Dr. Avalanche: Sadly, Suiko3 didn't have enough castle building to make it on the list for me. Mostly good times, but kind of a letdown after 2. I kept hearing 5 was more of a return to form, but never did get around to checking it out. I'll see if I can still find a copy somewhere... and add it to the pile of games I still have to finish.
Suikoden 2 is certainly my favorite; ever after, I always entered the next game hoping there was a cooking contest, always to be disappointed. Suikoden 5 is certainly a return to form, though it doesn't come close to reaching the pinnacle of 2. Just curious, as they seemed to fit some of your other choices.
My #1 is the game that caused me to spend >$2000 on it (Good God that's alot of money on DLC/Drum Set). Rock Band 2 is obviously my GOTD and I take solace that I know I am not alone in the ridiculous sums of money that have been poured out in the name of Rock.
Disappointed that Batallion Wars wasnt up on the list. Had I known about this earlier, I would have nominated it.
Rest of list is composed of the games I played the most/have the fondest memories of.
Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
Resident Evil 4 (GC, PS2, Wii) <2005>
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) <2009>
Civilization III [Play the World, Conquests] (PC) <2001>
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC) <2006>
Guitar Hero 2 (PS2, 360) <2006>
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) <2003>
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (DS) <2007>
The Beatles: Rock Band (360,PS3,Wii)
Halo 3 <2007>
Mario Kart DS (DS) <2005>
Viewtiful Joe (GC, PS2) <2003>
New Super Mario Bros. (DS) <2006>
Mario Strikers Charged (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC) <2003>
Grand Theft Auto 4 [Lost and the Damned, Ballad of Gay Tony] (360, PS3, 360) <2008>
Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
Kirby Canvas Curse (DS) <2005>
Punch-Out!! (Wii) <2009>
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (GC, PC, PS1, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
Wii Sports (Wii) <2006>
Contra 4 (DS) <2007>
Katamari Damacy (PS2) <2004>
Scribblenauts (DS) <2009>
It's time to come clean. I'm a huge Metal Gear Solid fan, and I thought 4 was the worst of all of them. The worst plot of all, the worst bosses of all, too short, and the CQC felt tacked on.
I thought MGS3 was the best, followed by The Twin Snakes, then 2, then 4.
I would have a much greater love for MGS4 if there weren't load times for each segment of the game and if there was a section select. The multiplayer was underwhelming as well. It's the only game I've ever looked forward to for years and watched every trailer for - I was ecstatic, only to see the desert section last a good hour or two (like every other section!).
I didn't even select it. I did choose MGS3 as game of the decade, though.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: I think MGS3 is the worst of the series, by far, for me.
I loved 4 when it first came out, but I played it a second time last week and wasn't really feeling it. Did you ever play Subsistence Radikal?
I did play Subsistence. My problem with the game, though, was that I could barely play it. I can't aim with my left thumb at all, and the stationary targeting and all that shit just does not work in big open environments. The same system didn't bother me in MGS2, because for the most part people were directly in front of you if you ran into them and needed to take them out quickly. It was really easy to line up a shot, even for me, but in MGS3 that was impossible. I felt like I was fighting it every step of the way. That and the camo stuff was kind of cool for a few minutes, then it became really REALLY annoying having to go into the menu every 3 seconds. I mean I know I would have loved it if the gameplay had made the changes I felt it needed (basically all the changes MGS4 made), since the story is great.
That's weird hearing you say that considering I remember you saying you got the big boss emblem in 4 (right?). Seems like aiming with your left thumb wouldn't be that big of a deal given that you were good enough for that. I agree that the camo got annoying, but it was so worth it to hide in tall grass and sneak up on some asshole. Diff'rent strokes I guess.
My #1 is the game that caused me to spend >$2000 on it (Good God that's alot of money on DLC/Drum Set). Rock Band 2 is obviously my GOTD and I take solace that I know I am not alone in the ridiculous sums of money that have been poured out in the name of Rock.
Disappointed that Batallion Wars wasnt up on the list. Had I known about this earlier, I would have nominated it.
