Home
/
Gaming news
/
Industry trends
/

Top games from each decade that defined gaming

Favorite Games by Decade | Classics to Modern Hits

By

Kaori Yamada

Apr 19, 2025, 10:55 AM

2 minutes of duration

A collage of iconic video game characters and scenes representing games from the 1970s to the present, showcasing gaming evolution.
popular

A recent discussion among enthusiasts highlights the most beloved video games over the decades, revealing nostalgic picks and heated debates among fans. The responses, shared on various forums, showcase a range of iconic titles from passionate players reflecting shifting preferences in gaming culture, as of April 2025.

A Walk Through Gaming History

Players love sharing their favorites, which underscores evolving trends in gaming. From the retro classics to todayโ€™s immersive experiences, a variety of choices stands out:

1970s Highlights

  • Lunar Lander: One player reminisced about this arcade classic.

  • Asteroids: A nod to another engaging space adventure.

1980s Standouts

  • Tetris: Notably loved for portability on Game Boy.

  • Super Mario Bros. 3: Often cited for its fun and level design.

  • Final Fantasy: Mentioned for its role in defining JRPGs.

1990s Gems

  • Quake II: A staple for PC gamers, known for its graphics and gameplay.

  • Chrono Trigger: Celebrated among RPG fans for its storytelling.

  • Final Fantasy VII: Universally praised, it made headlines for its impact.

2000s Favorites

  • Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl: Recognized for its atmosphere and storyline.

  • World of Warcraft: A monumental title that reshaped online gaming.

  • GTA: San Andreas: Lauded for open-world features and story depth.

2010s Picks

  • DOOM (2016): Revived classic gameplay with modern graphics.

  • Red Dead Redemption 2: Praised for its detail and immersive world.

  • Bloodborne: Known for its challenging gameplay and lore.

2020s Choices So Far

  • Forgive Me Father: Noted as an early standout for indie games.

  • Elden Ring: Already making waves in the current gaming scene.

  • Baldur's Gate 3: Highly anticipated and already generating buzz.

"Damn, itโ€™s really hard to pick just one from the 90s," one player remarked, while another confirmed, "Letโ€™s not forget the impact of Metal Gear Solid!"

Community Insights and Themes

Several comments reveal a variety of sentiments in the gaming community. Here are key themes from the discussion:

  • Nostalgia for Retro Games: Players often tout their favorite retro titles, showing a strong attachment to early gaming experiences.

  • Franchises Dominating Choices: Names like Final Fantasy, Zelda, and Elden Ring frequently appeared, reflecting their massive influence over years.

  • Debate Over Game Ratings: Discussions often sparked controversy, showing how opinions on what defines the best game differ greatly.

Quick Recap

  • โ—‡ Players showcase favorites across decades, stirring nostalgia.

  • โ—‡ Franchises like Final Fantasy show enduring popularity.

  • โ—† "Itโ€™s all about the experience we had with these games!" - Commenter

  • โ–ฝ Mixed sentiments reflect a diverse gaming community.

As new games emerge, players remain divided on which classics will continue to hold the crown. What will the gaming landscape look like in another decade?