Individual games come and go, but only a few gaming franchises secure global player bases across multiple generations. The best video game series in history have redefined genres and enthralled players across multiple decades since the 1980s. These are the best video game series that have permanently shaped the digital gaming landscape.
Super Mario
Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise has been the pillar of the platforming gaming genre since the 1980s. The first NES Super Mario Bros game saved the North American video gaming industry after the crash of 1983. Super Mario is one of the best video game series in history because of the generally perfect controls, innovative level design, general accessibility, and relentless mechanical innovation of its games.
There have been about 22 core mainline games in the Super Mario gaming series. So, it’s not easy to pick a best one from the series, but the Mario Galaxy games are among the most highly rated. Players loved Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 for how they reinvented 3D platforming with revolutionary gravity mechanics, breathtaking orchestral soundtracks, and creative level design.
Zelda
Zelda is an RPG adventure gaming series largely based on Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon within the fantasy realm of Hyrule. It is one of the best video game series in history because Zelda games have consistently pushed boundaries with new gameplay innovations. The Zelda games blend exploration, puzzle-solving, and iconic music into terrific adventures dating back to the 1980s.
Zelda has about 21 games in its mainline series, but there are numerous additional spin-off titles. Ocarina of Time is the most highly-rated Zelda game in history, which set a benchmark for 3D action-adventure gaming. However, Breath of the Wild was undoubtedly another big highlight of the Zelda series because of its revolutionary open-world design and emergent gameplay.
Half-Life
Moving away from Nintendo franchises, Valve’s Half-Life is up there with the best video game series even though it has fewer entries than the likes of Zelda and Mario. Half-Life is among the best video game series because of how it transformed first-person shooters into more immersive, narrative-based games. The foremost games of the Half-Life series are renowned for their immersive storytelling and technological leaps that raised the bar for first-person shooters.
There are eight games in the Half-Life series with expansions. Half-Life 2 was the biggest highlight of the series because of its revolutionary physics and immersive world-building. That game is all the better today because its Episode One and Two episodes are bundled with it for a bigger, more complete package.
Halo
Halo is the first-person shooter game series that defined Xbox gaming. It has become one of the best video game series in history for how Halo games revolutionized the FPS genre on consoles with their tight controls, iconic multiplayer, and memorable sci-fi campaign stories. Halo shooters have had an enduring appeal because they’re great for both single-player and multiplayer gaming.
It’s hard to pick a best game from this series, but the original Halo: Combat Evolved was the most revolutionary title that defined its franchise. However, some players prefer Halo 2, which pioneered Xbox Live multiplayer. Players also loved Halo 2 for how it expanded the storyline scope with a dual-perspective campaign.
Mario Kart
Mario Kart is one of the few spin-off game series that has managed to eclipse its mainline counterpart. This Mario-themed go-kart franchise has enthralled players across Nintendo console generations with its accessible pick-up-and-play racing frolics and chaotic item combat. The strategic depth, creative track design, accessibility, and high production value of Mario Kart games have made this franchise one of Nintendo’s most popular.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out as the best game of its franchise. This game stands out because of how it perfects Mario Kart’s raw racing mechanics on the Wii U and Switch consoles. The huge roster of racing courses and playable characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also makes it one of the best games of its series.
Final Fantasy
Square’s Final Fantasy has been the world’s favorite RPG gaming series since the 1980s. This is one of the greatest video game series in history because of how it has always reinvented itself with new worlds, fresh gameplay systems, and unique characters. Persistent innovation has sustained Final Fantasy games, which are also renowned for their sweeping musical scores and cutting-edge visual presentation.
There is some debate about which is the best Final Fantasy game. However, the PlayStation’s Final Fantasy VII is one of the most cherished in the series. That classic FF game revolutionized RPGs with its cinematic story, inspiring music, and deep tactical combat.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is among the best video game series in history for how it pioneered the 3D sandbox genre. This is a game series where players can explore detailed virtual cities and complete cinematic crime stories. GTA games are renowned for their memorable cinematic storytelling, satirical humor, and unprecedented player agency.
Grand Theft Auto V is the best addition to the GTA series as one of the most highly rated and grossing games in history. The massive, detailed open world, innovative gameplay mechanics, and compelling multi-protagonist story in GTA V make it a special game. However, GTA IV and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas were also great additions to the series.
Those best video game series in history have altered the trajectory of game design in various ways. The best games in those franchises are among the most highly rated in history and have defined or redefined genres. They have shown that video gaming is an evolving art form that can resonate with global culture.
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