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Polygon recently published a ranked list of the most impactful video game franchises from the 20th century. The selection highlights series that shaped the medium across platforms like the NES, Genesis, PlayStation, and PC, noting how these titles established foundations for developers and publishers alike.
The list features diverse genres, ranging from sports simulations like Electronic Arts' John Madden Football, which began in 1988, to action-platformers like Mega Man and Donkey Kong. Iconic titles such as Street Fighter 2, released in arcades in March 1991, and Sonic the Hedgehog, which debuted on June 23, 1991, are recognized for their cultural impact and rivalry.
Several franchises are noted for their technical or design contributions. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, released in Japan on March 20, 1997, helped define the Metroidvania subgenre. Meanwhile, Resident Evil is credited for its influence on the horror genre, and Doom is highlighted for its ubiquity across various computing devices.
The report also covers the enduring legacy of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda and the massive cultural phenomenon of Pokémon. While some series like Mega Man and Doom have seen shifts in popularity, others continue to receive new entries, such as the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override in 2027 and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, arriving this October.
