Like 'em, Love 'em, or Loathe 'em: The 100 BEST Video Games of All-Time
Jan 23 '06 (Updated Sep 26 '08)
The Bottom Line 100 definitive video games that you should buy and that you should try.
I've done it. I've finally done it! In the summer of 2004, Epinions member Kjell originally compiled his own list of all-time 100 favorite video games. So, I had decided to materialize into formation an ambitious project with my own set of 100 best games. This being a project that I've always wanted to accomplish, to actually see what games are in fact my most cherished above all others. It was tougher work than I initially imagined it'd be, as this was a list that I'd chisel away at every once in a while. It wasn't just the way I had to take the time to analyze each of these games with words; it was also the fact that I put together this list with constant changes in its regulation. I actually browsed lists of every single game I might have ever played, and I picked them out one by one to compare and contrast in a competition of sorts. I used my memory to try and recall the good times and the bad ones that I've experienced with each one of these games. I organized a ranking system. I tried welding together a list that accurately (or closely) represents my true 100 favorites of all-time in an exact order. It was hard work, and I'm still having some second thoughts. But here it is at last, after a year and a half of labor: my 100. I hope that you'll enjoy the results.
100. Pitfall
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Activision
Platform: Atari 2600
Release: April 20, 1982
Those early days in my lifetime with playing video games is a blur. Back when I was a wee one playing the likes of Frogger, Donkey Kong, and Centipede on the Atari 2600, I still retain the recollection of what my favorite game was during this point in time. That game of course is Pitfall. Pitfall felt adverse to most games on the system. Most games from then were simpler, using boundaries. Where Pac-Man trapped players inside of mazes and Space Invaders fixed onto a single screen letting you blast and evade the incoming fleet of alien ships, Pitfall was a sidescrolling platformer that ventured through all sorts of interesting jump challenges. As Pitfall Harry, you'd swing across river beds while clinging to vines over the mouths of chomping crocodiles. You were able to hop over scorpions and sunken pits. Even though the game only allowed you 20 minutes to complete it, Pitfall was very exciting and had amazing gameplay mechanics for its time. Not to mention it was one of the better-looking games on the system, combining a forest background with the moving sprites on the multiple levels of jungle flooring, such as the aforementioned animated vines.
99. Doom II
Publisher: GT Interactive
Developer: id Software
Platform: PC
Release: May 5, 1994
Following the success of their earlier projects, Castle Wolfenstein and Doom, id Software's Doom II was a major smash for the first-person shooter genre. I mean, I remember back in school when everyone and everyone's mother were playing this thing. Well, rather the mothers were clucking about it with disapproval. But, the Doom sequel was a major breakthrough nevertheless as the best shooter of the early days when PC gaming was on the rise. Bigger battles were present here with multiple ugly boss fights. The giant robot spider. The horned guy with the grenade launcher. The head on a stick. Dozens of those pink demons surrounding your face. Brown imp things shooting fireballs. Zombie soldiers. Those goat things. The floating red and brown heads. Explosive barrels. The shotgun. The chain gun. The BFG (Big F'n Gun). Lots of memorable monsters, weapons, and scenarios were present in Doom II. This was a game about bloodlust at its best, with plenty of switch-finding and pushing types of brain stumpers to solve in order to get to more blood-curdling action. Great weapons. Great enemies. Doom II is one of the finest examples of when first-person shooters were once in their prime.
98. Mega Man 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: June 1989
Possibly the one franchise with the most sequels and spin-offs is Mega Man. What are there now... forty Mega Man games out there? Despite Capcom's quick death of the once beloved protagonist from all the rehashed flooding it's done over the years, Mega Man once stood for something great. There was a time when the Mega Man series had still clever and still original action roots, where as the blue bomber you would experience some of the best frantic shooting and platforming around. Where the initial Mega Man struck pay dirt with the first outing, it was the second that I think really perfected the series as the prime example of how a Mega Man should be made. Aside from not having the convenient ability in later Mega Man games to slide around, number 2 did everything else right. The bosses were outstanding. With the likes of Metal Man, Bubble Man, Quick Man, Wood Man, and Dr. Wily himself to fight, jump and shoot challenges were at a mighty tier all with the sorts of disappearing and reappearing blocks and plenty of new exciting surprises (like the Quick Man stage where you need to fall extremely fast past giant laser beams appearing beneath you). Mega Man 2's visuals weren't magnificent, but nevertheless were fitting for the time with the usage of pellet bullets and differently themed backgrounds (a machine factory, a forest, a sky world, etc.). Tight controls and gameplay that had you constantly thinking and moving was what Mega Man 2 was all about in a very big way.
97. Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EAD/Nintendo R&D2
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: September 23, 2002
Truth is, I've actually played Super Mario 2: Yoshi's Island on the Super NES back in the day. But the real fact of the matter is... I've only played it on a kiosk at Toys "R" Us. Having never owned the game and only playing the original for a limited spurt of time, I had never played enough of the game to fully enjoy it to the length that I had with the GBA port. So here I am giving the second Super Mario World the ranking rather than the SNES version in the third Super Mario Advance title instead. Anyway, what this game did for video games is it took Mario out of the picture and added in Yoshi as the star, essentially. You control Yoshi, but you also have to take care of a squealing baby Mario on a platform quest to rescue baby Luigi, who's been abducted by Magikoopa. In timeless Mario fashion, you'll dodge jump-based traps and worlds of enemies in this unique platform game. With Mario still in diapers, he'll fall off from time to time whenever Yoshi is hit. You have ten seconds to rescue him every time this happens. Yoshi acting as the protagonist gets to shoot eggs and hop around, amongst other things. With charmingly vibrant visuals and the types of cartoony sounds you'd expect from a Mario game, Yoshi's Island naturally embodies a high-quality fun value all around.
96. Super Off-Road
Publisher: Tradewest
Developer: Software Creations Limited
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: 1992
Racing games used to pretty much always be a lot of fun no matter what the game was. They were each different and innovative in their own way when the genre was branching out across the plains. Super Off-Road still is one of the better ones, though. This arcade port put players in an overhead view of various tracks, where racing off-road trucks around the winding tracks laid traps in the way to work either with you or against you and your competitors. Hay stacks, oil spills, and even pits were some of the hazards that you'd come across. Money could also be earned along the way in order to enhance the truck for improvements like better tires and rate of acceleration. The graphics, in their overhead state, were decent for the time. These were small, pixelated vehicles on dirt and paved winding tracks. What more do you need? In a way Super Off-Road is like the Mario Kart of truck racing, and by far it's the best one that I've ever played.
95. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: AlphaDream
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: November 17, 2003
First it was all about Mario's RPG prowess with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Then Paper Mario. And then there was Mario and Luigi's first dually titled, and dually starring roles as both the heroes of this unique handheld adventure. What's interesting about Mario and Luigi (the game) is the depth gone into arranging puzzles and battles from the tweaked, but similar battle mechanics of the previous Paper Mario offering. Though you didn't have numerous allies in your quest, you did have both Mario and Luigi. When partnered together they made the experience very creative as they'd smash each other with hammers to flatten themselves to limbo under objects, for instance. Other abilities came as the likes of hopping on the back of the other brther to reach higher grounds, to spinning across long gaps. The battle mechanics themselves would have the duo jumping and smashing on enemies by timing their movements forward or backwards across the screen. Visually, the game is also bright and pretty, with numerous distinctive worlds and characters that are delightful to look at. Just like its other Mario RPGs, it's of no surprise that Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga came to be a superb game, and one of my favorites.
94. Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: AlphaDream
Platform: Nintendo DS
Release: November 28, 2005
Of all the Mario RPG games on the market that I've played, they were each terrific. Not just in terms of gameplay, but also in well-written storylines (that, unlike most games, make me laugh), and great visual and audio quality. Once again, the Mario Bros. are back to save the princess who's been kidnapped by an alien race known as the Shroobs. Unlike the previous Mario and Luigi RPG, Mario and Luigi play with themselves. Not in that way, but rather with their baby doubles. Baby Mario and Luigi ride on the larger brothers's backs to help whack foes in a creative new take on the turn-based formula the series has used since Paper Mario. Instead of Mario and Luigi timing attacks with hammers, the babies do it. The babies can deal extra damage to enemies in their own hopping sequences, followed by the big brothers' turn. Ingenious enemies put on all sorts of challenging and entertainingly satisfying duels. Spinning and blowing through the air, squashing the babies to slip under gates, and other such quirky mechanics make Mario and Luigi such an amazing gaming experience. And, whether you're a fan of the original or not, I'd say that you would likely enjoy this game very much yourself.
93. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Flagship
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: January 10, 2005
Being spontaneous as I sometimes am in video game stores, I decided to plunk down the change to get The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. I wasn't intentionally looking forward to the game, still being a little wet behind the ears when it came to the Zelda franchise at the time. As one might expect though, The Minish Cap turned out to be fantastic - better than I had initially expected from it. Always with a new way to diversify Link, The Minish Cap's tale unfolds with trouble brewing as usual. An evil wizard turns Zelda and the king into stone, and Link meets up with a talking hat that gives him the ability to shrink like the kids in that Rick Morranis movie. Dividing play between both worlds, Link solves handfuls of clever puzzles of both big and small proportions. He fights baddies with an assortment of weapons. He visits towns, completes mini-quests (including locating and gluing together broken kinstone halves to access treasures, amongst other things), and treks across the land. With its visual style modeled after the best looking Zelda game of all-time (the cel-shaded Wind Waker), The Minish Cap is a fun-filled adventure with plenty of spark to ignite a great big flame.
92. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation
Release: September 20, 2000
I did own the original Tony Hawk before I ever bought the second one. I had the first game only because I won it. I never really played it, only because I couldn't figure out how to. Adapting to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater skating system was a whole other world for me in gameplay advancements. The reason that I bought the second game was because it had just arrived in stores, and I pursued it based on spontaneity. My friends were interested in the game, and I got it to give us all something to do. It was after days and weeks of practice play with them that I gradually learned exactly how to skate in 3D. Then, it was mind-blowing. I was grinding, pulling off spins, wall riding, and basically flying all over the place. Loads of challenges to play in 2-minute-based levels, good 3D graphics (for back then), and possibly the best non-game-related music soundtrack to appear in a video game made Tony Hawk 2 a dream come true.
91. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Platform: GameCube
Release: October 11, 2004
Paper Mario 2, like its former entry, is a Mario RPG based in a paper-made world. Mario and company are each paper thin. Literally. Like all Mario RPG titles, the combat enlists timed turn-based offenses and defenses. Pressing jump at the right time above an enemy's head would dish out extra attack power. But, jump on someone who has a spiky hat on, and your butt will be sore in the morning. Strategic processing like this helped keep the battles varied and interesting. Paper-based puzzles and comical writing gave Paper Mario 2 a winning edge just the same, as is the case with every one of its entries. All that I can really say about the graphics department is that it's different. Not bad. Great, but not excellent. Dated, but not archaic. In a way it's like staring at N64 graphics, yet still very good ones in a 2D/3Dish cartoon existence.
90. X-Men: Children of the Atom
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Arcade
Release: December 1, 1994
In the time following Street Fighter, Capcom and other companies began their long journey of tiring down the fighting genre down by throwing out numerous spin-offs, sequels, arcade ports, and good ideas. When Capcom wasn't doing Street Fighter, they had another franchise that at the time was fresh and obviously addicting. It's also one of my all-time favorite arcade games. X-Men: Children of the Atom was the game that started the trend of X-Men vs. this and that. It was Children of the Atom that enabled players to choose amongst many of their favorite characters from the comic book series. Magneto, Storm, Cyclops, Omega Red, Colossus, and my favorite, Wolverine: they were all there. Different strengths in combos and special maneuvers tailored to each character, paired with 2D-drawn destructible levels made for a fascinating time. So many people would gather around this game at the arcade. I was one of them, pumping quarters into the slots just about every week.
89. Animal Crossing
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Platform: GameCube
Release: September 16, 2002
Inside of a town that you must maintain with animal inhabitants carrying mood swings, there's plenty to do in Animal Crossing. Before Animal Crossing, I was extremely skeptical of simulation games, in the way of The Sims. Very addictive, very cute: Animal Crossing lets you do so much stuff in a town based in real-time. If it's 10 o'clock at night on your watch, it's 10 o'clock at night on Animal Crossing's watch. Depending on the time frame, you might not be able to head to Tom Nook's store. You may not be able to speak with another character until hours later. But you may be able to catch certain fish at one point or another, or talk with someone who is awake. But time isn't everything. There's bug and fossil hunting, item trading, snowman constructing, NES game collecting (ports of retro Nintendo-released games, like Tennis and Donkey Kong), rendezvous with special characters, and much more. You're able to gain money and upgrade your very own house and decorate it anyway you like, with many types of items, and wallpapers, and carpets. Addicting as hell and pretty decent looking too (N64-esque visuals that actually isn't all that bad) make Animal Crossing one of the greatest gaming successes there ever was.
88. Okage: Shadow King
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Zener Works/SCEI
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 2, 2001
If Hollywood director Tim Burton - creator of some of the most bizarre films ever - were to design a video game, Okage: Shadow King would be that video game. Okage stands as one of the best and most unique PlayStation 2 RPGs, as its story, its characters, and its entire world all culminate together to bring gamers a treat that in being different works to its advantage. When young Ari is put in the position where the only option to save his pig-Latin speaking sister is by sharing his shadow with Evil King Stanley Hihat Trinidad XIV (or Stan) and becoming his slave, his adventure to set out and help gather Stan's stolen power has only just begun. In this unlikely duo's quest, they'll team up with other character's who's agendas only lend a hand into the odd and hilarious tale of Ari's amusing misfortune. An easy-to-use RPG combat system levels out in between the Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired visuals, and soothing sounds. Okage oozes with creativity in a game that's so unlike typical RPG titles, as it makes for one of the best games ever.
87. Mutant League Hockey
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Mutant Productions
Platform: Genesis
Release: January 1, 1994
Regular sports games are fine if you're a fan, but I've never really been into those yearly upgrades, as I don't watch football or baseball, or anything else of the like on TV. When it comes to sports, I like to play them for real in a field or on a court rather than actually park my rear on the couch and dully stare on as others are having all the fun. However, when it comes to creative sports games, I'm all for those. There's the Mario sports titles for one, and Tony Hawk's games for another. But, before those franchises came about there were the Mutant League games from Electronic Arts. Having regularly played Mutant League Hockey with a friend on the Genesis back in the day, I actually enjoyed the game's clever usage of an unconventional system that uses monsters for players instead of people. Rather than partake in "normal" game sessions, you'd have shark pits, nets that could attack players, crooked referees, and the ability to beat opponents, not at the game, but with axes and other bludgeoning objects. Mutant's graphics were fine for the time resembling similarly overhead hockey titles, but involved a more comical feel than your typical game. It was monstrous beings, cartoon violence, and the like all mashed up into one.
86. Donkey Kong Country
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: November 25, 1994
The original Donkey Kong from its arcade heyday was good, but in the terms that Rare set for the new Donkey Kong was on a much larger scale than avoiding a small set of obstacles in order to reach the princess and her captor, Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong Country was unique in that it branched out from your typical platform games at the time, in that it let you play as either the large-bodied Donkey Kong or the smaller Diddy Kong. From a side scrolling perspective, it was also great how animals came into play, where getting on top of a rhinoceros (or other types of animal friends) to maneuver around a list of enemies, swing on ropes, and collect bananas in a time-based jump and puzzle solving world was a real blast. DK Country's graphics were phenomenal as well, where unlike other SNES games, this one featured polished and almost 3D-rendered 2D graphics. Unique and highly entertaining, Donkey Kong Country ultimately provided some great fun for the Super NES's remaining years (as, it would later receive two follow-ups).
85. Halo 2
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Bungie Software
Platform: Xbox
Release: November 9, 2004
It's easy to see that Halo was and still is a rip-roaring success. It's the reason why the Xbox never sunk. But, then there's Halo 2. It's probably easier to see that Halo 2, in terms of its content, is better than Halo. After all, the sequel equips main badass protagonist Master Chief with the ability to hold two weapons at once (including the ability to equip human and alien blasters simultaneously). Like before, Halo 2 allows for the acquisition of enemy vehicles. Human AI like before teams up with Master Chief on foot or in one of several crafts, new ones included. The biggest surprise of all, though, is that you're not just controlling Master Chief anymore. The plot is split up between Master Chief and the Arbitrator, a ranking Covenant who was sentenced to death and then broken free. Unlike Master Chief, he can cloak himself temporarily. It's also a really cool twist that you're battling Covenant forces as a Covenant yourself. Halo 2 also had online play... something that I've never been able to use, unfortunately. Outstanding visuals and sounds as expected were here too, as was the case with the first Halo.
84. Alundra
Publisher: Working Designs
Developer: Matrix/SCEI
Platform: PlayStation
Release: January 9, 1998
The day that I purchased Alundra is still very clear in my mind. It was April of 1998 when I was checking out the game rack at the Electronics Boutique in the mall. While browsing, I noticed Alundra. At first I wasn't going to buy the game since I had actually never heard of it before then. It seemed too obscure to me at first, and could have easily been one of those launch PlayStation titles that I might have not heard of because of its lack of quality. But then, a clerk stopped over and asked me if I needed some help. So I asked the guy a little about the game, wondering when it came out. And I was surprised that he said not too long ago. He also told me it was a good RPG game overall. So, looking at the box and the compelling anime that was plastered on top, I decided to pick up Alundra. From there, I discovered a Zelda-esque adventure that was actually quite a pleasant surprise. With this elfin guy named Alundra, the game was about using weapons like an extending ball and chain weapon, amongst others, to solve puzzles in dungeons and defeat monsters along the way. The game looked fairly well, to my recollection. I can't recall any of the sound design. However, Alundra was an awesome experience that lasted a long time (around 40 hours), which I'll never forget.
83. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sonic Team
Platform: Genesis
Release: November 20, 1992
Sonic 2 was the big reason that I always wanted a Genesis to own. Introducing Tails, Sonic's dual-tailed whirlybird buddy, the game appeared to be extremely appealing at the time. Of course, I never received a Genesis, so I had to experience Sonic elsewhere. Of all the Sonic games out there, I always think of Sonic 2 as my favorite one. I'm not sure why that is exactly. It must be the addition of the unique foxy Tails partner, who would grab Sonic and carry him over gaps in single player. Or, it must've been the way the game was improved graphically, from not just adding more chaotic running challenges to the single player mode, but also 3Dish two-player races on third-person tracks.
82. Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Visual Concepts
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: 1992
One clever action game that I haven't completely forgotten about is the tactical helicopter game called Desert Strike. The idea behind Desert Strike was fun, because you actually needed to pilot an Apache helicopter around an overhead view of a map in the midst of a Gulf War setting. You'd complete various consecutive tasks, like landing down on the ground to pick up soldiers, bombing enemy bases, and destroying radar stations. Although not as great looking as a lineup of other SNES games, from its overhead perspective Desert Strike still looked pleasing. All that I know is that Desert Strike was a fun game, combining an assortment of helicopter missions, and that's why it makes the list.
81. Medal of Honor: Frontline
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: DreamWorks Interactive
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: May 30, 2002
There is a lot of World War II-themed shooters available, but from what I've played Frontline has captured the thematics of this gripping era of war the best. As the third Medal of Honor in the series, Frontline starts players off on a boat heading for the climatic battle on Omaha Beach. As James Patterson, the game is played out like any Medal of Honor - by using scripted moments and such, but the drama, the action, and the emotion of it all is all so beautifully fitted into what seems like the closest any game has come to virtually letting you be in this war. In such epic levels, like the aforementioned beach breach to a ruined city in rubble, to the partnership you'll form with British allies, the game applies the right mood for each scenario with amazing graphical details, authentic battles (using turrets and shotguns, to Panzer rockets against Nazi battalions), and an impressive array of sound elements (voices, music, and audio - all brilliant). Though maybe not the best World War II first-person shooter available, Frontline is the best one that I've ever played - and that's what counts.
80. Midnight Club II
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: April 8, 2003
Before Rockstar introduced us to Midnight Club: Street Racing, I don't think that underground racing was even heard of in video games. And so with a franchise like this, you'd have to expect a sequel. This is that sequel, and it's one that gets my vote as the best PlayStation 2 racer that you're ever going to find. Gran Turismo 3 is a very good game, though I'm more for the arcade genre. Midnight Club II follows the style of its predecessor. You find an opponent, you beat them and their crew, then you earn their respect and best of all their vehicle. Differing from the previous installment, the second Club now heads to three new cities (Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo) where the game with the best motorcycle maneuvers and physics has been realized (even vastly improved compared to the ones from Vice City). And with online modes and improved graphics, Midnight Club II makes for a hella cool racer: faster than the fast and furiouser than the furious.
79. Devil May Cry
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 17, 2001
Cool is the code of conduct in Devil May Cry, Capcom's revered gothic actioneer title. Executing combos with the stroke of a sword and the shot of a gun put Devil May Cry on the map with its white-haired, red-coated, half-devil hero, named Dante. He flips off of walls, he balances enemies in the air, and he even turns from man to devil to wreak havoc on the forces of evil that he hunts for. With the game's stylish kick a** and item-hunt gameplay, its dazzling visual effects, and some great sounds too, Devil May Cry is a splendid mix of action and horror in one. Any "best of" games list wouldn't be possible without this amazing creation.
78. Silent Hill
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Platform: PlayStation
Release: February 24, 1999
Even up to the point of 1999, the year before the PlayStation 2 arrived, it's kind of surprising to think that the PlayStation had slim to none actual horror games on the market. Capcom's Resident Evil was cornering that aspect, and in the same year as Silent Hill 3 launched had its third follow-up on the way. Konami did step in though, and stole some of that light away from Capcom's massively praiseworthy zombie focus. Rather than put the spotlight on shock tactics like having zombies breaking through the walls to get a hold of you, Silent Hill fabricated the very essence of what makes psychological terror so frighteningly fascinating. Silent Hill involved a man named Harry hunting for his missing daughter in an obscure fog-covered town, known as Silent Hill. You'd literally chart your way across the town and inside its separate larger key structures (like a ghost inhabited school, and past decomposed faceless screeching nurses inside of a hospital), solving a series of puzzles and downing foes along the way. With its use of a pocket flashlight and a dreadfully dark setting, Silent Hill also looked marvelously spooky and sounded the same too, with its crackling radio alerts whenever a grumbling monster was afoot.
77. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: November 20, 1995
Rare is a very strange developer. Most people nowadays hail Rare as something worthy of praise, mainly for bringing the world Goldeneye. I wasn't one to look up to Rare during the dark days of Nintendo's 64 system, however. In fact, Goldeneye was a fairly standard FPS to me. Decent, but nothing really mind-blowing. The last time that I used to actually respect Rare was back when they were still making a name for themselves as the makers of the Donkey Kong Country series. Unlike their Mario 64 clones in the 3D wave of games, Donkey Kong Country was actually an original platform franchise starring Nintendo's then relatively condensed ape mascot. The first game was very successful and fun, and great looking with its side-scrolling of different habitats and use of both DK and Diddy Kong characters, getting occasional support from the animal wildlife around them. The second game I thought to be a bit better polished, though. This time instead of getting the Donkey Kong treatment (who is captured this time), you'd play as the smaller duo Diddy and Dixie Kong. New levels and new challenges were added into the mix (with new forms of animals, like an anglerfish). The cooperative nature between D&D was interesting too, as they could toss each other around at enemies and up in the air to reach items. The graphics in the sequel were improved somewhat, less murky and more colorful, and still looking like a fleshed out 3D game in a 2D setting.
76. Super Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Genesis
Release: September 28, 1993
Street Fighter II is pretty much the most balanced fighting series that you can find. With all combatants unique in both appearance and their own sort of fighting style (although, Ken and Ryu are cutting it close being brothers and all), and with amazing animated cartoony moves, the game had become such a powerhouse phenomenon in the early part of the '90s. Not owning a Genesis, I mostly played Street Fighter II on my Super NES. My memory with the Genesis iteration stirs from being at a fiend's house one night where we popped in the game and played for quite a while. Some of the differences between this game and the regular version was that the graphics were sharper, new moves were added to the character arsenal, you could choose to fight as identical characters, and there was also a mode called Group Battle that allowed two players to select six fighters for elimination matches and such. This upgrade was essentially Street Fighter II on the Genesis, as the system initially didn't give the game a home when the game was brought to the SNES back in 1991.
75. Contra
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: February 9, 1988
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start. That's the Konami code. The highly challenging, sidescrolling, and alien blasting game: this was Contra. It was astonishing how great Contra was. It had explosive action as you'd move through eight levels of excellent carnage. You could play by yourself or with somebody else (recommended, since this was one tough game), shooting at enemies as they pop up along the screen in then's unconventional eight separate directions. When you reach the end of the stage, the boss would come out and prove to be a worthy foe. For a NES game, the graphics were up to par, too. The spray of bullets and tank-top musclemen hopping and flipping through the screen did its job at visualizing this kind of offbeat mix of a human universe dominated by alien powers that has become a Contra standard.
74. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Publisher: Konami
Developer: LucasArts
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: 1993
There were plenty of weird games on the Super NES system, but Zombies Ate My Neighbors is really one of the few that can stand out on top after all of these years. Look at it: it's a colorful zombiefied game that does what the title says it does. In the game you'd have your pick between a boy and girl, and basically set out to rescue pedestrians in an overhead view of various levels. Filled with creatures like aliens, mummies, and yes even zombies, you'd have to battle foes using zany weapons (like a squirt gun, or a potion that turns you into a beast). The game used a very clever premise, which also was great for its co-op play with two people, which added extra hilarity and insanity into the mix.
73. Virtua Fighter 2
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega-AM2
Platform: Arcade
Release: December 30, 1994
It's known that as the innovator of the 3D fighting games, Sega's Virtua Fighter series is marked as a classic. Even though I've never personally owned any Sega systems of my own (aside from the Game Gear), I always admired the Virtua Fighter games. Whenever I stopped at an arcade to play some games (which I used to do frequently), the Virtua Fighter games were always on my play list. Between Virtua Fighter and Virtua Fighter 2, I always liked the second one the best. The game had prettier graphics, but also it had improved gameplay with faster moves and a beefier character roster. My favorite one would likely be that old guy who utilized the drunken monkey technique.
72. Tekken 2
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Platform: PlayStation
Release: September 15, 1996
Here's a somewhat interesting story of mine. Tekken 2, in a strange way, is kind of the first game that I've ever owned for the PlayStation, and yet I've played and even owned games before it on the system. After returning my original PlayStation in 1995 (when not knowing how to set it up), I bought a 13" TV along with Street Fighter Alpha II for the system. Though, I eventually returned that game. I also didn't actually play the system at home until I rented one along with Twisted Metal and Resident Evil in the summer of 1996. I wanted Resident Evil so badly that I could taste it. But when I finally acquired my very own PlayStation as a Christmas present that year (and with the RFU adapter and knowledge of how to hook it up), the game that came with it as a present was Wipeout. Even though Wipeout was a good game, I just wasn't drawn into it and very much wanted Resident Evil over that game. So, to Toys "R" Us I went, where my Mom bought me the game. Because Resident Evil was sold out at the time, I had no choice but to pick out another game. Since Tekken 2 looked like the most interesting of the choices available, I went with that. It wasn't Resident Evil, but it sure was great. All distinctive characters with interesting storylines, a remarkable 3Dish fighting system, that stunning FMV intro, and nice graphics gave me and my friends something to engage in for a long, long time.
71. Silent Hill 2
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami TYO
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: September 25, 2001
Resident Evil may have brought horror games into the mainstream, but it was Silent Hill that was too busy thinking about how it was going to rip our eyeballs out of our sockets. Silent Hill, a late bloomer in the PlayStation's life, is the horror title that started the franchise on its way to fame. But Silent Hill 2, I think, is the one that produces a higher capacity of psychotic mayhem. And psychotic mayhem equals the better scares in a better game. In this entry, we find new character James Sanderson in search of his dead wife who contacted him from the town of - you guessed it - Silent Hill. Even creepier is that inside of Silent Hill, monsters pop out from their hiding places and are now trying to kill James, including the sickly, deranged, giant sword-wielding creature known as Pyramid Head. Ground-scuttling deformities, live mannequins, and updated nurses with skin for faces and bone-curdling screams make for progression further shocking. Advanced graphics and sounds (of course) help to flesh out the grimmest Hell that Silent Hill is.
70. Contra III: The Alien Wars
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: June 1, 1992
Contra history is littered with both good times to be had and then some bad ones. I have fond memories of the first Contra, which originally appeared on the NES. But, my favorite of all the Contra games that I've played would probably be this one. Contra III is a lot like the original Contra, only its graphics are pumped up to 16-bit goodness. The weapons were a lot more chaotic (homing missiles, rapid shotgun, dual-wielding two weapons at once, etc.). The game even covered new grounds in its use of overhead levels combined with the always frantic 2D sidescrolling levels. Contra will always remain one of the best action games in existence... but Contra III did up the ante a little further.
69. The Simpsons
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Platform: Arcade
Release: 1991
Best. Simpsons game. Ever. You could find a lot of fun games in the arcades over the years, but it'd be pretty impossible to beat this timeless Simpsons classic. In the same way that the beat 'em ups at the time were made, The Simpsons let you dive right into the coin-op action with one of four characters: Homer, Marge, Bart, or Lisa. Each Simpson had their own differential moves, as they combined their powers together to rescue Maggie from the clutches of Mr. Burns. Best of all was the variety and liveliness to the game. You'd approach different enemy types, such as evil Springfieldians swirling in tea cups, businessmen, zombies, and winos. The visuals were also outstanding, considering that they were a close match to the show. The actors from the cartoon also lent their voices to the fray. There have been so many games designed after The Simpsons cartoon, and yet it's strange to think why practically every other Simpsons game sucked besides this one.
68. Golden Sun
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: November 12, 2001
As the first big (and original) RPG on Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld device in its launch year, Golden Sun was obviously one of the most anticipated titles for the platform. The good news is that Golden Sun also delivered, and even became my favorite release for the GBA once I bought it. Clever by design, Golden Sun threw together an interesting story based around a group of magic users on the hunt to find the evil alchemists who destroyed their town, and in the process killed their parents. Not to mention, they kidnapped their friends as well. The characters in the game could each wield unique powers tailored to themselves that was used for puzzle solving along the way. For example, one character would be able to literally drag heavy objects and place them onto switches. A Pokemon-esque collection system also gave way to creatures known as Djinn. This was an addictive measure, especially because Djinn added to the battle powers of their very own (which essentially are summon characters). Since Golden Sun was also one of the first games on the GBA to sport 3D-like visuals with rotating turn-based battles, the game wasn't exactly the prettiest, but it did well enough in the end.
67. Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: April 14, 2003
It's a bit hard to decipher which of the two Golden Sun games are the better made. But when thinking about both, that decision starts to become obvious. Between these two 'best GBA RPGs,' Golden Sun: The Lost Age seems to fit as the greater in the case that the game followed onto a new path across water and air travel. Traveling the seas is now made possible in a ship that also serves to dig up treasures over water. The game essentially gives you a wider array of things to do. But also, telling the story from the "bad guy" perspective spun a very interesting twist off of where the game commences right after the first game concludes. Confronting the same heroes who you originally starred as the first time around was quite interesting. Of course, with new Djinn to gather, new challenges to master with your magic powers, and experiencing pleasing visuals and sounds all the same, the follow-up to the Game Boy Advance's best RPG surely took that title for itself.
66. God of War II
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: SCE Studios Santa Monica
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: March 13, 2007
If you haven't yet played through any of the God of War entries, then maybe it's best if you skipped this chapter in my list. For, you are about to be SPOILER ALERTED (somewhat)! God of War II starts shortly after the trials of the first God of War. Kratos plunged to his doom. But in Greek mythology when you defeat Ares, the God of War, you make room for an empty position on the board of staff. As the new God of War, Kratos soon finds his powers stripped and a battle emerges against his new bull's eye target, Zeus. Nearly the same game as its former accomplishment, God of War II gives off a very sweet taste in your mouth. From its load of new boss fights to confront (more than three), to its new mechanics (flight from the Icarus wings), to its just-as-gory visuals and astounding cast of voice actors, this game is truly Godlike.
65. Xenogears
Publisher: Squaresoft
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: October 20, 1998
Talk about rare. Xenogears was probably the toughest game that I've ever been challenged to tracking down. One year after it was released, you couldn't find it in a store anywhere. Why? For some reason Squaresoft at the time stopped production on the game, I believe. This was due to its controversial religious subjects that were found within the game. But, whatever... I played the game and I was happy. Although, my feelings have always been mixed about Xenogears. My impressions of it at first were that I didn't fancy its mature world of anime-inspired robot/human battles. But as I got further into the game, I came to find myself enjoying both its story and its combo-natured combat. What displeased me mostly was that many conversations in the game had extensive dialogue sequences. You'd have to sit through reading one session after another of dialogue that went on and on. This became boring at times. However, its story details were very intriguing nevertheless, and I came to find Xenogears has solidified a favorite of mine.
