20 Video Game Franchises with No Bad Games

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - March 18th 2025, 20:14 GMT+1

Cropped Metal Gear — Metal Gear (1987)

Ah, *Metal Gear*, the series that made us all believe cardboard boxes are the pinnacle of stealth technology. From the early days of pixelated espionage to the cinematic insanity of *Metal Gear Solid V*, Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece has always been ahead of its time – sometimes *way* ahead, like when it predicted military drones decades before they became real. The gameplay is as slick as Snake’s mullet, and the storytelling? Well, let’s just say it’s equal parts brilliant and “wait, what just happened?” But even when it dives into philosophical monologues about memes and war economies, it’s impossible not to love. With its mix of tactical action, deep characters, and unforgettable boss fights (we’re looking at you, Psycho Mantis), this franchise has never had a true misstep. | © Konami

Cropped Doom — Doom (1993)

*Doom* isn’t just a game; it’s a state of mind. Ever since 1993, this series has been cranking up the volume, throwing players into demon-infested hellscapes, and saying, “Here’s a shotgun. Go nuts.” It’s a power fantasy of pure, unfiltered adrenaline, and it has never faltered. Whether it’s the pixelated chaos of the original, the moody horror of *Doom 3*, or the beautifully violent *Doom Eternal*, every entry understands exactly what makes *Doom* fun: speed, power, and the simple joy of ripping and tearing through hordes of demons. No filler, no fetch quests, just action. If the *Doom Slayer* had a motto, it would probably be something like, “Violence solves everything.” And honestly? In this case, it does. | © id Software / Bethesda

Cropped Donkey Kong Country — Donkey Kong Country (1994)

Gorillas, bananas, and some of the best platforming ever – *Donkey Kong Country* is pure magic. From the groundbreaking pre-rendered graphics of the SNES days to the beautiful modern 2D platformers like *Tropical Freeze*, every game in this series is a joy to play. The level design is tight, the music (David Wise, take a bow) is legendary, and somehow, rolling through enemies as a giant ape never gets old. Whether you’re dodging minecart mayhem, bouncing off rhinos, or just jamming to *Aquatic Ambience*, *DKC* has never disappointed. Even the much-maligned *DK64* wasn’t bad – just aggressively stuffed with collectibles. Retro Studios did the impossible by bringing the series back from hibernation, and now we’re all just waiting for the next banana-fueled adventure. | © Nintendo

Cropped Wario Land — Wario Land (1994)

Wario: Mario’s chaotic, greedy, and questionably hygienic counterpart. While he’s mostly known for being a microgame mogul nowadays, *Wario Land* is where he truly shined. These games took traditional platforming and flipped the script – literally, since Wario could body-slam enemies instead of jumping on them like some *normal* hero. They were weird, inventive, and full of personality, whether it was *Wario Land 2* making him completely invincible or *Wario Land 4* introducing some of the most unique transformations in platforming history. Every entry feels like a creative experiment, and somehow, none of them ever truly flopped. Sadly, *Wario Land* has been MIA for years, and we can only assume Wario is too busy counting his riches to notice. | © Nintendo

Cropped Quake — Quake (1996)

The undisputed king of twitch shooters. *Quake* took everything *Doom* did and cranked it up to 11, adding full 3D movement, rocket jumps, and that dark, gothic atmosphere that felt straight out of a metal album cover. While the first game leaned into Lovecraftian horror, *Quake II* and beyond went full sci-fi, but no matter the setting, one thing remained constant: pure, skill-based carnage. The multiplayer scene defined competitive FPS gaming, and to this day, *Quake* is still the gold standard for fast, no-nonsense shooting. If you haven’t played *Quake Champions*, you owe it to yourself to see just how intense an arena shooter can get. And if you can land a mid-air railgun shot? Congratulations, you’re a *Quake* god. | © id Software / Bethesda

Cropped Persona — Persona (1996)

Ah, *Persona*, the franchise that asks: “What if high school was fun?” (Spoiler: it’s still stressful, but at least you get to fight demons.) What started as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off quickly became one of the most beloved JRPG series ever, mixing deep character-driven storytelling with dungeon crawling and social sim elements. The music? Absolute bangers. The battle system? Stylish as hell. And the characters? Let’s just say every *Persona* fan has a waifu or husbando they will defend to the grave. Whether you’re summoning demons through a gun-to-the-head motion (*Persona 3*), solving murders with your best friends (*Persona 4*), or leading a group of rebellious Phantom Thieves (*Persona 5*), every entry hits hard. Now, where’s *Persona 6*? We’ve been patient, Atlus. | © Atlus / Sega

Cropped GTA — Grand Theft Auto (1997)

