21. Dark Souls (2011)
What it’s about: The spiritual successor to 2009’s Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls involves an undead soldier’s desperate quest to rid themselves of their curse before it consumes them.
Why we like it: Dark Souls is a grim but enthralling adventure through a rotten, depressing world where nearly everything wants to kill you. It became notorious for its punishing difficulty and epic boss fights, later becoming a cult classic.
The game’s trial-and-error gameplay has a compulsive element, making players want to overcome every obstacle for the sense of triumph it brings. Dark Souls also reminded many players why they enjoyed gaming to begin with, bringing a distinct retro feel to its world and style.