64. Guerilla War
Publisher: SNK
Developer: SNK
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: December 25, 1988
War, what is it good for? Absolutely the NES now! Guerilla War has always been very special to me, as it was one of the most enjoyable experiences that I've ever been through on the NES. Throughout the game you basically inched upward screen by screen, killing tanks and soldiers on your way to victory. Its example of clever battle scenarios and awesome two-player mode has cemented Guerilla War into my mind as a game that I loved coming back to and beating again and again.
63. Virtua Fighter 4
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega-AM2
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: March 19, 2002
Sleekness is what I think about when I think of Virtua Fighter 4. Its virtual menu, its stylistic and fluid combat, its very impressive visuals and sounds make Virtua Fighter 4 a fighter that you can't back down from. Who'd had thunk Sega would ever be taken off the hardware list, or even be putting a game on a Nintendo or Sony console? I wouldn't have seen that coming at first. But it happened, and I'm not disappointed. For, the games make a system first and foremost. And, Sega making Virtua Fighter 4 has been one of the greatest pleasures I've known in all my years of gaming. It brings in brand-spanking new levels with lush graphics and all sorts of moves that can be made up on the fly. Like the monk character in the game, he can switch from one kind of stance to another, and keep on churning out revitalizing Shaolin-whatevers at opponents. The stages themselves take place in areas like an underwater cage, or my favorite, on top a building at night fall with a chopper and its light beaming off and circling around the fighters of the ring. Way better than Soul Calibur II any day of the week, Virtua Fighter 4 is the best PlayStation 2 fighting game that I've had the opportunity to own.
62. Dark Cloud
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Level-5
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: May 28, 2001
Originally scheduled as a launch title for the PlayStation 2, Dark Cloud was pushed back into the next year like many of its other initial games. But without a doubt, the wait was worth it. Dark Cloud is really the first great RPG for the PlayStation 2 you could say, where its innovation builds off a combination of things. Using games like The Legend of Zelda and Actraiser as its basis, Dark Cloud puts you in a world where you can build worlds. Wait, let me rephrase that a bit. You're Toan who with the help of different party members will traverse into the depths of dungeons to battle all sorts of creatures to collect pieces of different towns, in order to restore them to their natural self. You can place the pieces wherever you want, but it's by conversing with the inhabitants of the town where you'll learn their preferences. Using these guidelines will help to master the art of placement. Another of Dark Cloud's best known aspects was the high level of detail that went into the lustrous game. The game's sounds were another thing to behold, as the music of the dungeons was captivating. One of the first RPG greats for the PS2, Dark Cloud is also one of my all-time best picks.
61. Final Fantasy XII
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 31, 2006
For their twelfth entry in the long-running Final Fantasy lineup, Square Enix reinvented the role-playing paradigm yet again. Turn-based battles have become a thing of the past here, as now the action happens when approaching an enemy in real-time. While nothing dissimilar, the innovation rests in aspects such as the Gambit system. Starting with a three-slotted system for you to fill in preset actions for each individual character to take on during combat (such as curing, defending, and using items in a certain order that you'll maintain), this list will grow as you progress throughout the game. Leveling up comes via the License Board, where you'll be able to spend points on various attributes anywhere you want, so long as you have the right amount. With addiction in the nature of tracking and annihilating creatures for funding, to the beautiful depth in both an expansively articulate world and in the inspiring creativity of the instrumental sound design, Final Fantasy XII makes some great "new" for any Final Fantasy aficionado.
60. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Release: November 19, 2006
Being the game that introduced an abysmal video game console into stardom, Link's latest console adventure was really more of a Wii tutorial than an actual Wii game. See, Twilight Princess is a direct port from its GameCube iteration, with both having released at the same time. Though essentially a GameCube game with motion-sensing Wii controls, this still is to date the most pleasant game on the system. Not only are the visuals more advanced than 99% of the other titles across this horrid console, the sounds fare well and the gameplay qualifies enough for its place in greatness: with magnetic boots that catapult you to the ceiling, transforming Link from human to wolf form, aiming tools via the remote, and more.
59. Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage
Publisher: Acclaim
Developer: Software Creations
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: June 1, 1994
You could probably say that the early to mid nineteen-nighties were the last major peak for comic books. It brought the X-Men, Spider-Man, and even Batman to well-received cartoon formats. Spider-Man and other comic book heroes are finally getting their big break in movies right now, sure, but many more people were collecting comics, figures, and trading cards then, and video games were seeing some big action, too. One of the most hyped comic games of all-time had to be Maximum Carnage. Now, this was the type of pre-hype before all of the Halo and Grand Theft Auto games were available. This was a legendary 16-bit era when game makers were starting to realize that they could delve a little or a lot further into the creation of a game. What Maximum Carnage churned out was an adaptation of Marvel's Carnage mythology, where Spider-Man teamed up with a league of super heroes to defeat an evenly matched side of evil. Faces like the Doppleganger, Cloak and Dagger, Shriek, Venom, Carnage, and of course Spider-Man appeared in this side-scrolling beat 'em up world. And to top off this big of a game, a special red cartridge was released to match the tone of the antagonist - that murderous-red Carnage.
58. Super Smash TV
Publisher: Acclaim
Developer: Beam Software
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: March 26, 1992
When it comes to arcade fun, I don't think it came any better than with Super Smash TV. I remember how my friend and I would play the two-player mode together as the blue and red guy. We'd go in through room after room after room, killing things with our guns and collecting power-ups with which to extend the destruction. Super Smash TV was basically a futuristic overhead shooter, where you'd clobber opponents in connecting sectors, and then the boss that followed. These bosses were very original as I recall, where one guy was half a bald guy in a business suit sitting on top of tank wheels. The look of the game was also impressive in this sense, as Super Smash TV had an array of colorful, interesting weapon effects and characters to see on the screen. It's hard to sit here and reminisce about this particular title, not having played it in so long. But, I assure you that it's one of the best arcade multiplayer titles that I've ever played.
57. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 25, 2004
What was with everybody? Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a great game, but better than the other ones? Perfect? Not even. I can't say that I didn't like San Andreas. I liked it a lot, actually. But, what happened to the radio station's wide-variety of tunes? 70% rap, 10% crap, and 20% stations I would regularly tune into (including rap) is not exactly my cup of tea. It wasn't just that, but also the monetary system disappeared. Previous GTA outings had a purpose to gain dough. Here, in a ghetto life especially, you'd think that you'd be able to snag lots of green. Instead you get respect on an RPG-like status scale where it takes a million years to grow some of the bars even an inch. If you eat lots, you get fat (yes, you can eat food now). If you work out, you lose weight. If you drive around a lot, you become more adept with that particular skill. It's a great gameplay mechanic, but I'd still like to have more money to actually be able to survive in this game. And enemies are everywhere. Unlike in the previous games, you don't have as many safety points as you'd like where you get to always be the dominant supplier of chaos. The world of San Andreas is also much, much, MUCH bigger. You actually battle your way through three different counties this time. There's not one or two cities, but an entire state to navigate. This means confusing highways and long stretches of California country mountains and rivers to cross. It's much too much. Still, with its wide-array of mini-games, new vehicles, new missions, new weapons, plenty of customization options, and much more, San Andreas is entirely ambitious and terrific all at once.
56. Mario Paint
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: May 5, 1992
Who thought that paint could be this much fun? The first of its kind paint-based video game, Mario Paint was another smash success for Nintendo when it came to the Super NES system back in the day. Why? Well, for starters, this game shipped with a free SNES mouse device plus software with which to design images on top of a grid palette (like the one Animal Crossing would later utilize), mini music videos (moving pictures with music), or you could enter into one of the mouse-base mini-games available, such as one where you had to draw circles around flies to catch them. This was one of the most original games at the time, which for me happened to be very enjoyable all the same.
55. Twisted Metal: Black
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Incog Inc. Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: July 19, 2001
Twisted Metal is the definitive for car combat. When the series' developer Single Trac had abandoned its post and 989 Studios filled in for the two PlayStation sequels after that, it was later when former members of the Single Trac team revealed that they were coming together to form Incog Inc. Entertainment, and to bring back the Twisted Metal series in a brand-new release. Black is that game, and what a stunning achievement it has become. Black takes a turn into the darker side of all things Twisted Metal. As the first and really only Mature rated Twisted Metal (besides its online iteration), you take to the wheel as both new and old drivers all with new weapons and creative specials, such as the series' favorite Sweet Tooth. His ice cream truck now transforms into a killing robot, just to give you an idea. The story itself is much deeper, with Calypso in charge of the boss activities again. Sweet Tooth a big cheese? Puh-lease! The graphics in Black are highly detailed, as is the sound with the catchy "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones. Though Black is a step back from what I'd pin as the best Twisted Metal ever (Twisted Metal 2), it's still up there as one of the most enjoyable car combative games of all-time.
54. Twisted Metal 2
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Singletrac
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: November 1, 1996
The reason that I was attracted to the original PlayStation the most was because of Twisted Metal. It was such an innovative game - placing you inside of a vehicle of your choice, equipped with weapons and special abilities. Your objective was to destroy all other vehicles using your distinctive powers. This was a phenomenal launch title, of course. When the sequel arrived, I was absolutely blown away by its new style. While the original had a plot with characters that get one wish from the evil mastermind of the Twisted Metal tournament (named Calypso) for beating the game, the endings had the same basic outline that was presented in text. The sequel, however, told its stories through sadistically cartoonish and mature scenery, and with voice-overs in tow. The gameplay and levels in the second Twisted Metal were also improved with more introductory characters and some of the series's best abilities. To give you an idea of the playable character roster, there was Mr. Slam (a front loader construction vehicle) that could grab another vehicle with his crushing grip, and my favorite Outlaw 2, the female edition of this cop car that could maneuver easily around and electrocute foes from any angle with voltaic rays. More power-ups, cool hiding places and secrets, and improved visuals and sounds all made Twisted Metal 2 a sequel too good to be true.
53. God of War
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: SCE Studios Santa Monica
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: March 22, 2005
You just don't see these things coming sometimes. I never figured that I'd love God of War as much as I would. It sounded like a great idea definitely, but I thought that it'd end up being just another "good, but not great" type of Prince of Persia knockoff, or whatever. How wrong I was! God of War is greatness in a case. It's got battles against several popular mythological Greek creatures, including Medusa, the cyclops, the Minotaur, the hydra, and much more. Its use of clever timed button-tapping combos and puzzles mixed in with major sword-slicing, blood-shedding combat is very energetic and very topnotch. Next to the gameplay that screams "Play me!" are outstanding graphics and sounds. It gets a bit repetitive commenting about how truly awesome God of War is, but all that can be said about the game are nice things (the very reason why it's here).
52. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Naughty Dog Software
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release: November 20, 2007
As one of those types of games that does something new by blending together a diverse variety of elements, Uncharted is most notably a stir between the likes of the Xbox 360's sensation, Gears of War, and the venerable Tomb Raider franchise. Between ducking for cover behind pillars, crates, risen land, and more, as explorer Nathan Drake who is seeking the fortune of his supposed relative, a pirate by the name of Sir Francis Drake, you'll be trading a barrage of bullets against modern day pirates and mercenaries. Finding solutions to puzzles around tombs, making daring escapes over jeep and waterborne vehicles, combining firefights with platform escapades, and breathing in all of the jungle-licious sights and sounds, this is truly one of the finest gaming experiences out there.
