Best Games From The Last 15 Years

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It’s common for game critics and players to have different opinions. You might really dislike a game that critics love, or vice versa. Even players often disagree with each other, and critics aren’t always in agreement either. This is because everyone brings their own unique background, tastes, and experiences to a game, shaping how they enjoy it.

I’ve noticed something interesting – critics and gamers don’t always disagree! There are certain games that pretty much everyone hates, and then there are those that everyone agrees are amazing. I’m really excited to share some recent games that fall into that second category – true masterpieces, if you ask me.

We’re highlighting a variety of great games, so we’ve left out any RPGs already mentioned in our ‘masterpiece’ list. However, we’re using the same quality standards: only games with high scores from both professional critics (according to OpenCritic’s Top Critic Average) and players will be included.

9. Fallout 4

Top Critic Average: 87, Player Rating: 80

As a huge fan, I’ve definitely seen the Fallout series go through some changes over the years. But what I really appreciate is how it’s managed to keep evolving and building on its history. Fallout 4 was a massive hit and really brought the series to a wider audience – it’s wild to think it’s already been ten years since it came out! Even now, the gunplay is so creative and fun, the open world is constantly surprising, and the amount of customization you can do keeps me totally hooked.

The game starts with a heartbreaking scene: the player’s family is separated, and their child is missing. The initial goal is clear, but after that, it’s up to you to decide how to navigate the post-apocalyptic world. You’ll focus on building, crafting, forming bonds with companions, and developing your character as you see fit. While this installment leans more into action than previous games with complex RPG elements, it still offers a deep and engaging experience. The shooting mechanics are particularly well-done, feeling rewarding and precise, similar to the combat in Dead Space, but less graphic.

8. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

Top Critic Average: 90, Player Rating: 80

Most of the games on this list were made by large developers with significant funding. But smaller teams can create amazing games as well. A great recent example is The Stanley Parable, which transformed a plain office setting into a constantly evolving and legendary experience.

This game is seriously weird, but in a good way. It just pulls you in, even after just a few minutes. I love how it constantly messes with you, breaking that fourth wall and making you feel like the game is talking to you. The narration, telling you what you’ve done and where you’re going, is just perfect. It’s like the developers knew exactly what I was going to do next! Honestly, playing as Stanley, trying to figure out what happened to everyone else, doesn’t even feel like playing a game sometimes. It’s more like reading a really sarcastic, interactive storybook.

7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Top Critic Average: 92, Player Rating: 90

When the Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025, it included Mario Kart World. While the game is ambitious and attempts to innovate, some of the new features haven’t resonated with all players. Some fans miss the simpler, more straightforward racing of past games and would prefer that over the added tours and intermissions in World. Because of this, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a favorite for many.

This Mario Kart game feels like a classic, with a focus on pure racing, though it still includes gliding and anti-gravity sections for variety. It’s been incredibly popular on the Switch, offering a large roster of characters, plenty of customization options that impact how your kart performs, and a fantastic selection of both beloved tracks from past games and exciting new ones.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Top Critic Average: 92, Player Rating: 90

It’s surprising, but Grand Theft Auto 5 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe actually have the same scores from both critics and players, according to OpenCritic. While they’re very different games, both involve driving, and GTA 5 does include some fun, casual racing in its multiplayer mode.

What keeps players hooked on GTA 5 twelve years later is fundamentally what makes the Grand Theft Auto series so great. It boasts a huge, incredibly detailed open world, and a cast of memorable characters – especially the three main protagonists – who you can really connect with. The missions are incredibly varied, both as part of the story and as optional side activities. And of course, there’s Grand Theft Auto Online, which takes everything to the next level. A typical GTA Online session is unpredictable – you might suddenly find yourself flying a plane with no idea how you got there, or perhaps driving a fire truck. There’s just an overwhelming amount of fun stuff to do.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Top Critic Average: 94, Player Rating: 90

Like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Metroid Prime was one of the best games on the GameCube. I’ve always thought the GameCube didn’t get enough credit, and I was amazed by how popular this original game became. Developed by Retro Studios, it offered a completely new way to play. Seeing the world of Tallon IV through Samus’s visor was captivating – the environments, creatures, and even small details, like the visor steaming up in heat or reflecting the flash of energy weapons, made for a truly immersive experience.

