5 Best Bungie Games of All Time, Ranked

For over 30 years, Bungie has been a popular name in the world of video games. This company has made some of the coolest games you can play. They’ve made games where you fight in space, solve puzzles, and even lead armies. These games have become so popular that they’re not just games anymore; they're a part of pop culture. But with so many great games, which ones are the best? This question gets gamers talking and arguing a lot. Bungie has made everything from simple shoot-'em-up games to big, complex adventures that take place in outer space. So, to help settle the debate, we have ranked the five best Bungie games of all time.

5. Marathon

Marathon is where it all began for Bungie. Released in 1994 for the Apple Macintosh, Marathon was a first-person shooter that was among the first to feature a narrative-driven experience in this genre. At the time, first-person shooters were mostly about shooting and looting, but Marathon incorporated an engaging storyline, complete with terminals where players could read additional lore.

Moreover, the game offered features like dual-wield weapons and even networked multiplayer—a huge deal in the early '90s. It also introduced vertical aiming and free look, which are now standard features in FPS games but were quite groundbreaking at the time. While Marathon may not hold up by today's graphical standards, it's a title that laid the groundwork for what was to come from Bungie and is still worth playing for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

4. Myth: The Fallen Lords

After the success of Marathon, Bungie decided to diversify its portfolio with Myth: The Fallen Lords, a real-time tactics game released in 1997. Unlike the usual RTS games that focused on resource management and base building, Myth emphasized tactical unit management. You were given a pre-set number of units and were tasked with using them as efficiently as possible.

The game’s grimdark fantasy setting, complete with haunting landscapes and dark, foreboding lore, captured the hearts of gamers. Myth also pioneered the use of 3D environments in strategy games, offering a new layer of tactical depth as players had to consider factors like terrain height and weather conditions during combat. Also, this game was a departure from Bungie's FPS roots, but it was a welcome one. The game garnered critical acclaim and became a cult classic among fans of real-time tactics games. Its unique gameplay and compelling storytelling make it a must-play for anyone interested in the history of strategy gaming.

3. Halo 3

When we think of Bungie, Halo is usually the first franchise that comes to mind. Although the entire Halo series has been monumental, Halo 3 stands out as the crown jewel. It was released in 2007 for the Xbox 360, and it concluded the original trilogy and offered a fitting end to Master Chief's journey to save humanity. If you wanted to test your mettle in a shooter, Halo 3's multiplayer was the arena to do it in.

The single-player campaign was a spectacle, featuring epic set-pieces and unforgettable moments. The multiplayer, however, was where Halo 3 truly shined. The game introduced new weapons, vehicles, and equipment, while also retaining the core mechanics that fans loved. The Forge mode allowed players to create their custom maps, sparking a community of creators who designed some of the most ingenious multiplayer arenas ever seen in a video game. Moreover, Halo 3 set records for the highest-grossing entertainment product within 24 hours of its release, making it not just a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon. It was the game that defined a generation, bringing people together through online multiplayer and community-created content.

2. Destiny 2

After parting ways with Microsoft and the Halo franchise, Bungie took on a new challenge: Destiny. Destiny 2 built upon its predecessor in almost every conceivable way, offering a smoother experience with a better narrative focus. Although the first installment had its ups and downs, this game corrected many of the original's flaws and delivered a far more polished experience. Destiny 2 combines first-person shooter gameplay with MMO elements, offering a vast, shared online environment where players can participate in various PvE and PvP activities.

The game has rich lore, stunning visuals, and intricate gameplay mechanics that offer both casual and hardcore players something to enjoy. But the real magic of Destiny 2 lies in its live-service model. Regular expansions and seasonal updates have kept the game fresh and exciting, years after its initial release. From the Leviathan Raid to the exotic quests and countless other endgame activities, Destiny 2 offers an enormous amount of content that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.

1. Halo: Combat Evolved

The top spot goes to none other than Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that not only put Bungie on the map but also revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. Released in 2001 as a launch title for the original Xbox, Halo introduced gamers to Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana, as they battled the Covenant and the Flood to save humanity. Everything about Halo: Combat Evolved was groundbreaking—the vast, open-world levels, the AI-driven enemies, the epic orchestral score, and, of course, the seamless integration of vehicles into combat.

Furthermore, the game’s multiplayer was equally influential, setting the standard for console shooters and paving the way for competitive gaming on consoles. However, what makes Halo: Combat Evolved truly special is how well it has stood the test of time. Even today, nearly two decades later, the game remains incredibly playable, its core mechanics undiminished by age. It's a masterpiece that set the course for Bungie's future successes and established a legacy that is still very much alive today. Halo didn’t just set the bar for console FPS games; it became the bar. It showcased Bungie’s prowess in game development and storytelling.

So, what's your take on this ranking of the best Bungie games of all time? Do you agree with the list, or do you think there are other Bungie titles that deserve a spot in the top 5? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.