51. Gears of War
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Epic Games
Platform: Xbox 360
Release: November 7, 2006
In a futuristic world ravaged by the war that an alien race known as the Locust presents, you play the role of Marcus Fenix. As a toughened jail bird that's now flying the coop in order to lend his hand to the bloodshed that's about to commence, you've got a lot of work on your hands. This third-person shooter reinvented the genre in a number of ways. For one, the action is shot from a shaky cam view where you'll run from cover point to cover point, using the terrain at your advantage. Then comes the interest in everything from the weapons (chainsaws merged with shotguns), the visuals (a gritty, bloody, dynamic eyeful in all ways possible), to the richness in sounds and multiplayer (both cooperative and online play).
50. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 30, 2001
No name in skating history will ever be as synonymous as Tony Hawk's is right now. I mean, he has the clothes, he has his shots in movies, and he even has the best selling skating franchise ever established. When the first Tony Hawk title hit the PlayStation in 1999, gamers were floored by its gameplay system that took the realism of skating to new heights - by letting players collect points and doing all kinds of board tricks with mechanics that were tricky to learn, but easy to comprehend once they got down the basics. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 then hit stores a year later, only impressing more with killer music, bigger levels, more tricks, and even the ability to create your own skater. But I think it was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 that really did a number on fans. In this game, you could now form skater chick models of your own, cruise in much larger levels, gaze at the prettier graphics, tune into many more music channels, and even pull off MASSIVE combos that could all be linked together. Not to mention, this was the first online title for the PlayStation 2. Tony Hawk's video game influence was never brighter than it was here.
49. Tetris 2
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: October 1993
Tetris was revolutionary, as Tetris 2 was evolutionary. Yes, Tetris was perfect. It was unbeatable. But, Tetris 2 was also great itself, in that this sequel to the original Tetris did more than just give you blocks to pile on top of each other. Tetris 2 added in colored block matching, with flashing blocks already present on the screen that would explode ones of the same color when you eliminate them. To top the puzzling at hand, multiplayer gaming was a bigger deal here, especially since you could decrease the size of your opponent's playing window as you go along. The graphics in Tetris 2 were prettier on the eyes too, with some nice decorative patterns, compared to the foreign wallpaper found in the original Tetris.
48. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release: June 12, 2008
How do you bring about the close to the long-awaited finale of Solid Snake's stealth-action Metal Gear Solid chapter? You drag him all across the world, and you throw in multiple encounters with variations of soldiers and organically living machines. Even further, you beautify the graphics, change up the sounds, and slap together an Octocamo suit for Snake to blend into practiclly anything (as well as make the camera control scheme more Americanized). There you go: it's the next evolution in Metal Gear Solid, working together with its revamped online component. While not the best entry in the series, it certainly carries traditions and some surprises for fans of the series to both cheer and go gaga over.
47. Dr. Mario
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: January 1, 1990
Undeniably, Tetris changed the world of gaming. It was a perfect puzzle game that worked off of the stacking of blocks that would gradually come at you faster the farther you got into it. This concept was genius back then. But after Tetris struck gold in 1989, then the remixes of that block-building puzzler started to appear. One of them was Dr. Mario, which besides Tetris 2 I think is the only puzzle game to closely match the brilliance of Tetris. Rather than arranging a myriad of block shapes, Dr. Mario threw pills your way. The difference here was matching four of the same colors through rotating the two-color-sided pills in order to eliminate the color-coded viruses that exist in the game window, instead of Tetris' fitting of slots with the blocks. Like Tetris, Dr. Mario also featured rather simplistic visuals in its vertical-rectangular format. Dr. Mario definitely looked better though, as the game screen depicted colorful images of Mario and the bug-like things as opposed to the obscure Indian palace screens found in Tetris.
46. Super Mario Bros. 2
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: September 1, 1988
For some reason, there were many disappointed Mario fans who felt that Super Mario Bros. 2 was the worst Mario platform adventure of them all. The probable cause behind all of this is most likely because unlike with the more traditional Mario games where you fought the fireball-spitting lizard, King Koopa, the second game used a different head villain named Wart. I can't see why the second big Mario outing was a flop for some, as this is truly a remarkable game. First of all, you don't just play as Mario single-handedly anymore. You get to be Mario, Luigi, Toad, and even Princess Toadstool this time. Each of these four came packaged with different abilities. Luigi could jump the highest, Princess Toadstool could hover through the air, Toad could easily lift up objects the as the strongest, and Mario was skillful all-around. The game threw at you a ton of new enemies in a more bizarre world (as the game took place in a dream land of sorts), like the Shy-Guys and Bomb-ombs. The bosses were diversified and memorable, as you could now pick up items and toss them around, such as in one instance where you must build stairs made out of blocks in order to toss vegetables at a large three-headed snake. Even though this was a different kind of Mario game (and originally was not even intended to be Mario game), it was fantastic.
45. Super Mario Bros./Duckhunt
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: November 1988
This Super Mario Bros. and Duckhunt compilation was the package that started me on Nintendo's NES system. My family received the NES for Christmas. I remember waiting for a long time just for my older sisters to give me a chance to play it that night. When I finally was handed the controller, it wasn't even a minute into the game when I jumped over one of the first pipes in the beginning of Super Mario Bros. and smacked into a Goomba. While I wasn't given much of a chance to use the system that night, I did have many years ahead of me going through many different types of games (and even through about five different NES systems). But on top of all those games, this one will always be special. I mean, look at it: this is the first Mario platform adventure. Along with it is Duckhunt, the lightgun duck hunting game (and the giggling dog). How could you not love a game that combines these two classics?
44. Marble Madness
Publisher: Milton Bradley
Developer: Tengen
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: February 1, 1989
Marble Madness is another one of those "so obscure and original, it's addictive" games. That it was, too. Marble Madness was a difficult NES titles that required skill not from a character's abilities, but from your own logic with which to guide a marble throughout various obstacle courses lined with pitfalls aplenty. You had only so much time to decide what to do with the marble at times, where pillars would pop out and block your marble, or moving sides would push it off of the edge. I barely remember the visuals of the game, but I know that they were effective enough for the time. Sega's Super Monkey Ball even used the Marble Madness formula when that launched with the 'Cube, and became another obscure, though original, and ultimately addictive success. But, Marble Madness is where it all started, and it's one of my faves as you can tell.
43. Resident Evil
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation
Release: March 30, 1996
I knew of Resident Evil before it was released, yet I never actually became very intrigued by the game up until a friend explained to me of its horrifying greatness. Resident Evil is the reason why horror games became mainstream like most genres these days. Before this, Alone in the Dark for the PC may have started the franchise, but it was Resident Evil that really dug out all of the scary goodness into the open for all to see. You could even say that Resident Evil was the first horror game of its kind for consoles. In a 3D world, you had the awkward control setup to get used to, and then all of the shock surprises with grotesque zombies stumbling toward you, killer dogs leaping through windows, mutant spiders spitting acid from a distance, and even boss creatures, such as an enormous snake and a twenty-foot-tall manlike Tyrant. Killing creatures was scary and fun, as you got to solve mind-bending riddles, in addition to the nifty guns from the shotgun to the bazooka. Eerily masterful sights and sounds were also factors in making this game an enchanting collaboration for which all future horror entries would base their game mechanics off of.
42. Resident Evil 2
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation
Release: January 21, 1998
Resident Evil collected the explosive powder for the horror craze. Then, Resident Evil 2 ignited it. Scarier than the first game, Resident Evil 2 did much more new for the series than before. For instance, the game now had two separate game disks in one game for two individual stories that would eventually intertwine with one another throughout the course of the game. One story was of Leon's, a rookie cop who's first day on the job as a Raccoon City guard becomes a nightmare when zombies start to emerge from out of every angle. Claire, on the other hand, is Chris Redfield's sister, the S.T.A.R.S. member from the first game. She's looking for her missing brother, and then stumbles upon the zombie invasion herself. Together, you'll play as both characters in their own separate paths throughout the game to unearth more hidden truths about the Umbrella Corporation's evil plot. New surprises, such as the licker monster (a tongue-wielding dog-like thing) and a new Tyrant monster that stalks you, adds to the game's even more gorgeous graphics and more fluent sound design in what many refer to as the greatest horror game of all-time (though, I still feel the GC remake on the 'Cube is better overall).
41. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
Publisher: Ultra Games
Developer: Konami
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: December 06, 1990
At the time when the NES ruled the living rooms, I remember that many of its games were great fun. There were a few that stood out from the rest way beyond others, though. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game was one of those, as it was one of the first beat 'em up-styled action games that was not only brilliant, but also starred the charismatic animateed icons. Leo, Donny, Raph, and Mikey were each selectable characters for one or two players to battle in horizontal and vertical levels. Their mission: setting out to find and beat the Foot Clan and the boss figures that controlled it, like Be-bop, Rocksteady, and Shredder. Graphically, the game was also pleasing in what I'd say is my most treasured beat 'em up.
40. Resident Evil
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
Platform: GameCube
Release: May 1, 2002
Capcom had shocked the gaming world when they announced that they were bringing their popular PlayStation horror franchise to the GameCube exclusively. But what might've been more shocking was the fact that the first title in this endeavor was a remake of the first Resident Evil game for the PlayStation. And that game became one of my top favorite Resident Evils, as it really did much more than add a new character, or something to that extent. Capcom put in new and strategically defensive weapons for Jill and Chris to use, in which case Jill could now stab zombies in the head with a dagger, or Chris could now explode their heads off with grenades. New creatures, like the super zombie, made the game more intensifying in its remodeled manor. I mean, there's all-new rooms and stuff that you can explore in a vaster and much more intricately designed horror setting. The sounds of the game were changed too, some for the better and some not so much. I still prefer the cheesy B-movie styled lines a little bit more from the original... but, that's probably just me.
39. The Legend of Dragoon
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Platform: PlayStation
Release: June 14, 2000
Many gamers despise Sony's Legend of Dragoon all because they couldn't figure out how to use its truly amazing combat system. Idiots! Like Super Mario RPG before it, Dragoon uses a combo system where you're to press a number of buttons in an ordered sequence as to deal more powerful blows to the enemy. This all works on a turn-based system, which also utilizes seriously cool magical effects. Dragoon's storyline amazed me too, as it was deep and touching as any Final Fantasy game before it. Graphically, the game was astonishing, and sounds worked well as I remember there was splendid voice work. Part of the PlayStation year that spawned memorable RPGs all year round, this is one of the best.
38. Final Fantasy Tactics
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: January 28, 1998
This here is pretty much the single reason why there is still hope for strategy games on consoles. Square, having been known for their massive Final Fantasy RPG series at the time, at one point took a break and headed for the strategy genre. Of course, like every Square game at the time (or most of them anyway), Final Fantasy Tactics was gold. In a turn-based system, Tactics used an epic plot along with a simple but effective system for strategy. It combined RPG elements and strategy elements into one, where moving characters in your team along the gridded map and using weapon or magic implementations was followed by victory for tactics and a good use of aligning your team. The graphics and sounds for Tactics were beautiful, as I recall. Not that it's easy for Square to let anyone down on those terms. Final Fantasy Tactics has been and always has remained my favorite console-based strategy title.
