Entertainment
The 6 Most Universally Loved Games Released Since 2020, Ranked
If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it is that nothing is perfect, especially with video games, as more gamers and opinions flood the community, which will hate even the best titles. Legendary games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or modern classics such as God of War aren’t spared hate, criticism, or discourse, proving that there isn’t a single video game that everyone can say is perfect.
Despite that, some games can be considered to be universally beloved, and that is why this list will feature six video games since the 2000s that are universally beloved. Based on aspects such as gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these six titles are some of the few that many gamers can come together and appreciate, whether that be critically or emotionally.
6
‘The Last of Us’ (2013)
The Last of Us is a great example of a beloved video game that received the exact opposite reaction when the sequel dropped, with many gamers upset with the story and how it handled some characters. At least they have the first game, which follows Joel, a veteran during the zombie apocalypse who must escort a girl across the country. When he learns that she may hold the cure to the outbreak, the mission to deliver her safely makes it more complicated, but will he be able to do it when he gets there?
The Last of Us is renowned for its narrative prestige that proved video games could bring that type of storytelling to games. The dynamics between Joel and Ellie were fantastic and a staple of the experience, making it even more painful when the sequel was released. The Last of Us is more than just a great story, however, as it also features engaging gameplay that brings out the best in the survival horror genre. Eerie, tense, and haunting, this game will have gamers on the edge of their seat, which is why almost everyone who has played it loved it. This is a video game narrative so good that there is even a TV show of it that is well received, proving the source material is just flawless.
5
‘Elden Ring’ (2022)
The 2020s still have a way to go, but the decade is already home to a plethora of modern hits, like FromSoftware’s magnum opus, Elden Ring. After the death of one of her sons, Queen Marika shatters the titular ring into many pieces, leaving her demigod children to claim them. As the Tarnished, players must travel the Lands Between and defeat the demigods to collect the shards, restore the ring, and become the Elden Lord.
Even though the 2020s are young, this decade has produced one of the most universally beloved video games in Elden Ring. Nothing else this decade has as much fan love to an overwhelming amount, proving why it won Game of the Year in 2022. Yes, it may be difficult, but it is because of that difficulty that fans adore it and the feeling they get when overcoming the obstacles. More than that, Elden Ring encourages exploration, rewarding it with lore, boss battles, and worthwhile items. Elden Ring is the most universally loved video game of the 2020s, but this acclaim has seeped into history as a whole to become a landmark of the industry.
4
‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)
Rockstar is one of the greatest game studios of all time, and while fans hope their next game will make this list in the future, for now their most beloved title is Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur Morgan is a cowboy during the dying era of the Wild West, but when he learns of his tuberculosis diagnosis, he realizes he doesn’t have much time left. Dedicated to finding redemption, he sets out on one final adventure to find peace of heart before passing away.
There is a vocal part of the community that strongly believes Red Dead Redemption 2 deserved to win Game of the Year over God of War, and whether that is true or not, the fact that there are so many fans proves how beloved it is. The gameplay is good, but the main appeal of Red Dead Redemption 2 is the experience that allows gamers to immerse themselves in the world and role. Arthur is a captivating protagonist that players get to experience the story through, and the setting is just as engaging and complex, with so much detail packed into the Western frontier. Since it is Rockstar’s best video game ever, this title went above and beyond to deliver a gaming experience unlike anything else, showcasing why so many fans adore it.
3
‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005)
Being scared is usually a bad thing, but gamers can’t get enough of it, especially when it is done well. Resident Evil is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and while the new game and movie are remarkable, nothing can beat Resident Evil 4. When the daughter of the president of the United States is captured in Spain by a cult, Leon S. Kennedy is assigned to bring her back safely. However, when the cult is infected by a parasite, Leon and Ashley must fight their way through zombie-like creatures to safety.
Changing an already beloved formula isn’t usually the recipe to be adored by fans, but Resident Evil 4 pulled it off miraculously. The innovative over-the-shoulder camera changed the game, literally, making it so much easier and more fluid to play. The inventory management system as well was a fun way to manage items and make every decision important. It made Resident Evil an action franchise, which did upset some fans, but it broke out into a whole new demographic. Resident Evil 4 is a blast from start to finish, and a video game that most fans agree is absolutely outstanding.
2
‘Super Mario Galaxy’ (2007)
Nintendo is a company that doesn’t stop making amazing games, and their biggest franchise is Mario, of course, meaning he has plenty of beloved titles, including Super Mario Galaxy. Bowser disrupts the Mushroom Kingdom’s festival to kidnap Princess Peach, taking her far away into the depths of the galaxy. However, Mario, with the help of Rosalina, sets out on a planet-hopping adventure to bring her back, no matter how many Koopas he needs to stomp on or bosses he needs to take down.
There isn’t a single bad 3D Mario video game, but the most beloved is arguably Super Mario Galaxy, which strikes the perfect amount of nostalgia and great design. The spherical gravity is a one-of-a-kind mechanic that gives new life to the franchise, making it even more fresh and imaginative. The movement is fluid, and the platforming is some of the greatest of all time, only made better by the plenty of gimmicks. Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best Nintendo games ever, only improving with age to remain a staple of the company and gaming in general.
1
‘Portal 2’ (2011)
Valve may have some shortcomings, but for the most part, they are a beloved gaming studio, best known for their platform, Steam. But they used to be one of the best game makers as well, releasing multiple beloved classics, like Portal 2. Set after the first game, Chell wakes up to the same facility, but this time it is run-down and abandoned. However, one robot companion helps her navigate the facility to escape, that is, until they accidentally wake up GLaDOS, who is itching for revenge after what players did to her in the first game.
Valve has other masterpieces such as Half-Life 2, but there is a bigger audience around Portal 2 that has made it one of the most beloved video games of all time. It is a 2010s video game masterpiece that used its innovative mechanic with the portal gun and expanded on it to create a much more definitive experience. Portal 2 is a masterclass of game design that inherently teaches the player without much instruction while still making the puzzles thought-provoking and stimulating. The game also boasts witty writing and a charming style that enhances the already intriguing narrative. In the end, Portal 2 is the complete package of game design and fun, a combo that the majority of gamers have to admit they love.
Resident Evil 4
- Released
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January 11, 2005
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
- Engine
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RE Engine
- Franchise
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Resident Evil
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