Top 100 Favorite Games/Top 25 Games I Want to Play

05/23/14 Update: I made a grave oversight on my first run through. Something that belonged pretty high in the list. So that title is now included with one of the lower rated titles gone. Points if you can figure out what's now included and what's missing.

Not a full explanation why for each one. I just thought it would be fun to exaggerate top lists by giving you my top 100! This will be a challenge since many will not be fresh in my mind.
To those of you who read my top 10 games post already you'll know what's coming for those numbers... but in this case I made very specific choices when it came to naming an entire franchise as a favorite.
Then in part 2 I will talk about games I've been wanting to play with a quick comment why.


Disclaimer: Obviously opinions change over time, especially in part 2 where the list obsolete immediately after playing them. So take this as my opinion for the moment, but I can tell you my top 100 will stay pretty solid unless there's something that REALLY catches my attention (like Persona 4 Golden did just last year, jumping into my top 10). I will list the format I prefer for the game. Many of this have been released on more than one console.

100. Dance Dance Revolution (Arcade) - While I burnt myself out on this game ages ago I still find it fun. I could easily see myself busting a move on it if I were to find it in the arcades again. Pro tip: Might want to be a fan JPop if you want to get into this game.

99. Bonanza Bros. (Genesis) - A simple, classic Sega Genesis game that brings back a lot of fun memories. You play as two robbers who have to sneak their way in and out of a robbery. Not much else to say. But try it. It's a great, undermentioned Genesis game.

98. Tetris 2 (NES/SNES) - From my understanding this game has gotten a lot of hate. Yes it is nothing like the original Tetris but I like the way the game plays. Think of it like Legend of Zelda 2 or Halloween 3: Season of the Witch. All being very different from their initial creation but great none the less. If I could compare it to anything it would be Dr. Mario.

97. Samurai Showdown (Arcade) - A classic fighter that time seems to have forgotten. A pretty vicious fighter that I felt was very rock solid and fun to play. It also was an early example of intense violence in a video game for me. I remember seeing that demo play in the arcades and being blown away by it.

96. Star Wars Rebel Assault 2: The Hidden Empire (PC/Playstation) - A game that has not aged well over the years. This is another FMV style game (a style I LOVE). The action is very limited but to a big Star Wars fan in the 90s this was an excellent side story that felt like new scenes from the movies because of live actors. Here's a gameplay video to show you what I mean!

95. Cruisin' USA (Arcade/N64) - I first played this a lot in the arcade and again on N64. I did enjoy both versions but anyone who knows this game agrees the arcade is far superior. It's a very silly, easy to play racer that is just buckets of fun despite being very shallow. Sidenote: in the arcade you can run over cows crossing the street and their guts splatter all over the windshield.

94. Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012 (Playstation) - From the makers of Twisted Metal comes the goofball comedy version of the car combat genre. Very silly and at many times low brow. None the less a very fun game in the same light as the games that came before it and a hell of a lot better than Twisted Metal 3 or 4!

93. Kirby's Pinball Land (Game Boy) - A surprisingly solid Game Boy pinball game starring Kirby. Very approachable, very cute, and of course incredibly fun especially for Kirby fans like myself.

92. PaTaank (3DO) - The only game I really adores and was a 3DO exclusive. You play pinball but from the perspective of the ball. I've never seen anything like it before or since. It's a really fun game I wish I could play again but I'm not gonna buy a 3DO just for it. Maybe a rom?

91. Chu Chu Rocket (Dreamcast) - A quirky puzzle game that is literally a game of cat and mouse. Very challenging and nowhere near short of puzzles to play through. Also ported to iOS if you don't have a Dreamcast. And I must say. It's a pretty great port!

90. Clay Fighter 63 1/3 (Nintendo 64) - I agree this game is pretty broken. It's not a stupendous fighter. But for the same reasons people like me watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force it is delightfully fun in it's humor. There's something special about playing as a sumo wrestler Santa who literally uses his belly for hits. Also love the stop motion clay fighters.

89. Aladdin (Genesis) - I like it for most of the same reasons I liked The Lion King. Same era, same console, similar execution. A very fun and exciting game that is less challenging, but more accessible. Overall I found it to be a lot more fun and easier to control since you're controlling a person this time and not awkwardly a lion.

88. Galaga (Arcade/Playstation) - I first played this classic arcade game at the start of Tekken. That's right, the first Tekken game let you play through a brief section of Galaga as the game loads. A gimmick I wish lived on in other games. Since then I have come to really enjoy Galaga over other arcade shooters. Especially over Space Invaders, a game that never grew on me until Infinity Gene for PS3.

87. Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast) - Was about as fun as games get back in the day. I loved the crazy driving stunts you could pull and how driving through water doesn't even slow you down. A top notch arcade driving game that is still fun to this day. Just try and get used to hearing the same couple Offspring songs over and over again. Even fans get sick of it.

86. Warioware: Smooth Moves (Wii) - Rarely do mini-game collections get it right. This one definitely does. I love the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of the games and the silly things it makes you do to succeed. I haven't played the DS games but if there anything like this then I'd be all over them.

85. Pokemon Yellow (Game Boy) - I'm somewhat of a closet Pokemon fan. But since the last portable console I owned before a Playstation Vita was the Game Boy advanced I haven't exactly kept up. This is the one I had the most fun with and I wish I had it again. I also wish I still had my Pokemon special edition Game Boy Color because those fuckers are rare now and I could make a few bucks off it.

84. Earthworm Jim (Genesis) - Grew up on this crazy fun game. Always got a laugh from it's Ren & Stimpy style humor. Also it adds a lot of great elements of a run and gun shooter with platforming. A classic that still holds up today. If you don't have a Genesis (or SNES, or Sega CD I guess...) then you can buy the HD re-release on modern consoles... which I have! It's great!

83. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Nintendo 64) - Despite multiple sections of the later stages being clunky and rough this game has one of the best Hoth stages ever developed. Nothing like that opening sequence to get you pumped. And despite my slight criticism the game as a whole is still a blast for Star Wars fans. A fun connection/side story between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

82. Gauntlet Legends (Arcade) - I have played the original Gauntlet games but this one I still hold nearest to my heart. Something about it does so much for me that the other games didn't. Timing most likely. I hope to pick this one up for Dreamcast sooner than later so I can relive the experiences I had playing this game a bunch in the arcade.

81. Myst (PC) - A true classic that has been ported to just about everything. Plenty of tough challenges in an immersive world make for a great experience in the point and click adventure genre. Not much else to say since everyone knows this game.

80. Samba De Amigo (Wii) - A music/rhythm game where your instrument are maracas. Originally released on the Dreamcast with maraca controllers but is now rare and pricey. Until then this is a worthy port that works very well with the Wii controllers. Very fun with high energy songs that make you move.

79. Sonic Spinball (Genesis) - Not a very beloved game overall. Yes it doesn't have very good pinball mechanics but I still love it for what it is. Even if it can be a pain in the ass most of the time. Also this is the only time when comic/SATAM supporting cast appeared in a Sonic video game. Personally I have a lot of fun with it and can put up with the crappy aspects.

78. Virtua Fighter Kids (Saturn) - While flawed I find it to be a fun and charming addition to the series. These days I could only see this as being DLC. Something about playing as your favorite Virtua Fighter characters as kids with giant heads is just too much fun. That and Shun Di still looking old while being a kid and drinking for fighting is one of those simple, shallow laughs that makes me smile.

77. Pac-Man (Arcade) - A classic. Sometimes games stand the test of time for a reason. Simple, addictive, fun, just everything about it is great. One of the reasons why Namco is in my top 5 favorite game developers.

76. ToeJam & Earl (Genesis) - Filled with tons of variety and unique characters on a console not exactly known for said things. A random level generator provided a sense of unpredictability in what is a fantastic, somewhat hidden gem. Or at least forgotten about over time.

75. Costume Quest (Playstation 3) - Brings out the adolescence of imagination and trick or treating. A bit short and the add-on doesn't expand much. Still the overall game is very fun despite it's simplicity. Also if you're a trophy whore you can get all of them quite easily without too much tedious running around. Sorry... no platinum.

74. Time Crisis 2 (Arcade) - A unique approach to the light gun genre. You had a peddle where you can duck for cover instead of constantly standing out in the open like other light gun games. Also I chose the arcade because the recoil on the gun controller was a small but also huge addition to the immersion. It added a heaviness not seen in the console port.

73. Metal Slug (Arcade) - Fast paced, action packed, and always exciting. Neo Geo always knew how to make amazing arcade classics and this is definitely one of their best. The sequels are great, too, but for the sake of argument I wanted to go with the one I played growing up at the roller rink. Great cartoonish violence allowing them to get away with way more blood than otherwise. Not to mention some hilarious over the top cartoon humor!

72. Dr. Mario (NES) - There were tons of Tetris clones back in the day. Most of them very forgettable but not this one. I find this to be one of the best and I still play it on my computer. When I worked full time overnight hours at a hotel a couple years ago this game helped me get through lots of slow nights where I felt like falling asleep. Addictive, easy to learn, plenty tense in the later stages.

71. Tokyo Bus Guide (Dreamcast) - Much to the surprise of many, I'm sure, is that a game where you're required to follow all the rules of the road is also one of the most fun driving games I've ever played. It's really easy to import on the Dreamcast so if you have one I highly recommend checking this one out. Also see my full review.

