Recent missteps with the series haven’t kept fans from ravenously demanding more. With Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch, finding serious success, we expect to see more Star Fox in the near future. For best-selling individual video games, see the list of best-selling video games. The sales figures given below also do not include arcade video game sales, which can be found at the list of highest-grossing arcade games.

Party Games

Action games are all about fast-paced gameplay that requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination. These games often involve direct combat or physical challenges and are usually centered around the player’s ability to navigate and interact with the game environment. If there was ever a franchise synonymous with video games overall, it’s Super Mario Bros.

All entries include multiple video games, not counting ports or altered re-releases. Hybrid and Experimental games combine elements from various genres or explore innovative gameplay mechanics. These games often push the boundaries of traditional game design, offering unique and sometimes unconventional experiences. Simulation games are designed to mimic real-world activities or systems as closely as possible. They often focus on detailed, realistic mechanics and provide players with control over various aspects of the simulated environment, whether it’s managing a city, flying a plane, or running a business. Role-Playing Games (RPGs) immerse players in detailed worlds where they assume the roles of characters with unique abilities and personalities.

The geniuses behind the game parlayed that infamy into a fighting game franchise with the staying power to persist for almost three decades. MK is still a series hallmarked by gore and its signature fatalities and still produces some of the most high-quality fighting games gamers can get. Nintendo’s foothold in the space fighting flight simulator is entirely thanks to Star Fox and his crew of animal kingdom pilots. Early games in the series feature a signature style of polygon graphics that made Fox’s space dogfights feel positively futuristic.

These games often feature limited resources, a high level of tension, and a focus on atmosphere. There can only be one king worthy of the noble title of the most successful game series, and it is certainly Call of Duty. It’s known for being easy enough to get into and complex enough to keep you hooked for hours in hopes of mastering the gameplay. Add to that the development and marketing budget of a AAA publisher, and it becomes clear how COD became a common noun for a first-person shooter. Though there were games released before The Sims that aspired to offer life simulation experiences, Will Wright’s take on that concept rightfully blew a lot of minds back in 2000.

What are the best-selling game franchises of all time?

Mario’s games may overwatch guide be crazy fun, but Zelda games make you feel like a goddamn hero. The speed at which the Assassin’s Creed has grown from new IP to legitimate classic franchise is staggering. The original game, set in the crusades, was a novel piece of brilliance, blending history, open-world parkour, hand-to-hand combat and a terrific story told through great looking cut-scenes. When Ezio was introduced and the series jumped to the Renaissance, we were impressed.

All genres are included here, whether it’s a RPG, platformer, first person shooter or an adventure game. Story-Driven Hidden Object games incorporate narrative elements, guiding players through a storyline while they search for hidden items. These games often feature elaborate plots and character development, blending hidden object gameplay with storytelling. There’s much to be said about the first installment to Rockstar Games’ Red Dead franchise, Red Dead Revolver. There simply aren’t enough Western AAA games out there, and Red Dead Revolver set the stage with a solid action adventure that boasted notable narrative quality.

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Narrative Adventures blend storytelling with puzzles or light action elements. These games offer rich narratives with interactive elements that drive the plot forward. Survival Horror games create tense, frightening experiences where players must survive against overwhelming odds.

Over 35 years ago, Final Fantasy introduced millions to the very concept of a video game RPG and the epic digital adventures they had to offer. As the series grew throughout the years it grew not just in scope but in its ability to pull in those who would otherwise never have imagined themselves playing such a game. When people think of Nintendo, Pokémon is one of the first franchises that comes to mind. Each console from Nintendo’s recent history has a Pokémon title of its own that pushes the technology of the era and brings with it first-class storytelling. It’s easy to see how compelling its characters and world-building are just from its impact on wider pop culture, from the trading card game to the anime. It says something that even with there being a popular series called “Mario Party,” there’s a far more beloved series of party games starring Mario.

Turn-Based RPGs feature combat systems where players and enemies take turns to execute actions. Classic Point-and-Click games often feature intricate puzzles and detailed stories. Players collect items and use them to solve puzzles and progress through the narrative. These games often allow players to make choices that influence the story’s direction and outcome.

Now, several games and eras later, AC is a proper phenom and we’re glad to see Ubisoft digging deeper for the future of it. Lara Croft’s adventures have gotten all kinds of treatment in video game history. From the pointy boobs of the early years to the super realism of the recent reboots, Lara’s treasure hunting have been a delight throughout. Players use drum controllers or pads to hit notes in time with the music, simulating drumming techniques and rhythms.

If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, classic franchises like Mario, Sonic, Final Fantasy, and The Legend of Zelda might appeal to you more. However today’s gamers have insanely good franchises to sink their teeth into as well, including Grand Theft Auto, God of War, Halo, Deus Ex, and so much more. This list takes your opinion into account, rather than sales, popularity, and reviews, so vote for your favorite game franchises no matter how mainstream or highly-rated they are.