37. Zone of the Enders
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami JPN
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: March 27, 2001
Surprisingly in 2001, even when I first found out the MGS2 demo would be shipping with Zone of the Enders, I still wasn't really interested in buying the game. I figured Zone of the Enders would be some anime-like robotic combat game that really wouldn't hold my interest for long. But, an employee of GameStop assured me this game was going to be big. He described it in a way that you'd control the robot high above the smallish Earth below you. As you came closer to the ground, it would increase in size, of course. I don't remember if that was the exact message that he had described, but whatever he said got me to lay my money down on the counter. The day that Zone of the Enders was released, I naturally popped in the MGS2 demo first as that was the real game that I was waiting for. It was heaven. But then I figured that I might as well try this Zone game out. I had no idea that it would become one of my favorite games of all-time. It's a magnificent tale about a boy who befriends a robot in the middle of a war, where the villains seek to capture the prize: that being the very robot that you'll use against them. Luscious anime-like 3D visuals, emotional grade-A voice work (even with Leon's "girly" voice), and some of the fastest, most fluid robotic combat you'll ever know is all in Zone's masterpiece title. This is a game in which I played many more times than I did the demo that came with it.
36. Zone of the Enders 2: The 2nd Runner
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami JPN
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: March 11, 2003
Most gamers' thought that the first Zone of the Enders was nothing. I thought that it was everything. Two years later, Konami's sequel arrived. Having to decide which was better between the two Zone of the Enders game was a bit difficult. The first one is so unforgettable, as it follows the exploits of a boy who wants nothing to do with a war, and a robot who's lifeless personality develops with the boy inside of her. Now we come to the second game, where its scope of gameplay has significantly improved. Where the first game let you dash around in the air, spinning, tossing, slicing and dicing your robot foes up to a few at a time, the second game adds more; a lot more, to be exact. The second game ups the tempo of combat as you'll be facing massive swarms of enemies at different points. You can now grab objects within the environment too, to use as shields or weapons. In mixtures of the first game's 3D now with actual 2D anime movies, the graphics look fantastic, and the voice work and sounds are inspiring as ever. Both Zones are in the zone. The second one, for my money, is the better of the irresistible two.
35. Mortal Kombat II
Publisher: Williams Entertainment Inc.
Developer: Sculptured Software
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: November 10, 1994
Video games weren't always blood this, and swearing that. Mortal Kombat was one of the reasons why parents and senators of the government alike originally started to point fingers at the downfall of our nation from children playing video games. This fighting series took the genre to the next level where a cold-blooded killer could freeze a man and shatter his body into bits and pieces, or another kombatant could drop their opponent off of a bridge and into a bed of spikes below. Mortal Kombat II, though, took the original up a notch when it introduced even more interesting characters than in the original. New variations on the Sub-Zero and Scorpion personas, like Smoke and Chameleon, added a whole other dimension, and as did the more impressive levels. The third Kombat was also pretty cool; but after the second game, the series became a little stale. I kind of always felt that this was the highlight of the series, as after the second, Mortal Kombat became another cash cow.
34. Final Fantasy Chronicles
Publisher: Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: June 29, 2001
When it comes to amazing compilations, Final Fantasy Chronicles has to be one of the best. Why? Well, for one thing it has Chrono Trigger packaged inside of it (with added anime scenes). The second reason is that it has Final Fantasy IV, or what you might think of as Final Fantasy II for the SNES (though, technically it's numbered as IV). I actually did see and maybe have even played some of Final Fantasy II for the SNES back in the day. Though, I don't remember getting into it too much as I still wasn't the RPG fanatic that I became years later. So really, this was my first time with Final Fantasy IV... and I loved it. In fact I love it so much that I'd even put it ahead of Final Fantasy VII, since Final Fantasy VII as most people know is wonderful, but I still prefer Final Fantasy IV to that game. And with Chrono Trigger as my favorite RPG of all-time, this tops the cake as the one Final Fantasy compilation to rule them all.
33. Jak 3
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Naughty Dog Software
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: November 9, 2004
Jak and Daxter, the first one, I figure for the best of the three because the two sequels are different at a lesser level and yet so alike. For one thing, where Jak II's difficulty level was raised a bit too high, Jak 3 lost much of the length that you'd expect. I beat the first two Jak games in around two weeks. This one only took around half of that time. But for the better, you only got an edgier Dark Jak with the second installment. Jak 3, on the other hand, gave you more with a new other half, Light Jak. Now Jak is complete. Light properties and dark ones stir up a mixture of enormously great platform and battle-based challenges. Jak can now fly in this game. Vehicles were another biggie for Jak 3. Since he's now thrust into a desert wasteland outside of Haven City, he seeks refuge at a new base of operations where he can go out for a joyride on various types of weapon-ready dune buggies. Stunning graphics and outstanding voice talent also once again produce a lot of life into the cartoony, yet hilarious, yet more mature than your average platformer Jak series.
32. Jak II
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Naughty Dog Software
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 14, 2003
Close to being just as brilliant as its former Jak and Daxter entry, the second Jak takes off the kid-friendly mask and gives its hero Jak a darker persona in a meaner world. In a Grand Theft Auto-inspired Haven City, the environment is even bigger than in the first game. Unfortunately, the thing that made the second Jak less enjoyable was the fact that it actually takes a while to navigate the hub of Haven (it's a widely open city), because it's overflowing with random NPCs and the vehicles they ride on, too. Though, with Jak's new dark powers and a ton of new enemy types to deal death to in newly stylized challenges, the freshness of the Jak series lives on. And of course, the graphics and sounds remain gorgeous in this sequel to one of the greatest platform games of all (and one of my absolute favorites).
31. ICO
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: September 30, 2001
ICO's a game that deserves so much more than it's gotten, as it wasn't played by many. But those who have dived into ICO's bliss are the lucky ones. I myself wasn't sure about ICO... until I played its magnificent demo off of the PlayStation Underground CD that released the summer before the game's debut. I must have gone through the demo about five times, since I was so struck in awe by its wondrous entirety. ICO triumphs greatly, because it's an adventure game so unlike any before it. You're a horned boy trapped inside of a castle when the villagers lock you inside. Escaping, ICO soon finds a mysterious girl also barred within the castle's walls. Together the two form a team: the boy solves puzzles and battles the shadow demons who are out to capture the girl, and the girl unlocks the magical doors that seal the exits that you want to go through. This all works especially with the artistic beauty in graphics and sound achievements, as does the short-sided yet involving storyline of the boy, the girl, and the dark shadow mother out to snatch Yorda from ICO's hands. While the game itself is short in length, it's one of the brightest spectacles in games that I've ever endured.
30. Resident Evil 4
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
Platform: GameCube
Release: January 11, 2005
I'm pretty disappointed that survival-horror games as of late are packing on action instead of pounds and pounds of fear. But, I'm also extremely pleased in the fact that Resident Evil 4 manages to be the greatest survival game of all-time. While the game nearly ditched everything that made the earlier games spooky, this one had such a dynamic use of a kill or be killed functionality that it doesn't really even matter. Unlike previous Resident Evil titles, you have a larger item case. For what? For carrying more guns, silly. Playing as Leon, you team with the president's daughter's, Ashley, while on this remote island trying to live another day past infected villagers. You can actually buy guns and different items from money that you'll earn from downed bodies. These villagers are smarter than any zombie ever has been. Did they go to Yale? They break through windows, climb up ladders, and basically infest the surroundings all around you like rodents. You've got to constantly blow them up and shoot them down, mostly alone but sometimes paired up with the few allies that you've got. Instilling gorgeous graphics also was key to entirely stupefying players with the overhauled detail that went into designing the dreadful castles and dreary towns in the game. Plenty of button-mashing gameplay was here with wickedly entertaining bosses just the same, for one extremely satisfying game.
29. Wild Arms
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: MediaVision
Platform: PlayStation
Release: April 30, 1997
Remembering the summer of 1997, I was still somewhat of an Internet newbie where in a chat room, I was asking members what new PlayStation games they could recommend. Just about everyone answered Wild Arms, an RPG that I hadn't heard of until that point in July. So I went out, I rented the game, I brought it home, and then I popped it in. The most inspiring anime FMV intro rolled on the screen. I was astonished. So, I played the game. It was delightful, of course, as this is a 2D/3D RPG, which I think was unheard of at the time. Outside of the battle system, the epic story revolving around the destruction of humans from demons, the three main protagonists (Rudy, Jack, and Cecilia) would ultimately band together to thwart them. The game was set up in an overhead view, whereas the turn-based battles were embellished into full-3D. Other cool things were how each of the three starring characters had their own ability for dungeon use, such as Jack's mouse pal that could skid to otherwise unreachable areas and retrieve treasures. Final Fantasy VII might have been the bigger and better RPG of the same year, but Wild Arms has always remained one of my closest favorites.
28. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Naughty Dog Software
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: December 4, 2001
In an unexpected move, Sony's unofficial mascot series (Crash Bandicoot) was handed over to Universal on a silver platter in 2001. What was to become of the next project for the series' makers and one of the most influential developers ever, Naughty Dog, had been kept a secret until the summer before its launch. What was so great about this game that couldn't be spoken of? Everything. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is by far the best platform game under Sony's belt. It's also one of the best games in existence I feel, as its world thrives on a colorful, comical, and creative arrangement of things. Based in a massive gameplay arena (think: a giant island) without load times, you could head over to one part of the game level up top and look down upon its other sections. The scope of the environment is literally enormous. And playing as the elfin boy, Jak, who has his friend, turned orange rodent, Daxter, on his back, is highly enjoyable. As is completing various odd jobs for the people of the land, where it entertains with spinning and shooting techniques. There's even vehicle-based missions, and of course visual and sound details that only slobber can describe.
27. Halo: Combat Evolved
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Bungie Software
Platform: Xbox
Release: November 15, 2001
You may be wondering why you haven't seen any Xbox titles besides the Halo series up until now. The reason: I don't think that the Xbox is really that great of a system. There's a bunch of weaker games available, only a few that pass as acceptable, and then there's Halo. Compared to Halo, Halo is a one-hundred dollar bill and the majority of other titles on the Xbox are a one. Halo is the king of kings on the Xbox. It's been sort of strange and pathetic for Microsoft to have a console where only one of its game franchises is reason enough for you to own it. And yes, I have played the extremely buggy Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Halo's graphics are a sheer delight to watch. Your part in this game is Master Chief, the last of a breed of super-soldiers, removed from hibernation to battle the invading alien forces called the Covenant. It's possible to use their guns or yours, team up with marine allies, and pilot an assortment of friend or foe vehicles (even while cooperating with AI allies that can know when to utilize the vehicle's artillery whilst you drive, including on an eight-seater Scorpion tank). There's also a fantastic plot here that illustrates dynamic and surprising twists, plus a memorable musical score and dialogue pitched to perfection. Halo is the most essential franchise the Xbox has ever had and will ever be known for.
26. Lunar 2: Eternal Blue
Publisher: Working Designs
Developer: Game Arts
Platform: PlayStation
Release: November 30, 2000
Lunar is positively one of the best RPG franchises put forth. Compared to the first one, I'd have to say that the second of the two backtracks a bit. The second game is amazing, naturally. However, the first one based its progression on an incredible music-driven story. Lunar 2, though, barely even has a connection with instrumental harmony. Though, the gameplay and graphics here are fairly the same, with an original new plot that is almost as good as the first one's even. Moreover, the game came with lots of new extras, including a real life jewel necklace modeled after Lucia's, the hottie female lead in the game. For a Teen-rated game, she certainly gets naked a lot. You still can't see anything, though (well, anything good in terms of the front, anyhow).