70. Arkanoid (Arcade/NES) - If Pong was video table tennis then this is video racquetball... sorta. Not the first of it's kind but it is my favorite. There are few things in gaming that have given me more joy than chipping away those blocks. Especially when you get it stuck up top and it takes out a ton at once!

69. The House of the Dead 2 (Arcade/Dreamcast) - I was a big fan of light gun games back in the 90s. I felt this took the formula of games like Area 51 and Virtua Cop and expanded on it. Much more tense and exciting that just about any light gun game that came before it. And there are zombies, which wasn't as common when this came out. Meaning it was still awesome.

68. Rampage: World Tour (Nintendo 64/Playstation 3) - Silly fun with hilarious parodies of classic movie monsters. I love how this sequel made the gameplay faster, smoother, and even funnier than the original from way back when. Still an excellent party game to play with friends today. Easy to pick up and play and can kill a lot of hours if you need it killed.

67. Grand Theft Auto 2 (Playstation) - A fantastic sequel to a great game. Grand Theft Auto III and beyond never did it for me like the rest of the world. And that's because I became so satisfied with this early installment. Top down perspective and all.

 

66. Final Fantasy VII (Playstation) - If you asked me 15 years ago this would have been number 1 on my list. I still give it props because it did get me into JRPGs, which is now one of my favorite genres. And yes I do still revisit it every so often because it does have a special place in my heart despite it's issues.

65. Riven: A Sequel to Myst (PC) - Like Myst but even bigger and more challenging making it even more satisfying when you get it all figured out. Definitely not talked about as much and that's a shame.

64. Duke Nukem 3D (PC) - A juvenile game that is still fun after all these years. Sometimes it's fun to play as someone who is delightfully one dimensional. It never gets old fighting the giant aliens and pig cops in this FPS classic. I like the PC version the most with Saturn and Playstation after. Avoid the Nintendo 64 and iOS versions, though.

63. Area 51 (Arcade) - I may have said House of the Dead 2 did it better, but I still like this one more. A fast paced, action packed light gun game that is still fun to this day. Whenever I saw it in the arcades I would always play it. Seeing those aliens get blown away again and again always excited me. I also loved doing the cheat where I got to play as the alien. Ironic that you still fight the aliens, though.

62. Daytona USA (Saturn) - Driving games, for the most part, aren't my thing. Especially simulators. I've tried multiple versions of Gran Turismo and it never did it for me. But Daytona USA did. While not a terribly realistic simulator it has enough of a weight to feel that way. Mix that with arcade style gameplay and it makes for a prime Sega Saturn and Arcade driving experience.

61. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy) - The sequel to a great game and manages to be even better! This is a prime example of what the Game Boy could do despite being a generation behind in technology. It's expansive and filled with enough variety to go up against the mainline console games themselves. Even some of the modern ones.

60. Intelligent Qube (Playstation) - One of my favorite puzzle games. And like others it is easy to learn but rough to master. All you've got to do is clear all the gray blocks while avoiding the black blocks. A lot harder than it looks but is crazy addictive to play.

59. Virtua Cop (Saturn) - A light gun game that isn't terribly stylized, but manages to get my attention more than others. It's simplistic and straightforward but does just about everything right. It's very approachable with enough challenge to keep things exciting. Add a branching path to a couple levels for a little bit of replayability and you've got a good excuse to bust out that Saturn light gun!

58. Sonic R (Saturn) - A very rough around the edges racer where everything can be unlocked within a couple hours of playing. It's the nostalgia that hits me hardest on this one. I still love it to this day even if the racing gameplay shits all over itself.

57. Juggernaut (Playstation) - A fairly recent review in the grand scheme of things. Despite pointing out how flawed the game is I still can't help but love it. The creep factor is what does it for me. It gives a sense of ambiance and scare that few do, and in such a unique way. Whether they are intentional creep factors or not (old school pre-rendered graphics at work here.) See my full review.

56. Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Nintendo 64) - Minus some of the BS put into Mortal Kombat 3 this had just about all the good stuff of all three games. Big bosses available from the start with nearly a full lineup. Easily the definitive Mortal Kombat game for that era especially if you have a Nintendo 64 (Never played it on Playstation).

 

55. Silent Scope (Arcade) - The Dreamcast version is fine as is. But when you play it in the arcade your controller is a scope gun proper. It's like other light gun games but with a sight. It's a great immersive experience where my only complaint is my eyes hurting after a while because I'm only looking through one putting strain on the other keeping it closed.

