When considering a specific genre, there are video games that stand out and define it. These games can range from expansive open-world RPGs and traditional side-scrolling beat ’em ups to nostalgic 3D platformers and consistently popular battle royale games.
In order for a game to be considered as “defining” its genre, it should improve and enhance the mechanics that have made its specific niche so popular. Additionally, it should introduce something new and innovative to the gaming landscape.
This unique element should distinguish the game from others and potentially influence future games in some way. It becomes the game that players continuously reference, even years after its release.
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Games That Define Their Genres
1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – RPG
Drawing on the extensive world-building of Morrowind and the vastness of Oblivion, Skyrim took Bethesda’s previous achievements to new heights. The game offers a massive open-world role-playing experience, boasting an overwhelming number of quests to undertake.
With its immersive physics-driven first-person combat mechanics, players are fully engaged in action-packed battles. Moreover, the game presents a vast and captivating world teeming with intriguing secrets waiting to be uncovered and explored.
Skyrim is an extremely popular game that has been remastered and re-released on numerous devices. It has had a significant influence on gamers for over ten years and continues to be widely enjoyed today.
2. Super Mario 64 – 3D Platformer
The introduction of the Nintendo 64 marked a thrilling era in the world of video games. It revolutionized gaming by introducing fully immersive three-dimensional environments, and no game showcased this groundbreaking experience better than Super Mario 64.
By expanding the playing area, these games revolutionized platforming in video games by introducing unprecedented freedom of movement.
This innovative approach also showcased the developer’s exceptional level design in a fresh and exciting manner.
3. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time (Action-Adventure)
Even though the Legend of Zelda series had already been established for more than ten years, Ocarina of Time, released in 1998, was the first game in the franchise to introduce a 3D gaming experience.
With its unique blend of challenging dungeons, intricate puzzle-solving, and vast open-world exploration, Ocarina of Time quickly gained immense popularity.
Its impact on the gaming industry is evident from the numerous games that have been labeled as “Zelda clones,” showcasing the significant influence it has had.
4. Super Mario Bros. (Sidescrolling Platformer)
Before the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985, platformers were already present in the gaming industry. However, there was a unique aspect to this game that captivated people’s interest.
Whether it was the protagonist being an Italian plumber named Mario, the delightful world and characters, or the smooth gameplay and mechanics, Super Mario Bros. resonated deeply with gamers and inspired numerous other 2D sidescrolling platformers that aimed to replicate its success.
5. Half-Life (First-Person Shooter)
Half-Life emerged as the game that truly established the first-person shooter genre, surpassing the previous influential and groundbreaking game Doom, which was released in 1993.
With advancements in technology, Half-Life introduced more expansive environments and the ability to aim a gun in any direction, setting a new standard in the gaming industry.
Although we now have popular franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield that have modernized the shooter genre, it was Half-Life that first introduced groundbreaking elements such as scripted events and puzzles.
6. Street Fighter II (Fighting)
In the world of fighting games, there are numerous contenders that have the potential to define the genre, like Tekken or Mortal Kombat. However, Street Fighter II stood out and captured the attention of gamers in an unprecedented way when it was launched in 1991.
By 1994, a staggering 25 million Americans had already played the game. As a result, Street Fighter II established itself as the benchmark for fighting games, thanks to its innovative combo system and an impressive roster of distinct characters, each equipped with their own special and unique moves.
7. Super Mario Kart (Kart Racing)
In 1992, the Super Nintendo released the first Mario Kart game. Over the years, there have been 8 versions available for both portable and home consoles.
However, Super Mario Kart remains the original and influential game that has inspired other franchises.
While characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Crash Bandicoot have their own kart racing games, none of them can rival the impact and success of the original Mario Kart.
8. Super Metroid (Metroidvania)
If it weren’t for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, the genre known as Metroidvania would probably be referred to as “Metroid-like.”
The Metroidvania game is typically a 2D action-adventure with non-linear exploration, where certain areas are inaccessible until the player discovers a particular item or power-up.
Super Metroid, released in 1994, took the foundation laid by its predecessor, Metroid from 1986, and revolutionized the Metroidvania genre.
It is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential games in this genre. Since its debut, numerous games have drawn inspiration from Super Metroid, incorporating their own unique elements and innovations.
9. Grand Theft Auto 3 – Open-World Sandbox
Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the PlayStation 2, Grand Theft Auto 3 revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing a 3D open-world environment. This game allowed players to freely explore the vast Liberty City and provided them with the unique ability to hijack any vehicle they encountered and engage in unrestricted gameplay.
