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Best-of lists are difficult. In the realm of video and computer
games, where every player's experience is personal and technology
is constantly improving, the task is even more perilous.
Unfazed by this, Icon has put together a list of the 50 best
interactive games ever released. Every title is a creative
masterpiece in its own right, providing countless hours of
entertainment.

The industry is only 30 years old but it has rapidly evolved
from a fledgling hobby with products created by home enthusiasts to
a $30-billion-a-year worldwide entertainment giant.
Games have evolved from primitive two-dimensional reflex tests
to epic adventures with wondrous photorealistic worlds to explore.
For this list, games have been judged on their entertainment value
today rather than their impact when released. Many influential
games, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Command & Conquer,
Elite, Pitfall, Street Fighter, System Shock and Pong are
absent.
We have also decided to choose the best instalment in each
series unless sequels are significantly different. Remember
these?
1. The Sims 2 (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: thesims2.ea.com

Everyone can play this masterpiece differently, the depth and
freedom are astonishing. Guiding your endearing digital denizens to
health, happiness and fortune can be comical and poignant. Creative
flexibility lets you mould entire neighbourhoods, construct dream
homes and sculpt characters.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
(Nintendo 64)
Released: 1998.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Shigeru Miyamoto's magnum opus is a spellbinding cocktail of
wondrous exploration, ingenious puzzles and combat in a beautiful
world. The convincing environment is populated by a raft of
colourful characters and there is a huge variety of tasks. An epic
to be savoured from the moment Link and his horse first gallop
across the screen.
3. Half-Life 2 (PC)

Released: 2004.
Website: half-life2.com
An astonishingly realistic and immersive world that envelops
the senses, with thrilling cinematic set pieces providing
astonishing spectacle. Exciting shoot-'em-up action is blended with
excellent storytelling and convincing characters who exhibit
emotional depth. A technical triumph.
4. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
Released: 1996.
Website: nintendo.com.au
A decade on, Super Mario 64 remains the finest platform game
ever. Players feel giddy as they explore its varied, vibrant and
magical worlds, which are filled with countless surprises and
taxing challenges.5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
Released: 2004.
Website: rockstargames.com/sanandreas
An epic adventure in a colossal playground of anarchy. The
scale is enormous and freedom intoxicating. Missions include
drive-by shootings, thuggery, chauffeur duties, casino and truck
heists, rescue missions, thrilling chases, turf wars, stealth raids
and daring thefts. Much of the fun comes from experimentation and
discovery.
6. Halo 2 (Xbox)
Released: 2004.

Website: bungie.net
A spectacular thrill ride. The gripping solo campaign features
intense, tactical battles and many memorable scenes. Driving
through a chaotic battle is spine-tingling. But it's the riotous
multiplayer modes that offer endless entertainment on brilliantly
designed maps.
7. Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)
Released: 2004.
Website: granturismoworld.com
An astonishingly accurate driving simulator to thrill petrol
hedonists. Every nuance of a car's movement is faithfully
replicated, providing an exhilarating ride. The scale is
overwhelming, with more than 700 vehicles, 50 tracks, countless
racing challenges and the chance to play photographer or race team
manager.
8. GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64)

Released: 1997.
Website: rareware.com
Provides a level of immersion few games can match thanks to a
gripping atmosphere, interactive environments and smart opponents.
Tasks include bungee jumping from a dam, destroying tanks, defusing
bombs, copying keys, photographing items, stealing secret weapons
and rescuing hostages. Multiplayer is also a blast.
9. Ico (PS2)
Released: 2001.
Website: icothegame.com
An unforgettable adventure with stunning film-like visuals and
haunting ambience. Protecting your vulnerable female companion from
harm as you explore a labyrinthine fortress is compelling and
heightens your emotional investment. Puzzles are beautifully
integrated and extremely satisfying to solve.

10. Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation)
Released: 1998.
Website: metalgearsolid.com
Mesmerising and unforgettable. Few games are as rewarding and
surprising. Metal Gear offers a tightly scripted plot and countless
imaginative set pieces. Sneaking through areas filled with security
cameras, trapdoors, mines and patrolling guards is great fun and
the scope to experiment is vast.11. Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (Xbox, PS2, PC)
Released: 2005.

Website: pes5.net
As complex, deep and entertaining as the real sport, this is a
subtle simulation that rewards practice. There are countless ways
to score and matches between skilled players are tense and
dramatic. The Master League, featuring player trading, team
promotion and relegation, is addictive.
12. Resident Evil 4 (GameCube, PS2)
Released: 2005.
Website: capcom.com
A gripping thriller that assaults the senses. The over-the-shoulder
view provides more immediacy and tension, and hero Leon can perform
acrobatic manoeuvres such as kicking and leaping. Pacing is
excellently judged, with puzzles, side quests and item collection
complementing the rousing combat.
13. Super Mario Bros 3 (Nintendo Entertainment
System)

Released: 1988.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Remains a pleasure to play 17 years later thanks to elegant design.
Controls are perfect and each stage meticulously constructed.
Players run and jump on enemies through eight enormous,
secret-filled worlds, and utilise dozens of amusing power-ups.
14. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation)
Released: 1997.
Website: square-enix.com
A spellbinding role-playing epic with real emotional depth
thanks to its brilliant characters and plot. Possibly the first
game to make players cry after the death of Aeris.

15. SimCity 2000 (PC)
Released: 1993.
Website: maxis.com
An infinitely engaging city simulator letting players design a huge
metropolis from scratch. Later sequels added clutter, but 2000
offered a wealth of choices to explore without overwhelming
users.
16. Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green (Game Boy
Advance)
Released: 2004.

Website: nintendo.com.au
Each Pokemon game is ridiculously similar, but they are all
grounded in an irresistible template. The battle system is easy to
learn yet complex and collecting the wonderfully sculpted critters
is addictive.
17. Civilization II (PC)
Released: 1996.
Website: firaxis.com
A hugely engaging strategy classic with terrific depth. Building
the most successful civilisation starting from the dawn of time
requires juggling competing priorities such as bolstering city
economies, defence, technology research and smiting opponents.18. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2)

Released: 2002.
Website: rockstargames.com/vicecity
Fun-loving criminals are transported back to the '80s. A massive,
hedonistic city is brimming with terrific characters. Wickedly
entertaining whether completing the diverse challenges or simply
cruising the streets.
19. Super Mario Kart (Super Nintendo
Entertainment System)
Released: 1992.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Hugely enjoyable, lighthearted racer with appealing characters,
cleverly designed tracks and amusing weapons that ensure battles
are tight and exciting.

20. Metroid Prime (GameCube)
Released: 2002.
Website: metroid.com/prime
Exploring superbly designed worlds in this tense adventure is
absolutely gripping, whether scanning for clues, blasting enemies
or transforming into the fabulous morph ball.
21. Burnout Revenge (PS2, Xbox)
Released: 2005.

Website: burnoutrevenge.ea.com
Astonishingly fast and thrilling racing action with spectacular
crashes.
22. Age of Empires II (PC)
Released: 1999.
Website: ensemblestudios.com
Marvellously deep and engrossing historical strategy epic that is
perfectly balanced.
23. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

(GameCube)
Released : 2002.
Website: zelda.com/gcn
Enchanting adventure with fascinating locations, delightful
characters and rewarding challenges.
24. Project Gotham Racing 2 (Xbox)
Released: 2003.
Website: xbox.com.au

Cleverly designed high-speed racer that rewards stylish and
daring manoeuvres.
25. Tekken 5 (PS2)
Released: 2005.
Website: tekken5.namco.com
A highly theatrical fighting game with great characters and
surprising depth.
26. Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (PC, Xbox, PS2,
GC)

Released: 2005.
Website: splintercell.com
Visually spectacular and rewarding stealth adventure featuring
smart opponents and empowering freedom.27. Super Monkey Ball 2 (GC, PS2, Xbox)
Released: 2002/2005.
Website: sega.com
Tricky and addictive puzzler with hilarious bonus multiplayer party
games.