25. Shadow of the Colossus
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: SCEI
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 18, 2005
Just the thought of pitting man against a moving rock monster the size of a mountain would seem inconceivable... at first. But, Sony's Team Ico did it. They did it so well that it amazes. It stuns. It really, really does everything the right way. Like ICO before it, Shadow of the Colossus sets itself in a surreal and mystical world that's vast and yet lonely. The gist of the game about a young man seeking to revive his fallen love, and doing so by tracking down and defeating sixteen diverse colossi is genius. All this, considering how beautiful and how imaginative each epic experience turns out to be in figuring out how to take down a colossus (from unloading arrows to bring it down, to hiding and then jumping from a height onto its dangling stone braids). Shadow is breathtakingly beautiful, it's loaded with epic confrontations, and even its riveting orchestral soundtrack shoot it to the top of my memory book as another great.
24. Street Fighter II Turbo
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: July 11, 1993
It was a bit hard figuring out what I'd place as my selection for the king of fighting games. Today I'm not into fighting games as much as I once was, because the fighting genre it seems has been lacking. Back in the day when the craze for fighters started to pump out by the butt load, it was all because of this game, Street Fighter II. When Capcom ported their arcade hit onto the SNES, I and others were beating up each other like mad, learning each of the characteristics of the characters, knowing all of the dirty "cheap tricks" that were available (such as backing up Blanka into a corner and performing the electric shock tactic). The graphics for the game were smooth, and the sounds without a doubt were perfect. This is THE model of how a fighting game should be made.
23. Final Fantasy VII
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: August 31, 1997
If Final Fantasy VII is listed at number 23, that must mean... yeah, it's not as good as a number of other games, including other Final Fantasy titles. Maybe most people prefer Final Fantasy VII as the leader of the Final Fantasy pack, but I honestly can't see why. I too was drawn to the series when Final Fantasy VII first came out. Before then, I had only played or previewed the NES and SNES games. Though, I had not been an RPGer much then. When Final Fantasy VII released though, I was becoming one and totally fell head over heels with its awe-inspiring 3D visuals, epic story of love and tragedy, its characters, its inspiring musical score, and of course its unique gameplay style. Buying and equipping different attributes and calling on all sorts of cool summon attacks, and the combo system too, raised the bar for RPGs. The Gold Saucer mini-game area was very neat for mini-game fun. All in all, I wouldn't call Final Fantasy VII my favorite Final Fantasy of all-time. I would only name it as one of my favorites.
22. StarCraft: Battle Chest
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform: PC
Release: 1999
Before I ever started playing StarCraft in 2002, I was very skeptical of the game. Strategy games weren't my thing, as I only rented some strategy titles for PlayStation beforehand. The only one of those that I ever really liked was Final Fantasy Tactics. So, strategy games obviously didn't appeal to me so much. And even though I wasn't really interested in purchasing the StarCraft: Battlechest late in the game, a number of people egged me on in doing so. I figured it was about time that I lowered my defenses and let the unknown godliness in. StarCraft: Battlechest is actually Blizzard's box of goodies containing the original StarCraft game, its Broodwar expansion, and even a strategy guide for dummies (something that I've not opened once). Instead of being a turn-based strategy title like in the console games that I've played, the StarCraft series is pitted in real-time. I found this system to be quite addicting, as I was even drawn into the single player experience one time from when I got home in the afternoon until some time at 3:00 a.m., or so. Amassing armies with one of three vying forces (the Zerg, the Marines, or the Protoss) makes for an excellently diverse campaign, offline or on. There's so much reason to love this compilation even with its 2D graphics and assortment of sounds, which hold up into today or any day. I've gone more than half a year at one point playing StarCraft nearly every day. It's really one of the finest titles the PC has to hold. And to think, I could have missed out on it.
21. Super Mario Kart
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: August 26, 1992
My favorite racing title of all-time is Super Mario Kart. Departing from the platform adventures, in this game you could actually select any number of popular Mario-based characters, from the good to the bad. The great thing about this game was it allowed for the character selections to be unique in handling. If you liked a slow driver that could maneuver around corners easier, you could pick someone like Donkey Kong or Bowser. If you wanted it fast but sloppy, it was someone like Yoshi or Princess Toadstool. My favorite character was and always will be Koopa Troopa. He was pretty much the guy you would use if you wanted a perfect balance of agility for levels also set in a Mario-esque landscape (i.e., Bowser's castle or a star beach). This game also was the one to establish the kart-racing genre in the first place, as you'd pick up items on your drive (like banana peels for others to slip on, or lightning bolts to make everyone smaller than you, as to crush them) to slow down everyone else's pace so tat you can get in first place. Add to that fantastically colorful graphics, sounds, and multiple multiplayer paths (including an addictive battle arena), and there are several reasons why I adore this racing title above all others.
20. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami JPN
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: November 17, 2004
As one last hurrah for the PlayStation 2 console, Konami's MGS team launched the highly anticipated stealth-action Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater upon the masses with some mixed results. Unfortunately, fans didn't get a Raiden switch (at least not for long). Instead, the game thrust you into a 1960's Russian jungle with prehistoric technology to control "Snake" in a story set before the future events of every Metal Gear/Solid game that you've played before. Plenty of new gameplay mechanics, like the ability to hunt for food in the wild (killing animals keeps Snake alive), brought the series to new heights with a fun and fresh lead. A new camouflage system also innovated the stealth technique here, which determines Snake's invisibility based on his attire's blending efficiency in the stage that he's in. The only sad part in its mixture of tremendous gameplay was that the majority of boss battles in the game could be finished by cheating in a way. If you carry the proper equipment for certain battles or even deal death beforehand in one scenario (you can actually snipe a boss before you even fight him), the game can become much less difficult in these cases. These same bosses also lacked a backstory, making them less interesting than they could've been. However, MGS3 also contains some of the best boss battles that you'll ever face in any game. There's some sogginess here, but also much stone-hard-strength for sure. No MGS is complete without its round of blockbuster quality, either. MGS3 is an extremely beautiful game, with mesmerizing jungle-based scenery, perfect vocal work from a diverse selection of talent, and a story so compelling that you'll be hanging on for every second.
19. Tetris
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Game Boy
Release: July 1989
Tetris is a simple puzzle game that was really advanced for its time, or any time for that matter. Tetris is like the ultimate puzzle game. It was created by the Russian-born Alexey Pajitnov, and immediately became a video game phenomenon the world over. All Tetris is, is moving scrolling blocks down a vertical screen to fit them in place and to make room for future blocks. Make enough space, and when the movement of the block's entry starts to speed up, you'll have more of a chance to progress onto later levels. Fail, and it's bye-bye Marty McFly. Tetris had become so popular with its easy-to-learn formula that many other puzzle games have borrowed its system for their own natural popularity. There's a good chance, too, that not a single person who's owned a PC or other platform that hasn't played this game yet, because the game has found its way onto just about every gaming platform since its induction. Starting from the arcade to the PC, Tetris later became a launch title for the original Game Boy in 1989. That was one of the big reasons why the handheld was so successful. A Nintendo handheld with a free copy of the addictive Tetris: you couldn't go wrong with that. Even without stellar graphic or sound elements (although the Tetris music is legendary), Tetris is a game that I've played on several platforms, and have decided to stick with the platform that I have played the game on first (as each version is very similar).
18. Super Mario World
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: September 9, 1991
There was a point in time when games used to be packaged with the systems that were bought. Those were the good old days. Super Mario World was the game that came with Nintendo's best console ever, the SNES. And as this was a free game with an otherwise $200 system, and a Mario game no less, it was surely magnificent. Taking Mario to the next level, Mario teams up with the dinosaur everyone's come to know and love, Yoshi. In this colorful combination, with Yoshi Mario can have the lizard slurp up enemies with his lengthy tongue and spit the food out at other enemies. Mario on his own gets a special power: a yellow cape in which he can actually use to glide or soar into the air with enough speed. Graphically and soundfully, Super Mario World also lived up to its heritage as a worthy Mario platform game, and one of the best of all-time at that.
17. Quake II
Publisher: Activision
Developer: id Software
Platform: PC
Release: November 11, 1997
I haven't played nearly as many games on the PC as I have on the console in my time. In fact, the number of PC titles that I have gamed with is light years behind the total that I've spent time with on multiple consoles over the years. But, that doesn't mean that I don't like PC games. I've always just been more of a console gamer than I have anything else. And out of all the PC games that I've ever played... Quake II sits on top of that pile. Never having owned this game myself, I still remember the time around when the game was first released. I remember how my friend introduced me to his computer and something that was "hot" at the time and only growing warmer... which ultimately became the household name of MP3s. But aside from that, what he also had were some kicka** games on the computer, including Quake II. Gorgeous graphics, sweet weapons and enemies, and even a strong heavy metal soundtrack were reason enough for making me fall in love with this sequel. I remember how my friend also was kind enough to copy the Doom II soundtrack on a cassette, in which I scared my classmates with in a little project we were presenting one day. I'm sure that I was the only one that day appreciative that I had such a keen taste in musical selection.
16. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Squaresoft/Nintendo
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: June 1, 1996
Before Mario was sprouting up in a new job just about every where you went, he was first and foremost a platforming plumber. That's the aspect about him that I've always liked the most. But, there were other franchises of his that couldn't help but be played and were highly addicting on their own turf. For Nintendo's first-ever Mario-related RPG, this is also one of the best in the genre. Co-developed with Squaresoft (who were naturally famous for their epic Final Fantasy sagas), Nintendo and Square pulled off a big first for Mario. In this game, not only did you have to save Princess Toadstool from danger and through a story-based quest using 3D-like levels to beat enemies and then meet new and never-before-seen characters, but the Princess wasn't actually being held captive by Bowser. For a unique twist, in this story Mario actually teams up with Bowser along the way as to get his castle back from an even darker evil. Cool plot twists like these, clever new RPG mechanics, amazing visuals and such, and an engaging and comical story all billed for the last project from Square to Nintendo (up until their 2003 reunion) for also one of the Super NES's most memorable and classic finales on the aging system.
15. Red Faction
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Volition, Inc.
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: May 22, 2001
A man looking for a new life heads to Mars to join up with Ultor, a mining company who promises a better life. But when Parker finds out it's actually a program for enslaving workers ruled by the manipulative Ultor, he becomes the spark of the revolution toward freedom. Along in this mission you'll find aid from a hacker working for Ultor and secretly against them, as well as the leader of the underground movement out to put Ultor in their place. Red Faction I'd have to say is my favorite game from the first-person shooter genre. It's so different from your typical shooter, as you have the ability to blast through walls (and even walk straight through them) and alter the environment at your leisure (such as destroying cavern-made bridges that enemies stoop on). With a futuristic assortment of land, sea and air-based vehicles, awesome weapons like the body heat-detecting rocket launcher, and marvelous visuals and sound aspects, I was blown away by all Red Faction had to offer... more so than by any other shooter of its ilk.
