Developers often aim to create engaging experiences, but some games transcend mere entertainment to become influential milestones. Polygon has compiled a list of 13 games that have profoundly shifted the trajectory of the medium, impacting subsequent titles and the industry as a whole.
Early Innovations in Arcade and Text Adventures
Namco's 1980 release, Pac-Man, quickly transcended its arcade origins, becoming a cultural phenomenon evidenced by the 1981 hit song "Pac-Man Fever." Its success demonstrated the power of a strong mascot to attract players and its core maze and score-chasing mechanics were widely emulated, cementing Pac-Man's status as a lasting pop-culture icon.
Also from 1980, Rogue introduced a groundbreaking concept: permadeath. By offering only one chance per playthrough and generating a different world with each attempt, it shifted player focus from speed to strategic resource management. This design philosophy laid the groundwork for the entire rogue-like and rogue-lite genres.
Zork, another 1980 title, significantly advanced the text adventure genre. Moving beyond basic commands, it offered players greater freedom to explore, supported a larger vocabulary for interaction, and infused the experience with humor and personality, including its memorable grues. Its innovations paved the way for later graphical adventure games.
The Dawn of RPGs and Puzzle Dominance
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981) was instrumental in shaping the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) genre, alongside early Ultima titles. It pioneered first-person party-based combat with distinct character classes, a core element that would define JRPGs for decades.
Tetris, released in 1984, proved that simple, engaging mechanics could captivate a wide audience, even those not typically drawn to gaming. Its inclusion as a pack-in title for the Game Boy in North America and Europe demonstrated its universal appeal and accessibility, making it a perfect introduction to portable gaming.
Nintendo's 1985 release, Super Mario Bros., revolutionized the platformer genre by breaking free from single-screen limitations. It offered expansive levels with varied environments, replacing simple score-chasing with true adventure and exploration, a format that continues to define the genre.
The Legend of Zelda (1986) focused on creating a vast world for players to explore at their own pace, incorporating puzzle-solving and equipment collection. It established a formula of open-world exploration and adventure that has been widely adopted and adapted by countless games since.
Simulation, Competition, and the FPS Revolution
SimCity (1989) diverged from narrative-driven games by presenting players with open-ended city-building challenges. Its simulation of zoning, transit, and disaster management offered a compelling alternative to traditional gameplay, empowering players as architects of their own virtual worlds.
Street Fighter 2 (1991) revitalized the fighting game genre with its memorable characters, unique special moves, and emergent combo system. Its competitive depth attracted dedicated players, while its accessibility drew crowds to arcades, establishing a lasting legacy in competitive gaming.
Doom (1993) fundamentally changed the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. It popularized concepts like "deathmatch" and visceral combat, leading to an explosion in the genre's popularity. The game's enduring legacy is evident in its continuous series development and the modding community's ongoing fascination with it.
The enduring influence of these 13 titles demonstrates their lasting impact on game design, player engagement, and the cultural significance of video games across the decades.