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I've been meaning to do this for sometime now. If you're as nerdy as I am, you can judge a person's quality of life by their
favorite video games. For example, if your favorite game is Madden, I hate you. But anyway, here goes:
10. Super Metroid (SNES)
If you haven't played Super Metroid, do so right now. With multiple weapon upgrades, boss battles that will put a mustache
on your little sister, and a huge ass map, this game
will keep even the most OCD-afflicted gamer busy for many hours. Not to mention this is one of the earliest games I can
site evoking a "mood." The music and alien atmosphere come together to create a delicious concoction that fucks
Lost in Space right up the manhole.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
Listen, Ocarina fanboys, forget about your 10 year long nostalgia and move on. Where Ocarina innovated, Twilight Princess
perfects. The open-world exploration, Z-Targeting, man-tastic boss battles, and brain-fucking puzzles are better than ever
this time around. And you can turn into a wolf. This game kicks balls.
8. Actraiser (SNES)
I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of this gem. This SNES classic hails from a time when Enix was an independent
company that made some awesome-ass games (see: Brainlord, Soul Blazer.) Actraiser's willingness to throw convention out the
window was just one of the things that make it so special to me, not to mention the gorgeous graphics and top-notch Yuzo Koshiro
soundtrack. It was half city building sim, half action platformer. During the former, you built civilizations from nothing,
but before there would be peace in the land, you had to destroy the monsters that inhabited the land. That's where the latter
came in. This game was like a mixtape of awesome. Every so often, I still reserve a Saturday afternoon to breeze through it.
7. Jet Grind Radio (DC)
This game defines "style." Just look at those cel-shaded graphics. Never have all the elements of presentation
in a game worked together so well. And although I wouldn't listen to most of the music in my car, it works so well in the
game that I can't complain. The first time you play JGR, you quickly feel the finesse of the simplified controls. Taking more
time to learn the intricacies pays off, too, because of the advanced trick and combo system. All in all, fun as fuck.
6. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)
Expect this to change the next time a real Pokemon set comes out. I've been a Pokemaniac since 1998 and I took the oath
to catch 'em all, and GOD DAMN IT, I'm going to catch 'em all! Each new game has really just been an expansion to the Pokedex
for trainers like me, and with over 200 hours (lifetime) total, I don't see myself ever slowing down on this series. To catch
them is my real test, to train them is my cause.
5. Killer7 (GC)
Talk about a mind-fuck. This is the first game to be a philosophical metaphor throughout. And within the overarching theme,
there are so many more issues commented on. I could give college lectures based on all the symbolism in this game. There's
a part near the end where you literally re-enact a metaphor. Read that again. As far as graphics and music goes, everything
was the right choice. Killer7 has been called an On-Rails Shooter before, but that's not entirely correct. It's not Time Crisis
or even close. Basically, hold A to run forward, B to turn around, and at junctions, select your path. When a Heaven Smile
(enemy) is near, hold R to enter first person mode and start shooting. There are so many bizarre moments you might think it's
just messing with you, but trust me, it all means something to the literary mind.
4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
What can I say about this game? First of all, I love Nintendo unconditionally, so when you cram years of history into
one game, you have no room for failure. Simply put, there are a fuck ton of characters, stages, and options, so the game will
never get old. And Smash is full of subtleties and nuances in the gameplay and controls, making it tournament-grade stuff
for players like myself. One big focus in Brawl was making the experience all about the user, and I have to say it worked
out. Fuck people who say that Melee is better; they're just dick wizards who miss wave-dashing and all the other ways of making
the game no fun for any one else.
3. Metal Gear Solid (PS)
Even though it's been rendered obsolete by a stellar remake and three sequels, this game was fucking AMAZING in its prime.
Enemy guards could hear you knocking on walls and see your footsteps in the snow. The stealth action turned out to be much-needed
relief in a time when run n' gun was oozing from every wazoo in sight (that's actually a problem that we're experiencing these
days, too. Fuck Gears of War and every other shooter right now.) But the boss fights really made for some of the most memorable
in history. I mean, I could rattle all of them off right now in order and the various methods to defeat each, but the one
that really made the game was Psycho Mantis. 'Nuff said.
2. Super Mario World (SNES)
If you say that SMB 3 is the best Mario game ever, I will cut you. Listen: World had awesome level design, cleverly implemented
secrets, and Yoshi. The graphics and music are as colorful and whimsical as ever and nothing about the game seems aged at
all. If this game just came out for the Wii, I would be all over it. One just can't say enough about a classic 2D Mario game,
so I'll leave it at this: Best Mario Ever.
1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS)
I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just explain what this game is. SotN is essentially an open-world 2D sidescroller
held together by a deep RPG stat system. You can wear different armors, equip various weapons, and summon benevolent monsters
to affect your numbers in a strategic way. The giant conjoined map is very reminiscent of Super Metroid and hides just as
many secrets. The character sprites are all very well animated and detailed. As with all Castlevanias, the soundtrack is excellent,
but this one is a true standout in the series. There are guitar-heavy rockers, Baroque-inspired partitas, and jazz-fueled
jams ready to suit the occasion. The enemies and bosses are all notable for their varied roots in mythology, literature, and
local legends from all places and times in the world. You can play through SotN multiple times and you still may not even
find out about all the crazy things it hides. One crazy secret is the ability to summon a cow to increase your defense. Or
using a sword as a familiar, learning a spell from it, and leveling it up to wield as a real sword. Not to mention unlocking
the Inverted Castle and seeing all four endings. For all its awesomeness, this game will forever be my favorite and you should
do whatever you can to play it.
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