Top 25 🎮 Top Rated Video Games of All Time on Metacritic (2025)

Ever wondered which video games have truly stood the test of time according to the ultimate arbiter of critical acclaim—Metacritic? From the nostalgic magic of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to the sprawling modern masterpiece that is Elden Ring, this list compiles the 25 highest-rated games ever. But here’s the kicker: these scores only tell part of the story. We’ll dive into why some beloved classics didn’t quite crack the top 25, how user reviews sometimes clash with critics, and even reveal a few hidden gems that flew under the radar despite stellar ratings.

Did you know that only a tiny fraction of games ever hit a Metascore above 95? And that sequels dominate the charts, proving that sometimes, the second or third act is where the magic really happens? Stick around as we unpack the nuances behind the numbers, share personal stories from our team’s favorite picks, and guide you on how to use Metacritic to find your next gaming obsession.

Key Takeaways

  • Only a handful of games have ever scored 97 or higher on Metacritic, marking them as industry legends.
  • Sequels and franchises dominate the top-rated list, highlighting the power of evolving stories and gameplay.
  • User scores often differ from critic scores, so it’s important to consider both perspectives before buying.
  • Indie games like Hades and Disco Elysium prove that small teams can compete with AAA giants in critical acclaim.
  • Metacritic scores influence sales, awards, and even developer bonuses, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle.
  • For personalized recommendations, explore our curated categories like Adventure and Cooperative games to find titles similar to your favorites.

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Decoding Metacritic’s Best

Quick-Fire Fact What It Means for You
97 is the magic number: only a handful of titles ever cracked it. If you see a 97+, you’re looking at gaming royalty.
Sequels dominate the top 50; only 4 new IPs sit in the top 20. Don’t fear jumping mid-series—story recaps exist for a reason.
Open-world games have the highest average score jump from user to critic (+6 pts). Critics love freedom; players love mods.
Nintendo 64 still holds the highest average Metascore per capita for any retired console. Retro collecting? Start there.
PC ports usually land 1–3 pts lower than their console originals. If you have the choice, go console for day-one prestige.

Need a TL;DR? Metacritic distills hundreds of reviews into one tidy number, but that number is only the opening move in a much longer chess match between hype, history, and your personal taste. 🎮

🎮 The Genesis of Game Ratings: Understanding Metacritic’s Enduring Impact

Video: Top 50 BEST GAMES of ALL TIME – According to METACRITIC.

🧐 What is Metacritic and Why Do Its Scores Matter to Gamers?

Picture this: it’s 2001, you’re staring at 17 game magazines in a GameStop, each claiming a different “Game of the Year.” Chaos, right? Enter Metacritic—a weighted average aggregator that promised to cut through the noise. Today, publishers still tie developer bonuses to Metascores, and platforms like Xbox Game Pass highlight “Top Rated” badges using—you guessed it—Metacritic data. In short, Metacritic scores influence everything from marketing budgets to preservation in the National Videogame Museum.

🔢 How Metacritic Scores Are Calculated: The Secret Sauce Behind Critical Acclaim

Metacritic won’t reveal every weight, but here’s what we do know:

  1. Major outlets (IGN, GameSpot, PC Gamer) carry heavier algorithmic weight than smaller blogs.
  2. 100-point scale is converted to color-coded tiers (green = good, yellow = mixed, red = ouch).
  3. At least four professional reviews are needed to form a Metascore; otherwise, it’s “TBD.”
  4. User scores are separate and never factor into the official Metascore (though they can affect perception).

Think of it like a credit score for games—except instead of banks, it’s Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo peeking at the numbers.

🏆 The Pantheon of Perfection: Our Top 25 Critically Acclaimed Video Games of All Time (Metacritic Edition)

Video: Metacritic Top 10 Video Games.

We cross-released platforms, averaged original release Metascores, and sprinkled in modern accessibility to keep things fair. Ready? Let’s hit the boss rush.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)

Metascore: 99

  • Why it’s #1 – Revolutionary Z-targeting, 3D lock-on that every action game still copies.
  • Personal anecdote – Our lead dev speed-runs it blindfolded at cons. Yes, really.
  • Drawback – Dated 4:3 aspect ratio; grab the Nintendo Switch Online version for save-state mercy.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | GameStop | Nintendo Official

2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation)

Metascore: 98

  • Signature moment – First time you land a 900° in the warehouse.
  • Legacy – Spawned a thousand skate-park dreams and the remastered duology.
  • Hidden gem – The soundtrack introduced ska-punk to mainstream; still on Spotify.

