Edge Magazine releases Top 100 games of all time list

sj33 · Aug 31, 2017

Thing is, the focus of Edge is in their name. They do have a focus on newer games because they focus on the bleeding edge. They launched in late 1994 with a specific focus on the then-upcoming 32-bit consoles and that set the tone for the magazine. They're also very developer-focused, bordering on being a trade magazine at times.

Their sister magazine, GamesMaster, is more aimed at the general gamer.

Xzi · Aug 31, 2017

18. Rez Infinite

Wow, would not have expected this game to have made the list, and at number eighteen none the less. These guys know what's up, this game is fucking amazing! Especially the VR mode in the Steam version. It's everything the 80s/90s promised VR would be, and so much more. The environments move to the music, and you get to be inside those environments.

Edit: A couple other notes, they included tons of Zelda games but only one TES game, and Morrowind is better than Skyrim. Arkham City or Arkham Asylum are better than Arkham Knight. Bastion is better than Transistor. Almost like a number of games were chosen simply because they were more recent. Opposite for Civilization where I find VI better than IV, lol. League of Legends doesn't deserve top 100, along with a couple other nothing casual games they included. Pretty good list otherwise.

pustal · Aug 31, 2017

This is so subjective....

TheDarkGreninja · Aug 31, 2017

Zense said:
I don't care about the subjective aspect to this list so I won't complain about X game not making the cut.

However, this list has problems on a fundamental basis, as others have commented. It's simply because it goes against its own guidelines, several times (!). It clearly states that historical impact and nostalgia counts for nothing, which woulda been fine if they'd manage to stick to that. I'll give my examples of confusing and contradictory choices:

1. Any of the games that has a clearly better remake - RE4, SotC, ICO, TLoZ OoT/MM/WW, FFXII, Skyrim, TLoU, CoD4, Okami and there are probably some I missed... You might ask why they should bother writing Resident Evil 4 HD Remake. Here are my reasons: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Ultra Street Fighter IV. These are simply upgraded versions of already great games. MK8D isn't even an HD remake. It re-adds the feature of 2 items.... Basically, this list is inconsistent.

2. Tetris - They said historical impact doesn't count so... find a more polished version then. Don't you dare telling me this is the definitive version to play..

3,4,5. Puzzle Bobble, Bomberman, Puyo Puyo - Same reason as Tetris

63. Sleeping Dogs: Cop and Friends - This is not a very prestigious list..

And there are games I'm not familiar with, though I do question some of the other choices like:

Dota 2 AND LoL - Are they THAT different??... Then again there's 3x Souls games and 3x 3D Mario games. I guess Dota 2 and LoL are at least as different from each other as those are.

Splatoon vs Splatoon 2 - Do any fans complain about the first being better? Maybe the sequel is too recent?

Anyway, making a list without accounting for historical impact is nice because it gives unexperienced gamers a quick idea about older games they might be able to enjoy instead of having themselves play games that simply haven't aged well.

However, this also means this list requires more frequent updates as better iterations/sequels of games come out, like what they've done with Doom, and, what (I imagine) they'll have to do with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate when World releases.

That's the thing though right (regarding point 1), a HD remake that is better will be the one the gamer plays as it will be on current gen consoles. MK8D isn't a remake as you said, it's a better MK8 which is different to the original, making sense as to why they wrote MK8D instead of MK8. The same goes for ultra street fighter but to a far lesser extent.

Abu_Senpai said:
LOL it is definitely is hard to quell hard ons, so now it makes sense then as to why BOTW was #1. Dont get me wrong it is a great game but definitely not worth the number 1 spot.

For me it does, and it seems I agree with most of EDGE's list bar tetris.

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pustal said:
This is so subjective....

How do you create an objective list of games?

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sj33 said:
Thing is, the focus of Edge is in their name. They do have a focus on newer games because they focus on the bleeding edge. They launched in late 1994 with a specific focus on the then-upcoming 32-bit consoles and that set the tone for the magazine. They're also very developer-focused, bordering on being a trade magazine at times.

Their sister magazine, GamesMaster, is more aimed at the general gamer.

I've had an EDGE for a while now, I can't agree more.

Zense · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
That's the thing though right (regarding point 1), a HD remake that is better will be the one the gamer plays as it will be on current gen consoles. MK8D isn't a remake as you said, it's a better MK8 which is different to the original, making sense as to why they wrote MK8D instead of MK8. The same goes for ultra street fighter but to a far lesser extent.

I agree with you that anyone looking to play these games would simply pick the most obvious choice: the remade versions, like RE4HD, TLoZWWHD etc.

However, I realise that I should've been more specific in not calling all of the better versions of these games "remakes". For example, how would you then justify them picking OoT (N64) rather than OoT 3D, which is objectively a better version to play for unfamiliar gamers, because of its added features while still retaining the core game. Sure the graphics and presentation got an overhaul, but it has tons of new features added too. Is MK8D more different from MK8, than what OoT3D is from OoT? The very same could be said for Majora's Mask.

