What Is the Highest Rated Game of All Time? A Deep Dive into Gaming Excellence

Today, video games and the video game industry are more popular than ever. Dating back to the early days of gaming in the 1970s and 1980s, there have been a lot of classic titles, but none of them have received the high ratings that the video games of today do. In fact, of the 50 best-rated video games of all time, the oldest console to have a game featured on the list is the Nintendo 64.

The VR Space team used data from Metacritic to see which video games in history have the highest ratings ever.

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What Are the Highest-Rated Video Games Ever?

According to data from Metacritic, these are the 10 best-reviewed video games of all time, along with their scores and the video game consoles that they were released for. Of the ten best-reviewed video games ever, 40% are video games from the popular Grand Theft Auto series.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time(Nintendo 64): 99
2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2(PlayStation): 98
3. Grand Theft Auto IV(PlayStation 3): 98
4. SoulCalibur(Sega Dreamcast): 98
5. Grand Theft Auto IV(Xbox 360): 98
6. Super Mario Galaxy(Nintendo Wii): 97
7. Super Mario Galaxy 2(Nintendo Wii): 97
8. Red Dead Redemption 2(Xbox One): 97
9. Grand Theft Auto V(Xbox One): 97
10. Grand Theft Auto V(PlayStation 3): 97

What Is the Best-Rated Video Game Ever?

The best-rated video game ever is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Released for the Nintendo 64 on Nov. 23, 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the only video game ever to receive a Metascore of at least 99. The Legend of Zelda is one of the most storied franchises in all of gaming, and this Nintendo 64 classic became the fourth-best-selling game ever for the console, with an estimated 7.6 million copies sold.

Another popular game review site, IGN, made it one of only 32 video games ever to receive a score of a perfect 10, part of an elite group of games that includes classics such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Grand Theft Auto V, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Which Video Game Console Has the Best Games?

Based on Metacritic’s top 50 best-rated video games ever, PCs actually have the best games: PC games appeared on this list the most, grabbing eight entries, despite not having a single title appear in the top ten. If we narrow it down to the top ten games, though, it’s a three-way tie for the best console: The Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox One all have two entries.

The top 50 highest-ranked video games ever include titles on 15 different gaming platforms. Here are the 15 consoles featured in this data from Metacritic, along with what their best-ranked video game titles are.

• Nintendo 64: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time(Metascore: 99)
• Nintendo GameCube: Metroid Prime(Metascore: 97)
• Nintendo Switch: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild(Metascore: 97)
• Nintendo Wii: Super Mario Galaxy(Metascore: 97)
• Nintendo Wii U: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild(Metascore: 96)
• PC: Disco Elysium: The Final Cut(Metascore: 97)
• PlayStation: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2(Metascore: 98)
• PlayStation 2: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3(Metascore: 97)
• PlayStation 3: Grand Theft Auto IV(Metascore: 98)
• PlayStation 4: Red Dead Redemption 2(Metascore: 97)
• PlayStation 5: Elden Ring(Metascore: 97)
• Sega Dreamcast: SoulCalibur(Metascore: 98)
• Xbox: Halo: Combat Evolved(Metascore: 97)
• Xbox 360: Grand Theft Auto IV(Metascore: 98)
• Xbox One: Red Dead Redemption 2(Metascore: 97)