54. inFamous (Playstation 3) - I really am not a fan of a lot of the samey AAA titles. This one was an exception. It has super power-esque abilities without being the typical super hero story. There's a nice good vs evil internal conflict in the game and it really doesn't get old blasting people to death with lightning bolts!

53. Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy) - Way simpler than most games you'll play. Kirby games do tend to be very "baby"ish. Still for longtime fans of the franchises it pulls you in with the fun it delivers for all ages. It won't take you long to complete this one, but at least you're having fun along the way.

52. Kaboom! (Atari 2600) - My favorite title from the Atari age. Like Root Beer Tapper it has a simple objective but the addiction level is through the roof. A game that only gets harder and harder and doesn't end until it ends you.

51. Peggle (Playstation 3) - Specifically on the Playstation 3 is where it captured my imagination. This is one of those puzzle games where "one more level" turns into another thirty to fifty levels. Like a good puzzle game it succeeds through it's simplicity.

50. PaRappa the Rapper (Playstation) - A music/rhythm game where you play as a rapping dog who raps about learning kung fu, getting his driver's license, and so much more. No licensed songs here. All original, all catchy, and all very fun to listen to. I really want the soundtrack to this game!

49. Jet Grind Radio (Dreamcast) - Yes I know it's technically called Jet Set Radio in Japan, but I grew up playing the American copy. While not as realistic as other extreme sports that's clearly not the point. It's mega stylish and mega fun spray painting all over town. One of the best soundtracks you'll hear on the Dreamcast to boot! (Minus the forced licensed songs)

48. Resident Evil (Playstation) - Creepy empty mansion invaded with zombies. You never know what's around the corner so not only does it keep you on your toes but it keeps your mind moving. Not a simple run and gun like the sixth installment. Badly written? Yes. Scary as hell? OH YES!

47. Soul Calibur (Dreamcast) - I never touched the sequels much after this. Probably because I got everything I wanted right here. It made it so satisfying to wield an absurdly huge arsenal of weapons in both numbers and size. Lots of out there characters, too, which are always welcome in my fighters. One of the best launch titles for the Dreamcast.

46. Mortal Kombat (Playstation 3/Vita) - After some samey sequels that followed Mortal Kombat 4 this was a breath of fresh air. It takes it back to the game's origins in story while tightening the 3D Mortal Kombat fighting experience that just wasn't quite right in the previous sequels. Also love the challenge towers which gives a lot of variety instead of just the main game. And of course the many, many unlockables!

45. Twisted Metal Black (Playstation 2) - I can't think of a way the franchise could have been better on the PS2. So much was expanded on from the original franchise and the characters were given tons more depth (even if they were a tad too dark for darkness sake). Sadly it lost the dark (ironically) sense of humor it once had but at least they stuck with the style they went for. Staying consistent within the game.

44. Burnout 3: Takedown (Playstation 2) - One of my most played games during high school. I'm not a car guy so those four wheeled creatures meant nothing to me. I do love arcade style racers and this one did that supremely well. I love the crashes, I love the tense races, I love almost everything about this great racer... cept the soundtrack which sucks big time...

43. Panzer Dragoon (Saturn) - One of the most unique rail shooters I've ever played. A shining example of what a great game can be on the Sega Saturn. Very imaginative, very fun, and very worth your while. I'm picking up a Saturn again really soon and this is in my top games to buy immediately!

42. God of War II (Playstation 2) - A worthy sequel to an amazing game. God of War II adds more epicness to the franchise while setting up the incredible third installment in the franchise. It didn't capture me as much as the sequel but definitely worth playing none the less. One of those stories that had to be told to get to the epic of epicness that is God of War III.

41. D2 (Dreamcast) - The sequel to one of my top 10 favorite games that is unlike the original in every way. This takes the route of a survival horror with you fighting against evils stranded in Alaska after a plane crash. Very flawed but I absolutely dig it's very insane story. Loved the final boss, too! A very surprising way to defeat the enemy!

40. Virtua Fighter Remix (Saturn) - An upgraded version of the original that is fun despite the still remaining issues. While the sequel is still better this is a better version of the original. If you have the option play this one for a better example of the franchise's origin.

39. Star Fox 64 (Nintendo 64) - The first game I ever pre-ordered. I don't have it anymore but that pre-order should show my love from the start. I always loved playing over and over to go down the different paths. And let me tell ya, seeing that alternate ending with Fox's dad... loved every second of it! And the mutiplayer is great fun. I could still see myself playing that today (way more than Goldeneye).

38. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX (Playstation 3) - Took Pac-Man, upped it to HD, and gave you a ton of fun challenges that go beyond just collecting all the dots in a level. My favorite parts are the intense speed of the game and the mega ghost crunching combos. Another good quick trophy catch, too.