3. Grand Theft Auto IV (PlayStation 3)

Metascore: 98

  • Controversy – Some fans felt it over-tuned realism at the expense of wacky fun.
  • Tech feat – Euporia physics made every car crash feel like a Michael Bay scene.
  • Pro tip – Mod LCPDFR on PC turns you into a cop; perfect for cooperative role-play.

4. Soulcalibur (Dreamcast)

Metascore: 98

  • Visual leap – 1999 graphics that still look crisp on CRTs.
  • 8-Way Run – Invented 3D side-step before Tekken caught up.
  • Fun fact – Guest character Link almost made it in; Nintendo said “nah.”

5. Grand Theft Auto V (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 97

  • Three-protagonist swap keeps missions fresh; perfect for casual drop-ins.
  • Online – Still top-10 most played on Steam in 2024.
  • Speed-running – Under 10 minutes with load-time glitches (mind = blown).

6. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 97

  • Immersive sim – Your horse’s testicles shrink in the snow (yes, Rockstar went there).
  • Narrative punch – Prequel that outshines the original; rare in media.
  • Tip – Play with HDR off; it’s broken at launch but patched later.

7. Grand Theft Auto III (PlayStation 2)

Metascore: 97

  • Open-world blueprint – Every sandbox crime game owes it royalties.
  • Radio – 3 hours of licensed music; check the full track list for nostalgia.
  • Speed-run category – Any% in 8 minutes using the ghost-town glitch.

8. The Last of Us Remastered (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 95

  • Emotional gut-punch – Prologue still makes grown adults ugly-cry.
  • Photo mode – Spawned a virtual photography sub-culture.
  • Accessibility – 60+ options for disabled gamers; industry-leading.

9. Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64)

Metascore: 97

  • Sci-fi Bond – Made by Rare after GoldenEye; think X-Files meets FPS.
  • Simulant AI – Bots with personalities like “Venge”—they hunt whoever last killed them.
  • Modern play – Available on Xbox Game Pass with 4K upscale.

10. BioShock (Xbox 360)

Metascore: 96

  • Philosophy 101 – Objectivism meets underwater dystopia.
  • Plasmids – Telekinesis + wrench = chef’s kiss.
  • Legacy – Spiritual predecessor to Dishonored and Prey 2017.

11. Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360)

Metascore: 96

  • Suicide mission – Every squadmate can permanently die before the finale.
  • Import saves – Your ME1 choices echo; revolutionary for 2010.
  • Tip – Do loyalty missions last for max tension.

12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PC)

Metascore: 96

  • Mod heaven – Skyrim Script Extender keeps it alive; check Nexus Mods.
  • Arrow in the knee – Meme that refuses to die.
  • VR version – Dragons in your living room; worth a spin.

13. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Metascore: 97

  • Gravity platforming – Every level is a mini-solar system.
  • Soundtrack – Orchestral score that Disney would envy.
  • Co-op – Second player can collect star bits; great for cooperative kids.

14. Half-Life 2 (PC)

Metascore: 96

  • Physics gun – Gravity cannon turned crates into weapons.
  • No cut-scenes – Story told entirely in first-person; still rare.
  • VR mod – Half-Life 2 VR is free on Steam; motion-controls rock.

15. Portal 2 (PC)

Metascore: 95

  • Writing – J.K. Simmons as Cave Johnson is peak comedy.
  • Co-op campaign – Two sets of portals = brain-melting puzzles.
  • Educational version – Teach physics with portals; yes, it exists.

16. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (PC)

Metascore: 97

  • CRPG renaissance – No combat, all dialogue; D&D meets noir.
  • Voice acting – 1.2 million words fully voiced; bigger than The Bible.
  • Tip – Internalize the “Hobocop” thought for maximum weird.

17. God of War (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 94

  • One-shot camera – No cuts from start to finish; cinematic wizardry.
  • Leviathan axe – Feels heavier than Thor’s hammer; haptic feedback via DualShock.
  • Norse lore – Kratos vs. Balder is anime-level showdown.

18. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)

Metascore: 96

  • Train level – **Entire sequence is a moving set-piece; still studied in game design courses.
  • Cinema-filter – Photo mode adds film grain for that Indiana Jones vibe.
  • Multiplayer – Revived on PS5 via PS+ Premium.

19. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PC)

Metascore: 93

  • Side-quests – Bloody Baron is better writing than most AAA main plots.
  • Gwent – Standalone card game spun off; addictive.
  • Next-gen patch – Ray-traced puddles in Velen; gorgeous.

20. Persona 5 Royal (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 95

  • Style – **UI drips jazz and rebellion.
  • Calendar sim – Manage high-school life + dungeons; slice-of-life meets JRPG.
  • Tip – Play P5R, not vanilla; third semester is chef’s kiss.

21. Hades (PC)

Metascore: 93

  • Rogue-lite – Death is progress; narrative loops like Netflix episodes.
  • Voice cast – Logan Cunningham voices 7 characters; chameleon talent.
  • Cross-save – Switch ↔ PC; perfect for commutes.

22. Celeste (Nintendo Switch)

Metascore: 94

  • Assist mode – Scale difficulty; accessibility icon.
  • Story – Climbing a mountain = battling anxiety; relatable.
  • Speed-running – TAS videos under 25 minutes; mesmerizing.

23. Elden Ring (PlayStation 5)

Metascore: 96

  • Open-world Souls – Horse double-jump; verticality like Zelda BOTW.
  • Co-op – Use furled finger to troll bosses with friends.
  • Lore – George R.R. Martin world-building; item descriptions = novels.

24. Marvel’s Spider-Man (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 87 (but user score 9.1—divisive among critics)

  • Traversal – Web-swinging is pure dopamine; beats Avengers game.
  • Photo mode – Selfie with Stan Lee cameo; tears.
  • DLC – The City That Never Sleeps; solid but short.

25. Horizon Zero Dawn (PlayStation 4)

Metascore: 89

  • Robot dinosaurs – Need we say more?
  • Protagonist – Aloy is relatable STEM heroine; cosplay staple.
  • PC port – DLSS support; play at 120 fps.

🌟 Beyond the Score: Nuances of Critical Reception and Player Sentiment

Video: Most Sold Video Games of All Time (1980–2025): 45-Year Epic Evolution.

🤔 Why a High Metascore Doesn’t Always Mean Universal Love

Remember GTA IV’s 98? Users revolted over “bowling every five minutes.” Critics adored the tech; players wanted San Andreas silliness. Moral: read both bars—green critic, yellow user—before buying.

🗣️ The Power of User Reviews: A Different Perspective

User scores bomb for DRM, micro-transactions, or politics. Borderlands 3 dropped to 5.1 on launch day because Epic exclusivity ruffled feathers. Always scan recent reviews for post-patch redemption arcs.

🕹️ Our Team’s Personal Picks: Games That Left an Indelible Mark (Beyond the Numbers!)

Video: My Top 50 Favorite Games.

✅ Games We Championed (Even if Metacritic Didn’t Give Them a 95+)

  • Outer Wilds – Metascore 85, but our GOTY 2019. Time-loop space archaeology; nothing else like it.
  • A Hat in Time – Indie collect-a-thon that out-charms some Mario entries.

❌ Overhyped? Games That Didn’t Quite Live Up to Their Metascore

  • Dragon Age II – 82 Metascore, but recycled dungeons still haunt our dreams.
  • Anthem – 60, yet pre-launch marketing promised second coming of Iron Man; oof.

📈 The Ripple Effect: How Top Metascores Influence Sales, Awards, and Gaming Legacy

Video: Comparison: Highest Rated Games.

💰 From Critical Acclaim to Commercial Success

Rockstar insiders told us GTA V marketing leaned hard on its 97 Metascore—billboards literally printed “97” in giant font. Result: 180 million units shipped. Correlation ≠ causation, but publishers bank on it.

🏆 Game of the Year: The Metacritic Factor

Since 2010, every GOTY winner at The Game Awards had a 90+ Metascore except Among Us (2020, pandemic anomaly). Oscars for games? Metacritic is the lobbyist.

🔍 Debunking Metacritic Myths: Separating Fact from Gaming Fiction

Video: The Top 100 Video Games of all Time.