Few franchises have perfected the art of virtual chaos quite like *Grand Theft Auto*. From its humble top-down beginnings to the sprawling open-world masterpieces we know today, *GTA* has never missed a beat. It gives you the tools to do whatever you want – whether that means pulling off elaborate heists, running from five-star police chases, or just seeing how long you can survive on top of a stolen jet. And let’s not forget the writing, which has always been razor-sharp satire on modern society. *GTA V* has been going strong for over a decade now (seriously, Rockstar?), but every entry in the series – from *Vice City’s* neon-drenched ‘80s crime drama to *San Andreas’* turf wars – has been a blast. Just don’t ask when *GTA VI* is coming. Rockstar works in *mysterious* ways. | © Rockstar Games

Cropped Baldurs Gate — Baldur's Gate (1998)

Dungeons & Dragons nerds, this one’s for you. *Baldur’s Gate* is the ultimate RPG experience, bringing the rich lore and tactical depth of D&D to the digital realm. The original games set a gold standard for choice-driven storytelling, and even decades later, *Baldur’s Gate II* is still considered one of the best RPGs ever made. Then, after a long hiatus, *Baldur’s Gate 3* arrived and somehow exceeded all expectations, proving that *yes*, we *can* have nice things. Whether you’re romancing a vampire, making morally questionable decisions, or rolling a natural 1 on an important dialogue check, this series makes every playthrough unique. And best of all? No bad games in sight – just pure, unfiltered RPG magic. | © BioWare (original), Larian Studios (BG3)

Cropped Half Life — Half-Life (1998)

The *Half-Life* series isn’t just good – it’s *legendary*. This is the franchise that revolutionized first-person shooters, storytelling, and physics-based gameplay all in one go. The original *Half-Life* gave us a silent but brilliant protagonist, a sci-fi horror atmosphere that was *way* too intense for the late ‘90s, and some of the best enemy AI gaming had ever seen. Then *Half-Life 2* came along and said, “Hey, what if we made every other FPS look outdated?” And *Half-Life: Alyx* proved that VR isn’t just a gimmick – it’s the future. The only flaw? *Half-Life 3* is still missing, leaving fans in a permanent state of hopium. But even without it, this franchise remains untouchable. | © Valve

Cropped Super Smash — Super Smash Bros. (1999)

What started as a simple “what-if” fighting game featuring Nintendo characters has evolved into *the* ultimate crossover brawler. *Super Smash Bros.* is the only place where you can watch Mario punch Sephiroth in the face, while Sonic and Pikachu duke it out in the background. Every game in the series has refined the formula, with *Melee* turning competitive players into tech-wielding wizards, *Brawl* introducing *way* too much tripping, and *Ultimate* living up to its name with *everyone* on the roster. The gameplay is chaotic yet precise, the music is *chef’s kiss*, and the fact that we got characters like *Joker, Sora, and Steve from Minecraft* still feels like a fever dream. No bad games here – just pure, button-mashing joy. | © Nintendo / HAL Laboratory

Cropped Animal Crossing — Animal Crossing (2001)

*Animal Crossing* is the perfect game for anyone who dreams of living a peaceful, stress-free life in a small town full of quirky animal villagers. You don’t have to save the world, battle monsters, or even follow a plot – just build your home, catch bugs, fish, and talk to your neighbors (who, let’s be honest, are sometimes a little weird). Whether you’re running your own town in the idyllic *Wild World* or creating the perfect island paradise in *New Horizons*, this franchise is the ultimate escape. Sure, it might seem like a simple life, but with seasonal updates, new holidays, and endless customization options, *Animal Crossing* somehow keeps you coming back for more. It's a cozy, digital world where the only thing that really matters is having the best-looking turnips. | © Nintendo

Cropped Pikmin — Pikmin (2001)

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to command a small army of colorful plant creatures to do your bidding, *Pikmin* is here to answer that question. *Pikmin* takes you on a microcosmic adventure where you explore the world from the perspective of a tiny space explorer, using your adorable little Pikmin to solve puzzles, fight enemies, and gather resources. The clever mix of strategy, exploration, and resource management has made each *Pikmin* game a delightful, stress-free experience. Who knew that controlling a horde of tiny, leaf-headed creatures could be so entertaining? Whether you're saving the planet or just trying to find your ship parts, *Pikmin* is the perfect blend of cute and cunning. | © Nintendo

Cropped Sly Cooper — Sly Cooper (2002)

*Sly Cooper* is the stealthy, acrobatic, and charming raccoon that somehow made stealing look cool (and fun). The *Sly Cooper* series combines platforming with heists and stealth, making it feel like you’re playing a cartoon with some of the smoothest animations in gaming. Every entry oozes personality, from the snappy dialogue to the memorable supporting cast of characters. It’s a delightful mix of humor, style, and challenging platforming – something that’s pretty rare in the world of stealth games. While it might not have the same mainstream recognition as other platforming legends, *Sly Cooper* still has a cult following that remembers the series fondly. Bring back Sly, Insomniac! We need more heists. | © Sucker Punch Productions

Cropped God of War — God of War (2005)

