Summary
- Play iconic, genre-defining games across open worlds, RPGs, adventures.
- From Skyrim's vast sandbox to Disco Elysium's sharp narrative and No Man's Sky's cosmic freedom.
- Don't hoard games - scratch these classics off your bucket list before time runs out.
With hundreds of thousands of games to play, it is always hard to make a priority list and dedicate some free time to enjoy some of the best titles available. The game hoarding syndrome is a very real problem, and some game collections and libraries have titles covered in dust, waiting for their owners to make some space in their busy schedule to discover their wonderful worlds.
But the clock is ticking, and if true gamers are looking to add the perfect games to their bucket list, they should wait no more; after all, time waits for no one. With this list, you'll be able to select your must-play games from those dust-collecting titles in your libraries or shelves, so take a look at the best games to play before kicking the bucket, and scratch them off that ominous list.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Dream Of Every Gamer, Made True
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Fighting Dragons in an enormous Open-World game is a strong selling point for a fantasy game, and Skyrim magnificently nails this. A game that has been played for millions of hours by millions of players, The Elder Scrolls V has been the source of inspiration for millions of memes, thousands of mods, and a metaverse that grows around a community of fans that simply love the Northern lands of Tamriel.
Some might even say this was the finest work made by Bethesda (although fans argue ESIV Oblivion is the best, and some others vouch for ESIII Morrowind), and its vast sandbox has a powerful draw for every player who loves exploring and adventure. Many have lost themselves exploring the surroundings of Markath and the highlands around Solitude, and the game has so many POIs to explore that it could take months to truly enjoy it to the max. A worthy title for everyone's bucket list.
Disco Elysium
No RPG Can Compare To This
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Unapologetic, avant-garde, viciously punishing, Disco Elysium is a game out of its time, made by people who are (absolutely mad) geniuses. It's a game that can be called the 'dumb ways to die' of the video game world, but it also possesses such a powerful narrative, perfect writing, voice lines, and gameplay that can make even the most hardcore RPG lovers twitch with anxiousness.
The complexity of social disorder in Revachol added to the chemistry between the Detective and his sidekick, Kim, makes Disco Elysium truly enjoyable, despite its level of difficulty. For a moment, it reminds players of the classic Shadowrun Games (especially Dragonfall), but its level of intensity and uniqueness of worldbuilding make it the perfect example of what a great RPG can accomplish when professional writers are behind the steering wheel.
Return To Monkey Island
The Resurrection Of One Of The Best Adventure Games
Return to Monkey Island
- Released
- September 19, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
The early history of game design brought to gamers jewels like the Monkey Island Series made by Lucasfilm Games with Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer, and Dave Grossman (among other heavyweights of the first gen of game devs) as main designers. Return to Monkey Island is one of the most recent (but not the last, it seems) games in the franchise made by Ron Gilbert himself, alongside the folks from Terrible Toybox, and it's a huge title, apt for all audiences.
Though the whole Monkey Island Collection is available on Steam (and other platforms), this title resumes all the goodness of the narrative values transmitted in the original series, plus its lovely art style has been highly praised by critics and the fans alike. If players have never had the chance to enjoy the misadventures of Guybrush Threepwood, then here's their chance.
Fable: The Lost Chapters
Stop Chasing That Chicken, And Get That Sword Out Of The Stone
Fable: The Lost Chapters
- Released
- September 20, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360
One of the most revolutionary games ever made, and one of the first that allowed one to enjoy the life of its protagonist from the young years to its 'retirement' days, is called Fable: The Lost Chapters. Made by Peter Molyneux and his legendary team of mega talents at Lionhead Studios, this game explored the duality of the human soul like no other title had before. With potential for both great good and heinous evil, players were unleashed upon the world of Albion, branded with the title of Heroes, and ready to fight the darkest of creatures and most vicious bandits. And more often than not, ending up with a new scar as a testimony of their misadventures.
Fable: The Lost Chapters combines darkness, fantasy, and comedy in high doses, with a deeply engaging story, narrating the story of a lineage of heroes, destined to become the sole protectors of Albion, of the destroyers that would bring an end to the era of legendary heroes. In this game, players have the freedom to become whoever they want, as they explore a vast and mystical realm, uncovering a dark conspiracy that has been brewing for ages.
No Man's Sky
Reach For The Stars, Never Cease Exploring
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Whoever dares to go into the beyond and never step back should try No Man's Sky, a deeply engaging open-world space exploration game. With millions of planets to explore and the vastness of the endless cosmos awaiting, the game looks brighter than ever. Its latest expansion (Voyagers) has even brought ship crafting and the new Corvette class ships that are already inspiring millions of fans to create some unusual designs.
