The list of games that over the years and on different platforms have forever marked the history of videogames, from 1978 to today.
Throughout the history of video games, titles have been published which, for one or more reasons, have become phenomena of POP culture.
Furthermore, these video games have become reference points for developers, influencing the development of subsequent video games.
We have compiled a list reporting these cult of the videogame sector.
Table of Contents
ToggleHere are the unforgettable and timeless video games
1Space Invaders for Arcade Game, 1978
Precursor, inspirer, model, killer application. These are just some of the adjectives with which it is possible to describe the icon of the past, worthily entered the videogame pop culture of all time.
2Las Vegas Poker & Blackjack on Intellivision, 1980
From the shuffling of cards to the tinkling of coins, the green felt of the game table and the shifty eyes of competitors. Card and casino video games are born here.
3Major League Baseball on Intellivision, 1980
The first version got a license from Major League Baseball, even if only for the Mlb logo on the box. No official team and player names were used in the game.
4Missile Command on Atari, 1980
When the game was conceived, the six cities to defend had to be Eureka, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego. After the programmer’s nightmares, it was decided to leave them anonymous.
5Astrosmash on Intellivision, 1981
The player controls a laser cannon which protects the earth from asteroids and other threats. The game has sold over 1 million copies and replaced Las Vegas Poker & Blackjack as the Intellivision console retail package.
6Pac Man on Atari, 1982
Like the original arcade version, the player controls the character with a joystick. The aim is to go through a maze, consuming all the wafers while avoiding four ghosts. Nothing simpler.
7Pitfall! for Atari, 1982
Harry can jump and run. All to avoid the obstacles it encounters in its path. A sales success.
8Super Mario Bros for Nes, 1985
For over two decades it has been the best-selling video game of all time with over 40 million copies worldwide, and is largely responsible for the initial success of the Nintendo Entertainment System and its fortunes.
9The Legend of Zelda for Nes, 1986
A game that has elements of action, adventure, rpg and puzzle. Link begins his adventures armed with a small shield and has before him a whole world to explore, with people hidden in caves, bushes and behind the falls.
10Super Mario Land for Game Boy, 1989
Still the same Super Mario but with some differences. Here the fireballs to throw can also be used to collect coins, useful when they are difficult or impossible to reach.
11Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Nes, 1989
Carried away by the success of the TV series, Konami produced it in 1989, and it immediately proved to be a sales success. A curiosity: there is a version for Dos in which there is a heavy bug, which can only be solved with tricks.
12Tetris for Game Boy, 1989
Tetris on game Boy introduces multiplayer: it is played with the two consoles connected with the Game Link Cable. Each player’s goal is to stay in the game longer than his opponent.
13Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega Mega Drive, 1991
A blue hedgehog who lives on a South Island with his animal friends. Suddenly he meets an evil scientist named Doctor Robotnik who is trying to get the powerful Chaos Emerald so he can conquer the world. And you run …
14Street Fighter II for Snes, 1991
The original version features a range of 8 selectable characters including Paladins Ryu and Ken. In the tournament the player faces the other 7 characters, first of the 4 unselectable, known as the “Four Deva”.
15Super Mario Kart for Snes, 1992
Many sequels have been produced for consoles, even for mobile phones, and each time the critics and commercial success have enjoyed it. While some elements were added throughout the series, the core experience remained intact.
16Disney’s Aladdin for Sega Mega Drive, 1993
Follow-up to Disney’s 1992 animated film. Aladdin was awarded Best Genesis Game of 1993 by Electronic Gaming Monthly, as well as being awarded Animation Best.
17Nba Jam for Sega Mega Drive, 1993
Game of over-the-top nature: Players can leap beyond their abilities by challenging the laws of physics. There are no fouls, free throws, or violations and if a player makes three baskets in a row, he becomes on fire.
18Donkey Kong Country for Snes, 1994
A revolutionary game in the sense that it was one of the first to use 3D graphics. The production made significant financial contributions for the purchase of expensive equipment used for rendering graphics.
19Virtua Fighter 2 for Sega Saturn, 1994
The game was successful above all for the graphic change of the moment. It used the Sega Model 2 as hardware capable of running the game at 60 frames per second in high resolution, without slowing down.
20Sega Rally Championship for Sega Saturn, 1995
Although Codemasters cited Sega for a strong influence on the early Colin McRae, in the 2009 Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition the version for Saturn enters the Top 50 thanks to its driving style and superb design.
21Diddy Kong Racing for Nintendo 64, 1997
800,000 copies in the first two weeks of Christmas 1997, making it the fastest-selling game in history, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It is the first spin-off of the Donkey Kong Country series.
22Final Fantasy VII for Playstation, 1997
Aided by a major promotional campaign in the months before its release, Final Fantasy VII became an instant commercial success. So much so that in the following years it continued to sell. 10 million copies seen to date.
