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THE BEST VIDEO GAME FRANCHISES OF ALL TIME
In the ever-evolving realm of video games, certain franchises transcend mere entertainment. They becoming enduring pillars of the industry. These iconic series, with their rich histories have captivating narratives and innovative gameplay. They have left an indelible mark on generations of players. From legendary RPGs to pulse-pounding shooters, we’ve attempted to highlight some of the stellar ones. Here you go! This is our view about the top 10 best video game franchises of all time!
Let us know if you have played any or maybe ALL of these. Which ones are your favorite?
1. BATMAN
The Batman: Arkham series is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game franchise developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
The first game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, released in 2009 . This game set the standard for superhero video games, combining deep storytelling with immersive combat and exploration. The series shows Gotham City as a dark, dismal home turf of the superhero, with an iconic cast of characters from the DC Comics universe. All through the series, players journey with Batman, as he confronts his notorious rogues’ gallery of villains.
THE STORY
The story of Arkham Asylum revolves around Batman’s efforts to stop the Joker, who has taken control of Arkham Asylum and is plotting chaos. The game’s success led to sequels, including Batman: Arkham City (2011), which expanded the gameplay into an open-world setting. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015), the third and final installment, introduced players to a larger world, a new version of the Batmobile, and a final showdown with the Scarecrow and the Joker’s legacy. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) was a prequel developed by WB Games Montréal that explored Batman’s earlier years.
The Arkham games have been widely praised for their engaging narrative, fluid combat system (“freeflow” combat). It delves deep into Batman’s world and psyche. The series has earned numerous awards, including multiple BAFTA Game Awards, Best Action Game at The Game Awards, and Game of the Year honors for Arkham City and Arkham Asylum. Batman: Arkham City was particularly notable for its expansive open world and the inclusion of numerous iconic characters from the Batman mythos.
The series’ popularity has cemented its place as one of the best video game franchises of all time. Fans have eagerly anticipated new Batman-related games, with the next major entry being Gotham Knights (2022), developed by WB Games Montréal, which focussed on Batman’s allies rather than the Dark Knight himself. The Arkham series remains a benchmark in superhero video game adaptations, known for its strong storylines, compelling character development, and innovative gameplay.
What do you think? Don’t you feel Batman deserves to be among the best video game franchise of all time? How about the others on our list?
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2. HITMAN
The Hitman series has enjoyed considerable popularity over the years, earning a dedicated fanbase for its deep mechanics and intricate level design. It has also received critical acclaim, particularly for its 2016 and 2018 titles, praised for their creative freedom, world-building, and refined stealth gameplay. The series has won numerous awards, including Best Action/Adventure at the Golden Joystick Awards and various nominations for best game design and performance.
THE STORY
Hitman is a stealth-based action game series developed by IO Interactive. The first game, Hitman: Codename 47, released in 2000, introducing players to Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin who carries out contract killings for a mysterious organization. The series known for its open-ended approach to missions, where players can choose how to eliminate targets using stealth, strategy, and a variety of tools, including disguises and environmental traps.
The Hitman franchise has become famous for its sandbox-style gameplay, where players can approach each mission in multiple ways, offering a unique experience each time. Over the years, the series has evolved, with later entries like Hitman: Absolution (2012) and the episodic Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) refining the formula and focusing on expansive, detailed environments. The 2016 reboot of the series introduced episodic content, where players would receive new missions regularly, further emphasizing re-playability and strategic choice in each mission.
The latest entry, Hitman 3, released in January 2021, concluded the World of Assassination trilogy, offering new locations and missions while maintaining the series’ core gameplay strengths. It is met with widespread praise for its refinement of mechanics and the addition of new tools and features. The game also introduced VR support for a more immersive experience.
As of now, the Hitman series remains one of the most beloved stealth franchises, with speculation about future titles or expansions continuing to excite fans of the strategic assassination gameplay.
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3. ASSASSINS CREED
Assassin’s Creed is an action-adventure game series developed by Ubisoft and first released in 2007. The game introduced players to a unique blend of historical fiction, stealth, and parkour-style movement, making it a standout in the gaming world. The series set in various time periods and locations, with the central conflict revolving around the ancient struggle between the Assassins, who fight for freedom, and the Templars, who seek control and order.
THE STORY
The first game in the series, Assassin’s Creed, follows Desmond Miles, a modern-day man who relives the memories of his ancestor, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a member of the Assassin Brotherhood during the Third Crusade. As the series progressed, new protagonists, such as Ezio Auditore, Altair’s successor in Renaissance Italy, and Connor Kenway in the American Revolution, took the lead, each exploring different historical eras and conflicts. The games known for their vast open-world settings, immersive storytelling, and fluid combat systems.