37. Fallout 3 (Playstation 3) - Never having played the previous Fallout games I didn't know what to expect in theme. But having played Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion I sort of knew what to expect since I heard it was similar. This was a far better experience that provided me with hours upon hours of post-apocalyptic fun! I eventually plan on going back to it to experience more of the side missions and would also like to download the add-ons as well.

36. The Typing of the Dead (Dreamcast) - Is literally House of the Dead 2 but translated to a typing simulator. Sounds silly, but seriously, play this game. Somehow turning it into a typing simulator enhances the game so damn much! You can find the demo for the PC version very easily.

35. Tetris (Game Boy) - Something about this version handled so perfectly for me. I played this so much on the go. And even when I was in high school I would from time to time lay in bed playing through this specific version again and again before going to sleep. It's a simple and fun game so it makes sense being on a simple and fun console. Best version of Tetris I've played.

34. Power Stone (Dreamcast) - A unique 3D fighter that lets you run around an entire arena instead of just face to face like classic fighters. One of the best multiplayer games you can get on the Dreamcast. Also the DBZ-esque over the top special moves are a nice touch.

33. Marvel vs. Capcom (Dreamcast) - Street Fighter was never my cup of tea. Then this came along and gave me the push I needed to get into Capcom's fighters. It's not just that there's super heroes, so much is done right with the fighting mechanic. The changing of characters, the fast paced action, the amazing combos, tag-team, all of it is just so damn fun! The sequel is a great entry as well.

32. Sim City 2000 (PC) - It's never been quite the same on any other platform. I love Sim City 2000! The variety, the disasters, the fun of putting in a cheat code for millions of dollars and building all the fun architecture, it's just a blast. Sim City 3000 was a good sequel... but not the same. And while I like the other Sim games (especially Sim Tower) this is number 1 in my Maxis book.

31. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (Playstation) - Have always liked this one over any other Crash. It improved on the first game and had a certain charm that I didn't see in any of the later games. Expanded on the greatness of the first game and offered a lot of variety. Too bad the final boss battle is way too easy. One of the few downsides to this experience.

30. Final Fantasy Tactics (Playstation) - One of the best tactical RPGs you can play. The game is so expansive and immersive it is nuts! Provides more than enough challenges and you could easily go beyond 100 hours with this game. Even if you're not a fan of the Final Fantasy name it is worth checking out. Because it is very different from the main game entries. Even the ones being released around the time of this one (like VII and VIII).

29. Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube) - Gave Resident Evil a much needed technological facelift (I'm still okay with tank controls to be honest). Still not quite in the same horror light as the previous games, and it did turn the rest of the games into action instead of horror. But this game is still very fun to play and would easily pick it up again. A perfect formula that could never be repeated.

28. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis) - A true gaming classic that has stood the test of time. Considered to be the best example of a 2D Sonic game. Great control, great level design, great everything. Easy to see why everyone loved it so much, making it a great pack in title with the Genesis way back in the day.

27. Shadow of the Colossus (Playstation 2) - A game very ahead of it's time that consisted entirely of boss battles. Not only is it far more epic than most (if not all) games on the Playstation 2, but also one of the most emotionally damaging. You have beautiful scenery mixed with amazing creatures and a story that grabs you tight only to make you feel drained by the end. It's not in my top ten favorites but if you have a Playstation 2 or 3 I highly recommend you pick this one up. And while I haven't played the HD re-release, I imagine it's just as good if not better. This be one of the BEST games you ever play.

26. Demon's Souls (Playstation 3) - One of the hardest games I've ever played. But unlike other hard games it is as equally satisfying. If you can overcome the odds of Demon's Souls then you will know gaming satisfaction that hadn't been seen for many years prior to this game. Sadly it is overshadowed by it's sequel Dark Souls, which I hear is hard but not as hard as Demon's Souls.

25. God of War (Playstation 2) - The one that started it all. A true surprise when it first came out as I just assumed it'd be another random action game. Little did I realize it would be one of the most epic and fun to play games on the Playstation 2 and create many sequels that would be just as epic or even more in the later generations of gaming!

24. Virtua Fighter 2 (Saturn) - The first fighter I really fell in love with. Has remained a classic for years despite not aging well over the years. Was essentially one of the pioneers of 3D fighters, and it did a fantastic job way back in the mid-90s. If you're going to play any of the Virtua Fighter games, make it this one. Currently for sale for cheap on PSN. I'd rather play it on my Saturn.

23. Katamari Forever (Playstation 3) - This is a best of previous Katamari levels with new ones included and it's all in HD. The same romp as the previous Katamari games filled with the same charm and fun music. The best recent one seeing as how Touch My Katamari for PS Vita was a step backwards in many ways. If you need a good intro to the franchise either pick this one up or the original via the Playstation store.

