The first screens of history's 51 most iconic games

Sonic Adventure

There. That's where it all went wrong. With that third dimension.

Splinter Cell

Previously, during Sam's older days...

Star Fox

You know what to do.

Streets of Rage

Literally dropped straight into the action.

Super Mario Bros.

The second first steps of a legend.

Super Mario 64

The first steps sideways of a legend.

Super Mario Galaxy

The first steps in any direction at all.

Tetris

Tune in your head? Yeah? Of course.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Training for... Oh no, done that one. Anyway, remember that time Nathan Drake was dangling from that train?

Wolfenstein 3D

World War 2 was the squarest of all historical conflicts.

David Houghton
Long-time GR+ writer Dave has been gaming with immense dedication ever since he failed dismally at some '80s arcade racer on a childhood day at the seaside (due to being too small to reach the controls without help). These days he's an enigmatic blend of beard-stroking narrative discussion and hard-hitting Psycho Crushers.