Bethesda is a studio that fans usually have high expectations for. Their years of excellence in the video game industry means that fans expect the world from their games, which is why titles likeFallout 76andStarfieldfelt so crushingly mediocre. These RPGs are great games in their own right, as long as they’re not compared to some of the greatest video games of all time.
However, there are still times when Bethesda pulls out something special and wows players with how excellent their offerings are. The bulk of these titles originated courtesy of their publishing ventures, with the company doing a great job of overseeing some of gaming’s best surprises.
Video game fans ofIndiana Jonescould finally rejoice with the launch ofThe Great Circle. Not only is it the best game featuring the lovable Indy, but it managed to earn this moniker while being under constant scrutiny from fans and critics alike.
At one point, fans felt that the first-person viewpoint and the recent failures ofWolfenstein: Youngbloodmade MachineGames unfit to handle the weight of this IP. All of these doubts were shattered upon release, when fans were treated toa whip-slinging adventure for the agesthat is objectively better than any of the modernIndiana Jonesmovies.
The audacity of Tango Gameworks and Bethesda to shadow-drop one of 2023’s best action games madeHi-Fi Rushthat much more special. This charming cel-shaded title was a huge improvement overGhostwire: Tokyoand showed that this developer still had it.
The action combat featured tantalizing gameplay elements from rhythm games to make for an audio-visual spectacle. Fans looking for a fun game with great music, combat, and visuals will love whatHi-Fi Rushbrings to the table.
Slapping thePreyIP on a totally unconnected sci-fi immersive sim was a misguided move that hampered the hype this game could’ve attained if it had released as a standalone title. The lack of searchability for this game makes players think thatPreywas a forgettable title, but this is nowhere near the case.
Under Bethesda’s wing, Arkane Studios went all out in the creation of what might just be their best video game, which is no mean feat. It’s a shame thatPreydidn’t sell all that well, and more people need this game in their library if they want to check out an eerie, immersive video game witha fun mix of action, exploration, and stealth.
While players were interested in aDOOMreboot, they expected nothing more than a fun dose of nostalgia that let them enjoy the brutality of the Doom Slayer once again. What they didn’t expect was one of the best FPS games ever made, with tight gameplay mechanics and a show-don’t-tell approach to storytelling.
The fast-paced combat of 2016’sDOOM,coupled with open-ended exploration, helped this game achieve the best of both worlds. Theamazing graphics of this game also shocked fans, while the brutal Glory Kills and old-school power-ups did a great job of keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout its runtime.
Another legendary FPS series that witnessed a resurgence under Bethesda isWolfenstein. This time, fans were expecting a fast-paced and violent shooter that didn’t hold their hands.
What they didn’t expect was a narrative so engrossing that fans of the classicWolfensteingames actually didn’t mind putting down the controller to get invested in the riveting tale this game had to tell. It’s one of the biggest gaming swerves that ended up paying off, with the narrative andcharacters ofThe New Orderbeing one of its biggest strengths… along with the action-packed gameplay, of course.
Translating the CRPG universe ofFalloutto an open world wasn’t going to be easy in the slightest, and fans were worried that Bethesda would fall short of the mark. Instead, the amazing exploration and memorable quests ofFallout 3ensured that fans would fall in love with this title in no time.
The Sole Survivor’s adventures to locate his father lead to several jaw-dropping revelations, while players also engage in their fair share of side quests along the way. Taking to a ghoul transforming into a tree and nuking an entire city are just a few of the manyunforgettable moments inFallout 3that help it stand out as arguably the most important game in theFalloutseries.
While players expected an improvement overDaggerfallwith thethird mainlineElder Scrollsgame, fans had no idea what they were in for withMorrowind. The shift to a new engine and a smaller world that was hand-crafted ensured thatMorrowindwould leave a lasting impression on the minds of fans.
This game single-handedly turnedThe Elder Scrollsinto a household name and set a foundation that future Bethesda games would follow. Fans had high expectations of Bethesda games ever sinceMorrowindcame and left them floored with its amazing exploration, quest design, and storytelling.
