BAFTA’s recent public poll has crowned Yu Suzuki’s Shenmue as The Most Influential Video Game of All Time. This surprising result has ignited a fervent discussion, with fans and detractors alike debating the game’s enduring legacy.

A Dreamcast Classic Redefined

• Shenmue was praised for its innovative open-world approach, detailed settings, and narrative complexity that set new standards for interactive storytelling. Yu Suzuki’s vision of Yokosuka is celebrated as an astonishingly vivid portrayal of real-life Japan, influencing countless developers in the years since.

• Shenmue was also notable for introducing Quick Time Events (QTEs), a mechanic that has since become ubiquitous across various genres of video games.

The Top 21 List Unveiled

Joining Shenmue at the top of BAFTA’s countdown were classics like:

• Doom - Pioneering 3D shooter and genre-defining work
• Super Mario Bros. - Establishing a blueprint for modern platformers
• Half-Life - Innovations in narrative integration, a hallmark of first-person shooters
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - One of the most revered games ever made for its gameplay and storytelling

A Mixed Reception Amongst Fans

While many consider Shenmue an epochal achievement, some critique it for its awkward controls and clunky dialogue. However, over time, these aspects have often been viewed as part of the game’s charm rather than hindrances.

What do you make of the BAFTA’s choice? Is Shenmue truly the most influential video game ever created? What game would you put at the top of the list?