This Collider feature ranks eight video games considered essential to the fantasy genre, arguing that "essential" differs from simply "best" — these titles are picked for their outsized influence on fantasy gaming's subgenres rather than pure quality alone, though the author notes most are excellent regardless. The piece frames fantasy as a foundational pillar of video games as a whole, tracing its roots to tabletop influences like Dungeons & Dragons, and presents the list as a starting point for anyone wanting a well-rounded grasp of the genre's history.

Only the top two entries are detailed in the excerpt provided. Supergiant Games' "Hades" (2020) is named for its transformation of the roguelike genre, turning permanent death into a narrative device rather than a punishing mechanic. Nintendo's "Fire Emblem: Awakening" (2013) is cited as the highest-rated entry in its franchise on Metacritic and the game credited with saving the series from cancellation after it far exceeded a 250,000-copy sales ultimatum, going on to sell over 2.25 million copies.

– Collider lists eight games deemed essential (not just "best") to fantasy gaming's history
– "Hades" (2020) tops the list for redefining the roguelike genre's death mechanic
– "Fire Emblem: Awakening" (2013) saved its franchise, selling over 2 million copies past its target