1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Revolutionized platformers and helped define the NES as a gaming powerhouse. Mario became a household name.
2. The Legend of Zelda (1986)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Introduced open-world exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics, becoming one of the most beloved franchises in gaming.
3. Tetris (1984)
- Platform: Game Boy, Multiple
- Developer: Alexey Pajitnov
- Impact: One of the most iconic puzzle games, known for its addictive gameplay and widespread influence on mobile gaming.
4. Pac-Man (1980)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: Namco
- Impact: A cultural phenomenon, this arcade classic introduced maze-chase gameplay and became a pop culture icon.
5. Donkey Kong (1981)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Introduced Mario and was one of the first platformers, setting the stage for the future of action games.
6. Street Fighter II (1991)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: Capcom
- Impact: Defined the fighting game genre, with memorable characters, balanced mechanics, and competitive play.
7. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
- Platform: PlayStation
- Developer: Square Enix
- Impact: Set new standards for RPGs, with a gripping story, stunning visuals, and deep gameplay, contributing to the rise of JRPGs in the West.
8. Super Mario 64 (1996)
- Platform: Nintendo 64
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Pioneered 3D platforming and set the standard for 3D gameplay mechanics, influencing generations of 3D games.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
- Platform: Multiple
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Impact: One of the most iconic open-world RPGs, it redefined the genre with its vast world, quest system, and modding community.
10. The Sims (2000)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: Maxis
- Impact: Created the life simulation genre and became one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
11. Half-Life (1998)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: Valve
- Impact: Changed the FPS genre with its storytelling, environmental design, and cutting-edge AI.
12. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
- Platform: PlayStation
- Developer: Konami
- Impact: A groundbreaking stealth-action game that set the bar for cinematic storytelling and stealth mechanics in games.
13. Super Mario Kart (1992)
- Platform: SNES
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Established the kart racing genre, with fun multiplayer modes and iconic characters that are still relevant in gaming today.
14. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Platform: Xbox
- Developer: Bungie
- Impact: Helped define first-person shooters on consoles, with a compelling story, innovative multiplayer, and solid gameplay mechanics.
15. Pokémon Red/Blue (1996)
- Platform: Game Boy
- Developer: Game Freak
- Impact: Became a global phenomenon, launching one of the most successful and enduring franchises in gaming history.
16. Chrono Trigger (1995)
- Platform: SNES
- Developer: Square Enix
- Impact: Considered one of the best RPGs of all time, with its time-travel narrative, multiple endings, and deep character development.
17. Super Metroid (1994)
- Platform: SNES
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Perfected the Metroidvania genre with its non-linear exploration, atmospheric world-building, and tight controls.
18. Minecraft (2011)
- Platform: Multiple
- Developer: Mojang
- Impact: Redefined open-world sandbox gaming with limitless creativity, building, and survival mechanics.
19. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
- Platform: PlayStation
- Developer: Konami
- Impact: Perfected the Metroidvania formula, influencing countless games in the genre with its exploration, combat, and RPG elements.
20. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Impact: Expanded the open-world formula with a sprawling map, engaging story, and diverse gameplay mechanics.
21. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
- Platform: Nintendo 64
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: Set the standard for 3D action-adventure games, with groundbreaking mechanics, storytelling, and world-building.
22. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Platform: GameCube
- Developer: Capcom
- Impact: Revolutionized survival horror with its over-the-shoulder camera, dynamic action, and immersive gameplay.
23. Doom (1993)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: id Software
- Impact: Popularized first-person shooters and set the stage for multiplayer deathmatch modes.
24. Quake (1996)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: id Software
- Impact: Pioneered 3D FPS and online multiplayer gaming, laying the foundation for future eSports competitions.
25. Pong (1972)
- Platform: Arcade
- Developer: Atari
- Impact: One of the first arcade games, laying the groundwork for the gaming industry and establishing video games as mainstream entertainment.
26. Street Fighter Alpha 3 (1998)
- Platform: Arcade, PlayStation
- Developer: Capcom
- Impact: One of the best 2D fighting games, with incredible depth, tight mechanics, and a wide variety of characters.
27. Bioshock (2007)
- Platform: PC, Xbox 360
- Developer: Irrational Games
- Impact: Combined first-person shooter mechanics with deep narrative storytelling and moral choices.
28. Journey (2012)
- Platform: PS3
- Developer: Thatgamecompany
- Impact: Redefined emotional storytelling in games through its minimalist design and profound multiplayer interactions.
29. World of Warcraft (2004)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Impact: Set the standard for MMORPGs with its expansive world, social dynamics, and constant content updates.
30. Mega Man 2 (1988)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: Capcom
- Impact: Defined the action-platformer genre with tight controls, inventive level design, and memorable music.
31. Duck Hunt (1984)
- Platform: NES
- Developer: Nintendo
- Impact: One of the first light-gun games, popularizing the concept of interactive gaming experiences.
32. Secret of Mana (1993)
- Platform: SNES
- Developer: Square Enix
- Impact: A co-op action RPG that introduced real-time combat and multiplayer gameplay to the RPG genre.
33. NBA Jam (1993)
- Platform: Arcade, SNES, Genesis
- Developer: Midway Games
- Impact: Revolutionized sports games with over-the-top gameplay, memorable catchphrases, and fast-paced action.
34. Civilization IV (2005)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: Sid Meier
- Impact: Perfected the strategy genre with its deep, addictive gameplay, involving civilization-building, diplomacy, and warfare.
35. Counter-Strike 1.6 (2000)
- Platform: PC
- Developer: Valve
- Impact: A seminal competitive shooter that influenced multiplayer FPS games and became one of the most popular esports titles ever.
These games have all had lasting impacts on the gaming industry, shaping the way we play, interact, and engage with games today.