How do you measure how good a video game is? Do you just analyze the gameplay elements and ease of use for the consumer? What about the art style? Voice acting? Music and sound design? All of these elements at the same time? It is usually the last one for most reviewers and critics. Of course, after the video game comes out you can judge it based on public opinion, sales, and popularity. But there is more to this than just facts and statistics.

You are a person who most likely naturally connects to things - that is how you form an opinion on them. Did you play a certain game with family as a kid? Bam, you may value that game higher because of good memories and nostalgia. Did you buy that game with your first paycheck? That is a game you associate with achievement and a milestone in your life. Our humanity makes us judge everything, not just games, with a unique lens and create layered opinions; that is part of the joy of being alive. If only there was a way to compile and average out all of those opinions.

There is a site called metacritic, which is a premiere review aggregator for products. It gives both specific reviews from the public and critics as well as the average for all of them. They have lists of the bestsellers, trailers, and reports on a wide range of things from movies to video games. With all of this in mind, what console video games are considered the best of all time according to metacritic? Let's go find out!

30 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) - 95

As with other entrants in the Grand Theft Auto series, San Andreas takes the same tools and ingredients, tunes them up a bit and somehow turns out great. The targeting system was refined, the sharp social commentary was kept in place and its open world is still fun even to this day. Any Grand Theft Auto fan is missing out if this beauty is not on your shelf; it is practically a social relic that needs to be checked out.

29 BioShock (Xbox) - 96

Praised for its creative narrative, moralistic choices, and customizable combat system, BioShock has been put in the video game hall of fame with good reason. It has a great balance of action and exploration all mixed up in a beautiful bloody world with a fantastic atmosphere that is impossible to forget. The ease of access that is the core of the game means that the player can choose how they play the game without fear of being unfairly punished.

28 GoldenEye 007 (N64) - 96

If you get the opportunity to be THE James Bond, you are totally gonna take it. Particularly if you can compete with your friends in multiplayer or just go in alone. The soundtrack gets you hyped up and the graphics and surprisingly accurate gameplay are part of why it sets the standard for games such as Half-Life. This comparison is so important as GoldenEye is significantly older and runs on inferior tech.

27 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - 96

With a rhythm as fast-paced and action-packed as the original, you are dragged back into the dark world of crime once again. Uncharted 2 is a well-written adventure through the snowy Himalayas full of great gameplay, a kickass soundtrack, and graphics that rival modern games today. The balance of sneaking, climbing, fighting and interacting is on point in Uncharted 2 and the progression feels so natural. The level design was also improved from the first one, which made a big difference.

26 Resident Evil 4 (GameCube) - 96

Stylish and detailed, Resident Evil 4 is a masterpiece of storytelling. It oozes quality and a chilling atmosphere that is hard to shake off. While some argue over its scare factor, we can all agree that this is a memorable experience for all who play it. In this one, you feel less like a helpless victim with no way out but more like an action hero who has a fighting chance of getting out of there. The fast pace will keep you hooked and you won't want to stop playing.

25 The Orange Box (Xbox 360) - 96

A collection of Half-Life 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2, The Orange Box is a fabulous addition to the collection for any FPS fan. Having all three games automatically provides tonnes of hours to enjoy and each of them provides a different experience for the player. Each game looks good graphically and packs a whole lot of quality into a well-priced little package. Definitely worth a pickup if you want a lot of bang for your buck.

24 Batman: Arkham City (PS3) - 96

Building on the world of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City brings together the biggest baddies in Gotham to give you a wild ride. Praised for its innovative mechanics, this game provides a tense atmosphere and the quintessential Batman experience. Rocksteady created a shining achievement in not just the action genre but gaming in general. If you loved the recent Marvel Spider-Man game on PS4 then you need to play this as soon as possible.

23 Tekken 3 (PS) - 96

A massive improvement on its arcade counterpart, Tekken 3 is a beast in terms of moves per character and combo possibilities and has great graphics to boot. There are no clips or blind spots to be seen which is impressive for a transfer. It is perfect for arcade wizards and new kids on the console, It is so tactically brilliant and it still shines through in this remake. You have to make a hard case for any other beat 'em up to top this one.

22 Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360) - 96

The pinnacle of the Mass Effect series, Mass Effect 2 is a giant space opera with deep branching choices and storylines. With solid gameplay and fantastic pacing, this iteration of the series is remembered lovingly by many in the gaming community to this day. The music and the characters are held dear in the hearts of so many players and are the standard that is not being met anymore. Let's hope that BioWare remembers its roots with Anthem.