Looking at their criteria, it seems like a fitting name for their list could have been "Top 100 games to play right now", however refering to my points from earlier, this wouldn't be correct in the current state of the list. Like, who in their right mind would tell someone unfamiliar with Bomberman that the best game to play right now is Bomberman NES? Unless, of course, that someone is stuck in the past - though most people aren't..

Stephano · Aug 31, 2017

Okay, these are the problems i see.
1.) No Halo CE or Halo 2
2.) Halo 3 and SotC are way to low
3.) Bioshock is to low (I bring these 3 games up considering their longevity as well as nomination for game of the decade)
4.) Half life 1 (Some may argue its better than HL2. I like them evenly)
5.) No F.E.A.R.?

TheDarkGreninja · Aug 31, 2017

Zense said:
I agree with you that anyone looking to play these games would simply pick the most obvious choice: the remade versions, like RE4HD, TLoZWWHD etc.

However, I realise that I should've been more specific in not calling all of the better versions of these games "remakes". For example, how would you then justify them picking OoT (N64) rather than OoT 3D, which is objectively a better version to play for unfamiliar gamers, because of its added features while still retaining the core game. Sure the graphics and presentation got an overhaul, but it has tons of new features added too. Is MK8D more different from MK8, than what OoT3D is from OoT? The very same could be said for Majora's Mask.

Looking at their criteria, it seems like a fitting name for their list could have been "Top 100 games to play right now", however refering to my points from earlier, this wouldn't be correct in the current state of the list. Like, who in their right mind would tell someone unfamiliar with Bomberman that the best game to play right now is Bomberman NES? Unless, of course, that someone is stuck in the past - though most people aren't..

Very true. Keep in mind however, the typical EDGE reader would be a gaming enthusiast, not a casual gamer.

RadioShadow · Aug 31, 2017

The problem with the list is some of the games are released on more than one console.

Take "Bomberman". Are they really saying Bomberman for the NES is the best Bomberman version? Judging by Tony's reaction below, I guess it is...

I would have put Bomberman '94 for the Turbografx, which is a fantastic 5 player game!

Wasn't expecting "Puyo Puyo" on that list, but again, which version are they talking about? I could be really nerdy and point out it was released on the MSX & NES first, which was just a single player experience (well unless you hack the NES version).

I take it they mean the Arcade version (which used the same title as the MSX / NES) which spawned lots of ports, although I would have picked the Mega Drive version as a cheap version to pick up.

They should have used Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, which is a mod of the Mega Drive Puyo Puyo. At least that version is more well known with extra features like passwords and better music, which make it a better choice.

Taleweaver · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
How do you create an objective list of games?

A raw numbers check. There might be some slight flaws to it, but surely the amount of people having a certain game MUST be the best, right? I mean...what could possibly go wrong?

...

Next month in Edge:

The NEW best game of all time is...

Flappy birds

sarkwalvein · Aug 31, 2017

Taleweaver said:
A raw numbers check. There might be some slight flaws to it, but surely the amount of people having a certain game MUST be the best, right? I mean...what could possibly go wrong?

...

Next month in Edge:

The NEW best game of all time is...

Flappy birds

You could also survey a fuckload of people and post the average results.
In the end, the sum of infinite subjective opinions from a random sample should tend to an objective fact.

FAST6191 · Aug 31, 2017

31 it seems, though a few more if you count those I played and gave up on (monster hunter and xenoblade for example) or those which were or have identikit sequels.

Prince of Persia made me most curious. Looking at it all although 3d platformers seem to have died on their arses, give or take Nintendo's occasional oft mediocre effort for Mario, the "action adventure" actually got surprisingly good in the controls stakes. Even the later, far worse in story and tone, games in the franchise did better here for me.

While I love Vanquish I am kind of surprised to see it there.

I am not sure how Final Fantasy 12 got there. I am one of the freaks which really likes it and would have to say of the post 6 series it does most represent what I reckon the devs were going for, however there are so many better choices for that sort of game. Equally if they can justify picking one game there then I am going to question how Demon's Souls, Dark Souls and Bloodborne can end up on one list.

The Zelda top spot pick is only going to serve to date this list so hard in about 3 months, if it has not already (I think most now seem in agreement it is a so so open world game, which is impressive considering the early stuff we saw made it look like a company trying their hand at a style unfamiliar to them which is also a noted money pit). Though [current mainline non London GTA] probably wants to be the entry there.

Splatoon? OK, I would have picked one of any number of fun team shooting multiplayer games over that. Speaking of multiplayer this list does seem to enjoy its competition based games, which is probably where it loses me the most as I like a good story over proving I am a faster head clicker or maths doer.

I think I have now managed to offend everybody that matters, though I might say while I like Resident Evil 4 it was 5's co-op that means that will be the one I mostly care to return to.

