Ten games you must play before you die
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at 12:02 am Category: Video GamesI feel like more educating, so here, in no particular order, are ten games you have to play in your life.
Of course, This list is of my own choosing, so if you want to disagree or propose something, feel free. First up:
Super Mario Bros. 3. Too bad, Super Mario World, this one just is way better. Opening with one of the most memorable moments in gaming history, you once again assume the control of everyone’s favorite plumber in a quest to restore the Seven Kings neighboring Mushroom kingdom by reclaiming the wands stolen by the Koopa Kids. Of course, Princess Toadstool gets captured by Bowser again, so you have to save her as well. But the gameplay is what really stands the test of time, here. With a huge upgrade on available power-ups, including the Raccoon Leaf, you run through level after level of pure fun. It’s just good, so go play it.
While this one isn’t the best known, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening holds a special place in my heart as my favorite. The first handheld Zelda, you once again assume control of Link, sailing to an unknown desination. On this trip, his ship is destroyed, and he washes up on Koholint Island. LoD: LA’s enjoyable gameplay, lots of different equipment, and a story twist that beats anything that hack Shyamalan couldn’t touch make this a must-play.
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The best Sonic, ever. End of story. Best levels, music, and the first game with Super Sonic. It’s just awesome, and perfect.
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Final Fantasy VI, or III in the States until recent releases gave the game its proper title, is arguably the best Final Fantasy in the series. While it was classic RPG gameplay, the story, music, and characters are what reign supreme here. I mean, what other game do you play where the world is destroyed… and you still have half the game to go?
A bear and a bird. Classic. Rare didn’t release many games, but they were all gems. The characters and expansive levels were the stars here. Not to mention, while collecting things in platformer games was becoming taboo, Banjo Kazooie made you want to collect again.
Shadow of the Colossus. Wow… Just, wow. This game pushed the PS2 hardware to its limit and brought us a simple story of how far you’d go to bring back the one you love. Wander, the game’s protagonist has journeyed to a land forbidden by his people, hearing stories that by taking the spirit’s quest that resides there, he can revive Momo… who was unfortunate enough to be a sacrifice. So, you basically have to journey around the countryside, killing Colossus ranging in size from a large elephant to a small mountain. As you proceed, you see that there may be effects not explained beforehand. Play it, all right?
Megaman Legends, a personal favorite of mine. Taking the Blue Bomber, moving to full 3D, reducing the hardcore difficulty and generally making it something more like an action RPG may sound like a bad idea on paper, but this game shines as something special. The controls were a bit to grasp in the beginning, but the story and characters made this game incredible. Really, it’s just epic.
When the Orange Box came out, Everyone thought “Great, I can finally play Team Fortress 2!” Who knew the shining star of this pack would be the shortest experience overall? Portal shocked gamers with the most innovative puzzle gaming, ever. What made this a whole adventure was the wonderfully dark humor represented through the various robotic influences throughout. GlaDos, the computer program running the “tests” was chillingly funny and vindictive, and even the deadly turrets disarmed you with sing-songy cuteness. (After killing the player’s character; “Naptiiiime”)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater really brought the series to a perfect peak. With the introduction of CQC, close quarters combat, and camouflage elements, this entry into one of my favorite game series reigns supreme. Dropping the confusing story and wussy main character that put some gamers off of MGS2: Sons of Liberty, you assume control of a Cold War era Big Boss as he embarks on the mission which gives him the title of “Big Boss” and ultimately leads to his defection in the earlier NES Metal Gear games. The showdown with the old-as-dirt sniper The End, not to mention the beautiful final fight sells this title.
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Roller Coaster Tycoon may seem like an odd choice, but it was the first theme park sim to take itself seriously. Remember Sim Theme Park? You could set up a roller coaster in any ridiculous way, and it would still make it just fine. RCT introduced real-world physics, and made for one of the most addictive games in recent history. The game didn’t wow us with amazing visuals or compelling storyline, but its root gameplay shone through and captured the hearts of many.
So there you have it. I dare anyone to say these games aren’t amazing. Really, I dare you.
Responses to “Ten games you must play before you die”
You touched on a lot of really great games. Being a Mac-Bot, I haven’t had the ability to play Roller Coaster Tycoon for some time… And you’ve made that withdrawal worse.
I would disagree with you on two of your choices:
I would say Sonic 3 is a superior game, but the poll we took a few months back would support your claim. I think the save feature, as well as the option to play Tails was awesome. It was more fun for your little brother to grab the second controller, where is its fucking useless to try and play as Tails in Sonic 2.
I think the best Zelda game would have to be Ocarina of Time. It had such a great story and reinvented a franchise. But all Zelda games are great, so we’re just arguing semantics.
If I set up this list, I think I would try to include Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 or Starcraft. I’ve wasted SO many hours on those games.
Great list, Pixelbot.
Goldeneye maybe? I think the multiplayer aspect of that game was revolutionary. Of the games you listed that I’d played I love everyone.
Diablo II and Super Star Wars, Super Empire Strikes Back and Super Return of the Jedi.
I’m not adding those three to the list because of my love for Star Wars, but for the utmost bad-assery of those side-scrollers, they’re three of the best, ever.
To be honest, I’ve never played those Star Wars games. They’re too pricey to track down, and the only emulations worth playing are NES.
Breath of Fire 2 and 3 kick many of asses. A large assortment of Dragon Warrior games should definitely be on a must play list. I think that Soul Reaver should have a spot. While Mega Man legends was fun, I don’t know that it’s the gem of the series. There might be another Mega Man game you need to play before you die before that one.
Also where the fuck is Super Metroid? And I know you couldn’t have forgotten Castlevania, because I just wrote a fucking post about it. So what I am getting at is, shame on this list that clearly didn’t have any thought or consideration put into it at all.
Well, in my defense, I never got into Metroid until Fusion, and Super Metroid is scarce nowadays. Castlevania, while great… Let’s face it, EVERY top game list has Symphony of the Night on it. Soul Reaver just sucked.
Super Metroid is on the Wii Virtual Console. It is great. And Soul Reaver 2 was bad ass. But its okay, Pixelbot. I still think you’re cooler than Dr. Cyborg. He also sucks at Mario Kart.
Metroid fusion should have been on the list! I guess I can admit one of two things but not both. Either I was being to harsh when I said this list was made with no consideration, or else I suck at Mario Kart. I propose we set up in the near future a Big Shiny Robot Mario Kart tournament!!!!!!!!!
To the victor go bragging writes.
I’m in. As long as we can all get hammered beforehand.
I’m for it as well, following Kill’s booze requirement.
Drinking? Deal! How about this weekend? Sunday?
Shit….
Sunday I’m filming the Geek show…..
Good Swanks out, that means I’m twice as in.
Link to the Past? Pong? Street Fighter?
Great list though. Any arbitrary number of games will always be up for debate. Any attempt to tell people what they should play should be lauded in our halls and keeps. Let the mead flow like the blood of our enemies!
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[...] sure has been a long time since I posted my last list of essential games for your library here. So I’m pretty sure it’s time to get another one up here, just for more educational [...]
it is so cool
Not to be a downer, But I hated Mega Man Legends… I do agree with your list though… PS I believe I have a ROM of Super Metroid. Pixel, you can have it, if you promise to play it’s amazingness
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