10 best video games of all time ranked
From "Super Mario Kart" to "Zelda," these are the titles that changed gaming forever
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Updated: 3:40 PM CST Mar 6, 2019
are video games like Fortnight taking over your kid's life in such a hyper connected world, you may worry that you can't peel him away from their screens. It's true that research links excessive screen time to a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to health issues that obesity and trouble sleeping. But studies show that video games can actually have benefits to if you find the right balance. Video games can be used as teachers to boost cognitive skills. They have a systematic logic that kids have to figure out just like learning a language, and have been shown to help enhance memory and improved problem solving and critical thinking skills. Some studies say the isolation of playing the Games contender social skills, on the other hand, playing them with siblings and friends. Teach kids had interact, and playing with parents can be a great bonding experience, building confidence and self esteem. There, even physical benefits like better reaction times and hand eye coordination, and the fast paced action can also help kids with multi tasking skills. For tips on how to take a progressive approach and embrace technology in a way that benefits your child, check out the New Childhood by Jordan Shapiro, a guide on how to raise kids to thrive in a connected world
10 best video games of all time ranked
From "Super Mario Kart" to "Zelda," these are the titles that changed gaming forever
![Esquire logo]()
Updated: 3:40 PM CST Mar 6, 2019
Attempting to pare down the greatest video games of all time is a task and a half. What are you supposed to judge? There's the way certain titles influenced future games, and how incredible some of the graphics are. But ultimately, it comes down to good taste. Writers from took a step back and looked at the general landscape considering all the games that have inked their way into pixelated infamy and came up with a list of probably 100 titles. Then, they narrowed that down to 20, narrowed that down even more and were left with the 10 video games that we think rightly represent decades of incredible gaming.
So with that — blows in a cartridge; mutters, "Is this thing on?" — here are the best of the best.
10. Super Mario Kart
"Super Mario Kart" is almost a rite of passage. The 1992 debut was the game that launched eight other console games in its wake, handily making it one of the most influential games in the past four decades. It may be cruder and less advanced than the versions that followed, but you can’t mess with an original. — Justin Kirkland
9. Overwatch
"Overwatch" is a creative take on the first-person-shooter style. This game breaks the mold through its beautifully designed characters and a reliance on team composition and objective-based gameplay. The game has kept up a constant stream of new maps, events, heroes and skins since its 2016 release, and it's not slowing down; the thirtieth hero Baptiste waits on the horizon. —Cam Sherrill
8. Kingdom Hearts 2
The "Kingdom Hearts" series is a wonderful fever dream. A crossover trippier then the TMNT/Power Rangers special, this game combines the characters of Disney and "Final Fantasy" into a wonderfully convoluted game. The sequel makes this list due to its tight combat features and new abilities. With "Kingdom Hearts 3’s" debut in January, it’s nice to see the series back in the limelight. —C.S.
7. World of Warcraft
"WOW," first released in 2004, is less of a video game and more of a lifestyle. Your friends in high school who played "WOW" had an entire culture of their own — they existed in this separate world, interacting with each other and with people from all over the globe, night after night. For this reason alone, it should be remembered as an all-timer. —C.S.
6. Pokémon Red and Blue
The "Pokémon" franchise has taken over the world. With mobile apps, long-standing handheld favorites, an animé series and so much more, gaming would truly not be the same today without "Pokémon." And it all started with "Red" and "Blue." Before “Pikachu” became a household name, "Red" and "Blue" were the humble, role-playing game titles that redefined the handheld medium sparking something of a pop culture revolution. —Dom Nero
5. Wii Sports
Everyone, and I mean everyone, played and enjoyed "Wii Sports." Even those hardest of hardcore gamers cracked a smile. While it may not be a complex piece, it always had the unique ability to bring gamers and non-gamers together. Few games ever achieved the same level of accessibility and renowned household recognition like it. Oh, and it was free with the Wii, so there was that. —C.S
4. Street Fighter II
There have been so many classic entries into the fighting game genre. But, more than "Mortal Kombat" or "Marvel vs. Capcom" or even "Tekken," the influence of "Street Fighter II" has been unceasing for decades. Still being used for professional competitions to this day, "Street Fighter II" wrote the book on the fighting game. And it holds up. —D.N.
3. Tetris
A staple in gaming since 1984, "Tetris" remains a pop culture icon. This puzzler keeps itself in the spotlight with new hit releases like "The Tetris Effect" and "Tetris 99," along with an abundance of mobile games, proving it will stand the test of time. —C.S.
2. Super Mario World
Choosing between "Super Mario World" and "Super Mario Bros. 3" is a close call, but the former just edges out the latter. "Super Mario World" set an important tone and structure for the future of everyone's favorite plumber. And that vibrant, 16-bit art style still looks gorgeous today. —D.N.
1. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
"Ocarina of Time" was, for many, the turning point in video games. It marked that pivotal moment when the medium cemented itself as a formidable place for artistic expression. Undeniably the first truly remarkable 3D experience in gaming, "Ocarina of Time" has inspired countless titles with its moody tone, nostalgic storyline and incredible soundtrack. —D.N.