Assassin’s Creed has become one of the most successful and beloved franchises in gaming, with over 150 million copies sold by 2020. It has garnered numerous awards throughout its history, including Best Action/Adventure Game and Best Game Design from The Game Awards. The series has also won many accolades for its innovative use of historical settings and its detailed recreations of real-world cities and landmarks.
The success of the series led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Assassin’s Creed II (2009), Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013), and Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017), which introduced new gameplay mechanics such as RPG elements and vast open-world exploration. The franchise has continued to evolve, with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018) and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) incorporating deeper role-playing game features and expansive storytelling.
In addition to the main games, Assassin’s Creed has expanded into novels, comics, and a 2016 feature film. The franchise remains one of the most iconic in gaming, with each new entry pushing the boundaries of historical storytelling and open-world gameplay. We definitely feel this deserves to be among the best video game franchises of all time
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4. THE GHOST OF TSUSHIMA
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Released in July 2020 for the PlayStation 4, the game is set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274. It received widespread acclaim for its stunning open-world design, beautiful visuals, and fluid combat mechanics. Its historical setting and deep narrative struck a chord with both players and critics, leading to a strong fanbase and high sales, with over 8 million copies sold by 2021.
THE STORY
The game follows Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adapt his traditional code of honor to become the “Ghost” and fight against the Mongol invaders using unconventional methods. The storyline explores Jin’s internal struggle as he grapples with his samurai identity and the need to adopt guerrilla tactics to defend his homeland.
Ghost of Tsushima won several awards, including Best Game Direction at The Game Awards 2020, and nominated for multiple others, including Game of the Year. Its presentation of Japanese culture, combined with modern gameplay innovations, earned it recognition in various award circuits.
In 2021, a director’s cut of the game released for PlayStation 5, adding additional content like the Iki Island expansion, which further enriched the story and world-building. As of now, there have been no official sequels, though the game’s success has sparked speculation about potential future installments in the series.
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5. SPIDERMAN
Marvel’s Spider-Man is an action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game quickly became a commercial and critical success, praised for its fluid, dynamic combat, detailed open-world design, and engaging narrative. The captivating sense of freedom in swinging through New York; as well as the emotional depth of Peter’s journey. Marvel’s Spider-Man sold over 13 million copies by the end of 2020 and is one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games of all time.
THE STORY
Released in September 2018 for the PlayStation 4, the game follows Peter Parker, the beloved superhero Spider-Man, as he balances his personal life with his duties as a web-slinger protecting New York City. The story features a seasoned Peter Parker who is dealing with threats like the criminal organization, the Inner Demons, and iconic villains such as Mister Negative, Norman Osborn, and the Sinister Six.
At The Game Awards 2018, Spider-Man won several accolades, including Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure, and Best Performance for Yuri Lowenthal’s portrayal of Peter Parker. Nominated for Game of the Year, it also received recognition in many other game award ceremonies.
The game received an expansion called The City That Never Sleeps, which added new story content and challenges. In 2020, a sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, released along with the PlayStation 5, continuing the story with a focus on Miles Morales as the new Spider-Man. Insomniac released the most anticipated sequel Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face new threats.
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6. GOD OF WAR
God of War is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. First released for the PS2, God of war was promising to be one of the best video game franchise of all times from the word Go!
THE STORY
Originally released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the series became known for its brutal combat and exploration of Greek mythology. The 2018 God of War, however, marked a dramatic shift in both gameplay and story. This installment, a reboot of sorts, reimagined the franchise, focusing on Kratos as a father living in the world of Norse mythology. Kratos, now older and wiser, must guide his son, Atreus, on a journey to fulfill the last wish of his late wife, while battling gods and monsters along the way.
The 2018 God of War received widespread critical acclaim for its emotionally charged narrative, character development, and immersive world-building. Its innovative blend of intense action and exploration, combined with a single-shot camera approach, set a new benchmark for open-world games. The game sold over 23 million copies as of 2023, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation exclusives.
At The Game Awards 2018, God of War won several prestigious awards, including Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure, and Best Performance for Christopher Judge’s portrayal of Kratos. It also garnered numerous other awards and nominations across various gaming platforms.
A direct sequel, God of War Ragnarök, released in November 2022 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game continues Kratos and Atreus’ journey in the midst of the impending Norse apocalypse, introducing new characters, gods, and environments. It received Game of the Year nominations, continuing the franchise’s legacy of success.
With its innovative gameplay and rich storytelling, God of War has cemented itself as one of the most beloved and influential video game franchises of all time.
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7. ASTROBOT
Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a critically acclaimed virtual reality (VR) platformer developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game praised for its innovative use of VR technology, combining classic platforming elements with immersive experiences unique to the medium. Its vibrant art style, charming characters, and engaging level design have made it one of the standout titles for PlayStation VR. Astro Bot Rescue Mission became a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of the best VR games available.
