Video Game Masterpieces So Great That They Became The Genre Blueprint

Man, some games just really set the standard for their genre, you know? Like, if I tell someone I’m into JRPGs and ask for recommendations, I always get a ton of people telling me to play Persona 5. And it’s usually the expanded version, Persona 5 Royal, that they’re raving about, which is totally fair – it’s an amazing game!

Certain games are so popular and well-regarded that they become the standard for all other games in their category. These aren’t always the first games of that type, but the ones people now think of as the best examples. Here are a few titles that have reached that status, spanning genres like kart racing, farming simulations, and metroidvanias.

10. Hades

The Roguelike Redefined

Supergiant Games had already built a reputation for beautiful games with original gameplay, as seen in titles like Bastion and Pyre. But the 2020 release of Hades really transformed the roguelite and roguelike genres—and arguably blurred the lines between them. The game itself helped change how people thought about these types of games.

Roguelike games are usually known for being very difficult, with permanent death and a focus on quick action over a strong story. Hades definitely delivers on the fast-paced action and challenging combat, but it also stands out by telling a surprisingly engaging and fresh story. A big part of this is the game’s memorable characters – you’ll build relationships with the residents of the Underworld, the Olympian gods, and even the bosses you fight. The game reacts to your choices and progress, with characters commenting on past battles, making each run feel unique. Everything, from the beautiful art style to the excellent voice acting, is incredibly well-made. It’s clear Supergiant Games put a lot of passion into Hades, and it has become the standard for other roguelikes to follow. Many recent games, like Dandy Ace, have tried to emulate its gameplay and look, but it will be hard for anything to reach the same level of quality and storytelling.

9. Baldur’s Gate 3

Perhaps The Greatest CRPG Ever

Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just a fantastic role-playing game; it’s raised the bar for the entire genre. Its incredible freedom, expansive world, and diverse character builds make it a truly special experience that keeps players coming back for multiple playthroughs, each feeling unique. These qualities are what define the most memorable RPGs, like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.

Dungeons & Dragons can be hard to explain to people who aren’t familiar with it. But this imaginative world quickly captivated even those who’d never played before, making them feel like their choices were determined by the roll of a die. The story of fighting a mind-controlling parasite is incredibly memorable – it stays with you long after you finish it, much like the parasite itself. It’s hard to envision how a potential Baldur’s Gate 4 could possibly surpass it.

8. Doom

An FPS Of Legend

The 1990s gave us many iconic video games, and Doom stands out as one of the most important and unforgettable. Released in 1993, it quickly became popular – and even controversial – thanks to its fast-paced action, powerful music, and intense combat.

While not the very first first-person shooter, Doom established a hugely influential formula that many games, including the popular Quake, followed. The gameplay involves exploring large levels, fighting waves of enemies to find keys, and unlocking new areas. The 2016 Doom reboot proved that the series still does this better than anyone, and it continues to be a benchmark for other games in the genre.

7. Stardew Valley

The Face That Launched A Thousand Farming Sims

Video games often let us experience things we wouldn’t normally do, like fishing or farming. While those activities might not appeal to us in real life, farming simulators have recently become hugely popular, with games like Harvestella and Atomicrops offering unique takes on the idea. One small, independently made game, created by just one person, played a massive role in making the genre so popular: the acclaimed Stardew Valley.

Since its release in February 2016, the creator of Stardew Valley has consistently improved and expanded this charming game, making it one of the most popular indie titles around. It’s the delightful interactions, lively town events, and the rewarding experience of transforming a run-down farm into a thriving business – all while building a cozy life for your character – that make it so special. This blend of RPG features, the relaxing feel of games like Animal Crossing, and diverse gameplay have made Stardew Valley a benchmark for the genre.

6. Super Mario Kart

The Definition Of A Kart Racer

Many people consider Super Mario Kart to be the original kart racing game, but Power Drift on Sega actually came out earlier. However, Power Drift hasn’t achieved nearly the same level of popularity as the Mario Kart series, which first launched in 1992. Mario Kart has remained incredibly successful on various Nintendo consoles, attracting both casual gamers and competitive players.

