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25. DOOM Company: id Software
I probably play DOOM more than anyone should. There's nothing more exhilirating than running down the corridors of Phobos, fighting for your life to stay alive. You see, DOOM is about more than just shooting monsters; it's a game of survival. To survive, you must have quick reflexes to develop strategies to avoid swarms of enemies. For all those you think the game is "too boring" because all you do is kill monsters - believe me, you're missing the whole point of the game. I'd also like to add that even though it didn't make the list, Wolfenstein 3D is one of my favorites as well. Favorite Moment: The final stage for "The Shores of Hell" is one of the most memorable battles in the game. You have to fight the Cyberdemon - a half demon, half horse cyborg - through the courtyards of the Tower of Babel. What makes it so exciting is that you never know where he is. You can hear his feet stomping, but you never can tell if he's on the other side of the courtyard of it he's right behind you! 24. Tetris Company: Nintendo
If I were stranded on a desert island and I only had to pick one video game to play, I would pick this game. Why? The answer is simple: Tetris never gets old. No matter how many times I played this game, I never once thought, "I'm bored." In many ways, Tetris can be compared to a drug: it's highly addictive, you'll always want to get a HIGHER score, and you'll probably lose all sense of reality when playing it. Bad metephor, but you get the idea - drugs are bad, Tetris is not. Favorite Moment: *Spoilers* Ehh...it's Tetris - there are no real "moments" in the game. However, I always liked watching Nintendo's All-Star mascots (Mario, Link, Samus, etc.) dance after finishing level 9-5 on B-Type. :) 23. Yoshi's Island: Super Mario World 2 Company: Nintendo
Even Baby Mario's obnoxious crying wasn't enough to draw me away from the beauty of this game. I love how Nintendo decided to try something new with this game with both the graphics and the gameplay. With over 50 huge stages, countless secrets, and near-perfect play control, Yoshi's Island is one of the finest platformers on the system. It also features some of the the most unique boss battles in video game history. Favorite Moment: The battle with the frog was just about as weird as boss battles get, but the final battle with "baby" Bowser is one of the most well designed, visually stunning battles ever seen on a 16-bit system. It gave players a true glimse at what the aging SNES could handle. 22. Final Fantasy IV (II in America) Company:
Squaresoft
Although my first exposures to RPGs were Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy on the NES, FF4 was the first one that really grew on me. With a memorable cast of characters, an intriguing storyline, and gorgeous music, it's hard NOT to fall in the love the game. Today, the game may seem dated to many gamers, but I think that's what makes it special. In fact, it's simplicity is easily my favorite part about the game. Don't get me wrong - I love the complex character building systems in the preceeding Final Fantasy games, but sometimes less is more. Favorite Moment: The final battle. Challenging, heroic, emotional, etc. The Final Fantasy games have been known for their climactic battles, but FF4 easily stands as one of the best. 21. Super Mario World Company: Nintendo
Nintendo took the best of the NES Mario games and combined them to form this fabulous game. I really enjoyed Super Mario World. I liked the fact that it was a somewhat non-linear game. There are so many different paths to take that, if done correctly, one can actually finish the game from start to finish in less than 20 minutes. I also liked the addition of Yoshi. With this lovable green dinosaur, the game gets even more interesting as you eat, that's right - EAT your way through Bowser's troops and ultimately rescue the princess. Favorite Moment: Not really a moment per se, but when you finish the game's special world, Dinosaur Land basically turns into Hippie Land. The overworld colors change from green and blue to peach and purple. In addition, all the Koopa Troopas wear Mario masks rather than shells. I thought it was a neat gag, though it served no purpose at all. 20. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Company:
Nintendo/Rare
I liked Donkey Kong Country, but I LOVED Donkey Kong Country 2. This sequel improved upon it's predecessor in just about everyway, most notably the challenge. DKC2 was one of the first games I played that really challenged me. It's not hard, per se, but it's definitely no walk in the park. But aside from the challenge, DKC2 had so much to offer. For example, completing the "Lost World" sidequest was another game within itself, what with all those bonus tokens you had to find. Not to mention all the damn "Hero Coins" that you needed to get to 102%. Favorite Moment: I love the stage "Bramble Scramble." It's a maze that requires you to shoot out of barrels (one of the series most distinguishing factors). Plus, the music is phenomenal. 19. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Company: Nintendo
