10 Fantasy Video Games That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

When playing a video game, there will always be some area, section, or general flaw in the title that just restricts it from becoming perfect. Such as the turret-shooting asteroid segment in Dead Space that took players out of the loop, or the infamous water temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that was needlessly frustrating, or pretty much any tutorial for most Pokémon video games.

However, some video games don’t have these issues, instead delivering a full experience with no downs, only ups. This list will feature ten fantasy video games that are perfect from start to finish based on gameplay, narrative, design, pacing, consistency, originality, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. Perfection is, of course, subjective, but these few precious games might actually achieve it.

‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ (2004)

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Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, but fans probably weren’t expecting anything from Mario on this list. Yet, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is technically a fantasy video game. Mario travels to a port town in order to help Princess Peach open the titular door. However, once he arrives, he discovers that the princess has been kidnapped by an alien race known as the X-nauts.

Taking Mario outside his comfort zone in terms of setting and gameplay created a compelling RPG that is acclaimed for its sharp writing. The town is a unique setting and full of endearing characters with whom the player can interact. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door also uses a distinct stage play style, further making it a charming and witty gaming experience that more fans should try out.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

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It’s unfortunate that the Dragon Age franchise didn’t land on its feet, but fans at least have a couple of amazing video games, including the first Game of the Year winner at the Game Awards, Dragon Age: Inquisition. As demons pour out of the magical tears across the continent of Thedas, the protagonist, labeled the Herald of Andraste, is tasked with rebuilding an ancient political and military force to stop the crisis.

There are many fantastic Dragon Age video games, but this one in particular has an incredible pace that makes it perfect from start to finish. The political storytelling is spectacular, building a complex and fascinating narrative that boosts the gameplay. Indeed, the action is solid, but the political machinations and nuances might be the best aspect here. The lore, worldbuilding, companion writing, and tension are maintained throughout, proving the game’s excellence.

‘Final Fantasy VI’ (1994)

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The Final Fantasy franchise is home to some of the most beloved video games of all time, and while there are others that are more acclaimed than Final Fantasy VI, it is the most perfect. Players and their group of adventurers set out on an adventure to stop the evil empire of Gestahlian and its unhinged general, Kafka, from draining the planet of its life source.

As the last Final Fantasy game in 2D before it shifted to 3D, this game perfected the top-down formula in terms of art and gameplay. The massive ensemble cast adds personal stories that slowly weave together through trauma and tragedy, featuring some of the franchise’s most popular figures, like Terra Branford. The first half was good, but the mid-game twist turns Final Fantasy VI on its head, altering the gameplay and narrative flawlessly.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

FromSoftware is a prolific video game studio, and its magnum opus, Elden Ring, is also its most perfect title. After the titular object shatters, the children of Queen Marika claim the pieces. Players awaken as the Tarnished One, who must travel through the Lands Between and defeat the demigod children in order to retrieve the pieces, reform the ring, and become the Elden Lord.

Elden Ring does have some flaws, including its narrative, which many fans said was convoluted. However, this title is the best dark fantasy video game for good reason. The combat may be challenging, but ultimately rewarding when players finally defeat the boss they were stuck on. The collective lore and worldbuilding that fans learn through exploration is a satisfying experience that highlights Elden Ring‘s flawlessness.

‘Journey’ (2012)

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The indie genre offers some of the greatest, most ambitious, and personal stories and experiences in gaming history, and one such title is Journey. The player controls an anonymous and mysterious traveller in an expansive desert. On a pilgrimage to its central and grand mountain, the player will encounter many mysteries, wonders, and unexpected events.

As a walking simulator-type game, Journey may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy it, they may just find their new favorite game. The stakes may be low at the beginning, but the methodical pace enhances the sense of beauty and relaxation. However, the tone shifts into a dark underground world, and the ancient dangers evoke a sense of dread. By the end, Journey has a euphoric final climb up the mountain that concludes its two-hour, short but sweet experience with different vibes at each step.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

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Yet another flawless indie game that makes this list is a cult classic that recently received its long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight. A small bug goes on a big mission in the infected kingdom of Hallownest, needing to uncover its dark mystery and defeat whatever is infecting the kingdom.

While its sequel has higher highs, it also has lower lows. Hollow Knight, on the other hand, is a flawlessly paced and consistent masterpiece that keeps delivering. Players slowly unlock mechanics, new traversal methods, and forms of combat, making exploration even more compelling. As new areas unlock, gamers can get lost in this melancholic world and all of its perfection. It’s the best kind of experience that, while not exactly open-world, can still allow players autonomy. Hollow Knight is one of the best indie games ever, and the proof is in the pudding.

‘Chrono Trigger’ (1995)

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The 3D format opens itself up to many flaws and mistakes, which is why many 2D video games are perfect, including Chrono Trigger. When a group of adventurers accidentally discover time travel at a fair, they see a future of death and destruction. Now, those same heroes must travel through the past, present, and future to stop this nightmare from becoming reality.

Chrono Trigger is the pinnacle of 16-bit gaming, not only being a technological masterpiece, but also boasting fun gameplay and profound storytelling. This game has phenomenal pacing, having engaging sections in the past, present, and future that all affect each other. Every choice alters the future in Chrono Trigger, which makes every step a perfect gaming experience, whether it is at the beginning or end.

‘Hades’ (2020)

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The last, but best indie video game on this list is Hades, whose sequel was good, but doesn’t hold up compared to the original. Zagreus is the rebellious prince of the underworld, wanting to escape Hell and his father, Hades. Thinking his mother is trapped on Olympus, he spends countless times attempting to escape the underworld.

As a rogue-like, the gameplay can get repetitive, but its novel approach to death pretty much revolutionized the formula, making this experience great from start to finish. The rogue-like elements are enhanced through the unlockable weapons and narrative, creating a relevant and engaging story. The more players die, the further the story progresses, which is seen through the character interactions and hub world, proving Hades is a remarkable indie game.

‘The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past’ (1991)

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The Legend of Zelda franchise has some incredible video games, but their most perfect is arguably The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It follows the typical plot, with Link needing to rescue Princess Zelda and the descendants of the sages after Ganondorf kidnaps them by traversing through the normal world and a mirrored dimension.

While The Legend of Zelda is mostly a 3D franchise, they have some fantastic 2D games, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The dual-world mechanic adds incredible opportunities for puzzle design, and these aspects combine to create a well-paced experience. A Link to the Past slowly expands the player’s toolkit, and through dungeons, gameplay, and bosses, fans find more to love.

‘God of War’ (2018)

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2018 was one of the best years of gaming in a long time, but its greatest masterpiece, which was perfect from start to finish, was God of War. Putting aside his trauma and rage from Greece, Kratos now lives in a Norse region. However, after his wife dies, he respects her wishes, travelling across the region with his son, Atreus, to scatter her ashes at the top of the highest peak, but the gods want his son for strange reasons.

As soon as the game begins and players get into the tutorial, God of War hooks gamers immediately with one of the best introductions in gaming history, ending in a phenomenal boss battle that sets the pace. With one of the most gorgeous, personal, and profound stories as well as its masterful narrative design, God of War is a fantasy masterpiece. Not to mention, this game features cathartic gameplay and a satisfying sense of progression, which mixes nicely with its renowned combat, proving it is perfect from start to finish. God of War reinvents Kratos, one of the best video game characters, to deliver one of the best experiences of the century.