THE STORY
Released in October 2018 for the PlayStation VR, the game stars Astro Bot, a small robot on a mission to rescue his fellow bot crew members after their spaceship crashes on a distant planet. Players control Astro Bot in a variety of creative levels, utilizing the VR headset to explore the environment from new perspectives and interact with the world in ways traditional games can’t.
The game won multiple awards, including Best VR Game at The Game Awards 2018. Nominated for various other accolades across several award platforms. Its success helped establish the Astro Bot series as one of PlayStation VR’s most beloved franchises.
As of now, there has been no direct sequel, but Astro Bot made a return in Astro’s Playroom, a pre-installed game for the PlayStation 5, which served as both a tech demo for the new console’s capabilities and a love letter to PlayStation’s history. There’s ongoing speculation about future titles, but no official announcements are out yet.
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8. GRAND THEFT AUTO
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a highly influential open-world action-adventure game series created by David Jones and Mike Dailly, and later developed by Rockstar North, a subsidiary of Rockstar Games. The first game, Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997, and the series has since become one of the most popular and best video game franchises in video game history.
THE STORY
The games in the series typically revolve around a protagonist engaged in various criminal activities such as theft, robbery, and violence, with a focus on exploration, car chases, and story-driven missions. Set in sprawling, fictional cities inspired by real-world locations, the games allow players to freely navigate the world, interact with NPCs, and engage in a range of activities from heists to side missions.
The GTA series is known for its open-world design, satirical portrayal of society, and boundary-pushing content. Its popularity has soared with each release, especially with Grand Theft Auto V (2013), which became one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 170 million copies sold as of 2023. GTA V also popularized GTA Online, an online multiplayer component that continues to receive updates and remain highly active.
The series has earned numerous awards over the years, including multiple Game of the Year accolades. Grand Theft Auto V alone won more than 20 Game of the Year awards and received critical praise for its narrative, world-building, and innovations in online gaming.
Several sequels have followed, including GTA II (1999), GTA III (2001), GTA: Vice City (2002), GTA: San Andreas (2004), and GTA IV (2008). Each title has pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and storytelling, leading to the franchise’s iconic status. The series’ legacy continues, with fans eagerly awaiting news of GTA VI, which is currently in development, is much awaited
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9. LAST OF US
The Last of Us is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Released in June 2013 for the PlayStation 3, the game quickly became a critical and commercial success, praised for its emotionally powerful narrative, realistic characters, and immersive gameplay.
THE STORY
Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection, the story follows Joel, a grizzled survivor, as he escorts Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival, across a dangerous, decimated United States. The game explores themes of survival, loss, and the bond between Joel and Ellie.
The game’s blend of intense action, exploration, and emotional storytelling earned it numerous awards, including multiple Game of the Year honors from The Game Awards and BAFTA. The Last of Us also won Best Game Direction and Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2013 and has been widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Its success led to over 17 million copies sold by 2018 and sparked a passionate fan base.
In 2020, a sequel, The Last of Us Part II, released for the PlayStation 4 continued Ellie’s story.Like its predecessor, it received widespread acclaim, winning numerous Game of the Year awards, including from The Game Awards 2020. It took home several other major awards, including Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Audio Design. The game’s mature storytelling and controversial moments sparked both praise and debate, contributing to its cultural significance.
A remake of the original game, The Last of Us Part I, released for the PlayStation 5 in 2022, featuring updated visuals, improved mechanics, and additional accessibility features. The series also expanded into other media, with an HBO television adaptation of The Last of Us premiering in 2023, further cementing the franchise’s cultural impact.
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10. HORIZON ZERO DAWN
Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Released in February 2017 for the PlayStation 4, it became an instant hit due to its unique premise, stunning open-world design, and captivating story. The next installment of the franchise was released for the Playstation5. The game was titled Forbidden West and for awhile, the game was a system-seller, especially as it showcased the powerful new features of the PS5 Dual Sense Controller, especially the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback mechanisms that introduced gamers to a whole new world of immersive gaming experiences.
THE STORY
The game set in a post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures dominate the landscape, and humanity has reverted to a tribal society. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her past, the origins of the robotic creatures, and the downfall of the old world.
The game praised for its beautiful visuals, engaging combat system, and strong female protagonist. Its open world, filled with diverse environments and robotic enemies, is a standout feature. Horizon Zero Dawn quickly became one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games, with over 10 million copies sold by 2020. This game is also lauded for its innovative blend of action, exploration, and storytelling.
At the The Game Awards 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn won several accolades, including Best Game Design and Best RPG, and it is nominated for Game of the Year. Its success helped cement Guerrilla Games as a top-tier developer within the gaming industry.
A sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, was released in February 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game continues Aloy’s journey as she faces new threats in the western territories, exploring new landscapes and encountering even more advanced robotic enemies. Horizon Forbidden West received critical praise for its expanded world, improved gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, further solidifying the Horizon series as one of the leading franchises in the action RPG genre.