Igor and I have decided to make a list of our top 10 favourite video games of all time. Notice that these are our favourites, not ones we rank as the greatest. In our lists, we do not include more than one game in a franchise (ie. we only chose one of the GTAs to make it into our top 10) so that we would have a greater variety of games. Our lists also depend on the consoles we have owned. So here’s our top 10, we hope you will enjoy it. Hit the jump for our lists.
Jovan:
You will notice that none of my favourite games are recent (most recent – 2007). I’m not as big on video games now as I was when I was younger, which is why pretty much all my favourite games are on older systems.
10. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (Super Nintendo – SNES) – This was one of the premier games on the Super Nintendo. It doesn’t fall into the category of core platformer Mario games (the one developed for SNES was Super Mario World), but it included most of the same characters and added the RPG element used in Chrono Trigger, another excellent SNES game. The difficulty level of the game is not very great, as with most RPGs, but it’s a fun experience that any Nintendo and RPG fan will enjoy.
9. NBA Live 2004 (PS2) – Sports games are tough to rank in terms of favouritism. They are increasing in quality every single year, and it would incorrect for me to say that NBA 2K12 is not amazing compared to Live 2004. However, this game seemed way ahead of its time, and resulted in countless hours in the Dynasty mode (where you could abuse the stupid AI and stack up a ridiculous and unbeatable team). Even though it’s not better than current NBA games, it’s still my favourite and the one I spent the most time playing.
8. Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Wii) – Even though most, if not all, critics say that the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy was better than the original, it was too similar for me and seemed somewhat repetitive. Don’t get me wrong, it’s probably better than the original, but I cannot favor it over the first game (especially since I never finished it). The original Super Mario Galaxy is, in my opinion, the best (or second to its sequel) Mario platformer ever created (these include Super Mario Bros. 1,2, and 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and the 2 Galaxies). It took the 3D world to a new level, with amazing planet designs and extremely fun gameplay (and it had an amazing soundtrack).
7. Goldeneye 007 (N64) – I’ve never been too fond of shooters. I never really got into Halo or Call of Duty, so Rare’s Goldeneye is pretty much the only shooter that I have actually put many hours into. Everyone talks about the multiplayer, which was amazing to play when we were younger, but now that the game is outdated, the only thing I can go back to is the amazing single player. Sure, the graphics are terrible (they’re so much worse than most other N64 games), but there’s something about the single player campaign that makes me want to play it over and over again (and try and beat it in 00 agent, which I never managed to do).
6. Pokemon: Gold Version (Gameboy Color) – Not only is this my favourite Pokemon game, it’s definitely the best. It took all the awesome elements from the original games and expanded the world by adding in another region, as well as expanding the selection of pokemon (and allowing you to carry more legendary pokemon, which are a bitch to catch since they always flee from the fight). It’s a simple game that somehow manages to get you sucked in and has great replay value, assuming you’re willing to give up your pokemon and restart the game.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2) – All of the GTA games are great, and it’s not fair to say Vice City is better than GTA 4, since the world in GTA 4 is so vast compared to Vice City. GTA 4 got too repetitive for me, and failed to leave the same impression that Vice City did. The missions are incredibly fun to do, and there are a few nearly impossible ones (or maybe I just sucked at the game), and as with all the GTA games, it’s fun to simply go around stealing cars and doing reckless stuff. It was also great to buy all those establishments once you finished the main game. How difficult was it to deliver ice cream to 50 people without getting caught by the cops?
4. Super Smash Bros. 64 (N64) – The original Smash Bros. games is not the best one, but after god knows how many hours spent playing it, the controls and mechanics were stuck so deep into my head that I couldn’t get used to playing with the changed mechanics of the two sequels. I didn’t own a GameCube, so I rarely got to play Melee, but I do own Smash Bros. Brawl, and while it’s the best of the three games in overall quality, I’d rather play the original (it also helps that I’m actually good at the original game, while pretty sub-par at the other two). Also, it helps to have friends who are also good at the game, because playing against a level 9 AI is extremely boring and easy.
3. Banjo Kazooie (N64) – Rare took platformers to a new level with Banjo Kazooie. It seems like a stupid idea, having a bear and bird searching for jigsaw puzzle pieces (called 'jiggies') in order to unlock worlds and defeat a witch, but the worlds are wonderfully designed and it really allows you to get into the game and enjoy its beauty. There are enough moves to learn, and it’s fun using all of them. It’s also a good feeling when you finish a game like this (this applies to all platformers and adventure games – games that have an actual ending – unlike sports games). Speaking of good feelings when finishing a game, if you manage to get through Banjo Tooie while collecting all the jiggies, be proud. Not only does it feature one of the worst worlds ever created (Grunty Industries – it’s not bad, it’s just extremely annoying and douche), but good luck with that final jiggie where you have to race Canary Mary one last time. These annoyances made me enjoy Kazooie more, but it’s fair to say that Tooie is a better game overall, with more moves than the original game and more vast worlds with tougher challenges. Still, the original stuck with me as my favourite.
