8 Best Konami Games Of All Time (2024)

Konami is one of the most famous video game development companies ever. This is partially because they've been around since the 1970s. Not many other video game companies can say they've existed that long.

As such, Konami has been responsible for several huge series and a bunch of high-quality games. Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, and Castlevania all fit under the Konami banner. This begs the question, which of the games Konami has either developed or published is the best? This isn't easy to answer, but here is a collection of some that deserve to be in the conversation.

8 Pro Evolution Soccer 2017

While FIFA and now EA Sports FC games have always been the most successful football titles on the market, Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer competed with them critically on a number of occasions. Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 is arguably the series at its best.

The gameplay provides some of the most enjoyable and realistic football you can experience in a virtual setting. This is down to the smooth passing and movement of your players. Plus, the AI is really good in the game, as it provides a challenge both physically and tactically. So, it feels like football should.

7 Contra

The original Contra is one of the older games in Konami's catalog, but it remains among the company's best. It's a perfect example of how games don't need to be complicated to be enjoyable. In this 2D title, all you need to do is run through levels and blast away anyone in your path.

So, the premise is simple, but completing it isn't, as this is a tough game, especially by today's standards. But the game does allow you to bring a buddy along to help you out, which makes things even more chaotic.

6 The Simpsons Arcade Game

Video games based on The Simpsons haven't always been great. In fact, some of the fictional games within The Simpsons series look more fun than the ones that actually get released. One exception is The Simpsons Arcade Game.

This is a beat 'em up title where you play as members of The Simpson family and fight your way through different levels. The goal is to get young Maggie back from Smithers. As a result, you must fight Mr. Burns' goons. Each playable character has different attacks, and they are all fun to control.

5 Suikoden 2

Suikoden 2 is one of the most well-respected RPGs on the original PlayStation. It follows the adventure of two young soldiers who are part of the Highland Army's youth brigade. Or at least, they are until their fellow members are slaughtered at the beginning of the game. This sets all the exciting events in this story into motion.

Much of the game is about you roaming around, talking to people, and recruiting others to join your expanding army. There is also a healthy amount of turn-based combat and a lovable art style.

4 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

There have been a bunch of Castlevania games of varying quality. Symphony of the Night is often regarded as one of the best. You spend much of the game exploring Dracula's castle, which is well-designed and very atmospheric.

This is a Metroidvania title, though, so many of the pathways are initially blocked. You must keep progressing through the game to roam around the place fully. It did this mechanic so well that the game really helped pioneer the Metroidvania genre.

3 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time

What’s not to love about playing as your favorite Ninja Turtle while walking down the street and beating up goons? That is exactly what Turtles In Time provides, as it’s a side-scrolling beat ‘em up featuring the TMNT gang.

The combat is smooth, the visuals are charming, and there is some variety in the playable characters. All these things helped Turtles in Time become one of the most beloved TMNT games ever. In fact, it was so good that it spawned multiple other TMNT beat ‘em up games.

2 Silent Hill 2

Silent Hill 2 is often regarded as one of the greatest horror games ever. This is due, in part, to its fascinating main narrative revolving around widower James Sunderland, who travels to the spooky town of Silent Hill when he discovers that his wife might actually be alive.

The tale is a mysterious and compelling one that often messes with your mind. The gameplay is equally engaging, as it's all about searching around the titular town while avoiding monsters and completing puzzles.

Most of the Metal Gear Solid games are exceptional, but the third entry rises above the others due to its wonderful stealth mechanics and strong storytelling. Speaking of the story, it's set in the 1960s and features a CIA agent named Naked Snake, going into Soviet territory to complete an important mission.

The narrative is compelling right from the start and remains that way throughout the game. The main reason it's so captivating is because of the cast of deep and well-written characters, from Snake to The Boss to Ocelot. The stealth is good, too, and holds up well by modern standards.