February 22nd 2025.
When it comes to video games, perfection is an elusive concept. Many games have their own flaws, big or small, that can detract from the overall experience. However, there are some games that come pretty close to being flawless. These are the games that you can pick up and play at any time, and they still hold up just as well as they did when they were first released. As a reader, I have compiled a list of five games that I believe fit this description.
Before diving into the list, I want to acknowledge that nothing is truly perfect. Every game has its own flaws, but the ones on this list are so minor that they do not impact the overall enjoyment of the game. As I was making this list, I realized that the older a game is, the easier it is to be flawless. This is because the game is doing less and therefore has less room for error. Classic games like Space Invaders may be considered perfect, but that is largely due to the fact that it is a simple game.
On the other hand, newer games can still be considered classics despite having flaws. For example, games like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have mediocre combat, but they are still considered some of the best games of the decade. With that in mind, let's take a look at my list.
Super Metroid is a game that has withstood the test of time. It was one of the first Metroidvania games and it still feels like a game that could be released today. It has a well-designed open-world and its graphics were state-of-the-art at the time of its release. The story is also engaging, with a memorable ending. Even its unintended glitches are fun to play with. And let's not forget about its sequel, Metroid Prime, which is also considered a near-perfect game.
Another game that often gets praised for being perfect is Final Fantasy 7. While it is a great game, it is far from perfect. It has its fair share of flaws, including a terrible translation. For me, the best role-playing game on the SNES and the best Japanese role-playing game of all time is Chrono Trigger. This game has a well-paced story and likable characters. The combat is fast-paced and the setting and story are constantly moving. The director's cut of this game added some animated cutscenes and a new area, but it was already perfect without them.
Super Mario World is a game that could easily be considered a masterpiece. It is a game that constantly introduces new ideas and keeps players engaged. It's almost like watching Nintendo come up with wild ideas on the spot. While there are other Nintendo games that could be on this list, Super Mario World deserves the spot the most.
For fans of strategy games, Civilization 5 is a must-play. With all the DLC, updates, and mods, it is the perfect incarnation of the series. It may take some time to learn, but that is not a flaw. After all, the game is about controlling human history, and that is no easy feat. The fact that it works at all is a miracle, and it strikes the perfect balance between depth and accessibility.
Last but not least, we have Tetris. This game is a true classic and has never aged. The original version is still fully playable, and even the newer versions, like Tetris Effect, are basically the same game. The graphics may have improved, but the core gameplay remains unchanged. It is a game that is essentially perfect, and it deserves all the praise it receives.
In conclusion, these five games may not be completely without fault, but their flaws are so minor that they do not affect the overall experience. They are games that have stood the test of time and are just as enjoyable now as they were when they were first released. These games are a testament to the fact that sometimes, you can't improve on perfection.
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