Video games weren't always what we know them to be today: realistic graphics, interactive and immersive gameplay, fun mods, healthy communities, and the online multiplayer we're familiar with weren't always there.
Have you ever wondered if the top-selling GOY (Game of the Year) and fan-favorite games set the standard for the games we play today?
These 18 games revolutionized gaming forever and are still considered cornerstones of the industry.
1. Pon
Pong (also known as Ping Pong) is the game that started it all. Released in 1972, it was the game that first introduced video games as a source of entertainment. The controls consisted of two knobs, one for each player. Pong Two players were always required.
Pong The game was so successful that every toy and electronics manufacturer started making their own versions. PongThe legacy remains even after decades.
2. Tetris
There is only one word to describe this game: puzzle. Tetris It laid the foundations for puzzle games. The idea was simple: players had to collect blocks, rotate them, and place them next to each other to form lines and topple the entire board.
The game ends when the collected blocks reach the ceiling. This simple concept Tetris It is famous all over the world and has millions of players. Today, you can play Tetris on all platforms and in different formats with updated graphics.
3. Super Mario Bros.
If you were alive in the early 90s, Super mario bros. This is the first game I've ever played, and it's one of those games you can play for hours on end and never get bored of.
Why? The controls are simple, and the gameplay and soundtrack add a nice finishing touch. Super mario The series franchise is one of the longest running gaming series.
4. Street Fighter
When gamers think about one-on-one games, Street Fighter, Tekkenand Mortal Kombat Usually, that comes to mind. However, Street Fighter It was the first entry into the genre back in 1987.
In the good old days, it had its presence in many arcades and gaming cafes, and today, there are six major entries in it. Street Fighter According to IGN, the series has sold over 52 million copies.
5. Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 was the biggest open-world game at the time and also introduced revolutionary features: it introduced 3D gaming, analog controls, an adjustable camera, and large maps.
The game also included a fantastic tutorial to explain these new features to gamers, which involved an NPC flying around with a camera. Super Mario 64Without it, the modern 3D games we love today wouldn't exist.
6. Grand Theft Auto III
There have been many open world games in the past. Grand Theft Auto III (GTA3), none of them came close to this one. It was the first open-world game to feature a large map, where anything was possible.
GTA3 This is why Rockstar Games is a reputable game development company, and thanks to the recent trilogy update, the game has been brought up to date. grand theft auto Game controls have been improved while still retaining the vintage feel of the title.
7. Wolfenstein 3D
Wolfenstein 3D was a first-person shooter genre entry in which protagonist BJ Blazkowicz (Terror Billy) escapes from a German prison and comes face to face with soldiers, a rabid dog, and the German commander in chief (who shall remain nameless).
The latest addition to the series is the cooperative multiplayer “Wolfenstein: Young Blood,” a game that set the stage for many of the first-person shooters that came to market.
8. The Sims
There aren't many games that blur the line between reality and fiction, of The Sims is an exception: the game that brought the life simulation genre into the mainstream, appealing to people who had never played a video game before.
There was no way to “win” and no way to “end” the game. The Sims The option to customize my avatar was very special, it made me feel like I was living a second life.
9. Tekken 3
Most games fail to live up to the pre-release hype, Tekken 3It was one of the best pioneering 3D one-on-one games. Tekken 3, Iron fist Franchise is Virtua Fighter It surpassed Shadow and surpassed it in gameplay mechanics.
It also featured special characters from other games. This game was so good that if I had the original PlayStation, I would have bought Tekken 3.
10. Metal Gear Solid
“Do you think love can blossom even on the battlefield?” Metal Gear Solid It was the game that proved that video games could stand up to movies.
The game laid the foundation for subsequent stealth and survival games, which are a beloved genre in their own right – the combination of a great story, innovative cinematic presentation, and interesting characters makes it a game like no other.
11. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII It exploded onto the gaming industry in 1997. Its graphics and cutscenes were far more advanced than most at the time, but it was its emotional storytelling and likeable characters that captured the hearts of gamers.
Final Fantasy VII It quickly influenced many RPG games, and its DNA can still be found in many modern games.
12. Half-Life
Like Counter-Strike, half life is one of the most iconic PC games of all time. The game featured a silent protagonist that made players feel like they were part of the game, making every interaction with an NPC feel personal.
It was as if the game was speaking directly to the player: multiple enemy types, unique weapons, and exciting gameplay proved that first-person shooters could tell great stories.
13. Call of Duty
Speaking of first-person shooter games, call of duty (COD) may not be the most beloved series today, but it has its own fanbase. The first game in the series was released in 2003 and has influenced first-person shooters ever since.
The game combines stealth and aggression with calculated steps, and it's fair to say no two playthroughs will be the same.
14. World of Warcraft (WOW)
Back when online multiplayer wasn't as popular as it is now, World of Warcraft It has conquered the genre, and while the series may not be to everyone's taste, its success cannot be ignored.
Since its release, many companies have tried to crack the code of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and failed spectacularly. oh It also helped establish the pay-to-win model that is common in almost all online multiplayer games.
15. Subway Surfers
When the wave of smartphones hit the market, it brought with it the treasure trove of smartphone games. We have all played many games on our phones, and most of us still have a game or two on our latest phones.
On top of that Temple Run, Subway Surfers is another successful 3D endless runner game that we have loved for years. Although this game does not have levels or stages, the speed of the game gets faster and faster to keep it interesting, create suspense and challenge the player.
16. Minecraft
Who would have thought that such a blocky game would be so appealing to gamers all over the world who crave detailed graphics? Mine CraftIt proves that graphics aren't everything and that sometimes simple things can make a significant difference.
While the gameplay wasn't revolutionary, the simple elements of crafting, mining, and building felt a little too satisfying after a long day at school or work. Mine Craft There are many clone games on the market today, but none have achieved the same success as Minecraft.
17. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series
There are very few games that need no introduction. the walking dead is one of them. You can't call yourself a horror action fan if you haven't played at least one season of this masterpiece.
The series places a premium on decision-based scenarios that keep players coming back for more. If you want deep character stories, a tense storyline, and the ability to slay zombies while still maintaining the moral compass of an 8-year-old girl, this is the game for you.
18. Grand Theft Auto V
Every once in a while, we come across a game that changes everything, and there's one game in particular that impacts an industry more than any other. Grand Theft Auto V The single player campaign is like nothing you've seen before.
Gangs, turf wars, bank robberies, wrecking homes with tow trucks. Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. today, Grand Theft Auto V Thanks to the mischievous modding community, the game remains as youthful as ever.
