive NES boomerang action-platformer. Wide-sweep weapons, varied levels, memorable bosses. Overlooked but truly excellent. One of the console's good platformers."
"Rygar, Tecmo's NES action-RPG. Warrior with a yo-yo shield in a mythological world. Free exploration, progressive power gain. Inventive mechanics, polished atmosphere. A forgotten classic."
"The European version of Ninja Gaiden under the title Shadow Warriors. Same excellence as the American original: revolutionary cutscenes, frantic action, unique dark atmosphere."
"Xbox-exclusive aerial action game, one of the console's best. 1930s retrofuturistic planes, fast-paced and fun aerial combat, open world to explore. Excellent Xbox Live online in its day. An often overlooked gem of the original Xbox library."
"Smilebit Xbox-exclusive masterpiece, spiritual sequel to Jet Set Radio. Splendid cel-shading graphics, brilliant combined grind/spray, legendary funkadelic soundtrack. Bundled with Sega GT 2002. One of the most original and aesthetic games of the generation."
"Hitman Absolution is a transition episode for Agent 47 with more narrative focus and revised approach freedom. Disguises, infiltration, creative eliminations. Less sandbox than the classics but intense."
"Tenchu is the first 3D stealth ninja game in history. Free mission exploration with the option to silently eliminate enemies. Dark and immersive feudal Japan atmosphere. A niche masterpiece founding an entire sub-genre, technically impressive on PS1."
"Tenchu Stealth Assassins is the first 3D stealth ninja game in history. Free mission exploration with the option to silently eliminate enemies. Dark and immersive feudal Japan atmosphere. A niche masterpiece founding an entire sub-genre, technically impressive on PS1."
"Spectacular mecha action from Hideo Kojima, sequel to Zone of the Enders. The high-speed aerial combat and impressive visual presentation remain striking. The sci-fi story is engaging and the game perfectly embodies the joy of piloting a mecha."
"Absolute masterpiece by Namco and Keita Takahashi. Rolling a ball of matter that grows by absorbing everything in its path is a concept of rare simplicity and joy. The exhilarating physics, absurd humour and memorable soundtrack make it an iconic and unique PS2 title."
"The wonderfully absurd ball-rolling returns remastered, and its silliness stays irresistible. The Royal Reverie content fleshes out the adventure, and the pop soundtrack remains unforgettable. A pure shot of joyful weirdness, even better in pairs."
"A festival of pixel art and metal, brutal and generous, cut out for challenge lovers. The resource system tying healing, ammo and checkpoints creates genuine tactical tension, at the cost of sometimes punishing difficulty."
"Luigi's Mansion 2 on 3DS (Japanese version), the franchise's original sequel with five distinct mansions. Luigi and his Strobulb against varied ghosts. Rich content and engaging gameplay. Japanese version of the classic."
"Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon on 3DS, sequel to the GameCube classic with five distinct mansions to explore. Luigi armed with the Strobulb against varied ghosts. Structured missions and fantastic multiplayer. An absolute 3DS must."
"A sumptuous, dark and entrancing 3D adventure. Switching between physical and spirit worlds is brilliant, the writing is mature and puzzles inspired. An unfairly forgotten masterpiece."