22. Worms 2 (PC) - Gave worms the look and feel most of the later games would follow suit in but was never captured again the same way. An endless variety of maps and scenarios to fight in making it a colorful yet challenging strategy game. The first game I ever played against other people online as well.

21. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut (PS3) - A cult classic the instant it hit shelves. This Twin Peaks rip-off is one of the most unique and entrancing games in recent memory. There's a lot of flaws in the gameplay to get used to, but the overall experience with the bizarre story is worth it. If you're a fan of horror, mystery, or generally fucked up shit then I HIGHLY suggest this one. See my review.

20. Metal Gear Solid 2 (Playstation 2) - Despite getting the bait and switch finding out Raiden is the main character this is still an incredible game. It took the source material of MGS1 and improved on it in many ways. Still like the original more, but I have played through this game more than most, especially back in the day when I couldn't afford as many games. And now I have the Vita port so I can play it whenever, wherever. Awww yeah!

19. Nights into Dreams (Saturn) - Old school and very Sega if you know what I mean. One of the most popular Saturn games is also one of the most magical and imaginative. Easy to learn but very difficult to master. You'll find yourself playing each stage over and over for the best rating possible and you won't mind. It's super fun and definitely worth your while. Also it's available on modern consoles for very cheap.

18. Assassin's Creed II (Playstation 3) - So much of an improvement over the first game it's hard to believe. And it has a story that expanded across three games where it (mostly) stayed interesting. Ezio is such a cool character that when I started Assassin's Creed III it just didn't feel right anymore. I give this one my honest honor in the franchise. If you're gonna play just skip right to this one. The first one is a pile of shit by comparison. Look up a 'let's play' to get the story details. Or go ahead and play the first to see how much of an improvement this one is.

17. Twisted Metal 2 (Playstation) - A beautiful sequel to an already amazing game. While I don't like it's style as much as the first this one did do a lot of welcome improvement. This is a great car combat game with a lot of variety and even a dark sense of humor throughout. Something not seen as much in the first, and definitely lost in the later games.

16. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64) - The 2D games may be classics but I really give it to this one. 3D platformers are crazy tough to pull off especially when it's a transition from 2D and this one hit it solid! I've probably put more hours into this Mario than ANY other one. It's easily my favorite and I plan on picking it up again via virtual console so I can play it all over again.

15. Fighters Megamix (Saturn) - Take all the characters from Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers, mix in some additional characters from other Sega games (including the car from Daytona USA), and you've got a crazy fun fighting game that I could play for hours. Definitely one of my favorite fighters for the variety alone!

14. Metal Gear Solid (Playstation) - A true classic and easily one of the top ten best for the console. Engaging story despite being far too complex at times. The cinematics make it what it is, making me not even mind the lengthy cutscenes. Would later be improved in gameplay but for what it is it still works great. Also it has a supreme sense of humor that I love. So much of this game is right and you should go play it right now!

13. Sonic Jam (Saturn) - Not the most expansive collection of Sonic games but one of the best. It includes Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Sonic & Knuckles. But what makes this game so special for me is the 3D world you run through with Sonic as a bonus feature. It's not an actual level but a hub for accessing (at the time) pretty exclusive content about the Sonic franchise. Commercials, game videos, stories, history, it's got just about everything for a Sonic fan from the mid-late 90s.

12. Shenmue (Dreamcast) - One of the top ten best games you'll play for the Dreamcast. It's one of the most immersive games I've ever played. Actually forcing you to keep a schedule with real in-game time. A gimmick that's been used since but this was the pioneer for what would come. Really no other game has come along like this aside from the sequel.

11. 3D Dot Game Heroes (Playstation 3) - A prime example on how to make a retro style game in a way that's expected but is surprisingly not obnoxious in it's execution. The cosmetics are obviously pixel art but once you get into the game you forget about the pixels until the game does closeups for bosses. Not a terribly deep RPG but enough to do to keep you occupied for at least 40+ hours. I still want to get the platinum trophy!

For a full explanation of numbers 10. through 1. go to my previous post right here. Otherwise for now here is the quick breakdown of those games.

10. Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) - Sonic in 3D proper for the first time and it's one of his greatest adventures.
9. D (Playstation) - It may be outdated by today's standards but it's still an excellent horror experience.
8. God of War III (Playstation 3) - An epic conclusion to an epic trilogy of epic proportions.
7. Persona 4 Golden (Playstation Vita) - Part JRPG, part high school simulator, equals an amazing experience!
6. Killer7 (Playstation 2) - An assassin with multiple personalities in a bizarre world.
5. Tekken 2 (Playstation) - My favorite installment in the franchise, one of the best fighters I've played.
4. Twisted Metal (Playstation) - The early days of car combat is still sweet today.
3. Katamari Damacy (Playstaton 2) - One of the most popular quirky games ever released.
2. Illbleed (Dreamcast) - An underrated horror satire that provides both laughs and deep disturbing scares.
1. Root Beer Tapper (Arcade) - Who would have thought bartending could be so much fun?!