Rest of list is composed of the games I played the most/have the fondest memories of.
Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
Resident Evil 4 (GC, PS2, Wii) <2005>
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) <2009>
Civilization III [Play the World, Conquests] (PC) <2001>
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC) <2006>
Guitar Hero 2 (PS2, 360) <2006>
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) <2003>
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (DS) <2007>
The Beatles: Rock Band (360,PS3,Wii)
Halo 3 <2007>
Mario Kart DS (DS) <2005>
Viewtiful Joe (GC, PS2) <2003>
New Super Mario Bros. (DS) <2006>
Mario Strikers Charged (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC) <2003>
Grand Theft Auto 4 [Lost and the Damned, Ballad of Gay Tony] (360, PS3, 360) <2008>
Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
Kirby Canvas Curse (DS) <2005>
Punch-Out!! (Wii) <2009>
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (GC, PC, PS1, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
Wii Sports (Wii) <2006>
Contra 4 (DS) <2007>
Katamari Damacy (PS2) <2004>
Scribblenauts (DS) <2009>
You're the second person I have seen put Civ3 on their list but not 4.
I don't remember much about 3 and I have just started playing 4 so I can't really compare. In what ways was 3 better?
Also high five for double dash, nintendo really took a step backwards with mario kart wii.
Come to think of it, I also picked Civ 3 without including its successor. Somehow 4 never clicked with me the same way. The snazzy new features felt like they got in my way while I was trying to wage my glorious wars of conquest and bloodshed.
In no way was Civ 3 better. In no way. Civ 3 is a boil on the arse of Civ 2, which has more flavor and equal gameplay, while Civ 4 has far superior gameplay. Don't look back.
My #1 is the game that caused me to spend >$2000 on it (Good God that's alot of money on DLC/Drum Set). Rock Band 2 is obviously my GOTD and I take solace that I know I am not alone in the ridiculous sums of money that have been poured out in the name of Rock.
How many songs you at?
543 on PS3, nearly 300 on 360 My wallet!
Also, I was a little miffed that Tomb Raider: Legend wasn't on the nomination list, it would have made my Top 25 for sure and knocked off Bioshock.
Dr. Avalanche: Sadly, Suiko3 didn't have enough castle building to make it on the list for me. Mostly good times, but kind of a letdown after 2. I kept hearing 5 was more of a return to form, but never did get around to checking it out. I'll see if I can still find a copy somewhere... and add it to the pile of games I still have to finish.
Suikoden 2 is certainly my favorite; ever after, I always entered the next game hoping there was a cooking contest, always to be disappointed. Suikoden 5 is certainly a return to form, though it doesn't come close to reaching the pinnacle of 2. Just curious, as they seemed to fit some of your other choices.
5 is enjoyable enough, and it's fun to go around finding characters, but it is completely lacking in challenge. There are very few battles that can't be won simply by letting your characters auto attack.
It doesn't have anything nearly resembling a good enough story to keep you interested when there's no real effort or challenge in the gameplay.
It's time to come clean. I'm a huge Metal Gear Solid fan, and I thought 4 was the worst of all of them. The worst plot of all, the worst bosses of all, too short, and the CQC felt tacked on.
I thought MGS3 was the best, followed by The Twin Snakes, then 2, then 4.
I would have a much greater love for MGS4 if there weren't load times for each segment of the game and if there was a section select. The multiplayer was underwhelming as well. It's the only game I've ever looked forward to for years and watched every trailer for - I was ecstatic, only to see the desert section last a good hour or two (like every other section!).
I didn't even select it. I did choose MGS3 as game of the decade, though.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: I think MGS3 is the worst of the series, by far, for me.
I loved 4 when it first came out, but I played it a second time last week and wasn't really feeling it. Did you ever play Subsistence Radikal?
