Rockstar Games always make a splash with their video game series; that’s just a fact at this point. But, really, if we were to rank all their offerings, which one would make it to the top? We’ll also throw the spotlight on some classic franchises that Rockstar Games should consider revisiting. So, grab a snack and drink, and let’s get this party going, already! Here we go!
Which Rockstar Video Game Series Are the Best?
It might come as a shock, but there are more than a few video game series under the Rockstar Games Umbrella. Some, obviously, are well-known blockbuster hits, while others are still cult classics that fans want more of. The point is, you’re in for the long stretch in today’s list.
We’ll classify today’s list a bit differently; it’ll make sense as we go on. We’ll mostly gonna be grouping the games together. However, some individual standouts will nab a separate spot, too. Anyway, time to see which Rockstar Games video game series rank among our top tier.
10.) Max Payne Series
Welp, let’s not beat around the bush here: the first pick on our list of top-tier Rockstar Games video game series is a beloved classic, the Max Payne series. These stylistic action games give an exciting adrenaline rush, the likes of which few titles can hope to deliver. The titular protagonist, Max Payne, is a likable hero who is out for vengeance. The whole setup feels like an epic cinematic spectacle.
Speaking of which, the main highlights of the Max Payne series are those bullet-time sequences. Seriously, the slow-mo effect is as dope as you can get in an otherwise gritty and mature-themed narrative setting. There are few things as satisfying as targeting the critical headshots or specific limbs of your enemies. The action is a thrill unlike any other; it’s intact when replaying the games.
With the announcement of the Max Payne series remake, we’re beyond ecstatic for its arrival. With the partnership between Remedy Entertainment and Rockstar Games, we’re confident that the Max Payne video game series is in capable hands. Time will tell when we’ll see it, but hey, at least it’ll stay true to the original’s conspiracy-laden noire-esque crime drama with high-octane action on top.
9.) Midnight Club Series – One of the Most Underrated Rockstar Games Ever
Attention all fellow enthusiasts of racing games: did y’all know that the Midnight Club is one of the finest video game series by Rockstar Games? Well, now you do! Seriously, these were all underrated gems that deserve to be given their chance under the spotlight. With the recent trend of reboots and remakes, now’s the perfect chance to revitalize the Midnight Club series franchise in all its glory.
The graphics of the Midnight Club series have always been stellar, especially on PC, as it always upscales to peak fidelity. But also, the arcade-style driving around the open-world map formula in the Midnight Club series always held a certain charm. The goal was to compete in races to win and upgrade your vehicle or buy a new one once you saved up enough to afford it. Ah, fun times, indeed.
The later iterations of the Midnight Club series used listened vehicles to depict a sense of realism and classiness. Almost all the heavy hitters were there, from big brand names to a few niche ones. Even the vehicle customization element of the Midnight Club series was a fun little diversion from all the other challenges. Rockstar Games, if you’re listening, bring this video game series back ASAP!
8.) Top Down GTA Games
Oh yeah! Now, we’re cooking with gas here, folks. Our next stop on the list of exciting Rockstar Games video game series is none other than the old-school top-down GTA games. These retro titles include GTA 1 and GTA 2. We’ve clubbed them together cause they’re basically the same experience. Yeah, we went there. What’re y’all gonna do, cry about it? Tough break, but it’s the truth.
Anywho~ the top-down GTA games are the epitome of mindless fun and mayhem. They are the blueprint of the greatness that the GTA franchise would embody following these two titles. Like, you’ve got the reputation system with different factions that you gotta manage to take on missions. But doing one job for one of the factions will put you at odds with others. That’s genius game design.
Not only that, but you also gotta watch out for the law enforcement squads. They give chase and become more persistent the higher your wanted level is in the top-down GTA games. These traits are still present in modern iterations of the GTA franchise. The credit belongs to Rockstar Games, as they paved the way for this particular video game series to flourish and dazzle the gaming masses.