The Top 50 Highest-Reviewed Games of All Time

Rank	Title	Platform	Release Date	Metacritic Score
1	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	November 23, 1998	99
2	Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2	PlayStation	September 20, 2000	98
3	Grand Theft Auto IV	PlayStation 3	April 29, 2008	98
4	SoulCalibur	Sega Dreamcast	September 8, 1999	98
5	Grand Theft Auto IV	Xbox 360	April 29, 2008	98
6	Super Mario Galaxy	Nintendo Wii	November 12, 2007	97
7	Super Mario Galaxy 2	Nintendo Wii	May 23, 2010	97
8	Red Dead Redemption 2	Xbox One	October 26, 2018	97
9	Grand Theft Auto V	Xbox One	November 18, 2014	97
10	Grand Theft Auto V	PlayStation 3	September 17, 2013	97
11	Disco Elysium: The Final Cut	PC	March 30, 2021	97
12	Elden Ring	PlayStation 5	February 25, 2022	97
13	Grand Theft Auto V	Xbox 360	September 17, 2013	97
14	Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2	Sega Dreamcast	November 6, 2000	97
15	The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Nintendo Switch	March 3, 2017	97
16	Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3	PlayStation 2	October 28, 2001	97
17	Perfect Dark	Nintendo 64	May 22, 2000	97
18	Red Dead Redemption 2	PlayStation 4	October 26, 2018	97
19	Grand Theft Auto V	PlayStation 4	November 18, 2014	97
20	Metroid Prime	Nintendo GameCube	November 17, 2002	97
21	Grand Theft Auto III	PlayStation 2	October 22, 2001	97
22	Super Mario Odyssey	Nintendo Switch	October 27, 2017	97
23	Halo: Combat Evolved	Xbox	November 14, 2001	97
24	NFL 2K1	Sega Dreamcast	September 7, 2000	97
25	Half-Life 2	PC	November 16, 2004	96
26	Grand Theft Auto V	PC	April 13, 2015	96
27	The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Nintendo Wii U	March 3, 2017	96
28	BioShock	Xbox 360	August 21, 2007	96
29	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	August 25, 1997	96
30	Uncharted 2: Among Thieves	PlayStation 3	October 13, 2009	96
31	Resident Evil 4	Nintendo GameCube	January 11, 2005	96
32	The Orange Box	Xbox 360	October 10, 2007	96
33	The Orange Box	PC	October 10, 2007	96
34	Batman: Arkham City	PlayStation 3	October 18, 2011	96
35	Tekken 3	PlayStation	April 29, 1998	96
36	Mass Effect 2	Xbox 360	January 26, 2010	96
37	The House in Fata Morgana – Dreams of Revenants Edition	Nintendo Switch	April 9, 2021	96
38	The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess	Nintendo GameCube	December 11, 2006	96
39	The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Xbox 360	November 11, 2011	96
40	Half-Life	PC	November 19, 1998	96
41	Resident Evil 4	PlayStation 2	October 25, 2005	96
42	The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker	Nintendo GameCube	March 24, 2003	96
43	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	April 30, 1998	96
44	BioShock	PC	August 21, 2007	96
45	Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty	PlayStation 2	November 12, 2001	96
46	Grand Theft Auto Double Pack	Xbox	October 31, 2003	96
47	Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn	PC	September 24, 2000	95
48	Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas	PlayStation 2	October 26, 2004	95
49	Elden Ring	PC	February 25, 2022	85
50	Grand Theft Auto: Vice City	PlayStation 2	October 27, 2002	95

The Top 50 Highest-Reviewed Games Broken Down by Console

Console	Games in the Top 50
PC	8
PlayStation 2	6
Xbox 360	6
Nintendo GameCube	4
PlayStation 3	4
Nintendo 64	3
Nintendo Switch	3
PlayStation	3
Sega Dreamcast	3
Nintendo Wii	2
PlayStation 4	2
Xbox	2
Xbox One	2
Nintendo Wii U	1
PlayStation 5	1

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In the vast universe of video gaming, one question that often surfaces is: what is the highest-rated game of all time? For gamers, developers, and critics alike, this query isn’t just about a number but a testament to quality, engagement, and revolutionary gameplay. This article explores the highest-rated game ever, delving into why it has earned such prestigious acclaim and how it has shaped the gaming industry.

The Reigning Champion: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” stands tall with its remarkable Metacritic score of 99 out of 100. This near-perfect rating is a testament to the game’s exceptional quality and widespread acclaim among critics and players alike. It’s a rare achievement that solidifies its place at the pinnacle of gaming history.

Innovative Gameplay: Redefining the Norm

At the heart of “Ocarina of Time” lies its innovative gameplay mechanics, which reshaped the landscape of gaming upon its release. Among its groundbreaking features:

• Lock-On Targeting: The introduction of lock-on targeting revolutionized combat mechanics, allowing players to focus their attacks on specific enemies with precision and fluidity.
• Context-Sensitive Buttons: With context-sensitive buttons, the game provided intuitive controls that seamlessly adapted to the player’s actions and interactions within the environment. This innovative approach to gameplay mechanics enhanced immersion and accessibility, setting a new standard for action-adventure games.
• Time Travel: Another standout feature is the game’s time travel mechanic, which allows players to traverse between two distinct time periods: the child and adult stages of protagonist Link’s life. This innovative gameplay element not only adds complexity to puzzles and challenges but also deepens the narrative and world-building.

