As avid gamers, we have a penchant for reviewing and ranking nearly everything in the gaming universe. From legendary video game consoles to the most ergonomic controllers, discussions abound. Yet, the heart of our passion always lies with the games themselves. While reviews inherently carry a degree of subjectivity, unlike more objective measures such as tracking the best-selling games on each console, compilation sites like Metacritic offer a reasonably dependable method to identify which titles truly excelled on their respective platforms. Focusing on mainline consoles and tracing back through generations as far as Metacritic’s records allow, this is your definitive guide to the best-reviewed game on every console, complete with notable runners-up that also captured critical acclaim.
Highest-Rated N64 Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 99
Promotional artwork for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time featuring Link and other key characters, N64's top-rated game.
It’s no surprise to anyone that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time claims the N64’s pinnacle. This title remains one of the highest-reviewed games ever, a testament to Nintendo’s seemingly effortless transition of both Mario and Zelda into the 3D realm. Interestingly, Mario himself doesn’t crack the top three for this console. Second place is secured by Perfect Dark with an impressive 97, followed by GoldenEye 007 at 96, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask close behind with 95.
Highest-Rated Dreamcast Game: SoulCalibur – 98
Official box art for SoulCalibur on Dreamcast, showcasing its iconic characters and vibrant design.
Sega’s final console, the Dreamcast, faced numerous challenges, but its prowess in emulating arcade games was undeniable. This capability made it the premier destination for fighting game enthusiasts, so it’s fitting that the original SoulCalibur seized the top honor with a score of 98. Trailing closely are Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and NFL 2K1, both tied at 97, while the beloved cult classic Jet Set Radio earned a well-deserved 94.
Highest-Rated PS1 Game: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 – 98
Gameplay screenshot of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, a top-rated PS1 classic.
Speaking of the legendary skater, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 soared even higher on the PS1, clinching the top spot with a stellar 98. This was more than enough to outpace other giants. Tekken 3 and Gran Turismo follow with strong 96s, while a trio of masterpieces—Final Fantasy IX, Chrono Cross, and Metal Gear Solid—all share a formidable 94 rating on Sony’s first console.
Highest-Rated GameCube Game: Metroid Prime – 97
Samus Aran giving a thumbs up in a scene from Metroid Prime, the GameCube's highest-rated title.
While the GameCube might not have achieved blockbuster sales figures, it was home to some monumental hits. Metroid Prime stands as one of our cherished favorites, further enhanced by one of the best remasters available, so its crowning is delightful. The competition was fierce, however, with Resident Evil 4, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker all just a single point behind at 96. The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition surprisingly scored a 95, notable for its relative rarity.
Highest-Rated Xbox Game: Halo: Combat Evolved – 97
Master Chief in action from Halo: Combat Evolved, the defining game for the original Xbox.
Just as Ocarina of Time was the foregone conclusion for the N64, there was never any doubt that Halo: Combat Evolved would be the Xbox’s best-reviewed game. This title was the quintessential system seller, fundamentally defining the Xbox brand for generations to come. The Grand Theft Auto Double Pack (featuring GTA III and Vice City) takes second place with a 96, and Halo 2 proudly holds a 95.
Highest-Rated PS2 Game: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 / Grand Theft Auto 3 – 97
Claude, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto 3, walking with a weapon in Liberty City.
Our first tie for the top spot features two PlayStation 2 games that are similar in their iconic status yet incredibly different in gameplay: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Grand Theft Auto 3. Both are foundational titles within their respective genres and, in many ways, encapsulate the diverse appeal of the PS2 era. While RPGs didn’t reach the very top, Resident Evil 4 and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty achieved impressive 96s, with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City tied at 95.
Highest-Rated Wii Game: Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2 – 97
Promotional art for Super Mario Galaxy 2 showcasing Mario and Yoshi amidst cosmic platforms.
It took until the Wii generation for a Mario game to finally secure a top Metacritic spot, but Nintendo delivered twofold. Both Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, tie for the best-reviewed game honors with 97s—though we personally feel Galaxy 2 might have a slight edge. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess scored a 95 on Wii, slightly lower than its GameCube counterpart. Notably, the indie gem World of Goo made its mark with a 94, outperforming even Super Smash Bros. Brawl‘s 93.
Highest-Rated Xbox 360 Game: Grand Theft Auto IV – 98
Niko Bellic with arms outstretched against the backdrop of Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto IV.