2. Donkey Kong Country (SNES) – Possibly the best 2D platformer ever (developed by Rare – they really made my childhood), DKC took the Super Mario Bros. gameplay and enhanced it. This was the first console video game I ever played, and it’s one of the best. Unlike with Super Mario World, you had two characters: Diddy and Donkey Kong, each with their own advantages. You also got many more sidekicks (like the rhino and swordfish – not just Yoshi), but there weren’t power-ups, such as mushrooms. Mario fans will undoubtedly defend Super Mario World, but as a fan of both franchises, I have to give preference to DKC. It was followed by an amazing sequel, one which many fans will say is the best of the DKC series, and a good, but not great, third game. The second game had the best combination of characters, with the quick Diddy, and Dixie, who was able to glide long distances using her hair. Thankfully, they kept her for the third game. A fourth game was recently released on the Wii, and it’s definitely the best one of the four. However, it lacks the originality of the first three, so I cannot put it as my favorite. Again, I’m going to have to go with the original as my favourite. It also had the best music, and many tunes which were re-created for the fourth game, but I still find that the original midi files in the first DKC are better sounding overall.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) – Most Nintendo fans who grew up with an N64 will probably agree with me on this one. It had amazing graphics for the 64-bit era, a good story (I don’t care what people say, the story about the Triforce is very interesting), and fantastic gameplay. The dungeons were excellent, the boss fights were pretty epic, especially the one with Ganon, and the side challenges of collecting all the heart pieces and golden skulltulas were enough to keep you playing for a long time. The music in the game also makes the experience more enjoyable. Zelda’s Lullaby, Hyrule Field and Gerudo’s Valley (which is the best one, no question) rank as some of my favourite video game melodies of all time. It’s a game that achieved perfection on so many levels that it’s still difficult for gamers to rank a game ahead of Ocarina of Time on the all-time best video games list. The sequel, Majora’s mask, was also incredible in quality, but its difficulty level is somewhat of a drawback, and the game is nearly impossible to finish without the help of a walkthrough. I never had to chance to play Wind Waker, but Twilight Princess had many of the same aspects from Ocarina of Time, which made it better overall, but much more unoriginal. I’ve heard people saying A Link to the Past (SNES) is the best Zelda game, and I now see where Ocarina of Time originated. However, even though the games are nearly identical in terms of gameplay, A Link to the Past is 2D and it looks more like Pokemon on the Gameboy, which is why I must give preference to Ocarina of Time. It’s my favourite video game, and my vote for the best game ever for its time.
Igor:
My list is a little bit different than Jovan’s, since it includes a lot of newer games as well as old ones. I’m not a big fan of shooters (except Timesplitters 2), 2-D platformers, and long RPGs, and even though I love basketball games (2k series and street), they never leave me with a satisfying feeling, since there is no final goal. There were a few omissions that were heartbreaking, but here are my favourite 10 games.
10-tie. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) and Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64) - Every time I thought I liked one game more than the other, I remember amazing memories playing the other game, so I had to put them in a tie. MGS4 is an absolutely amazing game, with a great story, great gun mechanics and a legendary main character. This was the final game in the Metal Gear series and if I had played all the earlier games in the franchise, then it would definitely be in the top 5 of this list. CBFD is one of the most unique games I’ve played. This game was initially supposed to be targeting younger children, but Rare just said fuck this, we’re gonna have a bad ass squirrel roam around in a fucked up world. It’s a great platformer with a diverse and extremely fun multiplayer mode.
9. SSX 3 (PS2) – It was tough choosing between this and SSX Tricky, since both are great, but the partial free roaming around the mountain gave the edge to SSX 3. This is arcade snowboarding at its finest. What separated this game from other snowboarding games is that there are insane uber tricks, that are so great when pulled off. There are 5 different modes to play and 10 characters to choose from, each with his or her own unique selection of clothes and board styles. There is exciting news that a new SSX is coming out for PS3 and XBOX360 in early 2012, it’s gonna be sick.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) – I grew up loving n64 platformers and racers (only Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong Racing) so I never really got a chance to play this as a kid. Well this summer, I finally experience the legendary game that this is. It’s very epic and it was less dated that I expected. Every level is memorable, since you go through each at least twice, the soundtrack is excellent, Link is a great character, even though he doesn’t speak, and the story is interesting enough. You also get to ride a horse..yes a horse, even in 98’!!! Had I played this in my youth, it would definitely be in my fav 5.
7. Pokemon: Red Version (Game Boy) – As great as Gold/Silver were, I have to give it to the original. I still remember putting this game into my Game Boy Pocket and selecting Charmander as my first Pokemon. Working though the game, catching Pokmon, exploring dungeons, and beating trainers will always be great memories from my childhood. This game is simple, but entertaining from picking your first Pokemon to catching Mewtwo, and will always be played from time to time by me.
6. Super Mario 64 (N64) – Super Mario 64 was the first game that I laid my hands on, and I’ve been playing it ever since. Every time I start a new game and walk into the first level (Bom-omb Battlefield), I get a massive rush of excitement. The story is pretty cheesy, Mario has to collect stars to open doors so that he can save Princess Peach from Bowser (I think he’s kidnapped her about 100 times). Each level is an open world with 6 stars (+1 star for getting 100 coins in the level) and packed with great music and tons of fun. Even though Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are better and more developed, this is the original 3D Super Mario and will forever be one of my favourite games.
