Established in 1986, Bethesda has a rich history in video game development that spans decades. Starting with title releases like Wayne Gretzky Hockey and IHRA Drag Racing, the company has grown into a powerhouse known for iconic franchises. Among these is the celebrated Elder Scrolls series, which debuted in 1994 and marked a significant milestone in Bethesda’s legacy.
With a portfolio boasting over 20 intellectual properties (IPs), Bethesda offers a diverse range of titles from timeless classics to hidden gems. However, the question remains: which of these franchises stand at the forefront of excellence? To help navigate Bethesda’s extensive history, we have compiled a list that ranks their ten best franchises from least to most impactful.
10 Starfield
Aiming for the Moon
It’s understandable that Bethesda aimed to branch out beyond Fallout and Elder Scrolls; innovation is key in gaming. However, the concept of Starfield—a space RPG—seemed promising yet ultimately fell short.
While the game introduces intriguing ideas, it suffers from numerous design flaws. The reliance on procedurally generated worlds raises a vital question: what good are countless planets if they lack engaging content? This issue becomes even more pronounced when you consider the open-world aspect, which feels incomplete if players cannot transition smoothly between celestial bodies, leaving a sense of inadequacy in the gaming experience.
9 RAGE
Starring…John Goodman?!
Upon its release, the original RAGE was often compared to a fusion of Borderlands and Fallout, a description I found to be misleading. To me, it resembled an outdoor variation of DOOM.The 2019 sequel, RAGE 2, embraced style over substance, but ultimately missed the mark.
Humor fell flat in RAGE 2, detracting from the gameplay experience. Ironically, it borrowed heavily from the 2016 DOOM reboot to try and distinguish itself, but it lacked the expected advancements necessary for a sequel. I can’t help but wonder what a new vision for RAGE could achieve if it melded intense gameplay with strong world-building.
8 The Evil Within
Tangoing with Survival Horror
The involvement of Shinji Mikami, the creator of Resident Evil, alone makes The Evil Within an intriguing survival horror title. While it certainly provides entertainment, the games don’t necessarily revolutionize the genre.
During a time when Resident Evil struggled, The Evil Within managed to capture some attention, but it now feels somewhat dated, especially with Capcom revitalizing its flagship series with titles like Resident Evil 7 and Village. While its classic approach to survival horror had its merits, some frustrating elements of the genre persisted.
7 Prey
Rebooted and Forgotten
Prey often suffers from being forgettable, despite its spiritual connection to classics like System Shock 2 and BioShock. While it features solid gameplay and an engaging theme, it lacks the memorable narrative moments that its predecessors delivered.
Despite being a decent game, its sales performance suggests that fans were not clamoring for a sequel, which is unfortunate given the universe’s potential. It would have been interesting to see Arkane expand on this world rather than pursue a different genre project.
6 Dishonored
Definitive Stealth Action
Arkane Studios made a significant impact with the Dishonored franchise, bringing a fresh perspective to the stealth action genre. Its artistic design stands out in contrast to the often mundane aesthetics of many games from the 2010s, presenting a vibrant world reminiscent of a living watercolor painting.
The gameplay mechanics are uniquely engaging, allowing players’ choices to significantly influence the in-game environment. Whether opting for a stealthy approach or provoking chaos provides varied experiences, yet it has been nearly a decade since a new installment in the series. The gaming community eagerly awaits Bethesda’s next steps.
5 Quake
Fast-Paced FPS
Hot on the heels of DOOM, Quake emerged as a pioneering first-person shooter (FPS), showcasing a collaboration between legendary developers John Romero and John Carmack. For players who found DOOM too slow-paced, Quake offered a faster, more intense experience.
What initially set Quake apart was its unique gothic horror theme paired with groundbreaking 3D graphics for its era. Over the years, the franchise has transformed, adopting a more science fiction narrative following Quake II. Although I personally haven’t connected with Quake as deeply as other titles by id Software, its impact on the FPS genre is undeniable.
4 Wolfenstein
Punch Your Local Nazi
Many gamers recognize DOOM as the cornerstone of the FPS genre, but Wolfenstein deserves equal acknowledgment. While Wolfenstein 3D pioneered 3D shooting mechanics, the franchise’s popularity has not consistently mirrored that of DOOM, despite its compelling concept.
The franchise has evolved over the years, adapting to current gaming climates. From the nostalgic appeal of Wolfenstein 3D to the modern classic The New Order and The New Colossus, Bethesda has skillfully breathed new life into this iconic series. Fans eagerly anticipate what is next for Wolfenstein, especially following the recent resurgence of interest in FPS titles.
3 DOOM
The Man, The Legend
The recent DOOM reboot was exactly what the series needed, revitalizing its legacy. While the original MS-DOS games remain timeless, the tonal shift introduced in DOOM 3 contrasted starkly with earlier titles, adopting a more survival horror approach.
Unlike its predecessors, Bethesda’s reboot delivered a thrilling, fast-paced gameplay experience with a trilogy (including DOOM 2016, Eternal, and The Dark Ages) that revitalized the FPS landscape, proving that intense action remains popular among gamers.
2 The Elder Scrolls
The Premiere Fantasy RPG
Choosing between The Elder Scrolls and the Fallout series for the top two spots was a challenge, but the narrative strength seen in Fallout titles gives it the edge for me. Nevertheless, The Elder Scrolls captivates players with rich storylines, especially the engaging Dark Brotherhood quests.
Exploring Tamriel’s expansive world and experiencing organic encounters is truly delightful. Additionally, Elder Scrolls Online presents a successful MMORPG adaptation, blending classic single-player experiences with multiplayer functionality—something I found surprisingly enjoyable.
I eagerly anticipate Bethesda’s upcoming Elder Scrolls installment, but I wouldn’t mind if they released a new Fallout game first! Please, pitchforks down.
1 Fallout
War Never Changes
While Bethesda’s Fallout series diverges from the original Interplay games, it’s ultimately a positive evolution. Fallout 3, in particular, represents the pinnacle of the franchise for many fans, seamlessly blending the intricacies of The Elder Scrolls with the quirky humor and style distinctive to Fallout.
Stepping into the Wasteland for the first time in Fallout 3 evokes a sense of wonder and excitement, with the game’s vast possibilities holding endless potential for exploration. This immersive open-world experience stands in stark contrast to the repetitive gameplay loops of other titles.
Although Fallout 4 catered to a broader audience, I believe it still encapsulated the essence of what makes a Fallout game exceptional, marking it as one of Bethesda’s crowning achievements. This leads me to assert that Fallout takes the top spot in Bethesda’s franchise hierarchy—though that may change with the long-awaited Elder Scrolls VI set for 2031.
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