What many thought would be a toned down version of A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening is actually right up there as one of the best games in the series. There's plenty of adventure, action, and chicken burning (heh) to turn on this long-time Zelda fanboy. I especially enjoyed the game's light hearted atmosphere and original setting (it was nice to get away from Hyrule for a change). Favorite Moment: *Spoilers* The ending - not only does it make me smile everytime I see it, it also makes me think - was Koholint real, or was it just part of Link's dream? However, rather than dwelling on this extremely open-ended question, I usually just find another game to play. :b 18. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! Company: Nintendo
My favorite sports games are those that focus on arcade action rather than realism. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out is a prime example of how even the most unrealistic sports game proves to be more fun than a simulation. Oddly enough, I don't even like boxing. In fact, I couldn't even tell you the names of three current professional boxers. Despite this, Punch-Out remains my favorite sports game for its emphasis on strategy, quick thinking, and most importantly, overall enjoyment. Even upon playing this game hundreds of times, I never tire of it (and that's not even counting all the times it took me to beat Tyson :b). That's saying a lot considering I usually get bored of sports games within a matter of minutes (boxing games in particular). Plus, it also features one of the most memorable casts in video game history. I mean, who can honestly say they can't remember the drunken antics of Soda Popinski, or the obese ways of King Hippo? I rest my case. Favorite Moment: Even a game as harmless as Punch-Out had its fair share of subliminal messages. Sure, it's worthy to mention how this games reeks of stereotypes that would only be considered offensive by today's society. However, what's even worse is when Little Mac goes to his trainer, Doc, for fighting advice. In response to Mac's cry of pain, Doc's only words of wisdom are to "JOIN THE NINTENDO FUN CLUB TODAY, MAC!" Best. Quote. Ever! 17. Bionic Commando Company: Capcom
Wow...talk about a game being way ahead of it's time. First off, there's the bionic arm, which basically eliminates the ability to jump and replaces it with something a little more strategic. Next, you have the MegaMan-inspired level selection which allows the player to choose where they want to go next. And finally, you get to use computers to communicate with your partners or even wire-tap into the enemy's conversations! Take those elements, combine them with some nifty level design and near-perfect challenge and you've got yourself one hell of a game. Favorite Moment: *Spoilers* Bionic Commando has one of my favorite video game endings. Yeah, the use of the word "damn" in an NES game is always fun to see. Likewise, Hitler's head being blow up to pieces is a treat as well. However, my favorite part of the ending is when the hero ends the story of a positive, uplifting note. Yeah, it's corny, but it really made of you feel good about completing the game. 16. Contra III: The Alien Wars Company: Konami
Oh, it's Contra alright, but this time around it's bigger, badder, and more explosive than ever before. Contra's transition to 16-bit was nearly perfect. Konami expanded upon the original formula to create an even darker, more atmospheric game. However, they were still able to maintain (and and some cases improve) upon the action that made Contra a hit. Konami = KING OF ACTION GAMES! Favorite Moment: The series of boss battles towards the end of the game is certainly memorable, but my favorite part of the game is the fight with the Stage 4 boss. The battle goes like this: there are missiles being shot towards you as your flying in the air. Your job is to jump from missile to missile while shooting the boss (who appears on the right hand side of the screen)....action...overload....*EXPLOSION* :D 15. Super C Company: Konami
For years, you could never convince me that this game was better than Contra. I always thought this was a, dare I say, disappointing sequel to one of my favorite games. Well, now that I've grown older, I regret anything negative I ever said about the game. Super C is a fantastic sequel to Contra. It's so good, in fact, that it even improves on some of the aspects that were lacking in its predecessor. While it might not have the spark that the first game in the series had, Super C manages thrill me with it's non-stop action and brilliant level design. Favorite Moment: Super C is filled with tons of action packed moments that'll literally have you sitting on thin air. My favorite moment is towards the end, when you have to make dozens of death-defying jumps as the ceiling to the alien's lair rises and descends. Also, let's not forget about the wonderful floating orbs that just love to float in your general direction. While we're at it, let's throw in some nasty aliens coming at you from each side. Action? You bet. Excitement? Very much so. Does Konami kick ass? Hell yeah! 14. MegaMan 2 Company: Capcom