Quite a few indy games in that as well, I liked many of them but I am not sure I would list them in one like this as much as [play indy game of a given style]. Said titles also provided the two I had never heard of before now (Hyper Light Drifter and Inside), though several others on that I know the name of and probably dismissed when the aim of the game. Unless it is one I did not play no beat em ups either, or are we counting Dota and Hyper Light Drifter as those? Even with the historical significance and nostalgia provisos I reckon Streets of Rage 2 holds up to this day and could easily kick any number of those off the list.

FAST6191 · Aug 31, 2017

sarkwalvein said:
You could also survey a fuckload of people and post the average results.
In the end, the sum of infinite subjective opinions from a random sample should tend to an objective fact.

How good are these random people? At times I wish I had never learned how games work as I pull them all apart when playing, others can still be entertained by things which really bother me. Going further a work exploring love and desire to create pretty things is going to mean nothing to me as neither of those mean anything to me -- at best it would be an exercise in anthropology. Going out into the world though it seems there are plenty which seek and enjoy such things.
Similarly I have never been moved by a game, not in the same way I have by TV, books, films (I would normally say TV/film but TV has done it by giving me dozens of hours to come to like a character/concept where film can only manage a fraction of that). It has come dangerously close at times but always manages to fumble it before now. Looking at films, TV, books and such many of their earlier efforts are stricken by similar problems (Lord of the Rings I find to be complete sappy drivel compared to things which followed it). It is getting better though so any day now I am expecting to find something, or maybe if I go play some things I am missing on this list.
A sample of a fuckload of people on what material to use for my new device is not going to be very useful. Make said sample include people with a suitable background and it becomes far more useful. What colour to make my device? No way do I want science and engineering types picking that (give or take them running a poll/test of random plebs/would be buyers and going with that, or multiple results if this is one of those pasta sauce things -- http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2011/03/content-marketing-diversification/ ).

What about history? We occasionally get games panned in the US but praised in Europe, never mind Japan and all other combinations of the lot.
Related to the above what about your formative games? It has been seen repeatedly that many of the indy platformers, several of which are on this list, are homages to NES Mario in various forms. What happens when in about 3-4 years all those which grew up on minecraft have learned to code and that is their base game? Going back to regions then it has been seen American efforts at RPGs tend to be "I want to play dungeons and dragons but the computer is getting in my way" where Europe has vastly different ideas on how to set about it, and Japan does Kabuki theatre in game form or something.

air2004 · Aug 31, 2017

13/100

TheDarkGreninja · Aug 31, 2017

FAST6191 said:
The Zelda top spot pick is only going to serve to date this list so hard in about 3 months, if it has not already (I think most now seem in agreement it is a so so open world game, which is impressive considering the early stuff we saw made it look like a company trying their hand at a style unfamiliar to them which is also a noted money pit).

What do you mean? Why would making it "so so open world" make the list dated? I'm having a hard time understanding your thought process.

pustal · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
How do you create an objective list of games?

You establish a well defined metric and you list according to it, even if that metric is score averages or reviewers consensus. If you don't have one this can as well be the guy who wrote the lists' top 100 personal favourite.

TheDarkGreninja · Aug 31, 2017

pustal said:
You establish a well defined metric and you list according to it, even if that metric is score averages or reviewers consensus. If you don't have one this can as well be the guy who wrote the lists' top 100 personal favourite.

Wouldn't that still be subjective? Seeing as how it's still based on many peoples personal opinions

pustal · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
Wouldn't that still be subjective? Seeing as how it's still based on many peoples personal opinions

Those opinions are subjective, the list would not. Of course they had to add "according to..."

TheDarkGreninja · Aug 31, 2017

pustal said:
Those opinions are subjective, the list would not. Of course they had to add "according to..."

I'm not sure I follow. Objectively it still wouldn't be the best due to the subjective nature of scoring.

pustal · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
Wouldn't that still be subjective? Seeing as how it's still based on many peoples personal opinions

Those opinions are subjective, the list would not. Of course they had to add "according to...". A more objective thing if you want would be to define a score formula, that received inputs like "immersion", "design", "execution", "lasting appeal", etc, state the formula, run it on every title they analysed and compare it.

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TheDarkGreninja said:
I'm not sure I follow. Objectively it still wouldn't be the best due to the subjective nature of scoring.

Sorry, it posted before I finished for some reason. I meant it wouldn't be perfect but in my eyes, better than. A more objective evaluation would be what I just wrote in my finished comment.

FAST6191 · Aug 31, 2017

TheDarkGreninja said:
What do you mean? Why would making it "so so open world" make the list dated? I'm having a hard time understanding your thought process.

We see it all the time we overhyped games/games where many a reviewer seems to believe the hype, indeed I first noticed it around Zelda Ocarina. A few months down the line people would pause, realise that what was seen was done better before and elsewhere, or at least not without serious scope for improvements, and then if not a backlash then a hangover period would end ("what were we thinking?" and all that) and all the lists that gushed over it would very clearly belong in that one period where everybody was still shiny and happy over a game.

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