Narrative Depth: A Tale of Heroism and Adventure

Beyond its technical achievements, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” captivates players with its rich narrative tapestry and immersive world. Key elements of its narrative depth include:

• Engaging Story: At its core, the game tells the timeless tale of a hero’s journey. Players assume the role of Link, a young adventurer destined to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the nefarious Ganondorf. As Link embarks on his quest, he encounters allies, adversaries, and challenges that test his courage and resolve.
• Well-Developed Characters: The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and roles in the overarching narrative. From the wise sage Princess Zelda to the mischievous Kokiri companion Navi, these characters enrich the world of Hyrule and lend depth to its lore.
• Immersive Experience: Through its meticulously crafted world, expansive landscapes, and intricate dungeons, “Ocarina of Time” transports players to a fantastical realm brimming with mystery, magic, and adventure. From the bustling streets of Hyrule Castle Town to the serene beauty of the Kokiri Forest, each location is imbued with its own unique charm and significance.

What Makes It Stand Out?

The success of “Ocarina of Time” can be attributed to its seamless integration of excellent graphics, sound, and pioneering gameplay mechanics. Here are a few aspects that make it stand out:

Time Travel Mechanics

One of the defining features of “Ocarina of Time” is its innovative use of time travel mechanics. Players have the ability to traverse between two distinct time periods: the child era and the adult era. This dynamic temporal shift not only adds depth to the narrative but also introduces a layer of complexity to puzzle-solving and exploration. By toggling between these periods, players can manipulate the environment, interact with characters at different stages of their lives, and uncover hidden secrets that are crucial to advancing through the game.

Aspect	Description
Time Periods	Two distinct eras: childhood and adulthood.
Gameplay Impact	Altering the environment, interacting with characters, and uncovering secrets.
Puzzle-Solving	Requires players to think strategically and consider the consequences of time manipulation.
Exploration	Encourages thorough exploration of the game world to uncover hidden pathways and treasures.
Narrative Depth	Enhances the richness of the storyline by weaving together past and present events.

Musical Integration

Another standout aspect of “Ocarina of Time” is its seamless integration of music into gameplay mechanics. Central to this integration is the ocarina, a musical instrument wielded by the protagonist, Link. Through the ocarina, players can perform various melodies that serve multiple functions within the game world. These melodies not only trigger specific events but also manipulate time itself and facilitate teleportation to different locations. By incorporating music as a core gameplay element, “Ocarina of Time” elevates interactivity and immersion, allowing players to actively engage with the game world through the art of music.

Melody	Function
Zelda’s Lullaby	Opens hidden passages and interacts with characters.
Song of Time	Manipulates time, allowing access to different temporal states.
Epona’s Song	Calls Link’s horse, Epona, aiding in traversal across the vast landscapes.
Teleportation Songs	Instantly transports Link to specific locations, streamlining travel within the game world.

Other Contenders for the Highest-Rated Game Ever

While “Ocarina of Time” holds the top spot, several other games also feature prominently in discussions about the highest rated video game. Here are some notable mentions:

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Released in 2011, “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. It boasts a Metacritic score of 94/100, indicative of its critical acclaim and widespread popularity among players.

• Expansive Open World: One of Skyrim’s most notable features is its vast and immersive open world, teeming with diverse landscapes, cities, dungeons, and NPCs (non-playable characters). The world of Skyrim is dynamic and responsive, offering players endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether it’s embarking on epic quests, delving into ancient ruins, or simply wandering off the beaten path, Skyrim’s world invites players to immerse themselves in its richly detailed environments.
• Deep Customization Options: Players have the freedom to customize their character’s appearance, abilities, and playstyle, thanks to a robust character creation system and a wide array of skills, spells, and equipment to choose from. This depth of customization allows for a truly personalized gaming experience, catering to a variety of playstyles and preferences. Whether you prefer to wield a mighty battleaxe, master the arcane arts of magic, or become a stealthy assassin, Skyrim offers a plethora of options for character development and progression.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

Developed by CD Projekt Red, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game set in a dark fantasy world. With a Metacritic score of 93/100, it has captivated players with its gripping narrative and expansive game world.