The original Super Nintendo game set the standard for fun kart racing. It featured well-loved characters, each with unique strengths, a variety of tracks with memorable music, and weapons that created exciting mayhem. While later games added features like gliders and kart customization and included many more characters, these core elements still define what makes a great kart racer.

5. Resident Evil

“Enter The Survival Horror”

Was Resident Evil the first survival horror game? It’s a tricky question. While it didn’t invent horror games, it popularized many of the genre’s key features – like limited supplies, fixed camera views, and challenging puzzles. It even coined the term “survival horror.” However, other games had used some of these elements before Resident Evil came along.

While Alone in the Dark also helped create the survival horror genre, it hasn’t remained as influential as Capcom’s Resident Evil. Later games, like the Silent Hill series, explored horror through psychological means, but Resident Evil was the first to truly pave the way.

4. The Sims

A Legendary Life Sim

Released in 2000, The Sims revolutionized gaming by letting players design homes and create unique characters. Unlike many games, you don’t directly control your Sims. Instead, you influence them by interacting with objects in their world and suggesting actions. The fun of The Sims comes from its open-ended gameplay – you can meticulously plan every detail of your Sims’ lives and homes, or just go with the flow. Over the years, the game has expanded with features like goals, careers, and ways to build families, plus tons of extra content that lets you do everything from scuba diving to navigating a midlife crisis. And for those interested, there are even various ways to… well, let’s just say Sims don’t always live forever. Ultimately, The Sims offers incredible freedom, which is what makes it such a popular life simulation game.

Before the original Sims game, several similar titles existed. Little Computer People, released in 1985 for the Commodore 64, is a notable example. It featured a small character living in a house, but the character acted mostly on their own. The Sims became popular by letting players directly control and care for these little virtual people.

3. World Of Warcraft

Mainstream Monster-Mashing

Certain game types are easier to pick up than others. Kart racers, for example, are simple to understand, while mastering strategy in a turn-based RPG takes much longer. Massive online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are also complex, offering huge amounts of content like quests and group activities. Because of this, new players can easily feel lost or overwhelmed when starting these types of games.

While there’s always plenty to do in World of Warcraft‘s world of Azeroth, the game isn’t as difficult to learn as older titles were. It simplified ideas from games like EverQuest, offering clearer quests and more familiar RPG features. This created a rich and diverse experience without overwhelming players with complicated systems or leaving them feeling lost.

2. Hollow Knight

A Bargain Of A Metroidvania

It’s unusual for players to feel like a game was actually underpriced, but that’s the case with Hollow Knight. Fans are amazed by its beautiful music, detailed environments, and overall quality, and many think it should have cost more. Gaming can be a pricey hobby, but this game feels like a steal.

Hollow Knight is a difficult but captivating game, brimming with both content and a uniquely immersive atmosphere. It expertly rewards players for exploring its world and skillfully balances action and strategy in its quick, exciting battles. The unsettling, quiet, and always-dangerous world of Hallownest strongly resembles the setting of Super Metroid, suggesting that Hollow Knight was designed as a fresh take on classic games in the genre. The immense excitement surrounding its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, proves how impactful the original game was, and it’s now a major benchmark for all new metroidvania titles.

1. FIFA/EA Sports FC

The Beautiful Game

Football video games come in all styles, from realistic simulations to fast-paced, arcade-style experiences like Mario Strikers: Battle League Football. These games have been around for a long time, but the FIFA series became incredibly popular by appealing to actual football fans. It combined realistic gameplay with official licenses for players, teams, and leagues, making it a leading franchise – though that licensing agreement has now ended.

The game’s focus on realism has sparked debate, particularly because of the way its popular Ultimate Team mode includes in-game purchases. Now rebranded as EA Sports FC, the game still benefits from a long and successful history of football titles.

2026-01-07 11:36