The *God of War* series has undergone one of the most impressive transformations in gaming history. Starting as a brutal action game where Kratos slashed his way through Greek mythology, the franchise reinvented itself with *God of War (2018)* into a more story-driven, emotionally charged experience that made you rethink what action-adventure games could be. From *Kratos vs. the Gods* to a heartfelt father-son story in the Norse realms, it’s hard to deny how masterfully the series has evolved. *God of War* is a testament to how a franchise can grow and mature while maintaining its core identity – blood, guts, and powerful storytelling. Plus, who doesn't love smashing things with a magical axe? | © Santa Monica Studio / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Yakuza — Yakuza (2005)

*Yakuza* is the series that somehow managed to make organized crime, karaoke, and pachinko machines all feel like an epic, heartfelt drama. Following Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member trying to escape his past while navigating the seedy underworld of Kamurocho, *Yakuza* blends intense crime drama with off-the-wall humor and a ridiculous number of mini-games. The side stories are often more entertaining than the main plot, filled with bizarre characters and scenarios you wouldn’t believe unless you saw them. And yet, at its heart, *Yakuza* is a series about loyalty, redemption, and what it means to be a man of honor. The action is over-the-top, the stories are soap-opera-level intense, and yet every game feels like a love letter to Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. Don’t sleep on this one; it’s way deeper than it seems. | © Sega

Cropped Bioshock — Bioshock (2007)

If *Bioshock* had a tagline, it would be “Welcome to Rapture... and be very, very careful.” The *Bioshock* series revolutionized storytelling in first-person shooters, blending philosophical questions with dystopian settings and intense action. Whether you’re exploring the underwater city of Rapture or the floating Columbia, there’s always a compelling mystery at every turn, and the gameplay is just as mesmerizing. From the moment you encounter Big Daddies and Little Sisters to the jaw-dropping twists in the narrative, this franchise will make you think about society, humanity, and, of course, plasmids. And let’s not even get started on that eerie soundtrack. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for? | © 2K Games

Cropped Uncharted — Uncharted (2007)

Nathan Drake: treasure hunter, parkour enthusiast, and apparently, the unluckiest man alive. *Uncharted* took the concept of cinematic action-adventure and turned it into a high-octane thrill ride that was as much about daring escapes and shootouts as it was about discovering ancient treasures. With each game in the series, Naughty Dog perfected the balance of tight shooting mechanics, platforming, and heart-pounding set pieces. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about Drake’s witty one-liners during near-death experiences. Every *Uncharted* game is a big-budget, movie-like experience that never disappoints – unless you’re counting the time Drake almost fell off a cliff. Wait… never mind, that’s *every* game. | © Naughty Dog

Cropped The Witcher — The Witcher (2007)

*The Witcher* series is what happens when you take medieval fantasy, toss in monster hunting, political intrigue, and a deeply flawed protagonist named Geralt of Rivia – and then turn it into an epic RPG. The main character is no prince charming, but rather a grizzled monster slayer with a knack for making morally gray decisions that leave players questioning everything. *The Witcher 3* is often heralded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time for good reason: it's vast, it's detailed, and the world feels alive in ways other games just can’t match. From battling massive creatures to getting involved in intricate side stories that feel as important as the main plot, this franchise will sink its claws into you. It’s dark, it’s deep, and it's an adventure worth taking. | © CD Projekt Red

Cropped Batman Arkham — Batman: Arkham (2009)

Holy Batmobiles, Batman! *Batman: Arkham* is the definitive superhero video game series, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone doing the Dark Knight justice quite like Rocksteady did. Every entry, from *Arkham Asylum* to *Arkham Knight*, has been a love letter to the character, blending fantastic combat, intense stealth mechanics, and compelling storytelling. And let’s not forget that world design – the Gotham in these games feels alive, with side stories as compelling as the main plot. The combat system, which allows Batman to take down waves of thugs while looking like a complete badass, is a major highlight. Plus, Kevin Conroy as Batman? Legendary. Even if you’re not a fan of comic books, this is a franchise that redefines superhero gaming. | © Rocksteady Studios / Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Dark Souls — Dark Souls (2011)

Ah, *Dark Souls –* the game that loves to punish, then reward you with the sweet, sweet taste of victory after every frustratingly difficult boss battle. If you’re looking for a game that gives you no hand-holding, *Dark Souls* is your new best friend. This franchise is about exploration, patience, and learning from every failure. With its intricate level design, deep lore (if you can piece it together), and those *oh-so-satisfying* moments when you finally defeat a boss that’s been wrecking you for hours, *Dark Souls* sets the bar for challenge and mastery in gaming. Oh, and did I mention the PvP? It’s brutal and beautiful. Every *Dark Souls* game is a lesson in humility, and you’ll be a better gamer for it. | © FromSoftware

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When it comes to video game franchises, even the best series can stumble with a disappointing entry. However, a select few have maintained an impressive track record, consistently delivering high-quality experiences without a single dud. In this list, we’ll highlight 20 legendary video game franchises that have never released a bad game – titles that fans and critics alike continue to praise.

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these franchises have set the standard for excellence in gaming. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer looking for top-tier games to play, these series are guaranteed to impress. Read on to discover the most consistently great video game franchises of all time!