Collider highlights ten Game of the Year-winning video games it considers to have remained exceptional over time, judging their gameplay, influence, originality, design, visuals, storytelling, and lasting critical and fan support. The list matters as it argues that older games can retain cultural and mechanical relevance despite major advances in technology and game design.

– ‘Street Fighter II’ (1991) is praised for its enduringly smooth mechanics and foundational influence on modern fighting games.
– ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ (2009) is recognised for pioneering acclaimed superhero-game design through its focused, Metroidvania-style structure.
– ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005) is highlighted for its distinctive premise, sparse world and battles against 16 colossal creatures.
– The article limits its selections to winners from BAFTA, D.I.C.E., The Game Awards, Game Developers Choice Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards.