New gamers who are only just getting into the scene are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting which games they want to play. There is a massive backlog of classics that warrant playing, and new games are being released all the time. Now more than ever is an exciting time to get into gaming as the new generation of video game consoles are fresh off their launch, and those lucky enough to find one in stock will have a world of next-generation gaming open up to them. When deciding on what to play first though, it may be a great idea to start on some of the best games ever released to the public.

While this is a naturally subjective topic, the sales of these games do not lie, and neither do the reviews of critics and players who play them. With that said, here are the three greatest games of all time.

Age of Empires 2

Anyone who is into their strategy games will know of Age of Empires 2, as it is arguably the game that started the craze for the genre. Although generations who play games today will no doubt be infatuated with the ever-growing popular battle royale genre, Age of Empires 2 represents an age of gaming where the emphasis was not on having the twitchiest fingers but having a mind akin to a chess player – after all, it is a strategy game.

This game will be remembered for its brilliant blend of historical real-time strategy and detailed military management that gave players the responsibility of building an empire or letting it fall into ruins. Players who enjoy this option will also be happy to learn that Age of Empires 4 has just been released, giving them even more content to enjoy.

Grand Theft Auto V

It is unlikely there will be any gamer that has not heard of the Grand Theft Auto series. Its influence transcends the genre it is placed in and has enjoyed its fair share of controversy over the years. This has not stopped people from purchasing it and loving every second, though. GTA V is the latest instalment in the franchise, and also the biggest and best.

Players will find an open-world sandbox that is a parody of California, in which they can do virtually whatever they want as a host of activities are available to them. This includes customising cars, going to the cinema, or engaging in a chaotic gunfight. There is even an in-game casino that players can use to earn money, though residents in the real California will have to wait until 2022 mid-terms before the state decides whether gambling at casinos will become legal.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

So far, players have learned about a strategy game and an action-adventure sandbox game, so it is only right that an RPG should also be included. When it comes to this genre, it is hard to think of a more iconic game than Skyrim, a game that has a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It is not a stretch to say that it revolutionised the RPG genre in that it brought it to the mainstream.

Seeing as how the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim is on the way, now is a great time for new players to experience the world for the first time. There is no doubt that their breaths will be stolen away when they see some of the stunning visuals in the game, an experience only heightened by the mesmeric soundtrack. There is no doubt that every gamer should have Skyrim as part of their collection.

New gamers are getting into the scene at an exciting time, but they will do well to travel back in time and visit these options if they want to experience arguably the greatest games of all time.