7.) Spin-Off GTA Video Games – Epic Supplemental Series By Rockstar
Continuing the GTA train ride, we land on the specific spinoff GTA video games. You know the ones; they’re some of the most overlooked video game series by Rockstar Games. GTA Liberty City Stories and GTA Vice City Stories might not have the same allure as their original derivatives, but they’re pretty darn great. Especially these days cause we can play them on modern consoles and PCs, too.
Anyway, these spinoff GTA video games are not phoning it in. For instance, the GTA Vice City Stories introduced new mechanics like empire-building, which is much more fleshed out in future titles. GTA Liberty City Stories was equally as compelling, providing the foundation for multiplayer elements in the PSP version. Both would carve out their place and cement their place as sales chart toppers.
It’s not a knock on these spinoff GTA video games that we say they’re overlooked; it’s just a testament to the quality of every video game series by Rockstar Games. Are these perfect? No, but they’re fun, and they hook you immediately, and that’s what counts. Like seriously, these titles deserve a mention for their part in improving the GTA franchise and ushering it into the modern era.
6.) L.A. Noire
Next up, we’re gonna do away with the series requirement since it’s actually one video game by Rockstar Games. But it’s so good that it deserves an individual mention because this was an experiment worth undertaking by Rockstar Games. We’re talking about the gritty, grim, and ambience-heavy L.A. Noire. Yeah, does anyone remember that one? It’s been memed to death.
If you’re into mystery games where you gotta figure out things by reading the clues and then forming your conclusions, then L.A. Noire is definitely for you. By no means is this game meant for a casually fun time; it’s tragic in its nature, and rarely will you see humor. Well, aside from the facial expressions of the characters, they’re just unintentionally hilarious. Seriously, you’ll be bellyaching.
But yeah, other than that, things are definitely grim in L.A. Noire. In fact, we seriously recommend flubbing up on purpose just to see how things play out in every investigation. Yeesh, talk about kicking a guy when he’s down; you’ll feel sympathy for the main character. L.A. Noire is the one video game that should be a proper series, Rockstar Games! Get with the program already and work on it.
5.) 3D Classic GTA Games
From the spin-offs, we jump ship to the mainline 3D GTA classic games on our list of fantastic Rockstar Games video game series. Is there even a point in discussing these? Like seriously, there are the genre-defining games that keep you hooked, and you’ve got happy memories about them. Everyone on the planet and their grandma must be aware of the mainline 3D GTA classic games.
This broad term we’re using, the mainline 3D GTA classic games include GTA III, GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas, and GTA IV. This is a who’s who of classic video games, and we love it all the more for it. You’ve got the identity of the entire GTA I.P. as we know it today locked down to a tee in them. The humble beginnings of the first 3D outing of GTA III, with all its quirks, was the first game-changer.
Then, there were the peaks of greatness with the majesticness of the open-world game design of GTA Vice City. The storyline, the gang warfare, the crime family politics, and the tropical depiction of the aesthetic were just awesome. Next came the fan-favorite GTA San Andreas, CJ, Grove Street; this was peak GTA. Finally, GTA IV refined the next-gen experience with its depiction of New York. The point is the 3D GTA classic series of video games is one of the best Rockstar Games offerings.
4.) Manhunt Series
This next entry on our list of superb video game series by Rockstar Games is all about the Manhunt series. Fair warning: there are two games in this series, and both are graphic. Like really harsh, cold, and sadistic kills. Every animation can make sensitive players uncomfortable, so before checking it out, you’ve been given a heads-up. You’re welcome, internet. The rest of us, who can take it, let’s go.
So, the Manhunt series is essentially all about survival in a snuff film setting. The creep factor of your actions being watched is present in both Manhunt 1 and Manhunt 2. You gotta be quick on your feet but also slow and methodical at times because if you rush in, you’ll get killed. Learning the layout of levels, studying the enemy patrol patterns, and then you gotta pick your moment to strike.
