Nerdiness to the max!
Yeah, so a while ago, Nate did a top 20 list of his favorite movies on a Rotten Tomatoes forum. I read it and started liking the idea of making a top 20 list of my favorite video games. Kind of nerdy, I know, but it’s fun. Now, I’m going to post my list, along with shots and the reason I like all of these games. Don’t worry, I’m cutting.
Oh yeah, I started this on Friday, August 26, so we’ll see when this actually gets online. Probably tomorrow. I hope.
Edit: It's been like two weeks since I wrote this, because I just got internet on this computer. Hooray.
I’m writing this out of order, I just added this after I finished the list and analyses. I think I’m going to add things like favorite characters or bosses. Yeah, I will.
20. StarCraft
This was one of the first real-time strategy games I ever picked up and played consistently. I first tried it on the N64, later learned it was originally on the PC, and bought it. Provides a great story with near-impossible levels, along with endless possibilities, as the game can be played online against other players.
Favorite character: Fenix
Favorite boss: N/A
19. Galaga
My favorite arcade game. One of the first arcade shooters to exist, and even though it’s that old, it continues to provide endless fun if the gamer provides endless quarters.
Favorite character: N/A
Favorite boss: Uh, Galaga?
18. Mega Man X
One of the most successful spin-offs of an already popular series. Not only did Mega Man X retain the classic feel of the original series, but it added upgradables, such as better armor, and it set up a great storyline for future games in the series.
Favorite character: Zero
Favorite boss: Storm Eagle
17. Harvest Moon 64
This is a farming game. It is very good. Go ahead, laugh if it suits you. Put in the position of a player who is taking over a dead farm, your task is to revive it, create a successful living, and become a part of the town life by befriending town folks, and even wooing your own wife. The N64 version is a bit glitchy and has numerous translation errors, but it was the first Harvest Moon game I picked up, and is very memorable to me.
Favorite character: Ann
Favorite boss: N/A
16. Dr. Mario
My favorite puzzle game. I have a cheap gameboy version for my gameboy advance, and has provided much enjoyment in the wee hours of the night. All in all, it’s just a fun game.
Favorite character: The blue virus
Favorite boss: The blue virus
15. Sonic 3 and Knuckles
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was a great game. Sonic and Knuckles was also a great game. What happens when you combine the two, you ask? You are landed with a fantastic game full of speed, crazy images (mostly due to the speed), and endless fun. With four different combinations of characters to play as and many chaos emeralds to collect, this is a true classic.
Favorite character: Knuckles
Favorite boss: Metal Sonic
14. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
We’re back to Harvest Moon. It has the same concept as the N64 version, just with a different town, less festivals, and other differences. With more possibilities than it’s counterpart, HM: FOMT is a better game, and isn’t nearly as glitchy.
Favorite character: Won
Favorite boss: N/A
13. Golden Sun
The first of the typical RPG’s on my list, I bought this game with my Gameboy Advance. Sporting a great battle system, fantastic graphics, and a memorable story, this game is a definite recommendation for any RPG fan.
Favorite character: Alex
Favorite boss: Saturos
12. Skies of Arcadia Legends
I only put the “Legends” at the end because I’ve only played the Gamecube version, and I’m sure the original is good too. This RPG is awesome, supplying a good story and memorable characters, such as Drachma, the sailor with a mechanical arm, and Gilder, the swashbuckling adventurer.
Favorite character: Drachma
Favorite boss: Ramirez
11. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
I really like the Metal Gear Solid games. They’re very good. Period. This newest installation in the series is no exception. Continuing the constantly confusing story that would keep an undedicated fan away, it is one of the best in the series. The new jungle environment and lack of radar are added difficulties to an already difficult game.
Favorite character: Revolver Ocelot
Favorite boss: The End
10. Super Mario World
I never owned a Super Nintendo, so I only played this game occasionally. However, when it was released on the Gameboy Advance, I didn’t hesitate to buy it right away. Supplying a large amount of levels, a good difficulty level (especially on Special Road), and of course, Yoshi, this game is another classic.