Seeing Grand Theft Auto IV as the Xbox 360’s highest-rated game isn’t shocking, though it’s interesting to recall that Grand Theft Auto V also launched on this generation, scoring a very close 97. Also achieving remarkable 97s are BioShock, The Orange Box (featuring Half-Life 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2), and Mass Effect 2. This lineup represents an exceptionally strong cohort of critically acclaimed titles.
Highest-Rated PS3 Game: Grand Theft Auto IV – 98
Niko Bellic, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV, featured in promotional artwork.
Excluding Sony’s platform exclusives, the lists of top PS3 and Xbox 360 games show considerable overlap. Grand Theft Auto IV once again takes the lead with a 98, and Grand Theft Auto V follows with a 97. However, it’s fantastic to see exclusives like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and the multi-platform hit Batman: Arkham City tied with impressive 96s, just behind the Rockstar behemoths.
Highest-Rated Wii U Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 96
Link gazing at the expansive sky of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Many might overlook that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild also launched on the Wii U, but those who experienced it there cherished it nearly as much as Switch players. It secured a 96. Super Mario 3D World feels a tad low for second place with a 93, but it’s gratifying to see Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Rayman Legends recognized with scores of 92.
Highest-Rated PS4 Game: Red Dead Redemption 2 / Grand Theft Auto V – 97
A cowboy, Arthur Morgan, riding a horse through the scenic landscape of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Prepare for a familiar refrain: Rockstar Games’ dominance continues. On the PS4, Grand Theft Auto V achieved another 97, sharing the top spot with the masterfully crafted Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite GTA’s enhancements on newer hardware, many argue it doesn’t quite compare to the immersive world of Red Dead. Tied for second place are Persona 5 Royal and The Last of Us Remastered, both with scores of 95. The acclaimed God of War (2018) reboot is close behind with a 94.
Highest-Rated Xbox One Game: Red Dead Redemption 2 / Grand Theft Auto V – 97
Promotional image of a female character from Grand Theft Auto V, highlighting the game's diverse cast.
There’s little new to report for the top positions on Xbox One; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V are household names, performing exceptionally on both PS4 and Xbox One. Further down the list, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain secures second place with a 95. Even more impressively, the indie darling Celeste and the sprawling RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt share third place with scores of 94.
Highest-Rated Switch Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild / Super Mario Odyssey – 97
Mario twirling Cappy in front of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch.
It feels perfectly fitting for the Nintendo Switch’s highest-rated game honors to be shared by titans like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Each title innovatively pushed its respective genre boundaries, playing a crucial role in revitalizing Nintendo after the Wii U era. A pleasant surprise in second place is the underappreciated visual novel The House in Fata Morgana – Dreams of the Revenants Edition, alongside the stellar sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, both earning 96s.
Highest-Rated Xbox Series X/S Game: Baldur’s Gate 3 – 99
A party of four adventurers standing on a cliff edge, overlooking a fantasy landscape in Baldur's Gate 3.
This marks the first 99 Metascore we’ve encountered since the N64 era with Ocarina of Time, and it’s hard to disagree with Baldur’s Gate 3 achieving this near-perfect rating. Its delayed arrival on Xbox might have even heightened anticipation, contributing to its score. Regardless, it surpasses formidable titles like Elden Ring (96, with its DLC Shadow of the Erdtree at 95) and the stylish Persona 5 Royal (94 on this platform).
Highest-Rated PS5 Game: Elden Ring / Baldur’s Gate 3 – 96
The Tarnished warrior on horseback confronting the dragon Agheel in a dynamic scene from Elden Ring.
It’s somewhat puzzling why Baldur’s Gate 3 scored three points lower on PS5 (96) compared to Xbox Series X/S, but sharing the top spot with the phenomenal Elden Ring feels right. These two RPGs, though vastly different in approach, both significantly push the boundaries of the role-playing genre. We are thrilled to see the delightful Astro Bot share second place with outstanding titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and God of War Ragnarök, all achieving high critical acclaim.
This journey through console history, guided by Metacritic scores, highlights the pinnacle of gaming achievement on each platform. These titles not only defined their generations but continue to be celebrated for their innovation, storytelling, and sheer enjoyment. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, they represent the best of what video games have to offer. What are your thoughts on these top-rated games? Are there any surprises, or do these align with your favorites?