21 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Game Cube) - 96

The emo child of the Zelda franchise, Twilight Princess is Nintendo's response to fans' cries for a more grown-up version of Link's adventures. Masterful craftsmanship, wonderful music, and wild creativity came together to create a lovely piece for Zelda fans everywhere. Though the horse-riding is not great and it is not quite what was shown in the teaser footage, Twilight Princess is a wild ride. It is a very addictive play for Zelda fans and is worth picking up on Wii U if you have not given it a go yet.

20 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Xbox 360) - 96

This iconic fantasy epic is still played by players across the world despite its age. Sure, Skyrim relies on the modding community to survive and the engine has not been updated but it was a revolution in its time. The scenery was beautiful and the adventures you could have were outstanding - how could you not be excited to explore a world filled with dragons? We can only hope that the next installment is worth the wait.

19 Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Game Cube) - 96

During 2002, it was often promised that a game would be an open world but it never was. Wind Waker was what broke this trend. Sure, you could not technically enter some places without certain items, but you never felt restricted. The cartoony art style, despite the initial uproar, has aged incredibly well because it was not trying to be realistic. The HD remake was technically improved as it addressed the slowness of sailing by adding the Swift Sail and removing the treasure hunt towards the end, but besides this, the game is practically perfect.

18 Gran Turismo (PS) - 96

If you want to play this one, you should definitely pick up the Playstation steering wheel for some of the most realistic racing the 90's had to offer. With 11 whole environments (don't laugh - that was a lot back then), Gran Turismo was really great once you got into it. The most controversial element of the game, getting your in-game license, was somehow even harder than trying to get one in real life. Watch out, the replays will have you think the footage is real.

17 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PS2) - 96

With twists in every mission, Metal Gear Solid's second story is just as convoluted as the first one. The gameplay was good and the visuals were great - whatever armor you wore would be worn by Snake in cutscenes, which is something which we take for granted now but was important back then. The attention to detail was great, even if the plot left something to be desired. It is still worth a play if you haven't picked it up yet.

16 Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) - 97

One of the most creative games out there, Super Mario Galaxy took our favourite red capped plumber and threw him into the unforgiving void of space. In this particular Princess Peach chase, Mario explores colourful puzzle planets that make full use of the Wii's motion controls and nunchuk extension. The music was delightful and the game introduced us to Rosalina, who we idolize in this household. It was a wonderful ride through the stars that many will fondly remember playing with friends.

15 Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii) - 97

No, you did not read the same thing twice. Super Mario Galaxy 2 provided a similarly fun and brightly coloured experience for the player as the first but added new challenges and mechanics to keep things fresh. You can team up with Yoshi and mess around with the physics-based puzzles in the middle of space. The creativity that made the first one so memorable was carried into this one and expanded upon to create an even more awesome game.

14 Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox One) - 97

Praised for the first person view mode and stunning visuals, Grand Theft Auto V has been described as the definitive GTA experience. With three engaging storylines to dip in and out of, Rockstar elevated Los Santos to new heights with minor and major alterations. The merging of gameplay and narrative is smooth as water and the music is just on point. The online multiplayer is honestly the main reason to pick this up. Every time you think you are ready to leave Los Santos behind in search of calmer pastures it just sucks you right back in.

13 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild (Switch) - 97

The latest entry in the Zelda franchise, Breath Of The Wild breezed through the competition to win so many Game Of The Year awards it could pull a Scrooge McDuck. Breath Of The Wild really shook up its traditional formula by giving players an open world experience and even going so far as to (temporarily) remove Link's iconic green outfit. Things that seem obvious in hindsight but were impossible in other similar open-worlds, like being able to climb almost anything, were suddenly available. Breath Of The Wild will go down in history as one of the best games of this decade.

12 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (PS2) - 97

Back at you with another Tony Hawk entry, Pro Skater 3 allowed players to challenge each other online in two all-new modes. The levels provided in this game absolutely dwarf all the environments in Pro Skater 2 and you can combo off almost anything; cars, people, and sidewalks are all there just to help you get that sick tasty combo set. With more secrets than you can shake a board at, there is so much more to do. Too bad later entries could not match the hype of the originals.

11 Perfect Dark (N64) - 97

One of the best first-person shooters of its time, Perfect Dark brought out the very best of the Nintendo 64. Up until its release, Goldeneye 007 was the best reason for anyone over 16 to own an N64. Perfect Dark brought some amazing graphics and Doby surround sound to give you an incredibly immersive experience. I am honestly surprised that I personally had not heard of it before (I am a small bean, please do not @ me).