Many developers strive for perfection in their games, which is a noble goal to have. It may be an impossible goal, but that shouldn't stop studios from trying to make their offerings as enticing as possible.
8 Most Beautiful 2D Games, Ranked
Much like their 3D counterparts, 2D video game graphics have come a long way, and these games showcase the most stunning 2D artistry in the industry.
However, there are times when some titles nail their gameplay loop to a T, ensuring that players will have a great time doing everything possible in these games. It's easy to see the hours fly by as players slowly become familiar with the many gameplay facets of these titles.
Stardew Valley
Continues Harvest Moon's Legacy And Is Downright Perfect In Its Execution
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
Stardew Valley is one of the greatest indie successes of all time. Eric Barone was clearly a huge fan of Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons and decided to craft a similar game that became a worldwide phenomenon in no time.
The amazing simulation gameplay, zen farming mechanics, and endearing townsfolk are just a few of the many ways players can have a blast with Stardew Valley. It's only normal for players to invest a ton of hours in what is essentially cozy game perfection, with regular updates ensuring that fans will always have something to look forward to.
Super Mario Odyssey
The 3D Platforming Goodness Is Off The Charts
Super Mario Odyssey
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
As great as Donkey Kong Bananza is, some people feel like it isn't as tightly constructed as Super Mario Odyssey. This speaks volumes when it comes to one of the greatest 3D Mario platformers of all time, which is still a blast to play.
Every corner of the game's open zones hides a Star that rewards a player's inquisitive nature. Mario's movement feels tight and intuitive, with experts being able to pull off unbelievably cool parkour moves that make this title's perfection clear as day.
Outer Wilds
Might Just Be The Greatest Puzzle Game Ever Made, With A Mystery For The Ages
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
One of the most ingenious puzzle games of all time that uses a small, intimate galactic open-world environment to great effect, Outer Wilds is one of the best indie games that more people need to check out. The 22-minute time loop may seem frustrating at first, but it ties in perfectly with the game's mystery.
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Players uncover new tidbits of information with each loop that they can use to uncover the game's central mystery. This title is so masterfully crafted that players can't help but feel an immense sense of satisfaction after everything clicks, something that will happen over and over again in Outer Wilds.
Hades
The Way This Title Merges Its Narrative With The Roguelike Progression Is Unmatched
Hades
- Released
- September 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Roguelite
Roguelike games have a bad habit of forcing repetitive gameplay that can get a bit grating for fans. Hades makes up for this with a tantalizing narrative that is uncovered bit by bit following the end of a run.
The voice acting and characters are so sublime that people will actively look back to revisiting the House of Hades. It helps that the combat is excellent and doesn't promote a grind, ensuring that the thirty hours or so players spend in this game to reach the credits aren't wasted.
Chrono Trigger
The Golden Standard For JRPGs That Was Ahead Of Its Time And Paced Immaculately
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger is the perfect example of a JRPG that's all gas, no brakes. Despite the genre's reputation for featuring lengthy, grindy experiences, Chrono Trigger is a tightly-constructed 25-30 hour experience that doesn't waste a player's time.
Every set-piece is perfectly constructed and continues the game's forward momentum. The side content arrives at perfect intervals to aid the game's pacing, and letting players fight Lavos at any time or start New Game+ was revolutionary back in the day and showed just how ahead of its time Chrono Trigger was.
Batman: Arkham City
The Integration Of An Open World Perfected The Arkham Formula In The Eyes Of Many
Batman: Arkham City
- Released
- October 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Arkham Asylum was a great introduction to the series that fans couldn't get enough of. The combat felt nigh-perfect, and it felt that Rocksteady was just one step away from achieving perfection with this superhero game.
8 Open-World Games With The Best Level Design, Ranked
These open-world games know how to craft memorable levels that compel players to keep coming back for more.
This was achieved in Arkham City with the introduction of a small, intimate sandbox that let players make the most of Batman's grappling hook and cape to traverse the world. The combat was also polished, and the inclusion of physical and ballistic armor was a small yet welcome change that helped Arkham City become a nigh-perfect game in the eyes of many.
Deus Ex
Still The Most Tightly Designed Immersive Sim Of All Time
Deus Ex
- Released
- June 23, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS, Stealth
There's a reason why Warren Spector is hailed as the godfather of the immersive sim genre. His work on Deus Ex was exemplary and let fans enjoy an action RPG that was way, way ahead of its time.
Every objective could be completed in a myriad of ways, which meant that players pursuing a particular build for JC didn't feel restricted. The conspiracy-laden plot feels more relevant than ever before, while the role-playing elements of this title are in a class of their own, which is rarely seen in modern action games with RPG elements.
Hollow Knight
A Masterpiece Of Video Game Design And One Of The Greatest Soulslike Metroidvanias Of All Time
Hollow Knight
- Released
- February 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
There's a reason why fans couldn't wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong. The first game is easily one of the greatest metroidvanias of all time, with light Soulslike elements that don't feel out of place.
In fact, Hollow Knight is a masterclass of video game design that feels so amazing to play that fans find it hard to put their controller down after clocking in a few hours. It's a testament to Team Cherry's brilliance that people will never stop finding secrets in Hollow Knight that will keep them engaged for hours on end.
9 Best Nintendo Games that Focus on Exploration, Ranked
These stellar Nintendo video games provide a strong focus on exploration, rewarding curiosity and discovery at every turn.