I did play Subsistence. My problem with the game, though, was that I could barely play it. I can't aim with my left thumb at all, and the stationary targeting and all that shit just does not work in big open environments. The same system didn't bother me in MGS2, because for the most part people were directly in front of you if you ran into them and needed to take them out quickly. It was really easy to line up a shot, even for me, but in MGS3 that was impossible. I felt like I was fighting it every step of the way. That and the camo stuff was kind of cool for a few minutes, then it became really REALLY annoying having to go into the menu every 3 seconds. I mean I know I would have loved it if the gameplay had made the changes I felt it needed (basically all the changes MGS4 made), since the story is great.
That's weird hearing you say that considering I remember you saying you got the big boss emblem in 4 (right?). Seems like aiming with your left thumb wouldn't be that big of a deal given that you were good enough for that. I agree that the camo got annoying, but it was so worth it to hide in tall grass and sneak up on some asshole. Diff'rent strokes I guess.
Sans the CQC, I am not one to argue that MGS4 had perfect controls. The over the shoulder aiming was great. In MGS3, you could lightly hold down square (I know, not precise at all) and run-and-gun. In real life soldiers never run and gun period, so the constantly having to stop to aim didn't bother me much. I know the game isn't realistic, but it is in some areas and isn't in others.
The camouflage system in 4 was nice, but it was cool to have specific camouflages to wear in MGS3. It's akin to having to pause all the time in Zelda games - which is a bad thing.
1. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2) <2004>
3. Half-Life 2 [Episodes 1 and 2] (PC, 360) <2004>
4. Ico (PS2) <2001>
5. Portal (PC, XBOX) <2007>
6. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
7. Persona 3 (PS2) <2007>
8. God of War 2 (PS2, PS3) <2007>
9. Yakuza 2 (PS2) <2008>
10. Rome: Total War [Barbarian Invasion, Alexander] (PC) <2004>
11. Silent Hill 2 (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
12. Devil May Cry (PS2) <2001>
13. Resident Evil 4 (GC, PS2, Wii) <2005>
14. Burnout Paradise (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
15. Metroid Prime (GC) <2002>
16. Assassin's Creed II (360, PS3) <2009>
17. Dragon Quest VIII (PS2) <2005>
18. Infamous (PS3) <2009>
19. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PC, PS2, XBOX, GC) <2003>
20. Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec (PS2) <2001>
21. Fallout 3 [Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout, Mothership Zeta] (PC, PS3, 3
22. Flower (PS3*) <2009>
23. Final Fantasy IX (PS1) <2000>
24. Batman: Arkham Asylum (360, PS3, PC) <2009>
25. Final Fantasy XII (PS2) <2006>
To be honest, I made up the top 10 and then kinda rushed with the rest. I wanted to spend a few days debating with myself over the positions but frankly, I've got better things to do (plus I'm lazy).
I'm kinda gutted that I haven't played a bunch of games that'd probably make my list though (like Persona 4).
I know sports games really aren't G&T's thing, but omitting NFL 2k5 pretty much invalidates any sort of game of the decade list.
Well maybe you should have nominated it.
Hiiiiii
ESPN NFL 2K5 was in my nomination PM to the OP, but it didn't make the list. I guess traditional sports games aren't eligible? At least the best non-traditional sports game ever (SSX 3) was nominated, because my Top 5 would have had a hole in it if SSX 3 wasn't eligible either.
eh, the most interesting thing about 2k5 was that it wasn't madden. It wasn't a bad game, but I don't think it deserves to be in the best of conversation any more than madden 03 (or whatever) does.
Eat it You Nasty Pig. on
hold your head high soldier, it ain't over yet
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
Dr. Avalanche: Sadly, Suiko3 didn't have enough castle building to make it on the list for me. Mostly good times, but kind of a letdown after 2. I kept hearing 5 was more of a return to form, but never did get around to checking it out. I'll see if I can still find a copy somewhere... and add it to the pile of games I still have to finish.
Suikoden 2 is certainly my favorite; ever after, I always entered the next game hoping there was a cooking contest, always to be disappointed. Suikoden 5 is certainly a return to form, though it doesn't come close to reaching the pinnacle of 2. Just curious, as they seemed to fit some of your other choices.
