These Were the Best Video Games of 1985

March 25, 2026 - 05:01

The year 1985 stands as a monumental chapter in video game history, a period where arcade brilliance began its successful migration into the living room. This era delivered foundational titles that would define genres and franchises for decades to come.

Nintendo's iconic jumpman made his console debut in Super Mario Bros., a game that single-handedly revitalized the home market and set the standard for side-scrolling platformers. Its precise controls, imaginative levels, and vibrant world remain influential. Meanwhile, a different kind of adventure unfolded in The Legend of Zelda, introducing players to the vast, open landscape of Hyrule. Its non-linear exploration and battery-backed save feature created an unprecedented sense of epic, player-driven quest.

The arcades countered with pure, refined action. Gauntlet popularized the dungeon-crawling co-op experience, with its iconic voice samples echoing through shopping malls. Space Harrier delivered groundbreaking pseudo-3D graphics and exhilarating roller-coaster gameplay that pushed hardware to its limits. On home computers, Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar presented a profound, ethical challenge, prioritizing virtue and character over mere conquest.

Collectively, these 1985 releases were not just entertainment; they were blueprints. They established core mechanics, narrative depth, and technical ambition that would propel the entire industry forward, securing their status as timeless classics.