If it wasn’t obvious already, the Manhunt video game series is actually a take on stealth games from Rockstar Games. This is an experiment that caught a lot of mainstream media attention. There was a lot of debate over Rockstar Games needing to dial it back. It’s probably why we haven’t seen another entry in this brutally violent and dark Manhunt series. But it’s been too long; let’s try again, Rockstar.
3.) Red Dead Redemption Series
Now, we stop at what is arguably the most iconic video game series by Rockstar Games. We’re talking about the unbelievably mesmerizing Red Dead Redemption series. Whether you love the originality of Red Dead Redemption or the polish and freedom of its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, you can’t argue with the quality of either title. The Western setting is so delightfully endearing.
The life of an outlaw is depicted brilliantly in the Red Dead Redemption series. You’ll have the freedom to take things at your own pace and do any mission in a number of different ways. Abide by the law or be a menace to those you encounter; it’s your choice, and so are the consequences. It’s such a fun way of doing things, and the Western themes gel so well that you can’t help but marvel.
We’re talking lassoing up using a rope, going after bandits, or becoming one. The Dead Eye mechanic allows players to target non-lethal body parts to take targets alive. The bounty system also puts you on notice as the lawmen and other bounty hunters give chase. The icing on the cake is that story-driven video game series like Red Dead Redemption are the very best from Rockstar Games.
2.) Bully
For our runner-up pick among the list of top-tier video game series from Rockstar Games, we have Bully. Yes, we realize this is not a series but another singular entry, but bear with us. You see, Bully is so special, an enigma, a concept so ludicrous that we always remain mystified it got green-lit. Having said that, we’re thankful every day that Bully saw the light of day, even if it was for a single outing.
Don’t let the name fool you; Bully is not so much about being the stereotypical bully. No, far from it; in fact, Bully is all about the story of one Jimmy Hopkins, a young man who stands up to other bullies. He’s a good kid with a kind heart who does the occasional mischief. He also puts on the charm with the girls, too. Ultimately, Bully is PG GTA in a high school setting, which is just a bloody terrific idea.
Which is why it’s so painful that there’s no follow-up to Bully. It’s one of our top video game series that deserve a comeback, and Rockstar Games should take heed. The pranks you pull, the school-themed arsenal you use, and how the story missions unfold really feel brilliant. Every side character’s lines will leave you a laughing mess, their quirks, their quips, and their personalities.
1.) GTA 5/ GTA Online – King Of Rockstar Video Game Series
We’re on the final pick of our illustrious Rockstar Games video game series list, and sometimes, the obvious choice is the correct one. Yep, you know which one we’re talking about: GTA 5/GTA Online is the quintessential experience of the franchise. The groundbreaking title is still going strong despite a decade having passed since its original release. That speaks to its universal appeal.
GTA 5/GTA Online completely changed the gaming landscape. Allowing the players to play as not one, not 2, but 3 separate protagonists. Each one’s backstory, personality, and skill set make everyone stand out from each other. But also, GTA 5/GTA Online weaves their tale together superbly. The chaos, mayhem, and absolute carnage are cranked up to 11 in this latest offering.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the online component of the game manages to blow everyone’s collective minds. Yep, once you finish with GTA 5, the GTA 5 Online offers an extremely well-developed multiplayer mode. You get to unleash your creativity and customize levels or go on event-related missions. Ouf of all Rockstar Games video game series, GTA 5/GTA Online is king.
Final Thoughts On the Best Rockstar Video Game Series Of All Time
Well, that took a while, but we’re finally done with our list of the best video game series by Rockstar Games . We know this one’s probably gonna ruffle some feathers, but we’re sticking to our guns here. The order of our ranking is also gonna feel like another touchy subject, but we can take it, so come at us with your comments, fury, outrage, and appreciation if you feel the same way we do.
If you’re still hankering to find games that have the same vibes as the Rockstar titles, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for you to check out. For instance, take a gander at our favorite mature games for adults. They’ve got all the edge and polish that the games on today’s list have. Alright, that’s gonna do it for today; check back in soon for more gaming lists. Until next time, take care, everyone, stay safe, and happy gaming y’all!