It’s hard to make something already excellent even better, but Metroid Prime Remastered does just that with small improvements and stunning graphics. It’s a beautiful game, and one of the best-looking titles on the Nintendo Switch. If you’re new to the series, this is the perfect place to start.

5. God Of War

Top Critic Average: 94, Player Rating: 90

Fans of Norse mythology will remember that its gods and heroes were powerful warriors, often involved in massive, world-ending conflicts. This made the world of Norse myth a perfect fit for the 2018 game God of War, and the game fully embraced the brutal, epic scale of its source material, much like a powerful grip from Kratos himself.

Fans of the series want intense and rewarding battles, and this game delivers. Every swing of Kratos’ Leviathan Axe feels powerful and looks brutal, exactly as it should. The combat is diverse, with Kratos gaining new weapons throughout the game, each offering unique abilities and elemental effects. It’s visually impressive but never feels shallow, and varied enough to stay interesting without being overly complicated – which is crucial for a God of War title. Beyond the action, the story is equally compelling. It follows Kratos as he carries his wife’s ashes across the nine realms, and it reveals a surprisingly tender side to this legendary warrior through his relationship with his son. Their bond is truly captivating.

4. Bloodborne

Top Critic Average: 91, Player Rating: 100

Ten years after its release, Bloodborne remains a truly exceptional game – it was the first to achieve a perfect 100 score on OpenCritic. Veteran players, myself included, still vividly recall the initial challenge – repeatedly being defeated at the start of the game, learning from each mistake, and finally conquering its most difficult bosses. The immersive world created by FromSoftware kept me motivated even through countless failures.

The game has a uniquely unsettling atmosphere, feeling familiar yet distinct from other Soulsborne games. Battles are quicker and more responsive, emphasizing skillful counterattacks and dodging over bulky armor. The story is deliberately mysterious, but those who dig deeper will uncover a tragic tale of ancient beings, the cursed blood that plagues the city of Yharnam, and the horrifying truth the Hunter uncovers.

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Top Critic Average: 93, Player Rating: 100

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent JRPG that ranks among the genre’s finest. It received a score very close to Persona 5 Royal, a highly acclaimed game, though Royal isn’t included in the current rankings. ReFantazio leans into classic JRPG tropes, letting you play as familiar character types like Berserkers, Thieves, Healers, and Summoners. The game is set in the Kingdom of Euchronia, a traditional medieval world filled with political scheming and a heroic mission to stop a royal assassin.

Battles in this game use a special system called Turn Icons. These icons let you act more often in combat – you can earn them by exploiting enemy weaknesses, or save them up to unleash powerful, but expensive, Synthesis Attacks. While the game clearly shows the influence of FromSoftware titles like Bloodborne, Metaphor: ReFantazio still feels like its own distinct experience.

2. The Last Of Us Remastered

Top Critic Average: 94, Player Rating: 100

Released in June 2013, The Last of Us marked a significant shift for game developer Naughty Dog. The game features a memorable story centered around Joel, Ellie, a group called the Fireflies, and others struggling to survive in a world devastated by a fungal infection. While it might seem like a typical zombie story at first, it’s actually a much more profound exploration of hope, loss, and the will to keep fighting even when everything seems hopeless.

As a huge fan, I remember when The Last of Us Remastered came out for the PS4. It’s still considered the best version of the game, according to OpenCritic! Like the Metroid Prime remaster, it didn’t change the story or gameplay, but it seriously upgraded the graphics – the resolution and lighting were so much better. It just made everything feel even more immersive and intense, which was amazing.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Top Critic Average: 95, Player Rating: 100

With the highest overall rating of any game on this list, Red Dead Redemption 2 significantly surpasses Grand Theft Auto 5, another massive open-world game from Rockstar. It’s notable that Red Dead Online didn’t become nearly as popular as Grand Theft Auto Online, but the single-player story in Red Dead Redemption 2 is truly exceptional.

Players will each find different aspects to enjoy in this sequel, but a common favorite is the way your choices truly matter. How you treat people you meet impacts Arthur’s honor, and the game reflects a harsh world where actions have lasting consequences – a feature that feels incredibly realistic. You’ll genuinely connect with Arthur and the Van Der Linde gang, making the eventual breakdown of their relationships and Arthur’s fate particularly impactful. This western is strikingly authentic, deeply emotional, and stands apart from the more lighthearted Grand Theft Auto series, which often uses humor to balance out serious moments.

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2025-12-20 20:38