Game Informer recently embarked on a grand quest: to crown the ultimate champion in the realm of video games. Through a series of reader-driven votes, the publication whittled down a massive list of contenders to a single victor – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This SEO-optimized article explores the journey, the surprises, and the ultimate winner of this epic tournament.
A Tournament of Titans: How Game Informer Chose the Greatest Game
To select the 64 games vying for the title, Game Informer drew inspiration from multiple sources. They revisited their “Top 100 RPGs of All Time” list published in 2018, factored in critical reviews, and considered reader feedback. This diverse approach ensured a well-rounded selection, encompassing iconic titles from various genres and eras.
However, the initial list wasn’t without its omissions. Notable absentees like the original Deus Ex, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Max Payne, and the Ori series raised eyebrows within the gaming community. These high-profile exclusions sparked healthy debate and highlighted the inherent subjectivity of such rankings.
The Gauntlet Begins: Vote, Clash, Repeat
Once the field was set, Game Informer initiated the voting process. Each week, readers cast their ballots for two games pitted against each other. The victors moved on to the next round, while the defeated titles were eliminated. This head-to-head format continued until just two games remained: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
The path to the finals wasn’t without intrigue. One particularly close battle saw Ocarina of Time face off against the recently released Baldur’s Gate 3, a highly anticipated title from Larian Studios. Despite Baldur’s Gate 3’s strong showing, Ocarina of Time ultimately emerged victorious.
Another surprising development was the absence of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the later stages. This fan-favorite RPG secured the top spot in Game Informer’s 2018 “Top 100 RPGs” list, but couldn’t quite replicate that success in this broader competition.
The Crown is Bestowed: Ocarina of Time Reigns Supreme
After weeks of fierce competition and passionate voting, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time rose above the rest to claim the ultimate title. This beloved Nintendo 64 classic continues to resonate with players, captivating them with its timeless blend of adventure, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
The full chronology of the voting matchups is available here: link to full chronology, allowing readers to relive the journey and see how their favorite games fared.
Why Does This Matter? Celebrating the Power of Video Games
Game Informer’s quest for the greatest game of all time may not have a definitive answer – after all, what constitutes “greatest” is inherently subjective. However, the tournament served a valuable purpose: sparking conversation, celebrating gaming history, and reminding us of the incredible depth and diversity of this interactive medium.
Ultimately, the true winners are the players who have experienced these amazing games and continue to be inspired by their stories, worlds, and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How did Game Informer choose the initial list of games?
A: The list combined games from Game Informer’s “Top 100 RPGs of All Time,” critical reviews, and reader feedback.
Q: Were there any major surprises in the voting results?
A: Some well-known games like Deus Ex and Super Smash Bros. Melee were absent from the initial list, while The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt didn’t reach the finals.
Q: Is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time objectively the greatest game of all time?
A: No, video game rankings are inherently subjective. This tournament aimed to spark conversation and celebrate gaming history, not definitively crown the single “best” game.