Myth 1: Metacritic is the ONLY Measure of a Game’s Quality

Nope. Steam reviews, Reddit, and Discord communities matter. Among Us sat at 86 for years yet ruled Twitch.

Myth 2: All Reviewers Are Biased

Partially true, but Metacritic excludes extreme outliers and weights established outlets. IGN giving Pokémon 9/10 isn’t corruption—it’s audience expectation.

Myth 3: Developers ONLY Care About Metascores

Some contracts include “Metacritic bonus clauses”, but live-service games like Fortnite chase engagement, not scores.

Video: The BEST GAME OF THE YEAR According to METACRITIC.

🌐 Open Worlds and Narrative Masterpieces

From Ocarina to Elden Ring, freedom sells. Linear 8-hour campaigns (hi, The Order: 1886) rarely crack 90+.

🎨 Artistic Expression and Technical Prowess

Okami (Wii) hit 90 thanks to sumi-e art; Cuphead did likewise with 1930s cartoon shaders. Style > realism sometimes.

🗺️ Finding Your Next Obsession: Navigating Metacritic for Personalized Gaming Joy

Video: The Best Games of All Time – Scott The Woz.

💡 Tips for Using Metacritic Effectively

  1. Filter by platform—Switch ports often lag 5–10 points.
  2. Click “Details” to see individual outlet scores; Edge scoring 10/10 weighs different than Joe’s Blog.
  3. Set alerts via CheapCharts when a 95+ game dips below $20.

🎯 Beyond the Top 100: Discovering Hidden Gems

Sort by “User Score” descending; Terraria sits at 8.9 despite 83 Metascore. 3000+ hours of content for less than a pizza.

⚔️ The Console Wars: Top-Rated Games Across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC

Video: The BEST Video Games of All Time!

🔵 PlayStation’s Reign of Exclusives

Bloodborne, Ghost of Tsushima, Returnal—Sony’s first-party dominates 90+ territory. PS5 SSD helps open-world streaming.

🟢 Xbox’s Powerhouse Titles

Halo, Forza, Gears—Game Pass means day-one access to 90+ hits. Microsoft Flight Sim hit 91 on PC, 89 on Series X.

🔴 Nintendo’s Innovative Classics

Mario, Zelda, Metroid—Nintendo EPD rarely misses. Switch Pro rumors swirl, but BOTW sequel already secures 90+ potential.

💻 PC Gaming’s Diverse Landscape

Mods elevate scores—Skyrim on PC 96 vs. PS3 92. Counter-Strike started as a Half-Life mod; now it’s esports royalty.

💎 Indie Gems vs. AAA Blockbusters: A Metacritic Showdown of Creativity and Scale

Video: Metacritic Top Rated Games 1996 – 2022.

🌟 The Rise of Indie Darlings

Hades, Celeste, Hollow Knight—small teams, big hearts. Steam Early Access lets iterative polish push scores north of 90.

💥 The Enduring Power of AAA

GTA, RDR, TLOU—$100 M budgets buy ray-traced horses and Oscar-level mocap. Risk-averse, but spectacle sells.

🛠️ Quick Tips for Aspiring Game Developers (and Players!) on Achieving Metacritic Success

Video: 101 Video Games That Everyone Should Play At Least Once.

For Developers: Crafting Critically Acclaimed Experiences

  • Playtest early—BioShock’s “Would you kindly” twist was rewritten 12 times.
  • Audio is 50% of emotion—Hellblade used binaural whispers to score 88.
  • Accessibility isn’t charity; it’s good design—see The Last of Us Part II.

For Players: Appreciating the Art of Game Design

  • Replay with developer commentary—Portal 2’s “Making Of” is free DLC.
  • Try speed-running—you’ll glitch through seams and respect craft.
  • Leave constructive user reviews—“This sux” helps no one; detail why.
Video: 10 Worst Video Games Of All Time (According To Metacritic).

The embedded video above (#featured-video) crunches 20 years of Metacritic data and concludes that only 26% of top-reviewed games are top-sellers. Translation? Quality ≠ popularity, but sequels sell—GTA, CoD, Mario, Pokémon account for half the 50 best-sellers. Mid-2010s drought (only 13 games in top 100 from 2011-2015) hints review inflation or market saturation. Worth a watch if you love spreadsheets and nostalgia.

✨ Still Curious?

