Best Video Games of 2007 – The Year That Changed Gaming Forever

Rock Band revamped the Guitar Hero formula. It was a popular success, and Rock Band went on to release three more mainline titles. No longer were players confined to playing only the guitar; they could now essentially form a band with their friends. With guitar, drums, and vocals, Rock Band was an instant hit. Given its last release was a decade ago, fans would love to welcome the franchise back with some modern hits.

#9 Skate

Skate was the start of one of the most immersive sandbox skateboarding franchises to date. It still has some of the most unique controls, and the gameplay overall holds up well by today’s standards. With Skate 4’s launch set for early access in 2025, fans can’t wait to get back into the renowned series.

#8 Mass Effect

Although it feels like a franchise long forgotten, Mass Effect was, well, massive upon its release and maintained popularity through its 2 subsequent releases. With a captivating universe brought together by equally immersive voice acting and writing, Mass Effect earns its spot as one of the best video games of 2007 and of all time

#7 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

The main inspiration for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was revolutionary in all aspects. This entry featured a massive roster, easy-to-pick-up but hard to master gameplay mechanics, and the most visually stunning Dragon History Mode for its time. It was an overload of fan service in the best way, and that’s apparent given how popular this game remains today.

#6 Super Mario Galaxy

Featuring incredible level design, satisfying controls, and a polished and stunning world, Super Mario Galaxy earns its spot as one of the best video games, but also as one of the best mainline Mario titles. Fans were initially skeptical of Mario in space, but their suspicions soon waned as Super Mario Galaxy remains a delightful reinvention of the franchise.

#5 Bioshock

Still one of the best single-player experiences, BioShock is a fascinating storytelling behemoth set in an eerie underwater dystopia. Rapture’s setting is unforgettably iconic with its creepy, dim-lit, and tragic design. Featuring a terrifying atmosphere that feels lived in and an unexpected yet riveting twist ending, there’s no mistaking why BioShock is one of the greats. Unsurprisingly, BioShock earned Game of the Year thanks to the Spike Video Game Awards (VGA) and the BAFTA Game Award

#4 World of Warcraft, The Burning Crusade

The first expansion to the most popular MMORPG of all time, World of Warcraft, The Burning Crusade, was and is still wildly popular. Players had the chance to revisit the Outlands in 2021 thanks to WoW Classic, and it looks like they’ll have another shot soon thanks to the WoW Classic Anniversary servers.

#3 Assassin’s Creed

With this introduction, it’s easy to see why Assassin’s Creed is one of the most financially successful video game franchises of all time. Assassin’s Creed breathed new life into the stealth genre while incorporating pivotal and historical backdrops.

#2 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Taking Game of the Year in 2007 by D.I.C.E. Awards, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was exalted for its ingenuity. Call of Duty 4 was the first mainstream step into the modern FPS arena. The release of Modern Warfare was a redefining moment for the FPS genre, directly inspiring most subsequent games of its type.

#1 Halo 3

Halo 3 is the game that defined the year 2007.  Not only was Halo 3 the best-selling game of 2007, but it also became the fastest-selling video game of its time, setting a record for the largest entertainment launch in history. It earned $170 million in its first 24 hours and reached $300 million in sales within a week.

Aside from the money it raked in, Halo 3 redefined online multiplayer forever. From its community and social features, custom games, and forge, to its seamless integration of online multiplayer, Halo 3 made a legendary impression on our gaming minds. It was a cinematic, transcendent, and climactic masterpiece, and is solidified in gaming history as one of the best video games of all time.

Final Thoughts

Remember, all rankings are subjective, and these are in no specific order. 2007 was fundamentally one of the most monumental years for entertainment, with some of the best video game releases of all time.