Welcome to Culture of Gaming. Today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 video games series with no bad games.
This list will be going over the franchises and video games that lack any outright bad games. A few may have weaker entries, but none of them are terrible. Also, we won’t be counting spinoffs, only games in the main series. So what franchise has the best games all around? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s go.
Number 10: Metal Gear
The Metal Gear franchise contains some of the most beloved stealth action games ever. The series has set the bar for storytelling and video games through its extensive use of cinematics in its recent titles.
While the story can veer into the absurd, that’s just part of its charm. Metal gear games also feature great gameplay, gorgeous music, and some genuinely outlandish characters. From the early 2D titles to the 3D cinematic masterpieces, Metal Gear is just a solid series all the way through.
Whether it stays way after Creator Hideo Kojima’s departure, well, we all know about Metal Gear Survive, right?
Number 9: Grand Theft Auto
GTA may focus on criminals, but the series’ track record for quality games is positively saintly while it’s humble.
Top-down beginnings are just so, so. However, once the franchise jumped to 3d, it quickly became the biggest name in gaming. The open-world games feature a ton of freedom while delivering engaging storylines and some a-list voice acting. The variety within the series is also impressive, from the eighties-themed Vice City to the expansive GTA five.
We don’t know for sure when we’ll get the next entry in the series, but it’s sure to be great.
Number 8: Batman
I’m going to tell you that, man, these games aren’t just some of the best superhero games ever made. They’re also right up there with some of the best Batman stories out there.
The voice acting is stellar, and the twists and developments hit hard even if you can see some coming. Plus, unlike most Batman stories, you can decide how to take down his foes or goons. And sure, Origins is a weak link in the franchise, but that’s only by comparison to the others. It’s still a decent game.
The Batman Arkham franchise immerses players in the world of the Dark Knight, and it’s one fantastic experience.
Number 7: Uncharted
While not the first game series to have great cinematic cut scenes, Uncharted as arguably some of the best.
The franchise’s compelling adventure stories feel like something Hollywood wishes they could pull off with great characters, engaging stories, and gameplay, as well as jaw-dropping set pieces.
Each of the series four main entries is excellent in their own way. Even if later games naturally build on those that came before the uncharted series is off the charts in terms of quality and with Naughty Dogs track record, that’s unlikely to change in the future.
Number 6: God of War
When it comes to action games, players worship a diverse group of them, but God of War ranks near the top of the pantheon.
Following Kratos, a human turned God as he battles deities of Greece and later Scandinavia, the God of War games are filled with moments of spectacle and surprisingly emotional storytelling.
Most of all, the franchises are among the best in making players feel like a badass. Even the QuickTime events are excellent. The games have reached new heights recently, and like Kratos himself, we’re curious to see just how high they can ascend.
Number 5: Mario Kart
Mario Kart games see everyone’s favorite plumber and his friends, enemies, and relatives engaging in cart racing.
Although most games improve in some way on those that preceded them, several Mario Kart games have unique gimmicks that set them apart, such as Double Dash with two drivers per cart.
Every game in the franchise is a fun racing experience, even if they can all be frustrating at times (particularly if there is a blue Koopa shell involved). While cart racing isn’t exactly an innovative or acclaimed genre, Mario Cart games are consistently the best at what they do.
Number 4: Yakuza
Easily one of the most underrated series on our list. Yakuza has been gaining traction recently outside of Japan, but plenty of people are still sleeping on its greatness.
Perhaps most easily described as a cross between Sheu and GTA. The Yakuza franchise primarily follows the Akua Ka Zuma cure you as he becomes embroiled in the Japanese gangster scene.
The serious, compelling story and well-drawn characters are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s also fantastic beat ’em up, combat, and more side missions than you can shake a chicken at.
Like seriously, there is so much to do in these games, and it’s all crazy.
Number 3: Souls
Whether they’re Demons or Dark, the Souls games are all exceptional. This franchise of action RPGs may be famous for its punishing difficulty, but it has proven to be a mountain that players are eager to climb no matter how many times they get knocked down.
While there have been a few quality-of-life changes as the series has gone on, its core gameplay has remained largely unchanged – probably because it works so well.
While pitting players against a succession of huge and hugely difficult bosses may not be everyone’s cup of tea for those who enjoy it, praising the Souls series is like praising the sun.
It’s just what you do.
Number 2: The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda franchise is legendary and more than the name. It’s also renowned for its high standards of quality. Even its weakest entries are still good games.
From its humble beginnings on the NES to the breathtaking open world of Breath of the Wild.
The Legend of Zelda has been providing exceptional games for decades.
Most may follow similar structures, but each has its unique spin on the successful formula. To keep it distinct, the legend of Zelda always delivers fun puzzle slash adventure gameplay, creative worlds, memorable characters, and unforgettable music. If not for our next entry, it could easily be number one.
And before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions with no weak games in the chain:
Doom a pioneer of the FPS genre and still going strong and brutal.
Bioshock, please point out a weak link in this series. Cause we can’t find one?
Number 1: Super Mario
The core Super Mario titles are the gold standard of video games for a reason.
They don’t miss.
Super Mario set the standard for both 2D and 3D platformers, as well as raising those standards with practically every new release.
The series has some of the most iconic gameplay characters, music and all-around presentation in all of video games. While the mustached man has put out a few games that weren’t up to as high standards. They are still quality titles by any other measure.
Let’s put it this way. If you could only play one game for the rest of your life and the choices were any random non-Mario game and a random Super Mario game, you should probably bet on Mario.