5 is enjoyable enough, and it's fun to go around finding characters, but it is completely lacking in challenge. There are very few battles that can't be won simply by letting your characters auto attack.
It doesn't have anything nearly resembling a good enough story to keep you interested when there's no real effort or challenge in the gameplay.
Every Suikoden is completely lacking in challenge. Like every other one, the enjoyability of the combat basically depends on your ability to derive pleasure from the act of outfitting and optimizing your group and watching them steamroll through things.
The story is at least moderately engaging (I felt a lot more than 3 or 4), and the cast is solid. Also, I personally loved that you could spend like an hour just talking to everyone in your army before every major battle.
Dr. Avalanche: Sadly, Suiko3 didn't have enough castle building to make it on the list for me. Mostly good times, but kind of a letdown after 2. I kept hearing 5 was more of a return to form, but never did get around to checking it out. I'll see if I can still find a copy somewhere... and add it to the pile of games I still have to finish.
Suikoden 2 is certainly my favorite; ever after, I always entered the next game hoping there was a cooking contest, always to be disappointed. Suikoden 5 is certainly a return to form, though it doesn't come close to reaching the pinnacle of 2. Just curious, as they seemed to fit some of your other choices.
5 is enjoyable enough, and it's fun to go around finding characters, but it is completely lacking in challenge. There are very few battles that can't be won simply by letting your characters auto attack.
It doesn't have anything nearly resembling a good enough story to keep you interested when there's no real effort or challenge in the gameplay.
Every Suikoden is completely lacking in challenge. Like every other one, the enjoyability of the combat basically depends on your ability to derive pleasure from the act of outfitting and optimizing your group and watching them steamroll through things.
The story is at least moderately engaging (I felt a lot more than 3 or 4), and the cast is solid. Also, I personally loved that you could spend like an hour just talking to everyone in your army before every major battle.
Suikoden 5 was a LOT better than 4 (not sure about 3, it never came out over here) but it really felt like they were just copying 2's formula for 90% of the game. Not that that's a bad thing but sometimes the execution just wasn't there.
It really sucks that Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden 1 and 2 director) left Konami mid-way through Suikoden 3's development, the series hasn't been the same since. He currently seems to contract out his scenario writing for other developers. Here's his website. Maybe Konami could one day wisen up and get him to write Suikoden VI.
Because during the time of those releases I was only playing online PC games for the most part. I own BG2 but sadly it's probably forever stuck in my backlog. I was never into D&D so the idea of having to learn the mechanics always put me off from playing it. Plus I tried BG1 a couple years back and didn't really enjoy it, though I know 2 is regarded as a much better game by most. As for Arcanum? I dunno, it always seems to get a fair share of hate when it's discussed (mainly technical problems?), and I just never really felt like it was something I should bother with. Maybe some day.
Ah well, I'd just say that you're really missing out not playing BG2 and Arcanum is very playable with mods/patches.
In no way was Civ 3 better. In no way. Civ 3 is a boil on the arse of Civ 2, which has more flavor and equal gameplay, while Civ 4 has far superior gameplay. Don't look back.
This Dr. knows whats what.
chrono_traveller on
The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. ~ Terry Pratchett
eh, the most interesting thing about 2k5 was that it wasn't madden. It wasn't a bad game, but I don't think it deserves to be in the best of conversation any more than madden 03 (or whatever) does.
really? the unmatched gameplay and presentation didn't do it for you?
Madden still hasn't gotten right what NFL2k5 did 5 years ago.
eh, the most interesting thing about 2k5 was that it wasn't madden. It wasn't a bad game, but I don't think it deserves to be in the best of conversation any more than madden 03 (or whatever) does.
eh, the most interesting thing about 2k5 was that it wasn't madden. It wasn't a bad game, but I don't think it deserves to be in the best of conversation any more than madden 03 (or whatever) does.
really? the unmatched gameplay and presentation didn't do it for you?