Favorite character: Yoshi
Favorite boss: Ludwig Von Koopa
9. Paper Mario
Yeah, dumb name, who cares? The whole paper thing is pretty gimmicky, even though it’s hardly used. Either way, this is another great RPG with fun characters, bosses, and adventures.
Favorite character: Spike
Favorite boss: Tubba Blubba
8. Final Fantasy VII
Okay, so everybody’s played, knows about, or has heard of Final Fantasy VII, mostly because of it’s record shattering sales. Those who have played it, however, knows it sports an unforgettable storyline, amazing graphics for the time, great main and sidequests, and characters. Only to mention some: Vincent, Sephiroth, Cloud, and of course, Aeris, this game lives up to the Square name.
Favorite character: Aeris
Favorite boss: Jenova LIFE (because that's when...)
7. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
This was one of the first Zelda games I played and can vividly remember. In my opinion, the best of them with the traditional overheard view, like most of the series. While the story is pretty mediocre, the gameplay is superb and has pretty cool sidequests.
Favorite character: Link
Favorite boss: The Nightmare
6. Chrono Trigger
I first played Chrono Cross before trying this. Cross did nothing but confuse me, so I put it away. When I had the opportunity to download Chrono Trigger, I did so, after learning the basis of the story (time travel!). Needless to say, I fell in love with this game. Boasting an amazing battle system, fantastic story (time travel!), and great characters such as Magus, Crono, and Frog, this game is yet another classic produced by our friends at Square.
Favorite character: Frog
Favorite boss: Magus
5. Megaman 2
Another game from my childhood that resurfaced about a year ago with the release of Megaman Anniversary Collection. The original Megaman was revolution, what with boss powerups and non-linear gameplay. Megaman 2 simply took Megaman and made it better. More levels, cooler powerups, better music, and much harder bosses, this game is awesome.
Favorite character: Megaman
Favorite boss: Air Man
4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
This is the first game I owned for the Sega Genesis, and it remains my favorite for this console. Taking the concept from the original Sonic, it added more levels, more difficult enemies and bosses, Super Sonic, and of course, Tails! Tails isn’t all that great, but it was cool to have a tag along friend or computer to play with, even if it always died. All in all, a fantastic game.
Favorite character: Sonic
Favorite boss: Robotnik?
3. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Before any of you yell at me for using the Twin Snakes version, hear me out: I have only played the original once, and I owned the Gamecube version, so to me, it is the same thing. What I say about this can be attributed to both, I’m sure. This game is just fantastic in every aspect (except the voice overs). The characters are great, the gameplay is phenomenal, and above all else, the story is extraordinary. I don’t know if I still understand it completely to this day (or maybe that’s MGS 2), but I know that it is mindblowing, and if you haven’t played this game yet, shame on you.
Favorite character: Solid Snake
Favorite boss: Ninja OR Revolver Ocelot
2. Kirby’s Adventure / Kirby Nightmare in Dream Land
Kirby is so cool. You can’t deny it. Besides that, this/these game(s) is/are amazing. I put both here because I know I used to play Kirby’s Adventure, but I hardly remember it. Nightmare in Dream Land is the Gameboy Advance port of the original, and I play that very often. This game first introduced Kirby’s famous copy ability, adding to an already fun concept. Along with MGS, if you haven’t played this at all, shame on you.
Favorite character: Kirby
Favorite boss: Meta Knight
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This game came out when I was in 5th grade. I am now a college freshman. That’s roughly seven or eight years since this game’s release. I have played through it over seven times, and it has been my favorite game since then. I love questing. I love time travel. Zelda games are pretty good. This one is perfect. The story was classic in its time, and the idea of traveling back and forth through time, as either a child or adult to quest for certain items is amazing. Also features the z-targeting lock on system, which has been used for many other games. Furthermore, the game’s musical score is fantastic for a N64 game. To conclude an already long paragraph, it will take a lot to top this game, in my mind. Truly a game for the ages.
Favorite character: Link
Favorite boss: Dark Link
Thank goodness for cuts, eh?
That was actually a lot of fun, despite the absurd amounts of nerdiness.
That’s all. Have a good day!
-Dan