Perfect Games That Are Truly Undisputed

It’s often said that nothing is truly perfect, and that holds true for video games as well. The closer a game gets to being flawless, the more people will try to find even the smallest imperfections – and even exaggerate them. Maybe that’s a good thing, though. If something was perfect, there wouldn’t be anything left to improve.

Some games reach a level of excellence that defines their genre. They become benchmarks, and future games are often judged against them. Even if someone doesn’t enjoy a particular game or series, it’s hard to deny how skillfully these titles execute their vision.

7. Super Metroid

A Super Metroid Installment Indeed

If anyone’s talking about the greatest SNES games – or even just the best Nintendo games ever – you’ll almost always hear someone mention Super Metroid pretty quickly. A lot of newer players probably know Samus from the 3D Metroid Prime games, which are awesome, but it used to be totally crazy to even think about Metroid in 3D. This game came out way back in 1994 – about 27 years before Metroid Dread – and it totally blew everyone away. It was a huge deal!

This sequel does everything you’d want it to: it builds on what made the original games great, improving and evolving those elements without simply repeating them. The updated map makes exploration much easier, and Samus has a wider range of weapons at her disposal. Plus, the graphics and music still hold up incredibly well. While it’s not as fast-paced as Dread, Samus’s quest across Zebes to find the Metroid remains a landmark achievement in gaming.

6. Super Mario World

Has This 2D Platformer Ever Been Topped?

As a huge Mario fan, I’m always getting into debates about which game is the absolute best! It’s tough, right? Some people swear by the amazing gravity and level design of Super Mario Galaxy, while others prefer the epic scale and the fun of controlling Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey (and let’s not forget the craziness of Donkey Kong Bananza!). But when we talk about the 2D Mario games, I think most of us agree that Super Mario World is just perfect. Even now, the graphics are so vibrant and colorful, Koji Kondo’s music is unbelievably catchy, the levels are really diverse, and honestly, the controls are just flawless.

Rescuing Peach still involves a classic adventure, but this time we’re exploring Dinosaur Land! This opens up fun new areas like Donut Plains, Chocolate Island, and the mysterious Forest of Illusion. The game introduces awesome new power-ups that are easy to pick up and use, and each level is cleverly designed with tons of hidden goodies. New players can enjoy a straightforward journey to defeat the Koopalings and Bowser, while veterans can really challenge themselves to find everything – including secret whistles that some might miss entirely. And if you find it too easy, the Special Zone offers some seriously tricky levels, like the intense Bullet Bill challenge in ‘Outrageous’.

5. Hades

The Gold Standard Of Roguelites

It often feels like games prioritize exciting gameplay over strong stories. Roguelites, in particular, usually only offer a brief introduction to the plot, just enough to set up the action – The Binding of Isaac is a good example of this. Some, like Balatro, don’t even bother with that, and that’s been accepted as typical for the genre. However, Hades proved that roguelites can have compelling narratives too.

The idea of battling through the various realms of the Underworld is compelling, but Hades truly stands out because of its storytelling. Each time you play, characters have new things to say, and you get to know them deeply. The game’s system of receiving powers from the gods – like Demeter’s freezing abilities or Poseidon’s powerful knockbacks – is brilliantly implemented. While many games use Greek mythology, Hades manages to be humorous, relatable, and incredibly effective. All of this is brought together by fast-paced combat that focuses on dodging and skillful movement.

4. Baldur’s Gate 3

A Deep And Utterly Engrossing RPG

Like any great game, Baldur’s Gate 3 won’t appeal to everyone. While some players love building relationships, customizing their characters, and getting lost in detailed conversations, others prefer quick, action-packed gameplay. Larian Studios’ 2023 release definitely caters to those who enjoy a deep, strategic RPG experience. If you’re not a fan of complex character builds, dice rolls, and intricate game systems, it might not seem perfect to you. But for those who love classic CRPGs, you won’t find a better, more polished version of the genre anywhere.

The journey across the Forgotten Realms to get rid of the parasite will stay with you long after it’s over. It’s a very personal experience, shaped by the character you create, your choices, and the companions you become closest to. If you’re willing to accept the unpredictable elements, try different strategies in combat, and invest in building relationships, you’ll find this dark, stunning, and captivating adventure completely absorbing. You might even want to play through it multiple times to uncover every story and see all the possible endings.

3. Portal 2

Some Absolutely Inspired Puzzling

Puzzle games, similar to roguelites, aren’t typically known for strong stories. Traditional puzzle games, like Tetris, don’t require much backstory – blocks fall, you match them, and earn points. That’s all there is to it. However, Portal 2 is different. It’s a puzzle platformer that uses physics, and the core gameplay of moving around by creating portals is incredibly satisfying – it could have been a great feature in any game. What really made Portal 2 special, though, was the compelling story woven around that gameplay.

In this continuation of the original story, Chell explores the Aperture Science Enrichment Center while being watched by the AI, GLaDOS. As the facility falls into disrepair, the initially friendly and energetic Wheatley surprisingly becomes the antagonist, even requiring Chell to carry GLaDOS at one point. Though Chell remains silent, both Wheatley and GLaDOS are incredibly engaging characters, brought to life by excellent voice acting. However, the game’s brilliance isn’t just in its story; the inventive and polished gameplay, particularly the unique Portal Gun mechanic, has inspired many games since.

2. Street Fighter 2

The Beginning Of A Fighting Phenomenon

Often, the second game in a series is the one people remember most. While the original Street Fighter from 1987 laid the groundwork with ideas like light, medium, and heavy attacks, and introduced characters like Adon and Gen alongside Ryu and Sagat, it was Street Fighter 2, released four years later, that truly became iconic and defined the fighting game genre for years to come. Many consider it the most influential fighting game ever created.

While various versions of Street Fighter 2 faced challenges with balance, ports, and limitations, it undeniably established a perfect foundation for the fighting game genre – not just for Capcom, but for countless developers. The idea of a world tour, battling unique fighters from different regions with their own special moves, was incredibly innovative. Even after over 30 years, the characters and stages remain iconic and beloved by fans. It’s the definitive fighting game, and many series owe it a great deal. Later installments have added features like Ex moves and the Focus Attack, but the series has always stayed true to its core principles.

1. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

“Enough Talk. Have At you!”

The Metroidvania style of game has become incredibly popular lately, with titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong leading the charge. Super Metroid was a key game in establishing the genre, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is often considered the best game in the Castlevania series – and a defining example of the Metroidvania format.

Similar to Street Fighter 2, this 1997 PlayStation game wasn’t perfect, but it brilliantly demonstrated what would become the hallmarks of the Castlevania series. Choosing Alucard, Dracula’s son, as the main character was a unique decision that offered a new take on the familiar goal of defeating Dracula and destroying his castle. It also introduced spells and abilities that significantly altered the gameplay. This game established the core idea of slowly revealing a large castle map, a concept that later games – like Castlevania: Circle of the Moon on Game Boy Advance and Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow on Nintendo DS – would build upon.

2026-02-06 04:06