The world of video games is a vast and wondrous place, filled with countless titles that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Among the numerous ways to measure a game's quality, one of the most widely recognized and respected metrics is the Metacritic score. This score is calculated based on reviews from top critics and publications, providing a comprehensive and authoritative gauge of a game's critical reception. In this article, we'll delve into the top 10 Metacritic games of all time, exploring what makes these titles stand out from the rest and why they're considered some of the greatest games ever made.
Understanding Metacritic Scores
Before we dive into the list, it's essential to understand how Metacritic scores work. The scores are based on reviews from top critics and publications, which are then aggregated to produce a weighted average. The scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better critical reception. The scoring system is as follows:
- 90-100: Universal Acclaim
- 80-89: Generally Favorable Reviews
- 70-79: Mixed or Average Reviews
- 69 and below: Generally Unfavorable Reviews
With this in mind, let's take a look at the top 10 Metacritic games of all time.
Top 10 Metacritic Games Of All Time
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) - 99
Released in 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time. This action-adventure masterpiece is set in the fantasy world of Hyrule, where players control the brave young hero Link as he embarks on a quest to save the land from the evil Ganondorf.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch, Wii U) - 94
Another Zelda game makes the list, this time in the form of 2017's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This open-world adventure revolutionized the Zelda series, offering a massive open world to explore, a dynamic weather system, and a plethora of innovative gameplay mechanics.
3. Portal (PC, Mac, X360, PS3) - 90
Portal, released in 2007, is a first-person puzzle game that challenges players to navigate a series of increasingly complex test chambers using a portal gun. This game's unique gameplay mechanics, dark humor, and mind-bending puzzles have made it a cult classic.
4. The Last of Us (PS3, PS4) - 95
The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game released in 2013. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game follows the story of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a world ravaged by a deadly virus.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4, Xbox One) - 95
Rockstar Games' 2018 masterpiece, Red Dead Redemption 2, is an open-world western epic that follows the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they try to survive in a rapidly changing American West.
6. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) - 97
Released in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy is a 3D platformer that takes Mario to new heights – literally. The game's innovative gravity mechanics, beautiful graphics, and charming soundtrack make it a standout title in the Mario series.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PC, PS3, X360, PS4, Xbox One) - 94
Bethesda's 2011 epic, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is an open-world fantasy RPG that lets players explore the vast province of Skyrim, complete with a rich storyline, engaging characters, and endless character customization options.
8. Grand Theft Auto V (PS3, X360, PS4, Xbox One, PC) - 96
Rockstar Games' 2013 magnum opus, Grand Theft Auto V, is an open-world crime epic that follows the stories of three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – as they navigate the mean streets of Los Santos.
9. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GCN) - 93
Released in 2001, Super Smash Bros. Melee is a iconic fighting game that brings together some of Nintendo's most beloved characters, including Mario, Link, and Kirby, in a chaotic and fun-filled battle royale.
10. BioShock (PC, X360, PS3) - 96
Irrational Games' 2007 dystopian epic, BioShock, is a first-person shooter set in the underwater city of Rapture, where players must navigate a decaying utopia and confront the dark secrets of the city's past.
What Makes These Games So Great?
So, what sets these games apart from the rest? There are several common factors that contribute to their greatness:
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: Many of these games introduced new and innovative gameplay mechanics that have since become industry standards.
- Engaging Storylines: These games all have engaging, well-written storylines that draw players in and keep them invested in the world and characters.
- Immersive Worlds: Each of these games offers an immersive and richly detailed world to explore, whether it's the fantasy realm of Hyrule, the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, or the underwater city of Rapture.
- High-Quality Graphics and Sound: These games all feature high-quality graphics and sound design that help to create a believable and engaging experience.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of These Games
The top 10 Metacritic games of all time are a testament to the power of video games to entertain, engage, and inspire. These games have all had a lasting impact on the industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and influencing countless other titles. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, these games are a must-play for anyone looking to experience the best that the world of video games has to offer.
What is Metacritic?
+Metacritic is a review aggregation website that assigns a normalized score based on reviews from top critics and publications.
How are Metacritic scores calculated?
+Metacritic scores are calculated based on reviews from top critics and publications, which are then aggregated to produce a weighted average.
What is the highest possible Metacritic score?
+The highest possible Metacritic score is 100, indicating universal acclaim.