When you have six different games that, to the average gamer, all look alike, it's kind of hard to choose between the one you like best. I, on the other hand, easily pick MegaMan 2 as my favorite game in the series. I know what you're asking: what does MegaMan 2 have that the others don't? For starters, all 8 bosses could potentially be defeated with the standard arm cannon, making it possible to play through the stages in any order you wish. Also, the flow of the gameplay is much smoother in MegaMan 2 than than in the other games. It never feels redudant, and there are always different ways of getting around obstacles. Don't get me wrong, I love all six NES MegaMan games, but MegaMan 2 sticks out the most. Favorite Moment: *Spoilers* The final battle is easily one of the most atmospheric fights in any NES game. When you enter the final area, you hear nothing but the sound of slime eerily dripping on the floor. As you make your way through, you finally meet up with Dr. Wily. However, this time he shows his true form as the final battle begins. That, and the notorious can of beer are my favorite moments in MegaMan 2. (A little inside joke to those who have seen the ending.) 13. Super Mario Bros. 3 Company: Nintendo
I'll be blunt: I have spent more time playing Super Mario Bros. 3 than any other game ever created. However, my love for the game goes far beyond nostalgia. The game's size alone deserves a mention, as there are a total of 88 levels spread across 8 very unique worlds. Even by today's standards, that's a great feat. In addition to size, all the standard Mario elements are here: question mark boxes, coins, secret pipes, etc. I can go on forever about how amazing this game is, but I'm sure you all get the idea. Favorite Moment: Like Super Mario 64's Big-Small World, World 4: Land of the Giants is arguably one of the best designed area in gaming. Just in case you haven't played Super Mario Bros. 3 (ha), I'll explain the premise: basically, it's the same as the other worlds, with only one tiny difference (no pun intended) - the enemies and objects are twice their normal size. As a result, the game becomes even more of a spectacle because everything is bigger than you. 12. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Company: Sega
One thing I love about the Sonic games are their simplistic, yet captivating designs. Essentially, it's nothing more than running and jumping. But somehow, Sega makes it work. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is easily my favorite in the series. It had everything the original game had and then some - unique zones, cleaverly designed levels, and a fun (albeit experimental) multiplayer mode. Sonic the Hedgehog might have started the series, but Sonic 2 perfected it. Favorite Moment: Casino Night Zone is definitely up there with Land of the Giants (SMB3) as one of the most creative stages ever designed. The whole level is basically what the name says: a casino. I used to spent hours seeing how many rings I could rack up by going through the in-stage slots machines. Too bad I can't seem to score that big at a real casino. :( 11. Super Mario Bros. Company: Nintendo
Do I really have to explain this game? Unless you've been living on Mars for the past 20 years, you've probably played it at least once. So why is it on my list? Well, aside from the fact that it changed my life in just about every way a life can be changed, it was my first real exposure to video games. Little did I know that this gem would introduce me to one of my favorite hobbies. Favorite Moment: *SPOILER...I guess* Beating the game only to realize that Princess Toadstool is smaller than one of Mario's mushrooms. 10. Super Mario Kart Company: Nintendo
Of all the racing games I've played, Super Mario Kart is the only one I can play without getting extremely bored. I liked Mario Kart more than the average racing game mainly because of the use of items. Instead of just praying to get in first place (like most racing games), you had to rely on a using items and making quick decisions. This may sound like some sort of gimmick, but there's actually a lot of strategy used. Thank you Mario Kart for clearly demonstrating the meaning of adrenaline. :D Favorite Moment: The Grand-Prix race on Rainbow Road is the most challenging, yet most satisfying experiences I have ever had with the game. To this day, I still shake as I cross the finish line to the game's final course. The track is short, but it takes every bit of skill you learned throughout the game to master. It's a shame that Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road was the exact opposite - long and easy. 9. Super Mario Bros. 2 Company: Nintendo