28.World of Warcraft (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: worldofwarcraft.com
An astonishing, massively multiplayer world that proves engaging
for beginners and role-playing veterans alike.
29. Sam and Max Hit the Road (PC)
Released: 1993.

Website: lucasarts.com
A hilarious old-school adventure starring a canine detective
and a psychopathic rabbit.
30. Rez (PS2, Dreamcast)
Released: 2001.
Website: sega.com
A gloriously innovative and entrancing musical shooting
game.
31. V8 Supercars 2 (PS2, Xbox, PSP)

Released: 2004.
Website: codemasters.com
This surprisingly varied and thrilling racing title is deep yet
approachable.
32. Doom 2 (PC)
Released: 1994.
Website: idsoftware.com
The grand-daddy of shoot-'em-ups, still incredibly fun and
intense.

33. Wipeout 2097 (PlayStation)
Released: 1996.
Website: playstation.com.au
Impeccably crafted futuristic racer that helped define the
PlayStation generation.
34. Animal Crossing (GameCube)
Released: 2001.

Website: animal-crossing.com
A unique, living town full of amusing characters and fun
activities.
35. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PS2,
Xbox, GC, PC)
Released: 2003.
Website: princeofpersiagame.com
Offers invigorating freedom to explore stunning environments
with spectacular gymnastics.
36. PaRappa the Rapper (PlayStation)

Released: 1996.
Website: us.playstation.com/games.aspx?id=SCUS-94183
Delightfully bizarre, enjoyable and influential Simon-says music
game.
37. Battlefield 2 (PC)
Released: 2005.
Website: battlefield.ea.com
Exhilarating team-based multiplayer warfare.38. Grim Fandango (PC)
Released: 1998.
Website: lucasarts.com/products/grim
A creative and atmospheric adventure with enchanting characters and
engrossing plot.
39. Fable (Xbox, PC)
Released: 2004.

Website: fable.lionhead.com
Lets players make moral decisions that mould their character and
affect their social standing.
40. Tetris (Game Boy)
Released: 1989.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Simple yet addictive puzzle game often imitated but never
bettered.
41. WarioWare Touched (Nintendo DS)

Released: 2005.
Website: warioware.biz/touched
A collection of fabulously frantic and creative mini-games.
42. Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (Xbox)
Released: 2005.
Website: oddworld.com
Fresh and entertaining outlaw romp that cleverly combines
exploration and combat.

43. Tomb Raider (PlayStation, Saturn, PC)
Released: 1996.
Website: tombraider.com
Lara's first outing remains her most satisfying thanks to clever
puzzles and brilliant level design.
44. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Megadrive)
Released: 1993.

Website: sega.com
Breathtakingly fast and meticulously designed platform leaping
action.
45. TIE Fighter (PC)
Released: 1994.
Website: lucasarts.com
Star Wars space combat game with dramatic battles and terrific
missions.

46. Deus Ex (PC)
Released: 2000.
Website: deusex.com
An ambitious blend of genres in a world of unparalleled
interactivity and intrigue.
47. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation)
Released: 2000.

Website: activision.com/games/th2
Terrific skateboarding simulation providing endless
challenges.
48. Rome: Total War (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: totalwar.com
Addictive and astonishingly epic warfare with spectacular, highly
tactical battles.
49. Pikmin 2 (GameCube)

Released: 2004.
Website: pikmin.com
Blooming marvellous puzzler with players commanding hundreds of
delightful plant-like critters.
50. Counter-Strike (PC)
Released: 2000.
Website: counter-strike.net
Rewarding and tactical team-based online shooter.

Icon games editor Jason Hill has spent a virtual
lifetime playing video games. A veteran games journalist, he has
chronicled the industry's rise into mainstream entertainment and
reviewed thousands of titles across all popular formats since
1992.

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