Top 10 Most Binge Worthy Video Game Franchises

No shade to “Andromeda,” but we’re mainly talking about the original trilogy here. While each entry in BioWare’s sci-fi RPG series is pretty lengthy, their supreme world-building, characters, and focus on player choice definitely makes them binge-worthy. “Mass Effect” is a must-play for anyone craving a deep narrative. With so many unique alien races, and such enthralling lore, it’s impossible not to be entranced. As it has far fewer entries than many other RPG franchises, and since the trilogy’s bundle released in 2021, it’s much easier to jump into. Every decision you make carries over to the next game, giving you a personal experience that makes you want to keep going.

Any gamer that loves superheroes probably inhaled the “Arkham” series as quickly as possible. Rocksteady’s trilogy flows so well between each installment, it’s like it was designed to be one giant endeavor. Beginning with one fateful visit to Arkham Asylum and ending with an all-out war in Gotham City, the series leads you from one tantalizing mystery to the next. Batman’s rogues gallery is expertly showcased, every character is supremely voiced, and there are so many secrets stuffed in that it will make you feel like a detective yourself. Of course, it helps that awesome gameplay makes every enemy encounter exciting. It’s one of the best superhero adaptations of any medium and it’s sure to keep you playing.

“Resident Evil” has more entries than most franchises. But as many of them are spin-offs, and a couple see a dip in quality, you can pick and choose which ones you want to binge through. Plus, while there is some engaging world-building, the overarching narrative isn’t what makes the franchise a stand-out. Binging through “Resident Evil” is a surefire way to get your heart racing. The franchise is overflowing with horrific creature designs, despicable villains, and trend-setting thrills. In fact, the toughest part about binging it is not putting the controller down to take a break from the nightmare-inducing imagery. However, it’s a Horror franchise that we love returning to.

When it comes to “Crash Bandicoot,” there are certainly some entries you can skip after Naughty Dog left as developer. But when it comes to the original games, which were remastered in a 2017 package, they’re exceptionally fun action platformers. We’ll never grow tired of navigating colorful environments and deadly obstacles to bring the pain to Dr. Neo Cortex. Each game is a great test of your reaction time, just tough enough to make you want to keep going after each failure. The “N. Sane Trilogy” was so well-received that we finally got a legit 4th entry in 2020, giving us another wonderful installment to lengthen the binge.

The saga of Kratos is soaked in blood and sorrow. And players simply can’t get enough of it. Beginning with the 2005 original, “God of War” has grown to become one of Sony’s most cherished IPs. The way it has adapted Greek and Norse mythology to fit its narrative has been fascinating to watch. It has everything players could want: deep characters, incredibly violent weapons, and a flawed yet emotionally evolving protagonist. Because Kratos is so powerful, and because the gameplay is simple but satisfying, it’s something most players can manage. Some of the things Kratos has done may be horrible, but his games are anything but.

The first “Halo” revolutionized shooters and helped Microsoft prove itself in the home console market. All these years later, it has become an extraordinary franchise. While it’s definitely known for its online multiplayer, most of its campaigns are also wonderful. Like “Mass Effect,” its sci-fi world has plenty of history to sink your teeth into. However, being an FPS series, it offers a much quicker playthrough. “The Master Chief Collection” holds most games in the series, offering an easily accessible way for players to experience it. All 6 installments found here, as well as “Halo 5,” provide co-op campaigns that bring another level of fun to “Halo’s” level of binge.

For action-packed, hack-and-slash, demon-slaying mayhem, it doesn’t get much better than this. What started as a failed “Resident Evil” game grew to be one of Capcom’s most enduring series. Following the demon hunter Dante, each installment pits the player against increasingly deadlier foes. But unlike “Resident Evil,” we aren’t scared in the slightest to take them on. As long as we’ve got Dante’s weapons and abilities, we’ll be just fine. The franchise has some of the best combo mechanics around and every game gets more insane with its plot and characters. Additionally, the older entries have been remastered and ported to a variety of platforms, making it easy for new players to track down and binge.

Yes, we’re lumping a lot of games together. But the fact remains that you could pick any of Telltale’s games and find some enjoyment. By now, there is a vast variety of stories to choose from, whether you’re a fan of Batman, “Borderlands,” “Game of Thrones,” or “The Walking Dead.” Each brings something new to its respective IP and each episode’s ending usually includes an element that makes you want to jump straight into the next one. You can play them on just about any platform around. And since they’re mostly comprised of point-and-click adventure gameplay, they’re perfect for players of any skill level. If you want to further explore the world of a popular property, Telltale has you covered.

The first “BioShock” took the FPS genre by storm when it was released in 2007. Part of it was thanks to stellar mechanics, an FPS requirement. A more important part is how it showcased the immense power of setting and storytelling in a way few did. Each entry in the trilogy is endlessly fun to play, and therefore binge, due to the creative powers that Plasmids or Vigors can offer. But it goes beyond that. There’s a sense of allure and mystery present, whether you’re exploring Rapture below the sea or Columbia above the clouds. Though it hasn’t seen a new entry since 2013, it impressively is still predominant in conversations about fantastic FPS campaigns.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Another Fantastic Hack-And-Slash Franchise

Incredible Third-Person Shooter Gameplay & Plenty of Nasty Enemies to Slay

Action Platforming With a Highly Unique Arsenal

There are few game franchises that can pull you in with a call of adventure the way “Uncharted” does. From the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the Western Ghats of India, we’ve marveled at the escapades of Nathan Drake and his treasure-seeking allies. Its gameplay doesn’t change too much, which actually makes it easier to jump from one game to the next. Naughty Dog has rightfully been praised for the level of storytelling in its games. While “Uncharted” has borrowed from the overall adventure genre, it also has incredibly charming characters at its heart and engaging plots that could make even the slightest history buff happy. Just talking about it makes us want to jump back in for what must be the 100th time.