Definitely the most underrated game on the list. So many people hate this game simply because it's different. Well folks, here's why it's different: it's NOT a Mario game at all! For those who don't know, it's really a Japanese game called "Dream Factory" with Mario characters. Yes, it was Nintendo's cheap way of screwing us out of the REAL Super Mario Bros. 2 (which was later release on SNES in the compilation Super Mario All-Stars). Nevertheless, SMB2 featured platforming ideas that I still have yet to see in and other game. Everything about the game is stunning: four characters each with their own abilities, HUGE multi-path levels, awesome boss battles, and of course, vegetable throwing! I can't get enough of it! Favorite Moment: *Spoilers* For some reason, I really like the ending. There's a calm tone when we see Mario sound asleep in his bed, dreaming of saving the world of Sub-con. It was nice to see an ending that didn't just end on a joyous occasion. It was also graphically impressive to see a full-sized cartoon character on an 8-bit system. 8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Company: Konami
Symphony of the Night is a masterpiece. Straying away from the traditional Castlevania style, Symphony of the Night allowed players to explore the castle at their own will without proceeding level by level. I, for one, loved the endless exploration. Yes, the game is a bit easy for a Castlevania game, but endless secrets, intense boss battles, and crapload of weapons made up for it. Favorite Moment: One word - Granfalloon. This is quite possibly the most absurd boss battle in history. While Castlevania games usually use some sort of demon-like creature a boss, Granfalloon goes far beyond the norm. Basically, the enemy is a huge (by huge I mean at least 2-3 screens big) ball of blood and guts. Every few seconds, the big ball-o-guts will shake. Soon, sounds of screaming are heard as 20-30 zombies make their way from the blob towrads the ground. It's all illogical, but somehow Konami makes it all work. 7. Final Fantasy VII Company: Squaresoft
You know you love a game when you spend more time playing it than spending time with your friends and family (social lives are highly overrated, by the way). This was my case with Final Fantasy VII. Now don't get scared, but I put well over 350 hours of gameplay on this baby. I know what you're asking: "why?" Well...why not? I'm not going to go into every little detail as to why I worship this game, but I will tell you this: I have yet to hear one logical argument that will change my opinions about the brilliance of this game. If you think you have one, I'm all ears! Favorite Moment: *MAJOR SPOILERS* At the end of the first disc, one of the main characters, Aeris, is killed by Sephiroth, the game's main enemy. In a weird way, this is my favorite moment in the game. Not only did it change the mood of the storyline, but it also changed the mood of the entire game. From that point on, the atmosphere became dark and disturbed. And that, my friends, is what made FF7 so unique. 6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Company: Nintendo
Setting the standard in graphics, gameplay, and concept, Ocarina of Time is easily Nintendo's best effort. Everything about the game is extrodinary. The plot, while somewhat simplistic, is a deeper take on the classic Zelda story. The graphics are vibrant, and really immerse you into the land of Hyrule. And of course, the gameplay (the backbone to the entire Zelda series) once again surpasses the competition with cleverly arranged, intriguing real-time battles, and endless exploration. It's not my favorite Zelda game, but it clearly stands as the best game during the N64/PSX generation. Favorite Moment: *MAJOR SPOILERS* My favorite moment in Ocarina of Time is the game's very end. Basically, it shows Link meeting Zelda in Hyrule Castle...again. This obviously left me thinking - why did Link see Zelda again? While members of Zelda forums across the world have pondered this same question, there is no definite answer. Many have said the ending is incomplete, but I digress. It merely adds to the mystery of The Legend of Zelda. 5. The Legend of Zelda Company: Nintendo
Before Super Mario Bros. 3 took over my life, there was Zelda. The Legend of Zelda was unlike any other game I had ever played. I was not bogged down by having to complete every level in order. Instead, I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I was free to explore an imaginery world full of secrets, mystery, and adventure. And as if that weren't enough, Nintendo decided to double the enjoyment by challenging players with a remixed version of the quest. The Legend of Zelda is truly a crowning acheivement in gaming history. Favorite Moment: When exploring a dungeon, I always loved how you can hear the boss several rooms away. It adds suspense as you try to figure out how to get to the room with the Triforce. 4. Contra Company: Konami
