Over 25,000 BuzzFeed readers took our highly unscientific poll on the greatest video games of all time. Along with a very passionate comment section, we used the data to compile a list of games everyone must play at least once in their life.
The games are not listed in any particular order.
1. Final Fantasy VII (PS1) shows that blocky mid-90's polygons could tell a complex story full of twists and emotional nuance.
2. The Last of Us (PS3/PS4) takes character moments to a truly cinematic level and stands up as an iconic work of fiction.
3. Portal (PC) demonstrates that modern gaming can create unique mind-bending experiences unmatched in any other medium.
4. The Counter-Strike (PC) games are an exercise in pacing and team-based gameplay in multiplayer.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) is widely considered the best game in a series that has no bad apples.
6. The Sims 3 (PC) is an indescribably unique experience - like having tiny, beautiful jibbering human pets.
7. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GCN) is still the ultimate way to party and compete with your friends.
8. Grand Theft Auto V (PS3/360) is the greatest sandbox for fulfilling your criminal ambitions.
9. Super Mario World (SNES) is the perfect '90s platformer and is a blast to play to this day.
10. Metal Gear Solid (PS1) fits cinematic level experiences and international intrigue into a mere 32-bits.
11. Mortal Kombat X (PS4/Xbox One)and its predecessor shows that a classic series can find new heights in terms of story and gameplay.
12. The success of Minecraft (PC) demonstrates that art can be found in simple expressions of creativity.
13. Diablo II (PC) is still the iconic hack and slash and lives on in Diablo III.
14. Assassin's Creed II (PS3/360) makes you feel like a stealthy renaissance badass.
15. God of War 2 (PS2) is a timeless combination of righteous rage and difficult gameplay.
16. Donkey Kong Country 1 and 2 (SNES) are masterpieces in level design and moody, 16-bit music.
17. The Civilization (PC) series teaches you how to think like a leader.
18. Super Metroid (SNES) hit the perfect tone of loneliness, determination, and atmosphere as you explored Zebes in 2-D.
19. Kingdom Hearts (PS2) is a lot of things - a Disney/Square crossover and an innovative RPG - but most importantly, it's a powerful story about friendship.
20. The Elder Scrolls series is a breathtaking experience that shows the massive scale that gaming can take.
21. The Secret of Monkey Island (PC) is a legendary point-and-click game with a great story and quippy, smart dialogue that was way ahead of its time.
22. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) is a masterful update of the classic formula of the classic series and will have you and your friends hooked if you haven't played since Mario Kart 64.
23. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis) still has blazing fast gameplay that can't be matched.
24. Borderlands 2's zany world, unique art direction, and endless variety has to be tried out at least once.
25. Halo II's (XBox) vehicular combat and multiplayer takes first person shooting to a gloriously fun new heights.
26. Age of Empires II (PC) makes managing resources and building a kingdom into an addiction.
27. Street Fighter 2 is the first game that made the arcade feel like a real battleground.
28. If you haven't had a night of a Mario Party 2 (N64) with friends, have you truly lived?
29. Super Mario 64 (N64) revolutionized jumping around in 3D space. You can spend hours just running around Peach's Castle.
30. Banjo-Kazooie (N64) is a game packed to the brim with secrets and collectibles. You won't want to stop searching.
31. Chrono Trigger (SNES) has you travel through various time periods to save the world in the form of a classic '90s RPG.
32. Pokémon (Game Boy) is one of the greatest social gaming experiences you could ever have and you're crazy if you've never played it before.
