There are too many brilliant standalone video games to count, but there are a surprising number of series too. There are series that have been around since before you were born, some spanning from a time before the first PlayStation – imagine that! Some series are pretty new, with maybe less than a decade under their belt, but already a dedicated following of fans. Let’s take a look at some of the most beloved video game series out there.

Super Mario

No points on offer for anyone who saw this one coming. When it comes to iconic video games, the Super Mario series pretty much unbeatable. Launched by Nintendo in 1985 with Super Mario Bros, this series revolutionized the platformer genre. It introduced us to Luigi, Princess Peach, and solidified Mario as the face of video gaming. Over the years, titles like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey have consistently pushed the boundaries of game design. They’ve introduced entirely new mechanics and pushed the possibilities when it came to making creative worlds. Some of these games were the pioneers of 3D gaming, when they first let Mario move ‘into’ the screen, as opposed to just back and forth across it.

Book of Dead

In a departure from platformers, we’re going to take a look at one of the most successful slot series ever to have been created. Book of Dead was created by Play’n Go, a huge name in online casino gaming. It began as a story about Rich Wilde (who bears a striking resemblance to Indiana Jones). Nowadays there have been plenty of spin-offs involving Rich Wilde, but also Cat Wilde, Rich’s female counterpart. The games take an adventure theme, inviting you to look for Egyptian Gold, Mayan fortunes and plenty more besides. The original title Book of Dead is one of the all-time classic slot games, making it a part of many game libraries.

Not only this, but it also features in plenty of welcome bonuses too. So, before you commit to playing, it’s worth seeing if you can snag a few free spins.

The Legend of Zelda

Back to platformers with a heavy hitter, the Legend of Zelda. Nintendo are also the masterminds behind this one with Zelda enchanting gamers since 1986! It’s best known for its rich storytelling, that keeps you playing, just as you’d keep turning the pages of a book – to find out what happens next. This un-put-down-able story is blended with intricate puzzles, and expansive worlds, setting the standard for action-adventure games. Titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made, and the recent The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which redefined open-world gaming, showcase the franchise’s evolution. The series’ protagonist, Link, is an icon in gaming culture.

Pokémon

Did you ever have the playing cards? It’s interesting when a phenomenon becomes so all-encompassing that the first time you encountered it could have been in one of several ways! Pokémon actually began as a pair of Game Boy games in 1996 (Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue). However, it was quickly loved and transformed into a truly global phenomenon. The video games remained, but added to the pile were trading cards, TV shows, a full length movie, plushies, and plenty more besides. The core games revolve around capturing and training various creatures called Pokémon to battle each other. The mobile app was a runaway success just a little over a decade ago too, showing the creativity that the team behind this game series really has.

Grand Theft Auto

As we eagerly await the next instalment of Grand Theft Auto, let’s look back at its trajectory. Since its inception in 1997, the series has pushed the envelope in terms of storytelling, game mechanics, and controversial themes.

 It’s synonymous with open-world gaming, offering players unparalleled freedom as they high tail it around city streets (usually in stolen cars – as the name would suggest). GTA III revolutionized the genre by introducing a fully 3D city to explore, while GTA V set new standards for open-world games. The franchise’s mix of satire, action, and freedom makes it a standout.