The Best Video Games of All Time

After the late 2000's the video game industry became a multibillion dollar industry, than during 2020 it outpaced Hollywood and the music industry entirely. Ever since I was 7 years old I would run into the back room of my great grandmothers house just to be able to play Mortal Kombat and Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis. I couldn't beat the chemical plant zone and I was a terrible button masher when fighting against my sister. However playing video games brought me joy, engaged my senses and allowed me to adventure beyond my cramped New York City apartment. Millions of others feel the same way and have been gaming for almost 30 years like I have. Here is the top 3 video games all around best games I ever played.

This list will not be your typical best video game list. I don't go buy sales number, nostalgia or even personal interest. I consider these games to be ideal for anyone who understands the philosophy behind gaming. These games have for the most part, peak game mechanic design, perfect difficulty, instant accessibility and translates great to any and all age ranges. You can spend full retail for these games and be promised you are getting value beyond what you pay for. I personally have spilled over 300 hours playing each of these games with my kids. Now without further a due.  

3

2011 Minecraft

You know Legos, right? Imagine having all that creativity without ever stepping on a piece or shelling out $50–$300 for a set.

I’ve been playing Minecraft with my daughter for as long as I can remember. When she got tired of our play sessions, I’d sneak off and play by myself. Before you ask—am I too old to play Minecraft? The answer is no. And that goes for every game on this list.

This game challenged my child’s ability to think like an engineer, and more often than not, I was completely shocked when my 3-year-old explained why she needed the water to flow to a certain point so her imprisoned villagers could have clean water to drink. Sharing a creative space with my kid was only possible in a game like this—no other game even comes close.

Minecraft is so multifaceted, I could write a book about the countless ways to play it. On the surface, it looks like a kids' game, but if you get past the facade, it's an incredibly deep experience that satisfies the builder, explorer, and adventurer in you.

The one downside? It’s ridiculously hard to beat. But c’mon—no one actually beats Minecraft.

2

2020 Astro's playroom /2024 Astro Bot

After beating Astro Bot (2024), I can safely say this is one of the best examples of a dev team pouring their heart and soul into a game. The cold levels let you traverse the snow, leaving a trail behind, and snow-capped trees can be punched to alter their appearance. Astro Bot can interact with everything, making the game feel immersive and alive.

It seems inspired by the greatest 3D Mario titles but features such a forgiving gameplay loop that even my toddlers can play without getting frustrated. Video games are great solo, but I don’t know anyone who would argue that playing alone is better than sharing the experience with loved ones.

That said, the game still offers very difficult segments that even seasoned gamers may struggle with. It has something for everyone—high quality, precise controls, and an incredibly forgiving gameplay loop. I’ve never played a game this polished.

Must-buy!

1

2022 Kirby and the Forgotten lands.

I went into this game with low expectations, but I was blown away by how Nintendo managed to create something that, on the surface, is cute and charming—yet underneath that veneer lurks a dark existential message. With a keen enough eye, you’ll notice this has been a tradition in Kirby games, and I absolutely love it.

No DLC, no add-ons, no unnecessary frills—this game reminds me of how games were made in my childhood. The soundtrack remixes classic Kirby tunes, and the power upgrades are all fun and unique. The mechanics of this Kirby game are super simple, but it more than makes up for that with its atmosphere, world-building, and collectibles.

The devs at HAL Laboratory clearly prioritize making the game great before anything else. This level of care is something most first-party Nintendo games have—I'd argue this is the best example of that and it should be cherished and supported!