Our Top 5 Video Games of All Time | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 6

What are the greatest video games of all time?

This week, WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe reveal and discuss their personal Top 5 Video Games of All Time. Some choices may be predictable, while others could raise a few eyebrows.

From nostalgic classics and community-driven experiences to modern masterpieces, the hosts explain why games including Phantom Dust, Elden Ring, Nioh 2, Armored Core, Destiny, Shenmue, Alan Wake 2 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 left such a lasting impression.

The discussion explores how narrative, gameplay, music, exploration, replayability and the memories created with other players can transform a great game into a personal favourite. The hosts also debate nostalgia versus modern game design, the growing focus on optimisation over exploration and how gaming communities influence the way games are experienced and remembered.

We also share Top 5 submissions from the Between Levels community, featuring several unexpected choices.

What are your five favourite video games of all time?

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Between Levels is a weekly gaming podcast hosted by WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and how the Top 5 lists work

00:20 – FightinCowboy’s number one: Phantom Dust

02:09 – Elden Ring and the joy of discovery

04:58 – Nioh 2 and the evolution of Soulslikes

12:12 – Armored Core’s legacy and latest instalment

21:17 – World of Warcraft, MMOs and community memories

23:04 – Nostalgia versus modern gameplay and graphics

26:49 – Turn-based games and narrative-driven experiences

34:50 – Shenmue’s legacy and Alan Wake 2

43:33 – Sarthe’s Top 5: Destiny, Clair Obscur and more

50:36 – Exploration, breaking mechanics and game design

55:44 – The community’s Top 5 submissions

1:03:35 – Competition, collaboration and community feedback

1:08:06 – Close calls, World of Warcraft and creative MMO PvP

1:14:25 – Optimisation versus exploration

1:17:28 – Final thoughts on our favourite games