In addition to featuring a captivating storyline with voice acting, players can also engage in various criminal activities, perform odd tasks, and cause havoc, resulting in a range of distinct and unpredictable gameplay experiences.
The influence and importance of Grand Theft Auto in popular culture cannot be underestimated. With each highly anticipated release, the game consistently sets new sales records and introduces innovative elements to the series.
GTA 3, in particular, has had a profound impact on the open-world genre, serving as the pioneering game that inspired numerous other titles to adopt its groundbreaking ideas.
10. Gears Of War – Third-Person Shooter
Prior to the release of Gears of War, the options available for third-person shooters were quite limited. This game brought forth a groundbreaking feature called the ‘sticky’ cover system, which enabled players to effortlessly take cover and strategically engage in combat.
Additionally, Gears of War showcased exceptional production values and delivered an explosive and thrilling experience from beginning to end. Gears of War is a game that stands out in its genre for several reasons.
Its intense and action-packed campaign, unique and memorable weapons (like the chainsaw gun), and impressive graphics, which demonstrated the full potential of Epic’s Unreal Engine, all contributed to its success. Even though the genre has become saturated with similar games over time, Gears of War was the pioneer in executing it with exceptional skill and refinement.
11. Dark Souls – Soulslike
Prior to the release of FromSoftware’s challenging action RPGs, there was a lack of similar games in the market. Dark Souls stands out in its genre due to its gothic-inspired vast environments, the hauntingly nightmarish enemy designs, and the frequent occurrence of the “You Died” screen.
In addition, Dark Souls introduced bonfires, a feature that allows players to respawn enemies in the vicinity after resting and using their in-game currency called ‘souls’ to level up.
This proved to be a major success and gave birth to a whole new genre of games, resulting in numerous imitations and an overused description in the gaming community. Dark Souls can be considered the epitome of challenging and immersive video games in its own distinctive way.
12. Guitar Hero – Music Rhythm Games
Prior to the introduction of Guitar Hero, the available rhythm games were limited to options like playing bongos in Donkey Konga, rapping in Parappa the Rapper, or dancing with Dance Dance Revolution.
However, Guitar Hero revolutionized the genre by incorporating a plastic guitar and enabling players to passionately play along with top-notch rock songs.
This game took the series to astonishing levels of success and became a widely beloved party game among people worldwide.
It led to the creation of multiple sequels, as well as some less successful spinoffs like DJ Hero. However, as gamers shifted their focus to new trends, the series gradually lost its popularity.
13. Fortnite Battle Royale – Battle Royale
While PUBG may have been the pioneer in the genre of online multiplayer games, it was Fortnite that truly revolutionized the battle royale genre. Originally created as a spin-off to salvage a failed tower defense multiplayer game, Fortnite Battle Royale quickly became a global sensation.
It successfully took the established battle royale formula and brought it into the mainstream, making it one of the most remarkable genre pivots in gaming history.
The inclusion of fort-building mechanics has set it apart from other games in the genre, contributing to its cultural significance.
14. The Sims – Simulation
When looking at it initially, The Sims may not seem like a game that would work effectively in video game format.
The player is responsible for managing the wants and needs of virtual characters as they go about their everyday lives. However, the game is anything but ordinary.
Creating and managing the emotions of your Sims, fulfilling their different needs, and designing a comfortable living space created an engaging and addictive gameplay experience that kept players coming back for more.
The Sims 3 is widely considered the top game in the series, as it built upon its predecessors in various ways and had numerous substantial expansions.
15. Streets Of Rage 2 (Beat-‘Em-Up)
Before Streets of Rage, beat-em-up games had already been established by Double Dragon. Double Dragon introduced important features like the ability to have multiple players fighting together and the option to disarm enemies.
However, it was Streets of Rage 2 that combined all the key elements from its previous games, including the original Streets of Rage, to create a polished and intense experience that revolutionized the genre.
16. Final Fantasy VII (Turned-Based RPG)
In Japan, the Dragon Quest series is often considered the defining game for turn-based RPGs, while in the western market, Final Fantasy VII introduced the genre to a wider audience.
This game is widely regarded as the ultimate example of a JRPG, although some argue that Chrono Trigger also deserves this recognition.
Regardless, Final Fantasy VII’s expansive world, ambitious storytelling, impressive graphics, and engaging gameplay make it an essential experience for any JRPG enthusiast.
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