http://www.imdb.com/list/9iUqHWtVE14/ Here is my list of my Top Favorite Video Games of All Time. This is something I never see on this site, despite its' excellent library. I've tried desperately to strike a healthy balance between quality, effect and personal nostalgia in this list and understand completely if you wish to push me in front of a bus for some of my views and placements of these games. At another time I may post a list about the true greats of all time, but for now these are just personal faves. Please note that I am a human being with a limited lifespan and may not have gotten around to some of YOUR favorite games, ala Infamous, God of War series (shocking I know), The Force Unleashed 2, etc. (If you liked my list and wish to recommend a title that you think I'd like, feel free.) Something I'll warn you about first is that I'm incredibly long-winded, as you can tell, and often go into my own experiences with these games, but I feel that these explanations are neccessary to understand where I'm coming from. Secondly, I am campaign/story gamer, so Online Gamers BEWARE!. Not to say that I never frequent the multiplayer scene, but when I play a game, story is what matters most to me in nearly every case. There are a few exceptions, as you'll read, but for the games that have made giant leaps in the online gaming world, they wont be as high on MY list if they didn't have at least a story that caught my interest. Also, if you're wanting to get the full effect of reading this list IT IS BEST TO START FROM BOTTOM TO TOP. Also Also Also, there are some very minor spoilers in #'s, --you know what, just go ahead and assume that I am spoiling the ending of every game on the entire list. That way you're warned and I don't have to skim and renumber every one of my reviews. And P.S. the bottom few are my honorable mentions. Enjoy. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:15:08 GMT Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:49:51 GMT Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:17:14 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1540125/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1540125/ Well, here we are at the top of the mountain. For those of you who read my message about reading from BOTTOM TO TOP, I congratulate you, unless of course you read the message and ignored it, in which case, you suck and I hope rabid bats tear your face off and wear it on halloween. In truth, if you have read this far, or even any at all, thanks for taking a look at my list. I really wouldn't mind doing this kind of thing for the rest of my life and anyone who likes what they've read I really appreciate it.<br/><br/>How do you describe a game that is so extraordinary as Mass Effect 2? Where do you begin? With the superb graphics, that stand with the best today? Do you go with the gameplay that feels a thousand times more polished than the first with absolutely tons of available sidequests as well as Downloadable content? Maybe with the fact that this is the first story game that has allowed a player to carry over player-made decisions onto another game, and with this comes a promise that the character you crafted to YOUR expectations would be waiting for you in this story. (That alone is something that gamers like myself have been waiting years for.) And don't even get me started on the story and where the team at Bioware is taking this series. Not only are your character relationships you made in ME1 still intact, but now they have new and truly exciting avenues that they can take. This is doubly true for the Lair of The Shadow Broker DLC with character Liara T'soni. (Highly recommended, along with all the other DLC) Then there is Shephard. The hero who has a bit more personality than before, is forged through player decisions that can alter the state of your party dramatically. And forging him or her is another matter altogether. How exactly do you craft a character who is the most important human in the galaxy? And more, a character who knows it? These elements are sheer brilliance and the amazing experience gifted to us in the first is grossly intensified. The action feels real and livid. The romantic stories feel romantic (particularly with Thane, Jack and Tali Zorah, who seem the slightly less than obvious choices) And the music (yes, I'm yet again, going into the music) composed by Jack Wall fits the situations of the game even better than the first entry. Some take issue with the mining and doorlock minigames because of their repetitive nature. To me, it is small potatoes considering the rest of the experience. By the end, you feel the weight of your decisions and their consequences on your shoulders, be they good or bad. The brilliant thing, though, is that you've felt this all along. That feeling is something that never lets up, and because of that, I have absolutely no reservations about sticking this game at #1 where it deserves. And I have no worries about Mass Effect 3 in 2011 either. Bioware has proven to be the best out there when it comes to delivering an experience that satisfies. I will only be sorry to see what has become an embodiment of my great love of gaming come to a close. I don't think I'll stop gaming or anything, but rather I'll look forward to the day some other amazing title can knock this game off its well-earned throne. Until then, Mass Effect 2 will keep bringing me back for more every time.<br/>P.S. Favorite Characters: Tali Zorah vas Normandy, Thane and Garrus.<br/>Oh, and Kaiden Alenko... HA! NOT! Leaving you with the nuke, dude!<br/><br/>Last Note: 2011 is going to be a very good year.<br/>Thanks for reading. Cheers. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:17:26 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284110/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284110/ Sculpting a fantasy that has absolutely no hand in the real world is difficult work when presenting it to an audience, but Squaresoft (or Square Enix) made it look astonishingly easy when they dropped us into Spira. From the moment we watch Tidus play a game of Blitzball and then watch everything he loves get destroyed by the beast known as Sin, we are absolutely engrossed in this vast exploration. After that, he is brought a thousand years into the future. While we begin to familiarize ourselves with a new world, we slowly find ourselves falling in love with it. The mythology that follows, the relationships, and of course the beautifully executed romance make us wish this experience would never end, and the romance deserves a word of its own. The relationship between Tidus and Yuna is truthfully the reason this game is marked here at #2. It is without question the greatest love story in games. Anybody who says otherwise has either never played this game or has never dated anyone, loser. Anybody who agrees knows that this is because we relate so well with the two involved. We watch from the moment these two meet and follow their awkward silence, polite comments, laughter, and ultimately their heart wrenching conclusion that still cannot be more perfectly done. So much so in fact, that by the end, I myself was quite literally blubbering like a schoolgirl. No joke (and no shame, guys) because the ending is just that good. The music also by Nobuo Uematsu (which here is his best work) captures the emotions with astounding perfection. The repetition of themes never gets old. In conclusion, Final Fantasy X is not just a work of art, it is a masterpiece in its purest form. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:18:57 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462423/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462423/ It was very difficult for me to decide the next three entries. Placing any one of them below another almost seems like an injustice to them, but here we are with the last of the Metal Gear Solid series as have yet to come out. This game has so many of my favorites that it seems again strange to have it at #3. First, it is overall my favorite series, though I'll admit it is in danger of losing its throne to Mass Effect. The series that can mix the military realism with the supernatural so effortlessly and so well is fully concluded in its' tale of Solid Snake when we see the culmination of all he has been fighting for. It is because he keeps fighting that Solid Snake is my favorite gaming character of all time. While he is our greatest hope, he never loses sight of the fact that our greatest hope is also a killer who is dying and in a bizarre and ironic twist, may just be our greatest threat. All of these elements added, however, to the already insurmountable pressure added on by the state of things, does not keep him from fighting the good fight. He constantly tells Otacon, I still have a job to do, which is Snake's sort of humble way of saying that he has a destiny to fulfill and he isn't going to waste time questioning it. In the face of all odds, Old Snake continues to inspire as he perserveres through the last of his trials. One of these trials also happens to be my favorite moment in gaming history: Snake must reach his final destination, but to do so he must walk through a long hallway of microwave emitters. As the player, we have a simple task: mash down on the triangle button as fast and hard as we can in order to see Snake through to the other side. The moment is so dramatic and telling of who Snake is, that by the bitter end, when he is literally crawling while he is being roasted alive, we feel the strongest connection to the hero on the screen than ever before. Guns of The Patriots is a brazen work of art in this aspect and I will always hail the timeless Metal Gear series amongst my absolute favorites. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:19:26 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1349460/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1349460/ The great gets greater. Uncharted 2 has so much going for it it isn't even prudent to think about writing all that is great about it in a review... but here it goes. First, with his authentic charm, excellent sense of humor, and believable reactions to the situations he's placed in, Nathan Drake is probably the most relatable hero in gaming. Nolan North has done a phenomenal job voice acting (and acting) this character. Nathan Drake could easily be called the Han Solo of gaming. And not far behind him is his expertly crafted heroine Elena Fiscer. She blows just about all other female leads out of the water with all that she does to compliment the scenes, and she does it without being a busty, brainless bimbo. (Try saying that five times... without thinking about it.) The music offered up by Greg Edmondson is also pitch perfect for the modern Indiana Jones styled adventure. In terms of cinematics, it doesn't get any better than this. This game feels more like a blockbuster than some of the blockbusters out there. It is simply extraordinary what Naughty Dog has been able to accomplish, and the fact that Uncharted 3 is slated for 2011 only serves to prove that next year is going to be a very good year for gaming. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:19:58 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1073668/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1073668/ Down to the last five, and what better to break us in than an introduction to what has potential to be the greatest gaming series ever. There are various sorts of space sagas (Star Wars, Star Trek... what else is there...?) but Mass Effect for some including myself, has a tale and a universe that stands above even what the film industry would call our 'greatest'. Think I'm kidding? No, I'm not. I'd honestly rather sit for hours at a time building the absolutely astounding tale of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew than watch any of the Star Wars movies and yes, that includes the original series. I'll grant you this; that this game is enhanced by its sequel, and had it come out and been terrible I probably would not feel this way, but the point is that Mass Effect 2 did come out and it was spectacular and it made playing through this one all the better. Something that I believe is critically understated in the gaming community by GameInformer and the like is that this game sports what was, to me, the most intimidating villain I have EVER been presented with. Saren was a good villain, but in the scene where Shepard meets Sovereign for the first time, face to face, I felt more dread and more hopelessly outmatched than any final boss has ever made me feel. When hearing a description of just what Shepard is up against, it honestly had me wondering how this could possibly end well. The ending satisfies, but the only thing I regret is that the experience with Sovereign is so short lived. Still, the overall story does not end and I have great hopes for what Bioware will dish out next. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:20:38 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1450746/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1450746/ When Goldeneye first came out, First Person Shooters were reinvigorated and became such a premium for gamers. Now, those of us who game are faced with a terrible truth about them: they always age and are not timeless. I spent countless hours on Goldeneye, and now it is hardly playable. I think, how can these get much better than they are now, and then I remember, I thought the same thing then. Lots of FPSs were dropped from my faves list, but Modern Warfare 2 really makes me remember why I love them. Terrific graphics, flawless gameplay and incredible set pieces put this one high above the other shooters out there for me. It doesn't hurt also that my favorite composer, Hans Zimmer, is responsible for the outstanding musical score. His themes bring a spirit of urgency and raw courage to the table that make you remember why we love our actual soldiers fighting for us out there. That may sound dramatic, but just listen to the score and you'll see what I'm talking about. Obviously, I am a fan of soundtracks, and I can say that this is my personal pick for the top greatest game soundtrack out there. <br/>In short, this game is, as of yet, the perfect FPS experience, in my opinion, and CANNOT be missed by any fan of the genre. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:23:02 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365498/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365498/ The Metal Gear series come to us in a very different style in this game. We trade in the buildings for dense jungles, near future for the Cold War, crammed storyline for a more lengthy narrative, and tough military feel for James Bondlike presentation. Coming upon this, as a Metal Gear fan, one could like some aspects, but, in others, be terrified to think that their beloved series had finally succumbed to basing itself around the worst of popular vote. Thankfully, this is not the case. An origin story of Solid Snake's former nemesis, Big Boss, takes a different approach in order to give the player a different perspective on the events lining up in the grand storyline. By the end, you more than sympathize with the lead, and then you wonder what the final entry will entail. This piece is excellent, but the most compelling part of it is the character who is hands down one of the most compelling in all of gaming: The Boss. (Not to be confused with Big Boss) The Boss is an American patriot who has served her country without equal and is Big Boss's (or Snake's) master whom he has shared the most personal of experiences with. When he discovers in the beginning that she is defecting to the Soviet Union, a terrible truth slowly starts to awaken in him, as he is constantly reminded by those around him, he will have to face her and he will have to kill her. When the player is tasked with this, we begin to realize what implications this really has for Snake. Then there is the ending, where we learn about the main reason why Big Boss is turned into the rebellious villain later. Naturally, World War 3 is on the line and the appearance of the greatest (or at least most intimidating) of the giant mech machines is present. With all of this, it makes it easy to rank it so high. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:23:46 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441877/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441877/ When it comes to the effect and quality of the Legend of Zelda series, I believe Ocarina of Time stands at the top, but when it is MY list of personal faves, Twilight Princess reigns. This story resonated with me because of the fascinating undertones that one can dig up from the story. A young man, who appears to be a normal boy on the outside, but when the veil is dropped (or perhaps lifted) he is a beast. His nature and personality do not change, and yet both of these conflicting roles he's placed in are synchronized in this young man. Beyond these roles, at the heart of the story, he is a hero. Link comes to us anymore as the ancestral child of the previous game's hero, but his spirit, his courage and his determination never change. Likewise, the Twilight Princess herself faces opposing forms, but within she is the same. This puts her above the former Zelda roles in my book, and makes her one of, if not the most, fascinating character in the series. The control scheme is, as always, solid. Traits from the previous titles can be found here, only they are now even more refined. The romance, fantasy, and bravery of the series is all properly in its place. Long live the silent hero. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:24:22 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184666/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184666/ The Legend of Zelda is at last brought to the 3D world, and who could ever forget such an astounding title. Moments like seeing Ganon appear as Ganondorf for the first time, or meeting Zelda in the castle garden as children, or retrieving the Master Sword from the Temple of Time, or waking up as a young adult seven years later-- these are all, as any gamer will tell you, like a child who remembers bedside stories, images that are not forgotten easily. Moments so perfectly crafted, that even though its graphics are aged and its gameplay out of date, one can pick up this title and, like pouring through the pages of the storybook, feel right at home. A fairy tale above all others. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:24:54 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1282022/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1282022/ Batman is the hero that always interested me the most. At times, especially due to the a-maz-ing films that Christopher Nolan has given us, it has been easy to forget that he is indeed a superhero at all. His psychology feels real to his circumstances, and though he has a complete arsenal of gadgets at his fingertips, he is not superpowered or supernatural. Still, his character has been around for quite a while and this game is truly a celebration of everything we love about the Dark Knight. This is doubly true for those of us who have enjoyed the animated series and comics, as much of the history is explored and the voice acting is mainly harvested from the series. Mark Hamill is especially memorable in his iconic role of The Joker. The gameplay is definitely worth noting, also. This game has easily the best hand-to-hand combat system around, and with all of the Bat's detective gear at hand, you really do feel like you are walking in his steps as he solves mysteries and battles his way through loads of his worst enemies. The environment of Arkham is also something to behold. Long hallways and cells, marked with notable clues to let you in on who the Bat put there, are packed with side puzzles left to you by (who else?) The Riddler. You don't have to be a Batman fan to enjoy this game, but it just may might make you one. Can't wait for Arkham City. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:25:22 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390163/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390163/ We return to the universe crafted by Square Enix and Disney only to discover that the same people we saved are in trouble again, and the villains are back, just in newer and slightly different forms. The story is still very great, though in certain areas seems a bit rushed, though where there is certain areas that are lesser than the first, the gameplay is infinitely better. To be honest, the gameplay alone is the main reason it is here this high on the list. Maybe it's just me, but this is some of the most lightning-fast and addictive gameplay I have ever encountered. The ability selection is easy and adds much to the action, and the return of Uematsu's beautiful themes keep us believing that these worlds are truly mixed. The effect of this game was not as large as the first entry, (or, for that matter, as large as tons of others below it) but it does not change the fact that in terms of overall enjoyment, I will choose this game over those below it every time. And, yes, I know you think I'm crazy. Don't care. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:26:48 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249008/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249008/ We return to the Metal Gear series, but only for a brief time as Solid Snake. Here the spotlight is shined on Raiden, who is more like the gamer than we are originally lead to believe, and with Kojima's way of messing with a gamers mind, this affects us quite a bit by the end. The gameplay is still awesome and the experience only heightened by its sequels. <br/>Worst line:<br/>Raiden: I was... overwhelmed.<br/>Best line:<br/>Campbell: I need scissors! 61! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:27:27 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322968/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322968/ A game that totally blew me away, and I have no regrets about putting it or its sequel in my top 20. When I first heard that Squaresoft (now Square Enix) and Disney were teaming up to make an RPG, I had serious doubts. Despite Square's excellent track record, I couldn't help but worry that this partnership with Disney would only hamper their creativity. This may be true with the later entries, but this game took me entirely by surprise as it began to tell a stirring tale of darkness, deception, and ultimately the power of friendship in a way so excellent and unforgettable that it simply cannot be ignored. Anybody who has ever been a child has someone in the famed Disney films they can relate to (and those who don't usually draw to The Nightmare Before Christmas, so it all works out) and meeting up with these characters in a game that boasts phenomenal voicework from most of the original actors is an experience that really, I think, cannot be missed. The music also from all of these various stories return with a twist fitting the story that is so purely added by the genius of Nobuo Uematsu, that one can almost feel both the old and new themes melding in their ears. (Wow! You talk funny, Mr. Roberts.) Wait, there's more! On the Square side of the story we have excellent cameo appearences with added voicework from several of the Final Fantasy titles. These characters are obviously a lot cooler than their Disney counterparts, but the addition of Donald and Goofy to your party is something that even the most hardcore of gamers can be proud of. This game in short (too late) is a masterpiece, and I only hope more fans will jump on board so that Square and Disney will finally give us an updated sequel on the consoles. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:27:56 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1000777/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1000777/ The creators at Naughty Dog give us the most cinematic series to date in this amazing title. Here, we are introduced to Nathan Drake and Elena Fiscer who, with exceptional motion capture and even more exceptional voice acting, bring this tale to life as we follow the treasure hunter and reporter through adventures that include Nazi U-boats, lush jungles, pirates, and mutant zombies. I know, in hind sight it sounds like an Ed Wood film, but it really is one of the greats. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:28:34 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363435/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363435/ Many probably wont understand this game in my top 20, and I understand why, but its my list and I immensely appreciate this title so here is where it stays. Z.O.E. is one of the most brilliant ideas I have come upon, and though it has been further explored with an anime series, I don't believe justice has been fully made for it. I wonder at times if even Hideo Kojima knows the potential he has here. The journey the player makes as Dingo Egret (I know, bad name, whatever) within the orbital frame Jehuty is so unique and has such a mythology behind it, what with the element of Metatron and the learning-to-feel back-up battle control system ADA alone, you could really take this series to unprecedented heights. But enough about where this series 'could' go. This game boasts graphics that are in true anime form that still hold up well today and a gameplay system that is still every bit as fast-paced and fun as the day I first played it, not to mention an excellent soundtrack and story that is expected with a Kojima title. Kojima himself says that he cannot promise when, but that there will be another sequel to this. Well, when that happens, I hope he lets us fans of the series build our own customizable Orbital Frames. I mean, how awesome would that be? Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:29:00 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1037854/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1037854/ Blizzard knows how to craft an experience. One of the great regrets of my life is that I have never taken the time to fully engage myself in World of Warcraft so I could know what the crap everyone has been talking about. Still, I had the first Starcraft the year it came out, and like so many other fans, every year that passed I held on to the hope of the promised sequel. I would revisit the first from time to time each year while life went by, my amount of siblings grew (7 times), and I got a bit paler from never going outside so I could play more video games. (Suddenly, I am depressed...) But then, the sun shined and the news FINALLY, after an agonizing 12 years, came that the sequel was coming. I waited a bit longer and then was finally blessed with what is, to me, the single greatest PC experience to date. Customizable armies, an exceptionally engaging story, gorgeous graphics, and gameplay that is, in a word, perfect gives me more reason to ignore the rest of my life once again. Well, at least until the two other parts of series come out... which, I guess, will ultimately end in the same way, so there you go. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:29:27 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366758/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366758/ When done right, Film Noir can be one of the best genres to enjoy, and the stories of Max Payne puts most of them to shame. This second chapter into Max's dark tale is rough, gritty and stylishly beautiful. Centered around his relationship with Mona Sax, this game strikes the 'forbidden love' chord that most games (and films, for that matter) don't. Returning in the graphic novel style used in the first entry, this game sucks you in and doesn't let up for a moment. Looking forward to seeing my favorite troubled cop again when part part 3 comes out. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:29:53 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217061/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217061/ A unique RTS that is so perfectly balanced in every way, that the only thing that could knock it off of its PC throne is its sequel. The story of Jim Raynor, Sarah Kerrigan, the Zerg and the Protoss held our attention in the campaigns, but honing our skills in custom matches against our friends and our computers kept us holding on for part 2. More in that review. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:30:28 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430111/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430111/ A Crack in Time is really the pivotal point in this series. So many things added that made this already fantastic series that much greater. The humor is all still there, but the weight of the story is much greater as the players wonder if their beloved duo may finally be torn apart. The more serious tone is balanced by the crazed antics of our favorite villain Dr. Nefarious and the well timed wisecracks of Captain Qwark. We dig deeper into the fascinating backstory of Ratchet, but the one who really steals the show is Clank. Not to say that Clank has never had his own levels of awesomeness, but his levels and functions weren't quite on par with his partner. This notion is scrapped as Clank takes on the duties of The Great Clock and in so doing gives us some of the most clever gameplay this generation has seen. Nothing disappoints, and to say that I am excited about what Insomniac will come up with next for this series would be a gross understatement... ... ...but I AM excited about what Insomniac will come up with next for this series. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:30:54 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494232/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494232/ Here, we are given the best of the series. The Chronicles of Master Chief come to a close (for the time being) and he walks out with a huge bang. Sort of an 'everything rolled into one and then some' experience with all of our favorite characters and features enhanced with updated graphics and gameplay. Throughout the finale you are cheering your beloved Spartan to victory and are only sad that you have to say goodbye. I'd also like to give props to Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori for the amazing soundtrack they gave this last entry, which like the series, got better with every new addition. I love the chronicles of the Chief, but my money says we haven't seen the last of him. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:31:30 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365499/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365499/ Like Ratchet and Clank, here is a series that got better and better as it went on, and it begins here with the first entry in the story. Note: I do realize that The Twin Snakes is a remake of the original PS1 classic and call me crazy, but I like the updated graphics, scenes and voice acting more than the original. (GASP!) Still, it is best to see both this game and its original as one for the sake of this review. Now, for those of us who know the Metal Gear saga well, it is here where most of us first experienced such ingenius elements that brought us out of our comfort zone and into the sensation of wondering if we have fallen asleep and stumbled into a dream during the hours of playtime with this game. Screens randomly going black, our memory cards being read for us out loud, and the ordering to put our controller on the floor and watch it rumble across the ground, and all of this by one of the most memorable villains of all time: Psycho Mantis. Those reasons are probably what makes this the greatest boss fight ever. The story is also phenomenal and the presentaion of it in cutscenes and exceptional voice acting has forever turned the course of games, giving each new release potential to give us all the same thrills of a hollywood blockbuster. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:32:02 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1479962/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1479962/ I know, I know, what business do I have placing this, the greatest western video game ever, here at #22 instead of in the top 10. I understand, and while I was compiling this list, I was experiencing for the first time the quest of John Marston and very quickley had it placed there amongst Arkham Asylum and the other greats. Then I reached the end, and was left with a sour taste in my mouth. John Marston, first, is easily one of my favorite characters in modern gaming history. How he lost to Black Ops' Woods at the VGA awards for Best Gaming Character I'll never know, but it is because of the way he was treated at the end of the game that this title rests here. SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU WANT THE ENDING SPOILED! EVEN THOUGH IT IS TOO LATE BECAUSE THE ENDING IS ALREADY SPOILED IN A SENSE! DON'T GET MAD AT ME BECAUSE I SPOILED IT! EVEN THOUGH I'M ABOUT TO... SORT OF.<br/>Such themes about redemption that, I don't know, appear to be slightly important to the game, seem to run hollow when you give the title character no chance from saving his son, whom he's tried so hard to keep safe from the evil in the world, from a future of simple vengeance against the man who kills his father. In the end, what redemption is there when the sacrifice of John Marston does nothing to teach his son about living life without anger or bitterness, which is the way it seemed like he was trying to lead his son in the first place. It would have been better for the player to go into Deadeye mode in the end, like they already did, and let them take out Edgar Ross for themselves, thus saving their long-fought-for son from a life of revenge. The ending may fit the spirit of old western films, but it doesn't fit the spirit of the game from where I'm sitting. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:32:25 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385989/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385989/ Psychologically speaking, this is the most frightening game I have ever played. The very Japanese feel of being spirited away to a haunted village is ever present, and in ways that don't have to be fully described to appreciate, the main characters Mio and Mayu are tied to the heart of it. The trouble of it all is that from the beginning there is a growing dread that one of you will die, and worse yet, one of you will be the other's demise. Such a concept, that is so fully burned into your mind by the end, gives you an intense understanding of the events that have led you to this point and leaves you with a cold pit in your chest. The game is not meant to be enjoyed, but I did enjoy it. It is a brilliant and beautiful picture of the things that frighten us the most. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:32:51 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486673/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486673/ What words come to mind when I think of Shadow of The Colossus? Beauty, romance, courage, darkness, sorrow, tragedy, deceit-- and I know that I am not the only one who would agree. This game was less about playing for fun (though fun it was) and more about making me feel honored to dig into the simple yet gorgeous storytelling. The only thing that keeps this game barricaded from the slots above it is really the ending, which starts off very well and then ends with a very odd perception of the things that had happened. It just didn't do justice for me. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:33:18 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606610/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606610/ When it comes to the arguement of whether or not games are an artform, it is hard for Heavy Rain (or the entry above it) not to be mentioned. Heavy Rain is, I think, the greatest new step the world of gaming has made. Quantum Dream has brought us a fascinating criminal story that allows players to experience every perspective of the drama. 'Drama' is really the key word here, because with the use of unique mechanics, captivating situations, excellent graphics and beautifully composed music, the characters come to life as much as if you were watching it in the theatres. An impressive amount of story arcs also gives the players a sense of ownership of whatever the outcome may be. Your choices are what bring you to the end. Truly a gripping experience. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:33:45 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1699759/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1699759/ This game REALLY took a *leap of faith* in giving us a whole new story and gameplay to associate Desmond Miles and Ezio Auditore with. (Leap of faith-- yeah, I've been waiting to use that one.) Honestly, though, it isn't the story that takes frontrunner here, as it seems that with each entry the story gets more and more confusing (not that that is necessarily a bad thing in this case), but the thrills that come with being able to call forth allies on a moments notice to help you take out your enemies. Leveling up your Brotherhood and becoming more engrossed in the brilliant side tasks gives players more reason to come back than any other entry in the AC series, and that is saying a lot. Of course, however, those who would try to play this without playing at least AC2 will be making a gross mistake. Fair warning to any who haven't touched upon this fantastic series. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:34:19 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1267296/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1267296/ Where Fatal Frame has more of the psychological fear factor, Dead Space brings the type of fear that is much more live, livid, and in your face. Bringing elements from Alien and The Thing, this game crafts a horror experience that stands up with the best of them. While the story does get slightly predictable, it does not make it any less interesting or frightening. The control scheme and upgrade system is pretty solid giving the player time, in between checking their corners for vicious and disturbing Necromorphs, to think about what to improve in the future. As far as the Survival Horror experience goes, this is top of the class and a must have for fans of the genre.<br/>Incidentally, Dead Space also happened to be my older brother's nickname in high school. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:34:52 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397042/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397042/ The over-the-shoulder tageting system that this game brought has now been copied and rehashed so many times that it is hard to keep count, but that doesn't mean that this still isn't one of the best at doing it. Even today, when I go through the Resident Evil series, I can play this game and it is still as smooth as any of our modern titles. The script is pedestrian, but the experience unforgettable.<br/><br/>Favorite exchange: <br/>Leon: Saddler, you're small time...<br/>Saddler: Hahahahaha.... writhe in my cage of torment...<br/><br/>Sounds like something out of Invader Zim. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:35:19 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357718/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357718/ Where Halo 1 was a great experience in itself, this was where I was made a believer in the series. Take everything you loved about the first game and multiply it and you have the experience of Halo 2. Duel wielding guns, significantly improved graphics, and the addition of the Arbiter who shares the spotlight from the Covenant angle. With amazing gameplay, I believe it is safe to say that this game also revolutionized online multiplayer gaming. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:36:05 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291337/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291337/ Bullet time comes to the world of gaming, but not with a Matrix rip-off, but with a truly impressive and painful noir story. Max Payne here becomes one of gamings greatest and most interesting characters. He has immense depth and, though he may not believe it, a high fortitude for pain and suffering, and this is what draws us into his character. With such deep loss that comes with the death of a wife and son, he continues to press on, and this is what makes him so inspiring. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:36:57 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1201133/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1201133/ Desmond Miles escapes from Abstergo and with the help of his Assassin homies, we are introduced to Ezio Auditore. Altair was a cool character, but Ezio gave us a bit more substance to work with, and thus pushed this series even further on the awesome list. This series really reminds me of all those lonely, single nights I spent watching those documentaries about the Illuminati and the Templars. (SO many lonely, single nights) All the secret hidden stuff within the secret hidden stuff was really cool and interesting. Yep, Assassin's Creed is really a lot like that....(ugh, I really need a girlfriend...) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:37:20 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477854/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477854/ My preferred choice when it comes to the GH games. Choices like The Killers, Muse, AFI and Bon Jovi kept me coming back to the point where I finally made it to Expert. The gameplay may not be as challenging as GH 3, but it is enough. Also, it makes for a good conversation piece when you bring the game to a work party and you've created everyone you work with. (Most of those conversations, for some reason, started with &quot;Dude, you have no life...&quot;, but still... ) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:37:57 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1073664/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1073664/ This is probably the most immersive environment I have ever encountered in a game. Gobbs of skills to learn and an interesting set of stories do not add up to just the simple awe I feel whenever I step back into the Capitol Wasteland. No world in gaming has ever felt more fully realized than this. It is no joke when I say that it is like looking into a beautifully chilling painting that gets harder and harder to look away from the more I stare at it. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:34:03 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433623/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433623/ This time, I raise my glass to the one and only Dr. Nefarious, easily the funniest villain ever to grace the gaming world. His wild antics, fetish with Courtney Gears, and haughty butler are all things that add to his hilarity (that and the occasional soap opera that plays in his head). The voice acting performance is also, I think, the most noteworthy in the series. I have to clear my own throat just thinking about how hard it must be to scream LAWRENCE!!! over and over again. My hat is off to you, sir. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:38:51 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323508/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323508/ Due to the overwhelming barrage of World War II games out there, I think that this one gets a bit overlooked, or at least underrated in my experience. This game features very well crafted gameplay and graphics, not to mention excellent voice performances by both Gary Oldman as SGT. Reznov and Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer. The violence seems less glorified (mostly) and more appropriate to the setting while giving us something other than a revisit to Saving Private Ryan. The music is also pretty sweet, especially in the Russian campaign. (By the way, I know he's not playing Jack Bauer. 'Cause his character can die... and Jack Bauer cannot die.) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:39:27 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125798/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125798/ This was when First Person Shooters starting doing what I wanted them to do: letting me in on the action. I'm not talking about storming into a room and blowing the bejesus out of a bunch of terrorists. That was nice, but in moments like escaping a sinking ship, riding out a nuclear explosion, issuing justice on my enemy in mid cutscene-- those were me in those moments, playing those moments, and enjoying them in ways that other FPSs hadn't quite given me yet. Many other gamers probably feel the same, though most may haven't even thought of it. Anyway, this game gave me quite a ride and has kept me coming back for more ever since. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:40:11 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1543024/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1543024/ Remember back in review #80 when I said that I wanted to be a zombie? NO! NO, YOU DON'T! CAUSE I NEVER SAID THAT! And you would know that if you hadn't been skipping reviews! So get back down to the bottom of the list and start climbing the ladder, you cheating little satan! GO! NOW! For those of you loyal enough to read this far (or at least are not easily offended), you get to know that I truly do adore this game. As the great George Washington once said, &quot;There is nothing that passes the time better than absolutely annihilating a zombie.&quot; As it turns out, he was right, and it would seem that great things come in mountainous hordes of blood and guts. The thing about extreme violence: it works best when it looks really good on screen, and in this game, well, IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD. I think when you can almost feel the spray of undead meat on your face, the point has been well made. God bless the undead. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:40:37 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0932936/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0932936/ I love this game. I love it now, and I loved it when I first played it. So much so, in fact, that I actually started impersonating Altair and throwing up MY hood and making MY way through vast crowds to find MY targets. I took this impersonation very seriously. So much so that it really started to bug my older brother and sister. It's too bad that they are no longer with us... Ha! No. They're not dead. It never came to that... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:41:14 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0263641/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0263641/ (Just nix the whole four swords thing, I just mean A Link to The Past on SNES) For me, this is easily the best game on the SNES, and it is a game that I believe follows the tradition of the original Legend of Zelda in being a landmark in the gaming industry. With great moments given to us like retrieving the Master Sword and facing off with Ganon, it didn't matter to us that it was all being performed by tiny pixels on our screen. The puzzles were every bit as challenging and the moments every bit as epic as in the later sequels. True, the sequels got better with time, but this one still stands as a monument to us all. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:42:53 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204657/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204657/ What a step for Mario into the 3D world. Extraordinary platforming that brought all of the worlds and levels from the originals to life. I'm not as into the Mario franchise as so many other Nintendo fans are, though I have played some of the Newer entries and fully understand their enthusiasm. Even still, Super Mario 64 remains King in my book. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:43:21 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383385/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383385/ Truly a vast experience. With a story that mirrored tones from various Quentin Tarantino movies, and gameplay who's sky was literally the limit, it was hard to be bored with what San Andreas had to offer. Voicework was great, and certain features (building your gangs turf one block at a time) highly memorable. An excellent experience. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:43:53 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433458/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433458/ So, if the first had such an impact, why do I rank the second slightly higher? Honestly, when it comes to stories that are branches of another, I truly enjoy it when they challenge the source material, because in taking such measures, these stories seem more to come into their own, if that makes any sense. This game, I believe, did just that: took things that we knew about the Star Wars universe and turned them upside down. Jedi masters who were dedicated to the Light Side clearly being in the wrong, Sith logic making perfect sense, and perhaps the most intruiging: the possible end of the Force. As a faithful follower of Star Wars, this story rocked me to my core without betraying what I loved about its universe. The gameplay is also worth noting. A plethora of forcepowers, skills and even attributes that were once not worth the effort now made vital to the various strategies the players emplored. This game fixed what few problems existed in the first, while giving us a story that was every bit as enjoyable. I'm sure I do not stand alone in saying that I truly hope that Bioware does not abandon us to sum up what happened to Revan and the Exile on our own. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:44:33 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356070/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356070/ The KOTOR series is perhaps the best step that the Star Wars universe has made in the gaming industry, and such a step can only be achieved by the brilliant team at Bioware. (God bless you all for bringing us this game and its sequel) The story of Darth Revan was truly inspired and was one of the greatest surprises at that time. Everything that a Star Wars fan appreciated about the films (meaning the original three) could find something in turn to appreciate about this game. The Force is indeed strong with this one. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:45:24 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0966563/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0966563/ This, to me, is the greatest racing game to date. High speed adrenaline rushes, dodging traffic at every turn, a slow-motion crash cam and excellent graphics make this one easily stand alone. Above all, Takedown mode was its best feature. I believe my older brother and I capped out at 212 takedowns in a single sitting. Another note worth mentioning is that this is another game that utilizes the custom soundtrack feature. I had music from Kill Bill, Collateral, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Run Lola Run-- all the themes you need to enjoy racing to its uttermost potential. Good times. If you haven't already, try this feature, please. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:45:56 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1018825/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1018825/ Ratchet & Clank moves to the PS3 and we get to see them in the same light as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, only they could blow the crap out of them with all the guns they've got. The Ratchet & Clank formula really doesn't change, so much as evolve to something greater each time, and Tools of Destruction is no exception. All you really need to know. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:46:22 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0205973/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0205973/ How many times did I play through this game, listening to the recycled yelps from the soldiers as I shot them with my silenced PP7. My older brother has enjoyed many laughs due to my ability to reenact these hilarious noises at all of the appropriate times in life. But, seriously, every fan of FPS's has to appreciate this game, and even more does the gamer who frequents the multiplayer scene, since this game really is the multiplayer godfather. I don't frequent the multiplayer scene often, but that doesn't mean I don't immensely appreciate this title. So much so that I take all of my drinks shaken not stirred. Even soft drinks... yep, that's right. I'm Bond, baby. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:46:48 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277723/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277723/ One of the games that changed the scope of how games where to be made, viewed, and played in the future. An excellent open-world feel that the players with time come to realistically familiarize themselves with, as though Liberty City really does become THEIR city. The story is a bit scetchy, mostly in part to the silent hero, but with the variety of missions and promises for new wide open terrains filled with more characters to assist and to put down, this game keeps the player climbing their way to the top. Another aspect worth mentioning, is the choice of music Rockstar went with. It is no accident that occassionally the themes playing over the radio are the originals from the movie Scarface. So, hooray! Fun fact for the day! Thank you, Mr. Roberts! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:47:09 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208507/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208507/ Now, come on, honestly, can you really think of another game that remains so untouched by time, so perfect, and so available to pass the time as Tetris? It's everywhere, everyone loves Tetris! If I could high-five it, I would... but I can't. *sigh* I can't... I love Tetris.... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:47:39 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387531/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387531/ Great characters and gameplay get even better in this excellent sequel which goes deeper into the tales of one of my favorite characters of the series: Captain Qwark. The rewards also get better as this game introduces probably its greatest and most addictive gameplay feature: the upgrading of weapons. This feature actually gives us more reason to return to levels and arenas to gather experience and bolts for our arsenal. Well done again, Insomniac. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:48:05 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208156/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208156/ One of the more comprehensible of the series and, for reasons I simply do not understand, easily the most underappreciated. The junction menus were a pain, I'll grant you, but once you got used to it it became instrumental in each players strategy they implored against the enemies presented. This game also, with now-aged graphics and silent characters, managed to display a variety of emotions that with FFVII was impossible. This game also used CG cutscenes to its full advantage, giving us enough of them to keep us freshly engaged with the story, which in and of itself, while admittedly slow and hokey at times, was still very good, and yes, kept me more intrigued than FFVII, which is the main reason I place it ahead of it. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:48:31 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208155/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208155/ Any gamer knows that if ever there was a game that stands as one of the top classics in RPG history, it is Final Fantasy VII. No one who has played the game can forget the use of CG cutscenes before they became so prominent or the unforgettable themes gifted to us by the musical genius of Nobuo Uematsu or the iconicly huge sword that Cloud uses to battle his enemies. However, with all of those amazing qualities, there is one element that stands alone and fully describes the experience of this game: Sephiroth. The villain in black who wields the most intimidatingly long samurai sword is easily one of, if not the, greatest of villains ever to come on the gaming scene. His aura is the blackest, his power indefinable, and his impression is everlasting to all who have stood in his presence. Sephiroth defines still what it means to be a villain in fantastic ways that for other villains would fall flat, and he is the reason why the gaming community will never allow FFVII's impact to be forgotten. This may be a good time to note that this is, again, not a Greatest ever list, or it would be probably in the top 10 or 15. All of its greatness does not mask the fact that this game is more than 10 yrs old and the pixels and lack of voicework cannot grasp my attention when games like Mass Effect are constantly at my fingertips. Forgive me. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:48:52 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288501/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288501/ Now this game took a leap. GOW took me from being mildly interested to on the edge of my seat with its presentation. Marcus and Dom actually became character driven in this tale, and the world it leaves you in by the end leaves your jaw hanging. The music is also something to note here. I own this soundtrack, along with many others on my list, and this one is a valuable addition since it truly conveys the emotion and struggle that the heroes and the rest of humanity are going through. I am highly anticipating the release of part 3, and look forward to what is likely to be a bittersweet end to an amazing series. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:49:40 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1482983/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1482983/ No shooter has made me feel more at home with my comrades since. The story and jibes between Sweetwater, Haggard, the Sarge, and Marlowe were so hilarious and well-written that I found myself slowing down my progress in battle just to listen to what the guys were saying. Speaking of slowing down and listening, the sound effects of this game to me are still unmatched with gunfire and explosions ringing in your head long after the fire-fights are finshed with. Echoes of your squad sound realistic as they reverberate through town or through the walls of a building. Every bullet clings to the ground, every gunshot unique-- I really could go on and on. Dice really did this better than anyone else has ever done. <br/>So, where is Bad Company 2? Well, I played that one, and with all the charm the first game had, our heroes just didn't seem to have enough down time. When they did, it was great: them talking about their favorite scenes from Predator is one of my favorite in-game conversations. Quite simply, though, it just didn't deliver the campaign experience that the first one did. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:50:13 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241985/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241985/ How many of our Sci-fi classics did this game steal ideas from? Star Wars (definitely), Independence Day (positively), The Legend of Bagger Vance (...possibly). But did we hold it against Star Fox? Of course not, because it was an excellent star shooter that was basically Galaga with story and a different angle, but the moments were so memorable that we didn't care if they were original. Sadly, Star Fox has seemed to have lost his steam now, but it was a good ride. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:50:34 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276506/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276506/ A timeless classic with an concept as original as the TV show Seinfeld: It is a game about nothing! You live an ordinary life, for the most part, unless you are like me and build massive houses that function more like mazes that my neighbors never know how to find their way out of... especially when there is a well placed display of fireworks that will eventually lead to a slow, grim, burning death! (Heavy Breathing).... But, yeah, for the most part, you live a pretty ordinary life. Great idea. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:51:11 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332056/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332056/ Unfortunately, the game listed above is not the game intended for this slot. Fire Emblem 2: Sacred Stones is not listed, to my knowledge, in the IM database. Just remember that Sacred Stones is the one I'm talking about.<br/>Sacred Stones took what the first did well and truly knocked the ball out of the park. Excellently strategic gameplay and dozens of character archs and endings made the replay value for this one nearly infinite. If you don't believe me, just listen to the way my younger sister puts it...<br/><br/>This game is an extraordinary game!! It is full of adventure and excitement. You got to PLAY this AWESOME GAMMMMMMMMMMME!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br/>Love,<br/>Hannah<br/>;) (WINK!!)<br/>P.S. I mean The SECOND GAME!! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:51:40 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426437/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426437/ A prequel to the first two DMC games and the fall of the image of Dante's cool meter. That said, this game still dishes out what I believe to be the best entry in the series. (I have not played part 4) The story starts with Dante being portrayed basically as a young, pizza-eating, pool-playing, all around-retard who can't stop cheering himself on with high-pitched hoots and hollars. Once you get about a quarter of the way through, that crap dies off and the real story of Dante, his brother Virgil, and the different paths they have taken as the Sons of Sparta takes off. The swordplay is very well crafted and the enemies and challenges are extrememly... uh-- challenging. Again, though, we all hope and *pray* (wink) for the revamping of Devil May Cry to fix the problems of the past and give us the demon hunting hero we all have really been looking for. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:52:11 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158208/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158208/ At the time, this was the greatest Star Wars game to date. It's time has passed, but it is still well respected among the most hardcore of gamers, because, I think, it managed to earn its place without letting its players wield a single lightsaber. Its hero, Dash Rendar, is a simple bounty hunter who, though now he has faded into footnote, was able to become a hero of the republic without the use of forcepowers. Again, I think Star Wars fans are forced to respect this fact. (Heh heh...forced. See, it's funny 'cause it's Star Wars and they use the force... Y'all aint laughin' though...) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:52:33 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094581/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094581/ Whenever the discussion turns to the philosophical presence or the impressionable environments in games, it is hard for Bioshock not to be mentioned in the same breath. The world of Rapture and the implications within its depths and between its leaders vying for the power of the underwater city leave the gamer in awe by the time of its finish. So, of course, you are probably wondering, why the frap it is all the way down at #60 instead of somewhere in the top 10 where other gamers would put it. Frankly, it is largely in part to those gamers who would rank it so high because they built it up beyond what it really was. This game has an amazing story, but as far as the gameplay goes, I really wasn't all that amazed. Upgrades are cool, but they aren't everything. That and the recycling of enemies seemed to be out of place in such a versitile environment. All of this wouldn't have bothered me as much if the gaming community hadn't built up to be the greatest game ever, which it is not. A great game, yes, but not the greatest ever... at least not to me. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:53:00 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473298/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473298/ Taking lots of tips from its predecessor, this game was a visually stunning action-packed thrill ride. Filled with great boss fights and well crafted puzzles, this entry provides not only an excellent gaming experience, but a very good conclusion to the story of Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and their long-time nemesis Albert Wesker. It seems like this is a good time to reboot the Resident Evil series, which is the rumor around the gaming community. Let's just hope for a more consistant story. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:53:25 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249174/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249174/ ...The naked pig man chasing you with a chainsaw-- oh, sorry! Still thinking about Manhunt. Ah, yes, Super Mario 3! Great game. Did perfectly what the first two already did well. Although, I feel like a pansy every time I watch that guy online beat this game in like three minutes... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:53:57 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386616/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386616/ One of the most chilling games I've ever played, this game offers up an uncomfortable emotional liken to that of watching films like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Playing as a murderer caught in a snuff film sounds bad enough, but when you are forced to steathily take out your enemies by jamming a broken bottle into their face or strangling them with piano wire, you begin to wish you had never bothered to venture in this disturbed scenario, but you know you can't stop, because like your character, your caught in this mess and you have to see it through to the end. It's gritty excellence at its finest. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:54:28 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302327/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302327/ Here I am referring to the Gamecube remake, and am I ever glad they did. Improved graphics on characters and settings that were way ahead of their time still do an excellent job of setting the mood for this: one of the true originals in the survival horror genre. Excellent puzzles and the salvaging of materials placed around the subtly infested mansion still make me nostalgic for the days when there really was reason to blindly fear what was around the corner. I remember when I first started this game, I was in high school and one of my best friends and I experienced this one together. Two manly guys felt pretty shameful when we were jumping like jack rabbits at every shadow in the hallways of the mansion, however it made us feel a bit better when we finally took the head off of a zombie with a single shot. Better, but only because we knew he wasn't going to come back later and scare the living $#!^ out of us. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:55:00 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0177266/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0177266/ The granddaddy of video games and arguably the greatest of all time. You cannot help but appreciate all of the genius at work here that changed forever the face of video games. I mean, who doesn't like the concept of a plumber saving a princess from an evil dragon turtle beast monster thing while climbing through tubes that lead to other levels and hidden secrets that give us 1ups. The impact that this game has had on gaming forever is unfathomable. (Seriously, though, what the heck is Bowser?) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:55:23 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436034/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436034/ The gem in the fighter plane simulater series. This game sacrificed polishing aircraft graphics, that you hardly ever see anyway, in order to give gamers actual character models to look at while a truly awesome story unfolded. Some of these characters start off stereotypical, and in Chopper's case even annoying, but later seem to come into their own as the story moves on. The circumstances they put you in and the variety offered up here is exceptionally well done given the material they have to work with. By the end, you really do feel like you've earned your place as the hero and bonafide leader of your squadron. My appreciation for this game only seems to grow with time. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:55:53 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1541718/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1541718/ A fascinating tale with a truly immense story, but be warned, if you haven't already played this game, you need to be ready to invest a great deal of time to really get the full effect. I thought I had done this, and my party seemed to be about the standard size of most RPGs. As it turns out, I could have almost doubled my party size had I dug deeper into the world of Dragon Age. While I enjoyed the experience, I wasn't willing to reinvest the time just yet due to the old school narrative structure Bioware used to be known for and the simply disappointing character graphics. Games like Uncharted, Mass Effect, and even the GTA series, which is usually known for having character graphics that are somewhat behind in the times, put this game to shame. That being said, if you truly want to immerse yourself in a long fantasy story, you will not be disappointed with Dragon Age. <br/>Note: Despite my negative comments of this game, let this be an indication of my feelings for it: with the announcement of Dragon Age 2, I was excited enough to head over to Gamestop and preorder my own copy right away, and I eagerly await its release. Also, when it gets close to the time for its release, I do intend to invest the time to get refamiliar with the DA world again. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:57:20 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1168638/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1168638/ An excellent game in its own rite with an amazing playlist, but the one song that keeps me strumming is its most difficult: &quot;Though The Fire & Flames&quot; by Dragonforce. Funny enough, one of my best friends introduced me to the song literally only a few weeks before the game's release. When I first heard it, I was in awe when I heard the solos, but not as much as when I first played it in this game. I believed for so long that I would never be able to play that song on expert and finally become somebody... and I was right, but I did eventually learn to play it on hard, and you can't put a pricetag on that. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:00:46 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491117/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491117/ This entry is sort of the black sheep of the series, but that doesn't make it any less awesome. A game compiled of really dozens of minigames and timetrials all taking place in the imaginative universe of Ratchet and Clank, only the latter hero is only present over Ratchet's radio, leaving him to fight through the onslaught of gladiator games alone. The control scheme takes some getting used to, but you do get used to it. And if you are upset about the new layout of the game, the hilarious commentary of your actions offered up by the true stars of the game, the Vox announcers Dallas and Juanita, will keep you grounded and trying until you're settled. Quite simply, this is a valued entry in the R & C series, and I can only hope that the genius' at Insomniac give us a Deadlocked sequel to enjoy. What do you think of that, Juanita? Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:01:31 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309654/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309654/ The journey of Master Chief begins and so is born one of the most beloved franchises of gaming history. Truth be told, I was only moderately impressed when I first played this game. The story was interesting and the gameplay had a constant cat and mouse feel that is usually more exclusive to the multiplayer experience, but the hype made it more than it was at the time, in my opinion. Now, with the additions of Halo 2 & 3, this experience is heightened also. It all comes to a climactic head in the end and this is anything but a simple stepping stone. I appreciate it now more than I did then. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:02:06 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498678/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498678/ This was a game that really took me by surprise. I had never really been much into secular music (unless you want to drop classical into that basket), but I knew enough of the hits to enjoy rocking out just as much as the next guy. I was so taken aback by the innovative guitar controller, that has remained virtually unchanged until recently with Rock Band 3, that many of my hours with this game was not just about furthering my skill, but simply the enjoyment of playing the songs I came to love. Nearly each mark in the series has given me this gift, and the fact that this game is where it all begins makes this one of the greatest games ever. Period. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:02:46 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1300585/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1300585/ First note that I am regarding the converted PS2 title here. I think this game gets a bad rap from what I can tell. Is it KH 1 or 2? No, that's why they're higher on the list. But is it still an excellent game? Yes, I believe so. The use of cards to do battle was diffferent and took some getting used to, not to mention made me feel a bit like a Yu-gi-oh nerd, but the system still worked, and the music and final boss fight against Marluxia was terrific and makes this game a valuable entry to the series. &quot;Yeah, but above Ratchet and Clank? Or Gears of War? Or Left 4 Dead?!&quot; Hey, maybe I'm just a sap for Square/Disney themed games... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:03:40 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347851/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347851/ So begins the ratings of one of the greatest video game series' of our time. The variety of weapons and the trademark heroes and their adventures makes this game a timeless classic who's sequels just keep getting better and better. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:04:05 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756360/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756360/ Here's an idea: Let's take everything that is great from Fatal Frame 1 & 2, and put them into one game! Brilliant! This game was like riding a roller coaster. I submitted to the fact that I was going to play it, I ride up the hill anticipating the fear I know is to follow, and the rest of the time is just unabashed school-girl screaming. I still note that the creepy girl crawling at you from under the floorboards was one of the most frightening experiences in my gaming career. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:05:14 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203703/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203703/ Ah, MK 2, you are king. Such a drastic leap from the first game in terms of gore. Pit falls that gave you an aerial view that followed your opponent to his grim demise, and of course, Kung Lao's top to bottom split fatality. Positively brilliant. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:06:59 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364126/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364126/ Truly a great game with a fascinating story, but the presentation was what makes this one a winner for me. I think it was Roger Ebert who said, &quot;No movie that is good is too long, and no movie that is bad is too short...&quot; The same can be said about games, in my opinion, and this one was both good and long (That's what she said). The cinematics that took place in this game told me that it's makers had no problem holding nothing back as they unfolded their narrative, which is what every game should do. That's the reason I'm usually playing: as an alternative to watching a movie or reading a book (though, books are still very good for you, kids) I and those like me have chosen to engage a story in ways that books and films cannot supply... and I have just given thousands of people justification to waste their lives on video games. Oooh, shoot.... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:07:32 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268256/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268256/ The adventures of Dante have always been able to garner my interest-- O.k., that may be saying a bit much, since he has since seemed to become a more violent version of the Ninja Turtles-- but this was really before all that. The demon who hunted the devil really still has great potential and I'm sure that fans of this series will understand when I say &quot;I'm praying for him.&quot; (Get it? 'Praying' for him? 'Cause he's a demon? No? -sigh- Sorry...) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:10:19 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340311/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340311/ Ah, the start to a truly stunning series. Fatal frame took what made the first Resident Evil great (strong fear factor, excellent environments, great puzzles) and added a Japanese horror element to them. Personally, I've always felt the original Japanese counterparts of our movies today are always infinitely better, but that is another list for another time. This game's style and study of gruesome Shinto rituals had me hooked from beginning to end. Obviously, the graphics have aged and the control scheme is clunky, but this is a rare classic that belongs on any surival horror fan's shelf. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:10:53 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203702/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203702/ This was a step in the right direction for the MK series, or at least it seemed so at the time, but now one wonders if we should've let the characters keep silent rather than force us to swallow the pedestrian scripts their writers have been dishing out to us. Still, this game did it right, I think. The gameplay was fun and the introduction to the 3D stage was interesting, as well as the introduction of weapons. The draw to this, though, was seeing the alternate endings for each and every one of the characters. Most culminated to someone (you) being betrayed by someone (Shinnok or Quan Chi) and exploding before they turned on each other. It was guilty pleasure, but still... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:11:26 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0879404/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0879404/ The quality of this one was unexpected, to be honest. I really wasn't coming to Halo games for an RTS experience, but this one really delievered. Excellent gameplay, mechanics, music, and cinematics kept me coming back for more and I hold this game as a valued member of the Halo collection, unlike Halo: Reach, which I don't as much. Sorry, Reach fans, but I expect a bit more story and character development from such a top notch series...and I am going to receive so many bad comments for that remark. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:12:17 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323932/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323932/ Remember when I said I was going to be a ninja when I grew up? No? Well, see your way down to #87, jerkwad. Anyway, when I do finally fulfill my lifelong dream, I hope that instead of becoming fodder for Chuck Norris, I get to test my skills against the other greatest throw rag: Zombies. This game might well be the greatest tribute to the zombie horror genre. With memorable moments such as standoffs in levels that include holding up in a house that is being utterly swarmed to holding off said horde until the arrival of your rescue chopper, not to mention one of the greatest multiplayer systems to date. With all of these great qualities, it truly makes me wonder why we haven't just given in and let the zombie apocalypse happen. Gosh! Freakin' Government!!! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:12:48 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0823463/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0823463/ Now here is a game that to me pays homage to all the great old action movies. The story is thin, but the tough as nails Marcus Fenix, his memorable team and his trademark chainsaw gun kept this gritty adventure colored with the blood of my foes as I pressed on through the incredible environments created by our friends at Epic Games. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:14:14 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264208/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264208/ 9 out of 10 of the people (if even ten people have read this) have cheated and scrolled further up to see the top reviews. (Curse you) Those of you who have done this know that I am a huge Hideo Kojima fan. Those of you who are ashamed of themselves not to know who Hideo Kojima is will probably have heard of the Metal Gear series somewhere. Anyway, this game was a truly unique experience for me. The gameplay for this one seemed well tuned, but slow. However, the mythology of the Enders' Series was so fascinating to me that I could not bring myself to put down the controller, as is the case with most games done by Kojima, except for that time in Metal Gear Solid when Psycho Mantis told me to... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:14:35 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388929/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388929/ Ah, Fable... what has happened to you? This game made me wonder at times if the makers were indeed schizophrenic. The emotions of doing good or evil are clearly present and effective, but the whole belching and farting mechanics just seemed downright juvenile. Still, the epic that Lionhead wove was definitely worth my time. The release of Lost Chapters made this story even more worth the effort. Not least of the additions was the excellent finale with the Dragon form of the malicious Jack of Blades. I've played Fable 2, and was stunned at some of the turns they took with the series: Some (guns) were good, some others (relying too much on the time spent after the main story was finished), not so much. Haven't played Fable 3 yet, but hearing that there is a town called Mourning Wood in the game doesn't give me much hope. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:15:10 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1331293/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1331293/ An excellent RTS that allowed you to command you army in ways that the original Starcraft did not. (Still, not as timeless, though) Building up your fortified city was also an amazing feature. You cap this off with some music from The Lord of The Rings like I did and you have one memorable experience. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:16:07 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397092/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397092/ Here, I'm referring to the Sega Genesis version. I believe this was one of, if not the first, sports game I ever took to. Obviously, this is a borderline sports game since it features its players somersaulting from the floor to the rafters of the stadium and then down to the epic slam-dunk. This was the draw and after much practice with my older brother, we got pretty good. I have fond memories of us sitting up one night and getting neck-n-neck in a game that lasted until 6OT and in the end scored 497 to 499. He won. Slick git. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:17:01 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0344329/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0344329/ Hack & slash violence and a fascinating look at the old platformers from the days of the Sega Genesis made this one worthy of notice. Plus, I love ninja's. I hope to make &quot;Becoming a Ninja&quot; my major when I finally decide to go to college. This game has all of the things I love from the Japanese ninja movies and anime: inconsistant story, villains that seem to drop out of the sky and make absolutely no sense-- that is, until you find out they were your master in another life (Oh! Now it all makes sense!)-- and a cool take on Neo-Tokyo. The span of this game, to me, is truly great, but none of it amounts against its' final fight. The Emperor at the end was for me the most difficult final boss fight I have ever encountered in my gaming career. I believe I fought him somewhere around 85 times, though I did beat him eventually, which I think is how I know I am pretty much the master of all reality and all that encompasses it, but you know... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:17:30 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249510/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249510/ The reason this game is so low on this list is much more personal than any judgment on the quality of this game. This game is excellent, and by some could be understandably considered the greatest of the FF PS1 titles. The story also is fantastic, but to be honest, doesn't quite resonate with me as much as the others. Is it a better game than Shinobi above it? Yes, obviously, but it doesn't hold the memories that Shinobi or the other games above it do for me. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:18:03 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372507/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372507/ O.k., I promise, for those of you who are tired of the subject, that this is the last time I get sentimental about my dad. He is quite fond of racing games and for the longest time we could not go a single evening without playing this game. It truly is a great racing game, though. The damage to vehicles and use of shortcuts was excellent. The ability to switch through music tracks was a nice feature too. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:18:43 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0278752/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0278752/ Another hats off to my father. I believe in psychology, and I believe in the effect our parents have on us. My dad and I for a while didn't have much to bond with one-on-one, but I believe that when my dad first offered to sit down with me and play this game with him as a way to spend time together forever altered the course of my life and is the core reason I am a gamer today. Sitting up on a school night at 2 in the morning playing this game with my dad is one of my fondest memories from my childhood. Love you, Dad. <br/>(And all the girls who might be reading this said &quot;awww...&quot;)<br/>(And all the guys who might be reading this said &quot;WUSS!&quot;) Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:19:27 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203701/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203701/ Any &quot;greatest games ever&quot; list requires you put the game that revolutionized the type of content put into video games along with being the reason they have rating systems in the first place. We all fondly remember Scorpion and Sub-Zero's dangling spinal cord fatality and The Pit. What never fails to baffle me is how the cart-wheeling uppercut-wielding Liu Kang was supposed to be the winner of the tournament. That guy's a tool. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:19:48 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024953/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024953/ This game was certainly not what I expected. Cartoony animations and cute characters seem to be a fascade to cover up other aspects like some mild/moderate uses of profanity and other extreme elements and events, and yes, I'm referring to the character Shu allowing himself to be severely electrocuted in order to save his friend. Shu, by the way, is why this game earns a slot on my list. He's a tiny 16 yr. old boy who looks and is depicted more like he's 10 and he is more courageous, more hardcore, and more unwilling to give up than most heroes seen in games at all. He's a character who doesn't run from a fight, no matter what odds are stacked against him, and that earns respect. This game is not for all tastes, but is a shame that Shu is so widely unknown and under appreciated. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:20:09 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0288264/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0288264/ I've never been much in to this sport personally, but being able to perform the moves that Tony Hawk can pull off on a variety of levels was something I didn't want to miss out on. However the best addition to this game was something I truly wish most games and their developers would take note of: CUSTOM SOUNDTRACKS. I spent hours downloading music to my X-Box so I could take advantage of this feature and it totally paid off in the end. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:20:34 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455965/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455965/ Kung fu in video games. If anyone could do it well, it was to be the wonderful creators at Bioware. This game dug in to one of my favorite genres and did it very well. This also, to my knowledge, was the game that started the trend of killing off a party member in Bioware games. That and (gasp! whisper!) being able to see your character kiss your romantic interest! I really hope to someday see a good sequel to this game, if only with a bit better narrative. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:20:57 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494294/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494294/ This one goes to my 5 little sisters, who are all the reason I play this game, but that doesn't mean that this game isn't enjoyable in its own right. Who can't enjoy side scrolling adventures controlling a tiny knight who can cut the heads off of enemies who literally try to poop on you? And all for a humorous makeout scene with each of the princess'? Not to mention an excellent leveling system that while untraditional to this type of genre is a feature that totally brings the player back for more. Intentionally overdramatic, extremely hilarious, and totally awesome. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:21:23 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844657/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844657/ When I played Ace Combat: Shattered Skies, I felt like I had found a new friend in this series. Then The Unsung War came out and I simply fell in love. And that game is nothing without its intruiging story, but with all the tips they give to the event known as The Belkan War, I believed from the moment I finished that they had to make a game of that event. Thankfully, others agreed and gave me the prequel chapter to one of my beloved titles. This game also has a terrific finale: in a game full of dogfights and dodges, it's one on one with your old wingman capped off with some of the best music in video game history. Thumbs up. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:21:51 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388944/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388944/ This is a good game, but to be honest, it was a disappointment. (Not as much as FFXIII, but I wont even go there) This game had a good story and some of the greatest gameplay the series has ever seen. The problem really was the perspective they took. I was always brought up to believe that in a story, which is what this is, there needs to be an established main character, which this game is lacking. And was I supposed to feel some sort of sympathy towards Ashe? She felt as lifeless as my Ashe action figure... That was a joke-- I- I don't play with action figures... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:22:16 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475137/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475137/ Ah, another sports game. Does the novelty ever wear off when you can score up to 598 runs in a baseball game because the AI is so bad. Not to me it doesn't. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:22:43 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243567/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243567/ Here's to you Dad. My father introduced me to great movies like Terminator 2, Aliens, Predator, and a hundred others. (All before the age of 4) So, it makes sense when I say that he also introduced me to this action-packed gorefest. The story is just palatable enough to see it through to the end, all the while keeping the experience fresh by showing you all the ways you can blow apart your enemies. Thanks for this, Dad. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:24:15 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0271111/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0271111/ This was my first experience with good blood effects in FPSs. I've graduated to Call of Duty: World at War, but this game still gives me warm fuzzy feelings when I shoot enemies in the face. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:24:41 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291490/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291490/ Super Mario Bros. may have got me playing, but this is where I became a gamer. On Christmas morning that year, when my older brother opened this up with his new Sega Genesis, I knew that I was receiving MY greatest gift that year. This game also was my first introdution to codes in games. Elaborate button presses like &quot;up, down, left, right, hold A, start&quot; are burned into my brain thanks this game. That by the way opens all levels on this game if you are still a loser who can't afford a better console yet.<br/>Nelson: Ha-Ha! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:25:11 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1333108/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1333108/ The first time I knocked down a twelve-story building with a sledgehammer: I'm not sure I can explain how the time, effort, or the pure adrenaline rush afterwards made me feel. It was an experience I cherish and will never forget... though now, I'll admit that I'm glad that grace has stepped in and allowed me to do it safely from my couch... where no one can get hurt... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:25:35 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395101/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395101/ Now this game was funny, and I like funny. Armed and Dangerous is also home to one of the best openers I have ever seen in a movie or game: &quot;Based on a true story...&quot;. Awesome. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:26:00 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196942/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196942/ The one in the series that introduces character creation. An amazing feature that really took too long to add to the games. A great playlist that still keeps me coming back for more. What more can I say? It's Guitar Hero. It *rocks*! There, I said it... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:26:27 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458433/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458433/ I'll tell you now that you wont find many sports games on this list. I have never really been into sports or their games. This game however, thanks to NBA Jam, was easy for me to open up to. Being the green alien on the court made me always feel like &quot;Hey, it doesn't matter that Scottie Pippin and Dennis Rodman are on my team-- The crowd is here to watch the freakin' ALIEN PLAYING BASKETBALL! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:27:13 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204798/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204798/ I never owned this game, but I could not keep myself from constantly going to one of my dear old friends' house and playing it for hours on end. Riding on Carpet, the awesome levels made in homage to the Genie's song, and whipping Jafar in the end made this game an instant classic. My only regret is that that dear old friend of mine I mentioned turned out to be a pervert... yeah. True story... Thanks a lot Disney. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:27:51 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323073/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323073/ Say whatever you want about Disney and their games today. At the time, I was singing the same song and dance. Then I received this game as a birthday present and felt like I was the lamest 7 yr old around (I was already on Mortal Kombat, I had no parental supervision) and then I, out of a show of good faith, started to play this game and from the first minigame as Timon & Pumbaa snatching up fruit, I was hooked. By the end, I was cheering my blood-warrior's cry as I kicked Scar off the mountain to his death. Thank you Disney. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:28:18 GMT http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0214963/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0214963/ Those of us who game at all are familiar with the Mortal Kombat franchise. Those of us who are players of the MK series know that in the stories, for whatever reason, Liu Kang is the winner of the tournament most of the time. This game fulfilled a life-long dream of putting that concept to death, and right at the beginnning. Watching old Liu kick the bucket could not have been more satisfying.