Top 25 I Want to Play, or If I Can Keep Myself Focused Enough and Save My Money These Are The Next Games I Plan On Buying:

25. Steel Batallion (XBox): This is at the bottom of my list because I don't know if I'll ever get around to playing it seeing as how I don't own and don't plan on buying an XBox. I should specify that I'm referencing the first entry and not the recent Kinect version. Basically I want to try it out because of that insane controller. I've got to see what it is like to play a game with such an elaborate control set that models so well after the machine you operate in the game. I love unique accessories like this one!

24. Lunacy (Saturn): One of a few FMV horror adventure games for the Saturn I want to pick up. Simply put, I love this style and much like the other two I'll be pointing out... it got my attention really quickly based on this style of play alone. Also... Atlus game.

23. Yellow Brick Road (Saturn): A Japan only release game that is based on The Wizard of Oz. Nuff said.

22. Virtua Racing (Saturn): Before I decided I wasn't interested in collecting for the Genesis anymore I wanted to play the port of this game for that. Even though the Saturn version will be more enhanced I still want to see what this early example of a 3D racer is like. Even if it won't be the laggy experience seen on the Genesis (something that would be an experience in and of itself).

21. Snatcher (Saturn): There was a time when I wanted to get a Sega CD. That time has passed. My interest in some of it's games has not passed, though. I can still play the Lunar games on Playstation, and I know there's a port of this for the Saturn. A Japanese port so it won't be the same experience. What it will be is a financially cheaper one that I'll experience with a guide next to me so I know what I'm doing.

20. Segagaga (Dreamcast): A Japan exclusive RPG that merged together a ton of different Sega IPs into one massive game. Critics and gamers alike say it's an excellent game! The only reason I have it lower on my list despite my intense love for Sega is because it'll all be in Japanese. I'll probably have to play through with a fan translation or at the very least a guide next to me so I know what and how to do things.

19. Hoshigami (Playstation): I am sometimes a masochist who loves playing insanely difficult games like Demon's Souls. I hear this game is along those same lines but potentially worse. The game has crazy long battles and permadeath, meaning when a character is killed in battle he is gone for good. My curiosity is through the roof on this game as it appeals to both that element but also my love for Atlus games. They rarely do wrong in their publishing.

18. Ogre Battle (SNES/Playstation/Nintendo 64): I'm putting this directly ahead of Hoshigami because they have a similar play style from what I can tell, minus the insanely high difficulty. None the less Ogre Battle is a franchise that has been praised throughout the years with many installments across many consoles. My choices are large as I could pick the SNES, Nintendo 64, Playstation, etc version. Big epic battles in a tactical RPG. Still would probably be easier for me to comprehend than the Ultima games which I recent started trying to get into again.

17. Milon's Secret Castle (Game Boy): It is reported to be a million seller in Japan despite also hearing how bad and cryptic the game can be. I know everything I need to about the NES version from the Angry Video Game Nerd. But I want to see what the game is like in that similar state on one of my other favorite consoles, the Game Boy. Not Advance, not Color, just straight up Game Boy.

16. Limbo of the Lost (PC): Between all the stolen assets and the supposedly fucked up story and more fucked up ending... I can't think of a reason why I wouldn't want to play this.

15. Dream Eye (Dreamcast): A camera add on for the Dreamcast. I'm mostly curious about what it all does and what it's about. Doesn't seem to have a large set of games it will work with, or I just haven't researched it enough.

14. The Unfinished Swan (Playstation 3): Like a couple other games down the road here I did play the demo and really liked what I saw. This game is a first person "shooter" but the only shooting is done by shooting black paint across the level to discover the path you need to take. It's a pretty innovative idea with puzzle-like elements that had me hooked and wanting more. Looking forward to see what other ideas come out as I play through the game one day.

13. Death Crimson (Saturn): Considered to be the worst game released on the Saturn. This is a light gun shooter I want to play so badly because it feels like it's the Plan 9 From Outer Space of Saturn games. Despite it being so terrible the game had a couple sequels (both for Dreamcast) which I will consider a part of this list by default.

12. Chibi-Robo (Gamecube): Quirky, Japanese game from the early 2000s where you control a cute little robot. Feels really off the beaten path and up my alley in style. That and I've heard some amazing reviews from sources I trust, both online and from friends.

