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.
"Pikmin 3 is one of the best accessible strategy games on console. Splendid art direction, well-integrated new Pikmin, varied bonus missions. GamePad excellent for management. A WiiU gem worth visiting."
"The second mix at home beefs up the tracklist and the challenge with relish. The new songs get bodies moving and tougher charts delight veterans. A more generous follow up."
"Rhythm Tengoku on GBA, Nintendo's first WarioWare-like rhythm game. Absurd and brilliant rhythm micro-games, sharp Japanese humor. A rhythm masterpiece, Japan exclusive."
"Rock Band 3 is the franchise peak with playable keyboards, Pro 6-string guitar and Pro Drums. Immense content, diverse and extremely rich setlist, learning real instruments. The best group rhythm game of the generation."
"Third Guitar Hero with a high quality hard rock and metal setlist. Introduction of online mode and aggressive song selection mark a mature and demanding entry. Slightly less balanced than Guitar Hero II but an intense and memorable rock experience."
"Guitar Hero World Tour introduces drums and microphone, creating a complete band experience. The eclectic setlist and song creation mode are innovative. A franchise turning point that defined a new direction, even if extra instruments complicate setup."
"A rhythm FPS channelling John Wick: firing on the beat while dodging puts you in a thrilling physical trance. Without VR on Switch the experience loses immersion, but the marriage of dance and trigger remains furiously satisfying."
"A twin-stick roguelike of fearsome precision, crammed with absurd guns and rooms to clear. The difficulty is steep and progression slow, but the punchy shooting and dungeon humour make every run irresistibly addictive."
"A cheeky blend of action roguelike and cute-but-sinister cult management. Recruiting followers, sacrificing them, heading out to fight: the loop hooks hard, even if it runs a little thin late on. Charming and unsettling at once."
"You fall endlessly, and all the genius lives in that descent. The gunboots double as weapon and brake, the monochrome palette is gorgeous, and every run reads in a flash. A vertical roguelike about as addictive as they come."
"A potato surviving waves of enemies: the idea raises a smile before it swallows hours. Juggling six weapons at once spawns wild builds, and the power curve is a rush. A snappy survivor-like, perfect for express sessions."
"Devil Survivor Overclocked on 3DS, Shin Megami Tensei tactical JRPG in a demon-invaded Tokyo. Choose your side in a 7-day apocalypse. Strategic combat system and multiple endings based on choices."
"Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold The Fafnir Knight on 3DS with a story mode and classic mode. Atlus' dungeon crawler in its most accessible version. Hand-drawn mapping on touchscreen, exceptional RPG depth."
"Rune Factory 4 on 3DS, the best entry in Marvelous' farming-fantasy RPG franchise. Cultivate fields, fight monsters in real time and live romances with village characters. Deep and addictive."
"European title of Final Fantasy Adventure. Not the SNES Mystic Quest (Final Fantasy USA), but the first Mana on Game Boy renamed for Europe. Same absolute qualities: an action-RPG masterpiece, sublime Ito OST, absolutely worth discovering. A classic name mix-up, genuinely a great game."
"Japanese Pokémon Red, mother of all Pokémon. 151 creatures to catch, evolve, trade, battle. Turn-based combat, mature writing for Game Boy, smart map economy. The Red/Green/Blue cartridges launched a global tidal wave. Essential, the starting point of a legend."
"Japanese Pokémon Blue, originally distributed via CoroCoro magazine subscription. Slightly different roster from other Japanese versions (Aka/Midori), rarer Pokémon. Later put on regular sale. For Pokémon collectors, otherwise Aka or Midori cover the essentials. A historical Japanese niche."
"Japanese Pokémon Green, released alongside Aka in February 1996. Never sold internationally (replaced by Blue worldwide). Roster identical to other Japanese versions with a few exclusives. A franchise cornerstone of major historical value."
"Dragon Quest III splendidly remade, with a fresh bonus dungeon that will thrill veterans. Deep party customization, epic exploration and pure nostalgia all in one package. A reference point for anyone curious about classic Japanese RPGs."
"The Korean release of Pokemon Eun, the second generation fully localized. Day and night cycle, egg breeding, a hundred fresh species and a Kanto return after Johto. An absolute portable benchmark for Nintendo, smooth, generous and unforgettable."
