The Pinnacle of Gaming: Defining the Coveted S-Tier
In the passionate world of gaming, we critics and commentators love to categorize games into ranked tiers. But one tier stands high above them all, reserved only for the best of the best, cream-of-the-crop masterpieces that redefine interactive entertainment as we know it. I‘m talking, of course, about the vaunted S-tier. -chef‘s kiss-
The Origins of Gaming‘s Highest Rank
The concept of S-tier originated from Japan‘s academic grading system, where ‘S‘ signified the highest possible grade above A, B, C rankings. This quickly got adopted by Japanese game developers to highlight their absolute best-of-the-best titles.
Some of the first popular Japanese games that cemented the S-rank were .hack//G.U. (2006) and Devil May Cry (2001) for their fast-paced, flawlessly-designed gameplay systems. In the West, 2007 saw some early appearances with The Red Star and rhythm game osu! rocking S-tier style right out the gate.
But while the terminology started in Japan, today the S-tier label has exploded worldwide as a universal badge of honoring the games that reach astonishing heights of creative ingenuity and technical mastery across every metric imaginable. Let‘s break down everything an S-tier game represents!
Traits of a Bonafide S-Tier Game
Review Scores: 95%+ Metacritic Average
Make no mistake, S-tier games are critically lauded as sheer interactive artistry. We‘re talking an average 95% score or higher on review aggregate sites like Metacritic and OpenCritic across the entire industry press. These are games that sweep Game of the Year awards and top Best Games Ever Made lists for their respective platforms and genres.
Multi-Million Unit Sellers
In addition to critical success, S-tier games also deliver huge commercial success thanks to their irresistable must-play status. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time sold over 7.6 million copies, while Half-Life 2 sits at 12+ million units moved. These games drive profits and power console sales.
Genre-Redefining Impact
S-tier games make such an impression that they influence the direction of game design for years. Super Mario 64 pioneered 3D platforming so effectively it‘s still the template 25+ years later. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare transitioned the entire FPS genre into a modern setting. The ripples of S-tier greatness trigger waves of inspiration.
Long-Lasting Player Fanbases
The S-tier club never loses relevance. Ocarina of Time still has a passionate speedrunning community dissecting any% runs decades later. 2013‘s The Last of Us routinely trends during outbreaks or when news of its long-awaited sequel drops. Fans never let S-tier achievements fade away.
Spotlight – 5 Quintessential S-Tier Games
Let‘s spotlight some all-time classics that gaming communities universally hail as S-rank elite.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
No surprises here – Ocarina revolutionized 3D action-adventure gaming with its innovative Z-targeting, puzzle-filled dungeons, stirring score, and time-traveling story that set narrative benchmarks. Artistic masterpiece.
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Mario‘s first foray into 3D was evolutionary, nailing movement/camera controls that developers still mimic today. Its sandbox-style level design enables bursting creativity. The sublime platforming gameplay loops have rarely been matched even now.
Half-Life 2 (2004)
This benchmark-setting FPS transported us to the dystopian City 17 with incredible worldbuilding and physics. Its Gravity Gun improvisational combat was a game-changer. Emotionally impactful storytelling propelled the medium forward.
The Last of Us (2013)
Naughty Dog‘s survival masterwork paired breathtaking visuals with a grounded, emotional narrative about the depths of human connection. Its tense resource-focused combat and clever enemy AI still shine today. Multiplayer was icing on the cake.
Elden Ring (2022)
Hidetaka Miyazaki‘s open-world Soulsborne magnum opus offered up the Lands Between, a sprawling realm of tragic demigods, crafted with world-class environmental storytelling. Its demanding combat emphasizes skillful patience. Already on all-time lists.
See the complete checklist. Every metric maximized. These games don‘t settle for greatness – they seize immortality!
Which other landmark achievements deserve the S-tier pedestal? Share your gutsy picks below!