14. Super Mario 64
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 64
Release: 1996
I think of the Nintendo 64 as Nintendo's greatest disaster. In 1996, they released the console in a time when Sega and Sony were already years ahead of them in CD format. CDs being cheaper to produce, thus less costly for the games. You could also store more information on a CD. And with Nintendo's unusual controller, which had one analog stick, 14 buttons in all, and a giant shell, it was one of the most uncomfortable systems to play games on. Add to that fact that the only games consumers were buying were from Nintendo and Rare, Nintendo's second-party savior. Most of the games Rare made for the system I had thought stunk. That's why Nintendo for me was really the only developer on the system that I could find a worthy title with. This brings me to Super Mario 64: a launch title, the first 3D Mario game ever, and the console's most coveted piece of software. In the game, Mario was able to flip off of walls, fly, meet and beat familiar enemies now in a lovely new 3D state of appearance, and much more. Even in a pile of trash (the Nintendo 64), you can sometimes find a gem (Super Mario 64).
13. Grand Theft Auto III
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: DMA Design
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 22, 2001
The year 2001 is definitely one of the most memorable for great games. But when it came down to it, the best-selling game that year and for a long time after that had been Grand Theft Auto III, which is the very game that sparked some of the media's largest controversial topics. Introducing gamers' to a 3D New York-inspired city where you could progress through most missions in any order that you wanted, stealing any vehicle that you wanted, killing anyone that you wanted: the game that had people of all ages wanting to play it. Not since Mortal Kombat had a game been this hot-to-trot for not-tods. In Grand Theft Auto III, you could literally kill cops, crooks, or civilians all with a battalion of weaponry: from a sniper rifle to a flamethrower. You could run away from the law in a wide-variety of vehicles, or engage in odd jobs, like becoming a criminal-busting outlaw under the police banner yourself. And with nicely-fitting 3D graphics and a variety of very hilarious radio stations to tune into, Grand Theft Auto III was something that you could waste hours away on performing the sickest of deranged actions, and forget that you even had a life once.
12. Metal Gear Solid
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Platform: PlayStation
Release: October 21, 1998
Metal Gear Solid is a gaming achievement greater than most any. At first glance, I wouldn't have thought that way. But, now I do. I'll tell you why that is. When I used to listen to my brother playing the game from the other room, I thought it kind of sounded silly whenever the death dialogue came up. "Snake? SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!" Then I actually tried playing the game, and still I wasn't really impressed by it. But then after reading about the game somewhat, and hearing how great it was, I wondered what made others think this way. So as a Christmas present, I received my own copy of Metal Gear Solid. Little did I know that there was an actually intriguing masterpiece inside of this package. With a dramatic storyline telling of nuclear threats, people with super powers, and a one-man army, I was intrigued. Then I got into playing the game, digging deeper into the fun and silliness of worming my way around guards and cameras. Beating up unique bosses all with amazing abilities; using cool weapons like chaff grenades to temporarily knock out electronic devices; peering onto the screen's detailed palette, and listening to some of the greatest character dialogue that I've ever known. Metal Gear Solid from then on became a classic to me, and I finally knew why this one was one worthy of the hype.
11. Super Mario Sunshine
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: GameCube
Release: August 26, 2002
I'm a very huge fan of the Mario franchise. I love them, I love them, I love them! When Mario 64 was brought into 3D, I was dazzled by all of its new mechanics. Fortunately, those types of ideals haven't changed much for Super Mario Sunshine, which quickly became my favorite GameCube game (until The Wind Waker came along after that, of course). In a new story, in a completely different type of world from any Mario game before it, Mario now sets out to help capture the lookalike vandal who's been mucking up a tropical resort. To do that, however, he teams up with a water jet thingamajig that can talk. Though similar in many ways to Mario 64, Sunshine ups the gameplay with innovative water pack upgrades, like adding on a rocket to blast upward or forward. You get to ride around on Yoshi in 3D for the first time, too, and the visuals and sounds are remarkably better in this one (naturally). Not too far off from my favorite N64 game ever, I think both Sunshine and Mario 64 are relatively close to each other to be some of the greatest games in all of gaming history.
10. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: October 29, 2002
I don't think that anyone first thought the Grand Theft Auto franchise would eventually lead to stardom. When the earlier Grand Theft Auto games were released, they were good games, but not the amazingly non-linear and addictive action Mafioso titles that we've known them for. When word of mouth spread that Grand Theft Auto III would become the hottest selling title in 2001, it was natural that Rockstar would follow-up on its extreme success. No one would think that it'd be a year later when Rockstar would come up with a better title that sports a retro '80s fake Miami City, sporting more weapons, more vehicles (including motorcycles), more things to do in newer mission types, better graphics, and a whole lot of classic '80s music from all genre types. With many Hollywood actors on board as well, Vice City became not just a Grand Theft Auto III repeat, but a bigger and better one at that.
9. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: GameCube
Release: March 25, 2003
You may be thinking I'm crazy for having not listed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The truth is though, I think you're crazy for thinking that OoT is a better game. With The Wind Waker, I was skeptical at first; as before its time, I never really was a big fan of Zelda games. To my surprise, I became one after diving into one of the best games I've ever played. Truth be told, I played OoT on the N64 for a bit like I did with a few previous Zelda titles. They didn't really interest me too much, and I never owned a N64 of my own to play more through the game. But The Wind Waker is the first Zelda game I actually bought myself, and was one that wasn't freaking hard like the NES original was. The Wind Waker also has amazingly lush cel-shaded graphics, a lovable music score, and even better gameplay controls than OoT's. Think not being able to twist the camera around Link and having to listen to an annoying bug is way better than the awesomeness of Wind Waker (which doesn't have that)? Think again!
8. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Monolith Software
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: February 25, 2003
2003's. Best. Game. Most critics it seems denied Xenosaga the rights to that claim because its game cinemas were too long. Well, what about Xenogears' dialogue? Wasn't reading a full newspaper every character you talked to too long as well? I for one would rather watch the movie than read the book. But maybe that's just me. Anyway, Xenosaga has the makings of one of the best games ever, I think, because it pushes the envelope just about everywhere you look. You want the absolute best in 3D anime-inspired characters? You've got it. You want wickedly cool voices that match each and every character's personality rightly? You've got it. You want a better-than-going-to-the-movies story? You've got it. You want an in-and-out-of mecha battle system with some of the most impressive attacks? You've got that too. Also with tons of mini-games like one that's similar to poker, or side quests like one that's an Easter egg hunt for new parts, and more than 80 hours of gameplay, Xenosaga inspires straight to number eight.
7. Final Fantasy X
Publisher: Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: December 18, 2001
As the first Final Fantasy game to move into the next-generation of video games, Final Fantasy X has ultimately become the best RPG of the next-generation. Tracing away again from the medieval-style period of most Final Fantasy games, the tenth installment is more like the eighth in its own type of modernized era. In fact, the game takes place 1,000 years after the game's main character is transported into the future by the destructive creature known as Sin. Final Fantasy X's beauty runs deeper than that, though, through its amazing visuals, classic soundtrack, and what I feel is the best combat system integrated into any Final Fantasy release. Now with the chance to replace characters in your party with ones that are not in your party strategically, Final Fantasy X is one of the most extremely enjoyable RPGs you'll love for the appetizing aspects and stay for the dynamic plot twists.
6. Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Publisher: Working Designs
Developer: Kadokawa Shoten
Platform: PlayStation
Release: June 2, 1998
The Lunar RPG franchise actually began on the underpopulated Sega Genesis add-on, the Sega CD. When brought to the PlayStation, it came not as just a game, but a game with a boatload of extras. Inside its specially designed game box (which was a fat package covered in art) comes things like a cloth map of the world of Lunar, a sample of the game's beautifully made soundtrack, and a making of the game CD. Lunar itself is also one of the most wondrous games to play, see, and hear. Its comic and dramatic story told through inspiring anime-painted voiced sequences, its combo system akin to Chrono Trigger's, and its detailed 2D sprite-world fitted with the rich musical touch wraps up Lunar as one extremely nice treat to eat.
5. Final Fantasy VIII
Publisher: Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: September 9, 1999
I don't care what everyone else thinks. Final Fantasy VII is in no way my favorite Final Fantasy game. Neither is Final Fantasy III, a.k.a. Final Fantasy VI (its "real" title). Final Fantasy VIII has the best video game romance of all-time, some of the best and most memorable songs, smoother graphics than the super-deformed ones in the previous installment, and the series' most addictive card mini-game. The game's Junction battle system may be overwhelming at first, but once you get into it, it's really one of the most thought-provoking ones ever conceived for hardcore RPG fans to appreciate.
4. Chrono Cross
Publisher: Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: PlayStation
Release: August 15, 2000
Truly riveting. The sequel to the best RPG ever comes close to being the best game ever. Just a few notches down from the top, Chrono Cross amazes in a larger nonlinear equation. In Chrono Trigger you could follow multiple paths at given points in any order you wanted, but here there are more than 80 characters in which to choose from to put on your team that will alter the way the game is played as you can play it several times and get several endings like you could in the first. A new color-coded battle system (black vs. white, blue vs. red, etc.) and stunning graphical and sound features all add to the legacy that Squaresoft's greatest classic has established.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: February 1, 1990
The first two Super Mario Bros. games are gems themselves, but platform games weren't this amazing until Super Mario Bros. 3 came along. Inventive, innovative, and ingenious, Super Mario Bros. 3 blew game players away when it gave Mario raccoon ears and a tail to fly, and the ability to turn into stone. Secrets in this one were abundant, with the addition of hidden flutes to blow on. Boss battles were all classic, as the third Mario introduced players to King Koopa's (or Bowser's) children in each stage. Of course, Super Mario Bros. 3 had given the Nintendo Entertainment System owners some of the prettiest visuals they'd ever know along with ever-charming Mario musical themes. This I feel is the best platforming game of all-time.
2. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami JPN
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release: November 13, 2001
Honestly, I can say that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty features the most epic qualities imaginable on just about any and all fronts. Like Metal Gear Solid before it, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty reinvents the definition of stealth/action tenfold. Here, you'll traverse heavily guarded enemy territory in a 3D state that effectively gives the game's protagonist Solid Snake the full potential of his surroundings. With some of the generation's best visuals and sounds on all accords, memorable bosses and stages, high replay value (with multiple difficulty stages and tons of dog tags to collect), and a highly unexpected twist on the storyline (adding in a very interesting perspective from the new character's point of view), this all makes for an unbeatably winning combination of legendary gaming bliss. Hideo, you genius you!
1. Chrono Trigger
Publisher: Squaresoft
Developer: Squaresoft
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release: January 1, 1995
Squaresoft has always been one of the few companies who with nearly every release, you knew was going to be a success. But for some reason, Chrono Trigger was an overlooked Square title back in its day. This is the one RPG that got me fully immersed into the world of RPGs, and is still my number one today. Chrono Trigger has undoubtedly one of the greatest video game tales ever told with amazingly cool characters. You can't beat a frog carrying a Masamune sword that can slice through mountains. And with stunning graphics for its time, one of the most brilliant musical scores ever produced, and an innovative combat system, Chrono Trigger tops my chart for its quantity of quality from start to finish.
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