Video: Which Games from My Collection does Metacritic Say are the Top 10?

We’ve barely scratched the surface. **Why did Tony Hawk 2 outscore 3? How does Elden Ring’s open-world redefine Souls? Stick around—we answer these in the FAQ below, plus link to our deep-dive on what is the most popular video game of all time.

✨ Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Gaming’s Elite

two video game controllers sitting on top of a laptop

After diving deep into the top rated video games of all time on Metacritic, it’s clear that these titles aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re monuments of innovation, storytelling, and gameplay mastery. From the timeless magic of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to the modern marvel of Elden Ring, these games have shaped the industry and our hearts alike.

Positives:

  • Unparalleled craftsmanship in design, narrative, and technical execution.
  • Diverse genres and platforms represented, ensuring there’s something for every gamer.
  • Influence on gaming culture and future development trends.
  • Accessibility and replayability, especially in remastered and PC mod-friendly titles.

Negatives:

  • Some classics show their age in graphics or mechanics.
  • Metascores don’t always capture player sentiment or niche appeal.
  • High scores can sometimes overshadow hidden gems or innovative indies.

Our confident recommendation? Use Metacritic as your launchpad, not your landing zone. Let these scores guide you to the cream of the crop, but always dive into user reviews, gameplay videos, and personal preferences. After all, the best game is the one that hooks you.

Remember our teaser about sequels dominating the top 20? That’s because great storytelling and evolving gameplay build lasting legacies. So whether you’re a fan of sprawling open worlds, tight action, or narrative-driven adventures, the Metacritic pantheon has a throne waiting for you.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Recommended Books:

  • Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier — A behind-the-scenes look at game development struggles and triumphs. Amazon Link
  • The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent — A comprehensive history of the gaming industry. Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Top-Rated Games Answered

a person is holding a video game controller

What are the highest-rated video games on Metacritic of all time?

The highest-rated games consistently include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (99), Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (98), and Grand Theft Auto IV (98). These games set the bar for innovation and quality in their respective eras and genres. Their near-perfect scores reflect a combination of critical acclaim, technical achievement, and lasting cultural impact.

Read more about “Top 20️⃣ Top-Rated Video Games of All Time on Metacritic (2025) 🎮”

Which video games have the best Metacritic scores in recent years?

Recent years have seen titles like Elden Ring (96), Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (97), and Hades (93) receive stellar Metascores. These games showcase modern trends like open-world design, narrative depth, and roguelike mechanics, proving that innovation continues to thrive alongside established franchises.

How can I find games similar to top-rated Metacritic titles?

At Games Like™, we specialize in helping you discover games that resemble your favorites. Use our Adventure, Action, or Cooperative categories to explore titles with similar gameplay, themes, or mechanics. For example, if you love The Witcher 3, check out our recommendations for narrative-driven RPGs with rich worlds.

Read more about “What Is the Most Popular Video Game of All Time? 🎮 (2025)”

What are some underrated games with high Metacritic ratings?

Some gems fly under the radar despite high scores, such as Outer Wilds (85) and A Hat in Time (85). These games offer unique experiences—time-loop exploration and charming platforming, respectively—and often appeal to players seeking fresh, creative gameplay beyond mainstream blockbusters.

Absolutely! If you enjoy RPGs like Mass Effect 2 or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, consider Disco Elysium for a narrative-heavy, combat-free RPG or Persona 5 Royal for a stylish JRPG with life simulation elements. Our Adventure and Action categories can guide you to similar titles.

How do Metacritic scores help in choosing games like my favorites?

Metacritic aggregates critical opinions, giving you a quick snapshot of quality. However, it’s best paired with user reviews and gameplay videos to gauge if a game matches your taste. Use Metacritic to filter for highly rated games and then explore our curated lists at Games Like™ to find titles that share your favorite game’s spirit.

Read more about “11 Game Recommendations Based on Games You Like 🎮 (2025)”

What are the best Metacritic-rated games for fans of action-adventure genres?

For action-adventure enthusiasts, titles like God of War (94), Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (96), and Marvel’s Spider-Man (87 user score 9.1) offer thrilling narratives, fluid combat, and immersive worlds. These games combine cinematic storytelling with engaging gameplay, making them staples of the genre.

For more personalized recommendations and deep dives into games like your favorites, visit our Games Like™ homepage.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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