11. Flower (Playstation 3): The demo is amazing and I want to play the rest. It's from what I can tell the best, if not the only good use of the sixaxis feature on the Playstation 3. Your character, the wind. Your mission, bring life back to an otherwise empty field with blooming flowers. On paper it doesn't sound the most exciting but it is critically acclaimed and I've been wanting to play through it really badly!

10. Mansion of Hidden Souls (Saturn): Much like Lunacy... an FMV heavy point and click adventure game that takes place in a haunted mansion. Screenshots show clips of spirits and other creepy stuff. Feels very D-like. Right up my niche alley!

9. Real Sound (Saturn/Dreamcast): A music game with no graphics... I'm not sure what else to say to make it stand out. Other than that it was a Japanese exclusive game. Got to see how this is pulled off with no graphics whatsoever! I don't think it'll matter too much if I pick it up for Saturn or Dreamcast.

8. Nier (Playstation 3): Received mixed reviews on it's release. However I have heard that this is one of the most underrated games of the last few years. I hear it requires multiple playthoughs in order to get the full experience but it is totally worth it. If anything sold me on this game it is how (spoiler alert) in one of the playthroughs/endings the game requires you to delete your save file and it makes sense in context of what's going on in the game (spoiler end). Even knowing that before picking up the controller kept me interested to know what it's all about. Thankfully this game is plenty cheaper than many of my other picks.

7. Densha De Go! (Dreamcast): Any of them would be fine but I specifically have my eyes on the Dreamcast version. A train conductor simulator may not sound exciting to most but you're reading the blog where it gave Tokyo Bus Guide (a driving sim where you follow all the rules) a positive review. More specifically I want to play it with the special train conductor controller. It's a unique experience we here in the states doesn't get very often.

6. Clock Tower (Playstation): Unlike the critics I actually liked Clock Tower 3 for the Playstation 2. It was very flawed but overall a great horror experience. However long before I played 3 I've been interested in the franchise as a whole. Clock Tower for the Playstation isn't the first in the franchise, just the first to come out in America. But I love the horror feel the franchise gives and want to see what it was like before a lot of things were changed for the third installment, which was mostly in how you control. Plus, big ass scissors!

5. Journey (Playstation 3): You play a mysterious man walking through the desert with the goal of reaching the top of a mountain. The purpose of the game is to make the player feel small and that they're on a truly epic and engaging journey. Slowly throughout the game you see the mountain get bigger and bigger making you feel smaller and smaller, or so I've interpreted. It's supposedly one of the best single player experiences on the Playstation 3.

4. L.O.L. Lack of Love (Dreamcast): A game with a name that has nothing to do with laughing out loud, nor do I think it actually has anything to do with the lack of love. From what I've read this is an evolution simulator. You play as a little creature who starts from the lowest of low life forms and you slowly progress to become bigger, stronger, and just try to survive. If I'm gathering my information properly it sounds like this game is similar to E.V.O. on the SNES and Seventh Cross Evolution also on the Dreamcast. Great soundtrack by the way!

3. The Last Guardian (Playstation 3): This is a sad option because none of us may ever get to play it. The game revolves around a young boy who befriends a giant griffin-like creature and the rest of the plot can be self-explained from there. Team Ico, famous for their last two monumental works Ico and Shadow of the Colossus started work on this game back in 2007 with an estimated release of 2011. However the game has been plagued with many problems (game breaking bugs, making it literally unplayable) causing many delays. As of now the game is still marked as in development. But once a game goes on like this long enough it's hard to say if it'll ever come out. Could be amazing but we may never know. At this rate I may have to buy a PS4 just to play it unless it takes after it's big brother Shadow of the Colossus by being a late entry in the PS3's life.

2. Panzer Dragoon Saga (Saturn): This is mostly on the list because I want to own it more than anything else. Specifically the American copy is one of the rarest and most expensive Sega Saturn games, sometimes with a starting price of around $300. Still curious to see how the game grew and expanded from it's rail shooter origins. I hear the story isn't amazing but the game itself is pretty solid. I could always get an import copy that is much cheaper and play with a guide. But that would ruin the experience quite a bit I feel. I know it's raising expectations in a way. It is hard to justify that price, though... still interested in the game, may just import in the end.

1. Enemy Zero (Saturn): The middle child in the supposed D trilogy and was only released on the Sega Saturn. Unlike D and D2 which are straight up horror, this game takes a horror/sci-fi approach. Because the game is limited like D since it is all FMV I've heard each and every fight in the game is crazy tense and scary. Not only are you fighting terrifying creatures, but the outdated game mechanics too! I love the soundtrack as I've had it for the last four to five years and have listened to it at least a hundred times. I'm in love with everything about the game and all I need to do is play it. But now comes the question. Do I shell out for the Americna copy or get the cheaper import?