Madden still hasn't gotten right what NFL2k5 did 5 years ago.
eh, I don't really agree with that. 2k5 was better than madden, but incrementally better. It wasn't some revelation in football videogames (aside from the price tag.)
Eat it You Nasty Pig. on
hold your head high soldier, it ain't over yet
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
eh, the most interesting thing about 2k5 was that it wasn't madden. It wasn't a bad game, but I don't think it deserves to be in the best of conversation any more than madden 03 (or whatever) does.
really? the unmatched gameplay and presentation didn't do it for you?
Madden still hasn't gotten right what NFL2k5 did 5 years ago.
eh, I don't really agree with that. 2k5 was better than madden, but incrementally better. It wasn't some revelation in football videogames (aside from the price tag.)
2k5 had a gang tackling system that Madden can't even match 5 years later. 2k5 had a real draft (madden's is still awful), 2k5 had half time and other presentations (just now this year Madden has matched that).
I'm not really sure you played the game. It has been voted the best sports game of all time at OperationSports.
KetarCome on upstairswe're having a partyRegistered Userregular
edited January 2010
My top 25 ended up heavier in FPS titles than I would have expected. Also a little strange that all of the fighters ended up grouped together at the bottom end, but I couldn't justify moving any of them any higher.
1. Half-Life 2 [Episodes 1 and 2] (PC, 360) <2004>
2. Ico (PS2) <2001>
3. Civilization 4 [Warlords, Beyond the Sword] (PC) <2005>
4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
5. Deus Ex (PC, PS2) <2000>
6. Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
7. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
8. Portal (PC, XBOX) <2007>
9. Final Fantasy X (PS2) <2001>
10. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn [Throne of Baal] (PC) <2000>
11. Unreal Tournament 2004 (PC) <2004>
12. Team Fortress 2 (PC, 360) <2007>
13. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (XBOX, PC) <2003>
14. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, PS3, 360, Wii) <2007>
15. Dead Space (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
16. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, XBOX) <2001>
17. Battlefield 1942 [Road To Rome, Secret Weapons of WWII] (PC) <2002>
18. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
19. SSX Tricky (PS2, GC, XBOX)
20. Defense Grid (PC*, 360*) <2008>
21. Dead or Alive 2 (PS2, DC) <2000>
22. Tekken Tag Tournament (PS2) <2000>
23. Soul Calibur II (GC, PS2, XBOX) <2003>
24. Gears of War (360, PC) <2006>
25. TimeSplitters 2 (GC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
It's sad to see how few votes SF4 gets, I assume it's because not that many people really play fighting games. But not only was it really well done but it was/is very significant in bringing back the popularity of competitive fighting games and the SF franchise.
It's sad to see how few votes SF4 gets, I assume it's because not that many people really play fighting games. But not only was it really well done but it was/is very significant in bringing back the popularity of competitive fighting games and the SF franchise.
Is it really that few? I thought I was seeing it in a lot of lists. Maybe not as much as some other games, but I thought it was doing pretty well.
AshtonDragon on
0
KetarCome on upstairswe're having a partyRegistered Userregular
It's sad to see how few votes SF4 gets, I assume it's because not that many people really play fighting games. But not only was it really well done but it was/is very significant in bringing back the popularity of competitive fighting games and the SF franchise.
I ended up trading SF4 away on Goozex within 3 weeks or so of picking it up on impulse. SF2 was a formative game for me - my best friend and I used to ride the El train from the suburb we lived in to downtown Chicago (despite explicit orders not to from parents) and then walk 2 miles or so to an arcade at North Pier mainly to play SF2, somewhere around 6th or 7th grade. SF4, while well done, just didn't hit me now the way SF2 did then and I think that lack of spark ruined it for me.
That and my friends just not getting into it at all at gaming parties. SC4 goes over well, as does Tekken 6, DOA4, VF5... Only MK vs DC was received as poorly as SF4, and that was likewise Goozexed out in short order.