• Narrative Depth: The Witcher 3 is renowned for its rich and immersive storytelling, driven by morally complex characters, intricate plotlines, and impactful player choices. The game’s main narrative, supplemented by numerous side quests and branching story arcs, offers players a deep and engaging experience that resonates long after the credits roll. From political intrigue to personal vendettas, The Witcher 3 explores themes of love, loss, and redemption amidst a backdrop of war and chaos.
• Vast, Explorable World: The world of The Witcher 3 is vast and intricately detailed, featuring diverse environments ranging from dense forests to war-torn villages. Players can traverse this open world on foot or horseback, encountering a variety of creatures, factions, and challenges along the way. Whether it’s hunting monsters, aiding villagers in need, or engaging in high-stakes political intrigue, The Witcher 3 offers a living, breathing world ripe for exploration and adventure.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Set in the American frontier during the late 19th century, “Red Dead Redemption 2” is an epic Western-themed action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games. With a Metacritic score of 97/100, it has earned widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals and immersive storytelling.

• Highly Detailed Graphics: Red Dead Redemption 2 pushes the boundaries of graphical fidelity, delivering breathtakingly realistic environments, character animations, and atmospheric effects. From sweeping vistas to minute details like wildlife behavior and weather patterns, the game’s graphics create a visually stunning and immersive world. Whether it’s the sun-drenched plains of New Hanover or the snow-capped peaks of the Grizzlies, every corner of Red Dead Redemption 2’s world is a sight to behold.
• Engaging Story: At the heart of Red Dead Redemption 2 is its compelling narrative, which follows the journey of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. Through a combination of cinematic cutscenes, dynamic interactions, and emergent gameplay, the game weaves a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of a rapidly changing frontier. From bank heists to gunfights with rival gangs, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a gripping narrative experience that keeps players invested from beginning to end.

The Impact of High Ratings on Game Development

What does being the highest-rated game imply for the gaming industry? High ratings can influence game development priorities, including:

Emphasis on Quality

One of the most immediate effects of being the highest-rated game is the heightened emphasis on quality throughout the development process. High ratings signal to developers that excellence in gameplay, storytelling, and user experience is paramount. This emphasis on quality manifests in several ways:

• Refined Gameplay: Developers prioritize fine-tuning gameplay mechanics to ensure smooth, responsive controls, balanced difficulty curves, and engaging gameplay loops. Iterative playtesting and feedback loops become essential to identify and address any issues or areas for improvement.
• Enhanced Narratives: Compelling storytelling becomes a focal point, with developers striving to craft narratives that are immersive, emotionally resonant, and thematically rich. This may involve investing in high-quality writing, voice acting, and cinematic presentation to deliver memorable storytelling experiences that resonate with players long after they’ve completed the game.
• Optimized User Engagement: Attention is paid to optimizing user engagement and player retention. This includes implementing features such as meaningful player choices, dynamic world events, and ongoing content updates to keep players invested in the game over the long term. Additionally, efforts may be made to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, allowing a broader audience to enjoy the game.

Innovation

High ratings not only validate existing standards of excellence but also spur developers to push the boundaries of innovation in game design and storytelling. To maintain or surpass established high standards, developers are encouraged to explore new ideas and experiment with innovative approaches. This culture of innovation fosters creativity and drives the evolution of the medium. Key areas of innovation include:

• Game Mechanics: Developers seek to innovate in game mechanics, introducing new gameplay systems, mechanics, and features that offer fresh experiences and redefine genre conventions. This may involve incorporating emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or procedural generation to create novel gameplay experiences.
• Story Development: Innovation extends to story development, with developers exploring unconventional narrative structures, branching storylines, and interactive storytelling techniques. Non-linear narratives, player-driven narratives, and emergent storytelling become avenues for experimentation, allowing players to shape their own experiences and narratives within the game world.
• Technical Advancements: High ratings drive investment in technical advancements to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, audio design, and immersive simulation. This includes leveraging advancements in hardware technology, graphics engines, and audio processing to create increasingly realistic and immersive worlds that captivate players’ imaginations.

Conclusion

The quest to determine what is the highest-rated video game offers an intriguing look into what makes a game truly exceptional. “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” currently holds the title, but the dynamic nature of the gaming industry suggests that this could change as new titles emerge. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, understanding the elements that contribute to a game’s success can enhance your appreciation of this vibrant art form.

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