What are the greatest video games in history? From 8-bit cartridges to modern blockbusters, this Top 1000 brings together the titles that defined every generation, all retested and reassessed by RomWize. For each one: its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value, so you can (re)discover the must-plays and build your collection.
"One of the most iconic action games on the Master System. Joe Musashi versus ninjas - an absolute classic. Precise gameplay, well-calibrated difficulty and varied levels make it a must in the catalogue."
"The European cut of Star Fox 64. A blazing 3D shooter with branching paths driven by performance, perfectly quotable voice work and an unforgettable orchestral soundtrack. A Nintendo design showcase that lasts barely an hour but invites endless replays to chase every route and every grade."
"An absolute benchmark for arcade 3D shooting from Nintendo. Performance-driven branching, the Rumble Pak debut, cult voice work and an imperial orchestral score. A blazing hour-long run that invites endless replays to chase every grade and every route."
"Fast-paced and original 3D mech fighting game, excellent Saturn port of the arcade. Mechs (Virtuaroids) are varied and distinctive. Better with dual-stick, playable without. An unjustly forgotten versus fighting classic."
"SegaNet version of Saturn Virtual On, compatible with the era's network service. Online functionality now obsolete. Single-player identical to the standard version. Historical curiosity for collectors."
"The sequel improves visuals and enriches multiplayer options. The core concept remains identical and impeccable. If the first is unavailable, this is a perfect substitute."
"A Konami jeep run'n'gun on NES. Rescue POWs under intense fire. Explosive two-player co-op, frantic action. Overlooked but truly excellent. A must-play on the console."
"The original Japanese version of Ninja Gaiden on Famicom. Same excellence as the western version. Revolutionary cutscenes, intense action, dark atmosphere. The unedited original."
"A technically impressive NES boomerang action-platformer. Wide-sweep weapons, varied levels, memorable bosses. Overlooked but truly excellent. One of the console's good platformers."
"Rygar, Tecmo's NES action-RPG. Warrior with a yo-yo shield in a mythological world. Free exploration, progressive power gain. Inventive mechanics, polished atmosphere. A forgotten classic."
"The European version of Ninja Gaiden under the title Shadow Warriors. Same excellence as the American original: revolutionary cutscenes, frantic action, unique dark atmosphere."
"Xbox-exclusive aerial action game, one of the console's best. 1930s retrofuturistic planes, fast-paced and fun aerial combat, open world to explore. Excellent Xbox Live online in its day. An often overlooked gem of the original Xbox library."
"Smilebit Xbox-exclusive masterpiece, spiritual sequel to Jet Set Radio. Splendid cel-shading graphics, brilliant combined grind/spray, legendary funkadelic soundtrack. Bundled with Sega GT 2002. One of the most original and aesthetic games of the generation."
"Hitman Absolution is a transition episode for Agent 47 with more narrative focus and revised approach freedom. Disguises, infiltration, creative eliminations. Less sandbox than the classics but intense."