23Golden Eye 007 for Nintendo 64, 1997
A first person shooter developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. It is based on the 1995 movie. A different game, also based on the movie, was released for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Ds in 2010.
24Grandia for Sega Saturn, 1997
The story centers on Justin who lives with his mother, Lilly, in their home upstairs from their own restaurant. her father is missing and Lilly fears that Justin will follow in her footsteps. He will do it…
25Tomb Raider II for Playstation, 1997
In the collective imagination of an entire generation of nerdy gamers. Only over time, as adults, have we been able to appreciate her human qualities in Angelina Jolie.
26Gran Turismo for Playstation, 1998
The simulation mode allows you to earn money, trophies and cars. The opening track for the Pal version is the Chemical Brothers remix of Everything Must Go by the Manic Street Preachers.
27Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 64, 1999
The game is essentially a crossover between various Nintendo characters such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Kirby. Super Smash Bros has received positive reviews especially from the media.
28The Sims for PC, 2000
The most famous strategic role playng. Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts is the creature of Will Wright also known for the development of Sim City. It is a simulation of the daily activities of some strange citizens …
29Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec for Playstation II, 2001
The goal of the game is to win all scheduled races, championships, license trials and to get 100% game completion. Every 25% completed you get cars and benefits as special prizes.
30Fable for Xbox, 2004
An RPG that takes place on the fictional continent of Albion. Players take on the role of an orphan boy who is taken and raised by the Guild of Heroes. Players make choices that affect the perception of good and evil.
31World of Warcraft for PC, 2004
As in other MMORPGs, players control a character within a virtual world, exploring the landscape, battling various monsters, and completing missions. Worldwide success.
32Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for PlayStation 2, 2004
Very similar to the previous ones both in style and in commercial success. Not exempt from controversy, such as the one regarding the “Hot Coffee” which included pushed minigames, activated with particular cheats.
33Halo 2 for Xbox, 2004
After the success of Combat Evolved, never a sequel has been long awaited. Bungie Studios found inspiration for a new storyline and dropped elements from their first game, like internet multiplayer with Xbox Live.
34Nintendogs for Nintendo DS, 2005
The classic Tamagochi but on the Ds. You can pet, feed, clean and care for your puppies. And above all, if they get dirty, it will only be your problems and not those of mom and dad.
35Animal Crossing: Wild World for Nintendo DS, 2005
The game is synchronized with the DS clock so that, during the day and night, situations like in the real world occur in the country (snow, rain, etc.). There are also festivals and the change of flora and fauna.
36Wii Play, 2006
Wii Play consists of nine mini-games. All are designed for 2 players, but solo play is also possible. You can play with the Nunchuk and the D-Pad.
37Wii Sports, 2006
Included in the sales package worldwide (excluding Japan), it was the first game to be launched alongside a Nintendo console after Mario’s Tennis for the Virtual Boy in 1995.
38Daxter for PSP, 2006
It was the bundled game for a limited edition of the PSP Slim & Lite. Daxter is a midquel, which takes place two years before Jak II. A platformer starring Daxter, a mix of an otter and a weasel.
39Gears of War for Xbox 360, 2006
On planet Sera, a radioactive liquid called Imulsion becomes a key energy source after a scientist discovers how to use it, and the economic shockwave causes several wars between nations.
40Wii Fit, 2007
The game uses the Wii Balance Board as a platform. You can exercise with yoga, aerobics and dance. Wii Fit has been used for physiotherapy rehabilitation by various health centers around the world.
41Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360, 2008
To date, it has sold 20 million copies. The only title to conquer the highest average of the major review sites on the web. From Top Ten Reviews to Game Ratio, from Game Tab to Metacritic and MobyGames.
42Little Big Planet for PlayStation 3, 2008
The game revolves around small characters, Sackboy, Sackgirl, and Sackperson, who spin for a variety of scenography. Even if the system is still the same, success is in being able to create your own worlds, and send them online.
43Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for Xbox 360, 2009
One of the games that has received the best reviews in recent years. Mainly for its deep multiplayer component. Upon release, it sold approximately 4.7 million copies worldwide in 24 hours.
44Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for PlayStation 3, 2009
Sequel to Uncharted, it talks about Marco Polo’s voyage from China in 1292. He departed with 14 ships and 600 passengers, he arrived in Persia with only one ship and 18 on board. Nathan Drake is tasked with finding out why.
45Angry Birds for iPhone, 2010
Born on iOS, it then depopulated on other platforms. From there, the Rovio creature began to transform into a swan, other than an angry bird …
46Monster Hunter Portable for PSP, 2010
The latest installment in the Monster Hunter series for the PlayStation Portable. This chapter introduces new regions, monsters and a new version of the combat system. It is not a port of the other titles but a brand new game.