50. Halo
Outside of ushering in an age of redefined and evolved First Person Shooter gameplay subsequently pioneering console multiplayer, Halo also has always delivered one of the richest science fiction universes across any entertainment medium. While the quality has unfortunately stagnated recently, you cant argue against a series that has also spawned novels and forthcoming television series. Master Chief and iconic metallic green armor is one of the most iconic video game characters to have ever existed. as are his enemies which range from The Flood to The Covenant and most recently the Forerunners. As Halo fizzles out with refreshing gameplay, its stories again still remain fascinating exploring a more personal side of Master Chief and his AI holographic companion Cortana.
49. Portal 2
Some gamers may have come for the complex gravity gun, cubed box companion, and portal centralized puzzles. Some may have come for the story in the first place. Everyone that ends up playing Portal though falls in love with its characters, most notably a computerized AI with a now iconic computerized voice by Ellen McLain, named GLaDOS that for some inexplicable reason wants silent protagonist Chell to die. Theres also undeniably charming frantic and witty dialogue comparable to a Pixar film. Also, any game starring a J.K Simmons channing his inner J. Jonah Jameson is a winner full of gutbustingly delivered smartass dialogue. It may be one of the more lighthearted selections on this list but you cant argue with the inevitable constant gleeful smile that the writing brings. There's actually a sequence breaking the fourth wall where you are tempted to jump to your death for an achievement
48. Earthbound
Another cheeky and lighthearted selection, Earthbound is truly memorable for its approach to the mountain of tropes piling up in JRPGs. Instead of inviting gamers to another mythical fantasy land Earthbound sets itself in the 90s. A large portion of the plot is centered on earnest playful jabs at JRPGs and oddball characters with unusual antics but its all so endearing and majestic. The gist is that in the future an embodiment of evil named Giygas has taken control over the world, and well who better to save it than innocent children traveling through the past and present. The franchise's central hero Ness remains a classic and iconic Nintendo character even to this day, appearing in every entry of Nintendo's Super Smash Brothers line of fighting games
47. Prince Of Persia: The Sands of Time
The exact plot down to meticulous details isnt why this game made the cut but rather its enchanting execution. Similar to a Disney tale in premise, The Sands of Time has the player on an epic adventure across deserts and castles to reverse a deadly curse and win over a Princess. A primary focus on parkour platforming supplementing the cocky and brash Prince throughout his journey added wondrous thrills to the basic plot. Unfortunately some sequels came along that clearly misunderstood what made Sands of Time so engrossing and we got a whiny angsty Prince hell-bent on revenge. Its like watching a Toy Story sequel where Andy hides drugs he sells on the street inside Ham. Thankfully, well always the Sands of Time.