Hundreds of video games come out every year across various platforms but there are certain series that we never tire of and we’ve gained a sort of loyalty towards.
We’re looking at series that made an impact on gaming sales, that have been consistent in the quality of their gameplay and that have three or more instalments in their franchise!
So in no particular order, here are some of our favourite video game series out there.
1. Metal Gear Solid
In three words: a solid series (pun intended). The Metal Gear Solid games are often recognized as being one of the main reasons that the stealth game genre was popularized. The strategy involved in certain boss battles enticed the player and the storylines have been highly praised by the public.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8QmQqZJrg4
2. The Legend of Zelda
Time and time again we’ve been left impressed by Zelda games and we’re not the only ones. This series of games has now left a legacy in the gaming world as being one of the most consistant series that constantly pleases both critics and the public. If you haven’t played the Ocarina of Time, you must grab yourself a copy!
3. Final Fantasy
Though each installment has had varying degrees of success, overall the series has garnered critical acclaim with the series gaining positive reviews for gameplay, soundtrack and impressive storylines. Several Final Fantasy games have become best-selling titles.
4. Grand Theft Auto
Since the noughties the GTA series has been hugely successful and we know why! Generating near perfect scores from critics worldwide, the games are generally packed with mountains of content, a fun storyline and superb dialogue. The series has broken several Guinness World Records including Most Guest Stars in a Video Game Series, Largest Voice Cast in a Video Game (GTA: San Andreas), Largest In-Game Soundtrack (GTA: San Andreas).
5. The Sims
Whether you want to ruin their lives or bring them to glory, The Sims provided hours of entertainment. From creating and designing your own homes to shaping your Sims careers all while basking in their imaginary world. A whole lot of fun for such a simple idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hMAEWJAts4
6. Pokémon
This series deserves to be in any gamers collection. Still on the go, Pokémon captured the imagination and boasted highly addictive gameplay mechanics. Not only that but Guinness World Records has awarded the Pokémon series eight records including “Most Successful RPG Series of All Time”.
7. Super Mario Bros.
One of the most-praised aspects of Super Mario has been its incredibly precise controls – something that we absolutely love. Its large cast of characters and diverse levels above and below ground have also been praised over the years in their many, many sequels.
8. Resident Evil
After much debate we decided to choose Resident Evil over Silent Hill because of its consistancy unlike Silent Hill‘s decline recently in decent gameplay. Resident Evil combined horror, action and puzzle-solving to make it a scary but satisfying game. Some of the games in the series have been awarded with multiple Game of the Year honors and they’re often placed on Best Video Game lists.
9. Castlevania
Loosely based on Dracula folklore, the Castlevania series has been largely consistant in reaching critical acclaim. One of its installments, Symphony of the Night is one of those games that you cannot put down and will grip you from beginning to end.
10. The Elder Scrolls
Definitely one of those special game franchises, The Elder Scrolls fuelled the imagination, captivating players in their open-world format. The series has won multiple awards and deservedly so. If you haven’t played these games and are fans of fantasy adventures, you need to check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aarlh61SLjo
11. Halo
Winning multiple Game of the Year awards, the science-fiction action game as been incredibly successful over the years with its gameplay and the series’ music and audio has been received with enthusiasm. Not only that but the Halo adaptations have been well-received too with the graphic novels and novels doing very well in the bestsellers list.
12. Metroid
Samus Aran was highly praised in Nintendo’s sci-fi action game – A strong female protagonist, ex-Galactic Federation soldier and smart thinker, it wasn’t hard to see why she became so popular. Metroid has been praised time and time again for its atmospheric gameplay and easy game handling.
Some honourable mentions; Crash Bandicoot, though we love the first few games didn’t make the final list because it went completely downhill after Warped. The same can be said sadly for Sonic the Hedgehog and Spyro. Special mention also to Tetris and Pacman – though addictive they don’t have enough content to make it onto our list!
Did we miss out on your favourites? Let us know in the comment section below.
