Considering Rockstar as the best video game company in the world is not a controversial opinion because they singlehandedly changed the video game industry for better when they released Grand Theft Auto 3 back in 2001. Some of their games are controversial, sure thing, but being controversial doesn’t mean is bad.
In fact, almost every single game Rockstar has developed has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Sure, they have lately received criticism for their online aspect but they remain one of, if not, the top video game industry. Today we are going to rank their best video games so let’s begin.
10. The Warriors – 2005
“Can you dig it?” is a word that has been immortalized thanks to this video game based on the 1979 film of the same name. It was a surprise for everyone when Rockstar decided to turn this cult but not so famous movie into a video game in 2005 but let me tell you; this video game is amazing.
Whether you play alone or co-op with a friend, The Warriors is one of the best beat’ em up video games ever made and it is one of those few video games based on movies that are actually extremely well adapted.
9. Bully – 2006
Also known as “Canis Canem Edit” in the PAL region. Bully is, subjectively, both the most unique video game in Rockstar modern catalogue but it also is one of their most “Rockstar-ish” games. Bully is like a GTA, but at school, without guns, and without stealing cars… You know what I mean, it has the same essence of causing havoc everywhere you go.
The game allows you to live out the teenage angst and become a bully, or be the tough guy who defends the nerds, it’s your decision and despite being a bully is something bad, in this game it feels great.
8. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne – 2003
While some prefer the first one or the third one, it was the second entry that perfectly balanced the iconic hard-boiled gameplay with a more personal plot. 2003’s Max Payne 2 has received critical acclaim despite its short length and selling less than the first game, but even with that in mind, it is still considered the best entry in the franchise until now and one of the best Rockstar Games’ titles.
In this title we see a more mature Max trying to solve a conspiracy filled with betrayal. Rockstar right now is working on a remake of both Max Payne 1 and Max Payne 2.
7. Grant Theft Auto 3 – 2001
I will always refer to Grand Theft Auto 3 as the most important video game of all time because it revolutionized the open-world genre and influenced more games than you can even imagine; Cyberpunk 2077, Saints Row, True Crime, Mad Max, and Crackdown are some clear examples.
Taking the GTA franchise from the 2D world to the 3D world was one of the best decisions ever made. Thanks to its complex gameplay, immersive characters, graphics, and gameplay, it is to this day one of the best video games ever made, with many calling it the best GTA ever made.
6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – 2002
Vice City is a gem and is regarded by many GTA fans as their favorite title in the franchise. Everything bout Vice City was great; Tommy Vercetti is a fantastic protagonist, the atmosphere is colorful and exuberant, the main plot is engaging, and the soundtrack is arguably one of the best soundtracks in history.
This GTA entry is the best for those who loved films like Goodfellas and Scarface… Well, Vice City was clearly inspired by those two movies, and that’s why this game remains as a timeless masterpiece that was a little ahead of its time.
5. Red Dead Redemption – 2010
In 2010, Red Dead Redemption was released and we saw the most immersive video game ever released up to that point. Yeah, it was also considered a “GTA on horses” but then we understood that Red Dead Redemption is much more than that; we ended up seeing a game like no other, that would later influence so many video games.
Many people consider the first Red Dead Redemption the greatest story Rockstar has ever told, and we cannot argue something like that because RDR’s plot is amazing and very well crafted. And of course, if we add the Undead Nightmare DLC, it raises the bar.
4. Grand Theft Auto 4 – 2008
Despite everything GTA 5 has given to us, GTA IV is by far the most realistic entry in the series and it was the perfect sequel for something like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Yeah, the game may lack of side activities, the driving is annoying, and some of its characters aren’t so memorable, but GTA IV is a unique experience.
The protagonist, Niko Bellic, is by far the greatest GTA protagonist in the series; his development and maturity is one of the most acclaimed aspects in the game and you actually feel how he personally growth while playing the game.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – 2013
If we take the next Grand Theft Auto out of the table, Grand Theft Auto V is the most anticipated video game of all time, it earned $800 million the first day, and it is usually considered one of the best video games of all time and by some, the greatest GTA.
It was also the first GTA in the series to feature more than one protagonist, something that received praise from gamers and critics because each protagonist presented different perspectives of the story. Also, if we add the GTA Online expansion, the game is even bigger than before.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – 2004
The biggest debate in the GTA franchise is: GTA V or GTA: San Andreas? It is a debate that has been with us since 2013 and either is acceptable. But for us, San Andreas is the greatest GTA until now.
San Andreas, when it was released, was the most famous video game around, because you were able to do anything you wanted and the map was huge; I mean, imagine squeezing three big cities onto a PS2 or an Xbox disk. Clearly inspired by films like Boyz in the Hood and New Jack City, GTA: San Andreas is a masterpiece from any perspective.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2 – 2018
A love letter to the open world genre, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of those cases where a video game is so perfect that we cannot define it as a AAA video game anymore; we should start referring to it as an AAAA video game from now on.
Rockstar’s magnum opus, and the most immersive video game ever created, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a video game that you will have fun by just running around with your horse while admiring the landscapes and talking with NPCs.
You have to take your time while playing it because the moment you start the game, you will want to continue playing it but with regret since you will never want to finish it.