5. Super Smash Bros Melee (Game Cube) – From this list, I’ve played this game the most by a landslide. I only bought a Game Cube just so I could play this game, since the original was amazing. The single player is alright, and it is easy enough to unlock all the characters, but what makes this game so fun is that a lot of my friends are around the same level, so battles get crazy competitive. I like this more than the original, because the action is faster paced, it has more characters and there are less douche characters (Kirby in the original is unstoppable). SSB Brawl is the best of the series, but I never go into it as much as Melee. Overall this game has occupied many hours of my life and will always continue to do so, since it will never get boring.
4. Red Dead Redemption (PS3) – When I heard about “The GTA of the wild west” I got really excited and couldn’t wait to play it. This game has a great story about an ex outlaw who is trying to take out his old gang members, so he can live freely with his family, who the government has captivated. The map is large, covering the south area of the states, Mexico, and part of the north-eastern states. The horse riding is exciting, and the gun mechanics are great, improved from Rockstar’s previous GTA games. There is never a dull moment in the story, enough comedy to change to pace from the seriousness and a load of great characters. John Marston (from protagonist) is one of, if not, my favourite character in a video game. He’s a real bad-ass, but also a caring man who will do anything for his family. There is an online multiplayer option, which is fun, but the single player is what made this game so excellent, and it had me almost at tears near the end.
3. Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (PS2) – I remember getting R&C Going Commando for Christmas back in 2003 and being absolutely thrilled with the game. It’s a platformer with huge guns, that’s like the best of 2 worlds!! A few years later I bought R&C Up Your Arsenal, which had more guns, more mods for guns, more gadgets and more mini games. This is one of my favourite gaming series, since it’s packed with loads of comedy, action, puzzles and lots of fun. Up Your Arsenal follows Ratchet (a lombat, some sort of cat/lion/fox hybrid) and his side-kick Clank (a robot) who try to save the Dr. Nefarious. This series has the most unique gun selection (you can turn enemies into ducks) and powerups/mods from any series I’ve played. One amazing thing about his game was the mini-games. There is a mini-game where you can play as Captain Qwark (a delusional superhero) in a 2-D side scrolling platformer, which is very fun (even though I don’t like 2-D platformers).
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) – The Uncharted series is one of the best series in terms of overall gameplay. All the games (I’m currently playing the 3rd will review it when I finish) have a great, movie-like story, fun platforming, excellent voice casting and characters, top-notch shooting mechanics, engaging puzzle, and tons of comedy. It’s very hard to find a game that delivers this much and does it nearly perfectly. Uncharted 2 is so far my favourite, since it expanded greatly on what the 1st one did, and it is better so far than the 3rd. It follows Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter, who is working on finding the lost treasure of Marco Polo. Things aren’t so simple of course as there are many twists and turns in the game. Drake is a cocky, hilarious, witty, charming and will never give up in his adventures, since he’s also very stubborn. He is definitely among my favourite video game characters of all time. This game is higher ranked in my books than the other 2, because of a few very memorable parts. This includes a 1 on 1 fight with a Yeti monster, which scared the crap out of me, running through Tibet while a massive tank is firing at you, and the mystery behind Shambala. Drake’s friends, Sully, Chloe and Elena are all great, as well as the enemy Lazarovic. This game had multiplayer online capabilities which were good, and the single player has enough replay value for any fan.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3) – Driving, shooting, crime, gangsters, and an open world for you to do whatever the hell you want. This is exactly why the GTA series is so amazing, and if I didn’t do 1game/series most of my top 10 would be GTA games. I decided to choose GTA4, since it seemed to do everything the previous games did and much more. When I bought this game, I couldn’t stop playing it, causing me to miss many gr12 calculus classes, but it was honestly worth it. The excellent story follows a war-vet from ex-Yugoslavia, Niko Bellic, and his move to America to find a better life. The game is set in Liberty City (New York) and is packed with everything, from crack addicts to successful business men. Aside from Bellic, the game has a lot of amazing side characters, especially Brucie, Florian and Little Jacob. As with previous GTA games, the cars are great and the steering in this game was tightened up. There are many venues that you can visit, which is something that wasn’t really available in the other GTA games, and you will never be bored in liberty city. Hell, if you do get bored just start shooting randoms, get the cops on your ass and try to get to 6 stars, its always fun. A few key things that made this game better than the previous ones were that the dialogue changed if you had to repeat a mission, you had to make important choices a few times in the game, and you had relationships with people close to you, which required taking them out to bowling or another activity a few times around. You could also get drunk and trip on the streets while walking around! Recently, a teaser trailer was released for GTA V, which got me really excited. Anyways, this is my favourite game of all time and many people consider it one of the best.
Those are our lists. We hope you enjoyed reading our thoughts on the games. If you’d like, leave a comment with your 10 favourite games.
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