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.
"Still wildly absorbing in 2026: you boot it up to water the crops and look up three hours later. The content overflows, the pace is gentle, and the Switch build holds up despite a few loading hitches between areas."
"A Fire Emblem that reinvents its own formula. Running the academy between battles forges a strong bond with your students, and picking a house radically shifts your perspective. The calendar management can wear thin, but the narrative attachment is gripping."
"A tactics RPG that dares a system of squads programmed before battle, then lets you watch the ballet unfold. The Vanillaware art is sumptuous, and the class depth richly rewards the patience to optimize."
"Tactics distilled to surgical purity. Seeing every enemy intention turns each turn into a perfectly readable puzzle, and protecting civilians keeps the tension constant. Small on the surface, but devastatingly deep underneath."
"Factor 5's Rogue Squadron II, a sublime Star Wars space shooter at GameCube launch. Iconic original-trilogy missions revisited in the X-Wing, sound and visuals stunning for the time. Not long but ferociously intense. A must for galaxy fans."
"The ultimate Saturn Bomberman with up to 10 simultaneous players via multitap. Varied modes, generous content, instant fun guaranteed. The absolute reference of local multiplayer on Saturn. Still formidably enjoyable today."
"The absolute masterpiece of the series. Eight memorable Robot Masters, Takashi Tateishi's legendary soundtrack, perfectly balanced difficulty. One of the greatest video games ever created, on any platform."
"Team Ninja/Tecmo Xbox-exclusive action masterpiece. Ryu Hayabusa against the shadows in a combat system of rare depth and fluidity. Difficult but fair. One of the greatest action games ever made, full stop."
"Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the PS3 port of the Xbox masterpiece with Ryu Hayabusa at his peak. Ultra-technical and fast action, legendary difficulty, memorable bosses, new content with Rachel. An action genre peak."
"Aratanaru Kibou is the Japanese name of Viewtiful Joe A New Hope. Same 2D masterpiece, same Capcom intensity and same offbeat cinephile charm. Essential."
"Kamiya's masterpiece that invented stylish action. Dante, charismatic demon hunter, chains devastating combos in gothic levels. The combat system's depth, style and iconic soundtrack make it an unshakeable PS2 pillar."
"A love letter to 1930s animation, with every boss a demanding living painting. The difficulty stays stiff but fair, two-player co-op multiplies the fun, and the Delicious Last Course DLC matches the base game's quality."
"A Link Between Worlds on 3DS is an absolute masterpiece. Link can merge with walls as a 2D painting in A Link to the Past's Hyrule. Revolutionary mechanics, total exploration freedom. A video game monument."
"A stylish reissue of Jet Set Radio with urban skating, vibrant graffiti and an unbeatable soundtrack. The cel shading still dazzles and the freedom of motion remains pure joy. A funky classic."
"A revolutionary experience by Yu Suzuki that invents the interactive daily life in a living Japanese town. Tenderness, mystery, revenge: a founding masterpiece of the open world."
"The monumental, moving second Shenmue chapter taking Ryo's journey to Hong Kong and beyond. Sublime art direction, mature writing and snappy combat. An absolute peak of video gaming."
"The Game Boy Zelda, and one of the greatest games ever released. Link washed up on Koholint, eight dungeons, dreamlike writing that haunts. Level design mastered to perfection, OST burned into collective memory. Shorter than a console Zelda but absolutely elegant. Essential, full stop."
"Capcom's legendary remake of the first Resident Evil. Sublime visual overhaul, the Spencer mansion more oppressive than ever, fresh Lisa Trevor passages. Absolute survival horror with exemplary cinematic staging. Arguably the series peak."