Contra is, without a doubt, my favorite arcade/action game. Rather than merely blasting your way through stages, Contra challenges the player with quick thinking and strategic maneuvering. Other key aspects of the game include flawless control, crisp graphics, and brilliant level design (a Konami trademark ;)) Granted, it's not as long as recent shooters, but like most NES games, Contra was not designed to take months to complete. As a matter of fact, I have had more fun playing Contra for 20 minutes than playing Metal Gear Solid for 20 hours. :b Favorite Moment: The waterfall stage is one of my all-time favorite levels. The stage goes from bottom to top rather than left to right. Moving vertically instead of horizontally doubles the excitement. You have to worry about both getting shot and falling to your death at the same time. At the end, you meet a huge boss that, like all Contra bosses, takes clever strategy and quick-thinking to destroy. Once again, Konami proves that they are the masters of action games. 3. Chrono Trigger Company: Squaresoft
For a company that basically took over my life during my early high school years, only two Squaresoft games manage to appear on the list. Nevertheless, Chrono Trigger makes its way into my top three favorite games. While it may not be as epic as say, Final Fantasy VII, Chrono Trigger's gameplay is nothing short of brilliance. With seven uniquely designed characters, six different time periods, and literally hundreds of special moves, it's hard for me NOT to like Chrono Trigger's gameplay. And as if that's not enough, there's also a beautiful soundtrack, a thought-provoking story, and stellar graphics. Not even the great FF7 can stand up to the genius that is Chrono Trigger. Favorite Moment: The battle with Magus is one of the most epic battles ever created. It requires strategy, patience, and most importantly, quick thinking. Magus's barrier constantly changes, so you have to keep a close eye on his weaknesses. And, like my favorite FF7 moment (see above), the battle with Magus is, more or less, the turning point in the game. The storyline and atmosphere become darker as you try to uncover the mystery behind Lavos, the game's main enemy. 2. Super Metroid Company: Nintendo
It's hard to imagine a world without Super Metroid. Okay, that might be exaggerating, but seriously - Super Metroid is the pinnacle of 2D platformers. I can't even begin to tell you why I love this game. Perhaps it's the non-stop action, solid controls, or the lush, atmospheric environments. Whatever it is, Super Metroid is a major improvment from it's predecessors. Every time I play the game, I am immersed in an endless battle to, well...find a bottle. I especially like the game's length - not too long, not too short. It's perfect for this type of game. In fact, Super Metroid has become by one of my favorite Sunday afternoon pastimes. :) Favorite Moment: *MAJOR SPOILERS* There's one part that I think all Super Metroid players remember perfectly. Right when you think Mother Brain is about to finish you off, along comes the metroid you saved at the end of Metroid II. The metroid sucks out Mother Brain's energy and quickly gives it to Samus. However, as the metroid flys away, Mother Brain gains her stamina back and proceeds to fire at the metroid. As the metroid falls to its death, it gives Samus its powers. Finally, you regain control of Samus and destroy Mother Brain with the metroid's hyperactive power. It's an epic battle that has definitely stood the test of time.
AND MY FAVORITE GAME OF ALL-TIME IS...
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Company: Nintendo
Although many years have passed since I first played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, I have yet to find another game that surpasses it in terms of its concept, adventure, and overall enjoyment. While the original Zelda set the stage for adventure games, A Link to the Past perfected it. Like it's predecessors, A Link to the Past is based on non linear gameplay. I used to spend countless hours roaming the huge land of Hyrule, finding secrets as I went along. In addition to that, A Link to the Past also has the reputation of being the biggest Zelda game to date. With a total of 13, that's right - 13 unique dungeons, it's hard to imagine that each dungeon is as well-designed as the last. Of course, leave it to the folks at Nintendo to show us that a game can have both quantity and quality. In fact, because I found that the dungeons were so intricately designed, they become my favorite aspect of the game. The constant search for keys to unlock new items is just too damn enjoyable, even for a video game. Okay, I'll stop there because you probably get the picture by now. However, I will end by saying this: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was, is, and always will be my favorite game of all time. Favorite Moment: Ganon's tower - The game's final dungeon is the longest, most grueling dungeon in any Zelda game. It is comprised of several floors, each one increasing with difficulty. There aren't too many puzzles in Ganon's Tower, but the action is non-stop (which is always nice to see, even in a Zelda game). Finally, you come across Agahim at the top of the tower, which later leads to the game's final boss...GANON! (Surprise, surprise). |