With No Man's Sky, everything is about freedom, discovery, and the challenge of surviving in a universe that is filled to the brim with new discoveries to make. Its community is also one of the best (least toxic) in the game industry, and welcomes games from every age and culture. If there's a game that deserves to be scratched from every gamer's bucket list, that's No Man's Sky.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Game That Introduced Gaming To A Whole Generation
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Released
- November 21, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
Deep in the enchanted woods of the Kingdom of Hyrule lies a legend to be born: the tale of Link and his inseparable (and sometimes annoying) sidekick, Navi. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was a before and after in this acclaimed franchise, and the first time many gamers from the second generation made contact with the tales of Link and his exploits.
Though, of course, the title of the adventure refers to the other protagonist of this story: Zelda, the princess of Hyrule, bound by fate and duty to protect the kingdom and the secret of the Triforce, from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf. Ocarina of Time has tremendous dungeon, puzzle, and gameplay mechanics, and has aged beautifully thanks to its latest port for the Nintendo Switch. Those who have Nintendo Switch Online can enjoy this title without too many hitches.
Neverwinter Nights I & II
Adventures In The World Of Dungeons & Dragons
Neverwinter Nights
- Released
- June 18, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Everyone talks about Baldur's Gate 3 and how good it is, but the truth is that there was (still is) a tremendously well-written and incredibly challenging Dungeons & Dragons game series, besides Baldur's Gates, and that is Neverwinter Nights. From the moment we set foot in the Sword Coast, as new arrivals to a city besieged by a mysterious plague, to the depths of Hell and beyond, Neverwinter Nights I is a tale of love, loss, tragedy, and redemption like no other. With four main campaigns to enjoy (which are all connected to each other), and the possibility of playing with a customizable character based on the 3rd Edition D&D system, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Its sequel is also incredibly well written, a gripping tale of underdogs rising to power, of heroism, villainy, and the deepest desires in the human soul, changing the fate of the world forever. With stories and characters so deeply intertwined with player agency, it is clear this game was made during the golden age for BioWare. These two (often forgotten and underrated) titles must be on every gamer's bucket list.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The Game That Marked A Before And After In The Series
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Released
- October 2, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
Be it for its immortal soundtrack, its engaging mechanics, or its high level of difficulty, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is arguably, the best Castlevania game ever made. There's no fan of the franchise created by Konami that doesn't know the story of Alucard, son of Dracula, a brooding half-vampire obsessed with the legacy of his monstrous father, and cursed by his dual nature.
The game completes its cast with the witch Maria Renard and (all hands up) the legendary vampire hunter, Richter Belmont, who will constitute the best trio of protagonists to ever band together against the forces of evil. With tremendously fun mechanics, lots of cool abilities to try, and memorable bosses, Symphony Of The Night is a must-play for everyone who enjoys a challenge.
Final Fantasy IX
A Truly Magnificent Tale Of Adventure And Friendship
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
Fans of Final Fantasy have a huge repertoire of games to call 'the best FF ever made' but among them all, Final Fantasy IX occupies a special place, and should be recognized by its powerful narrative, its hopeful message, and a deep moral lesson that brings back the true spirit of what Final Fantasy has ever meant: Friendship and love, beats all evil. The story begins with a tremendously elaborate heist to kidnap a princess, only to find that the same princess is desperately eager to flee an abusive mother, who is obsessed with waging war.
The villain behind it is a mysterious man named Kuja (whom every player will start to hate from the minute he appears), who is especially obsessed with the power Princess Garnet holds within. Together with Zidane, a thief and member of an artist troupe, and the best character of the game, Vivi, the Black Mage, they will need to avoid the forces of the Kingdom of Alexandros as they flee their pursuers, only to discover a far darker plot that threatens to set the world ablaze. It's a story about compassion, inner conflict, duty, love, and heroism beyond the bounds of creed, race, age, or gender. A masterpiece that belongs to the 10 games you must play before you die.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
After Playing This, You Will Never Look At Your Roomba With The Same Eyes
Horizon: Zero Dawn
- Released
- February 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
In an age where machines rule the world, and humans cower in fear as these enormous creatures roam the lands, a girl named Aloy, who is treated as an outcast by her tribe, will become the torchbearer for the future of mankind. As she seeks revenge against those who attacked her village, she will uncover an ugly truth about the past of her world, and the origin of the mysterious machines that have conquered her homeland.
Horizon: Zero Dawn is not just a game: It is a powerful message about the potential of technology, and how its misuse can bring its creators to their knees on the brink of a second. No matter what gamers have played before, or which titles they enjoy the most, Horizon: Zero Dawn is one of the games they need to play before kicking the bucket.