Then again, I'm not into the competitive side of fighting games. For me they're first and foremost something to be played when friends are over, and if I play them too much or actually master some characters it won't be fun for casual play with friends anymore - nobody likes getting their ass kicked by the host/game owner all the time. The fighting games that did make my list largely did so because I have many good memories of playing them in a student lounge in college with the same friends I game with today.
Some commentary on my top 25 list, that I had posted before,
but now with commentary why I liked awesome games and didn't like yours.:
First of all, I Mostly care about storytelling in games.
That is why as far as game genres go, I'm adventuregamer first, survival horrorist second and rpgrer third.
So how come rpg got the first place?
1. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC) <2004>
I've always liked Vampire as tabletop rpg and this game makes an unbelievable transition into a crpg.
It got the feeling right, benders actor is awesome and you feel like you're dicked around by everyone. Just like in tabletop.
2. Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2007>
As representing all good that is harmonix music games, RB2 has most awesome tracklist (due dlc) and good party-game that is still going strong after couple of years.
3. Siren (PS2) <2004>
One of the weirder japanese survival horrors, the Forbidden siren weaves nice tale with out of sequence story telling and 10:ish point-of-views. It also had really undying zombies, which was awesome addition.
Oh and the brit-dub: Simply awesome . It really gave the game its own vibe.
4. Silent Hill 2 (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
Silent hills has nice disturbing feeling and SH2 gives it best nervous feelings without using much anything. It also had really hard puzzles in hardest difficulty, which I really liked.
I had to altavista about the shakespeare books, not to spoil one of the puzzles, but to find more about what each shakespeare book was about as we finns generally read finnish classics instead of english ones in school.
I've eliminated most of the extra members from game series from the list.
a Single rock band represents all harmonix rhytm games and 1 spot for best zelda is enough.
Only Silent hill got 2 spots, because they're that awesome.
5. The Longest Journey (PC) <2000>
The saviour of adventuregames back from 2000. It had nice puzzles, good acting and nice looking near future scenes. It also was good enough to convinve me to try funcom next turd of a game anarchy online.
Too bad they stopped making awesome games and went mmorpg.
6. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS) <2007>
Nice compact mystery novel in a form of a Ds game. Storytelling and unique visual style really makes you forget outside world.
7. Virtua Fighter 4 (PS2) <2002>
Fighting games are number 4 on my genre list and virtua fighter series show what is best about 3d fighters.
(mostly) believable moves, right move at right time move/countermove fight system and best of all no hoooryouukens and other bullshit. Virtua fighter 4 happened to be the game nudged me into buying my first console after NES. I'd probably bought dreamcast for Virtua fighter 3, if I had money at that time though.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) <2000>
My favourite zelda game of all time. the looping 3 day time with smallish problem solving that changed the people around the game was mindblowing. Definitely most unique zelda and uniqueness is pretty important for me in games.
I've actually got used n64 with 3 games, this, ocarina of time and some lousy donkey kong game that came with the package. All these that I could play 3d zelda and they went and published them 2 years later for more modern nintendo console (cube or wii?)
9. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (PS2) <2003>
Best scifi movie I've ever played (or best game I've ever watched ). The game had a cutscene, that was so long that it had save point at beginning, in the middle and at the end. :P
Serious science fiction is a love of mine and xenosaga series had a excellent story about future.
10. Ico (PS2) <2001
Pretty eye candy and deep story telling without much to say. simple, short and moving game.
21 Arcanum: of Steamworks & Magick Obscura (PC) <2001>
Really had to comment this.
Probably would be a top contender (with baldur's gate 2), except I have had pleasure to try replay them during last year thanks to let's play threads in these forums.
Some of the magic that these games had, were gone.
Arcanum still had awesome ideas and worlds, but it felt much more tedious than before.
I think the game mechanics of the rpg genre have moved tremendously forward and it shows here.
I agree that 2k5 should have been on the list. Add to that: FRONT OFFICE FOOTBALL 2007. The Front Office Football games are the holy mecha of American football sports sims. They are unbelievably good, and Gindin seems to have mastered the trick of making every iteration better than the last, which, God knows, EA has not.
I'm surprised to see more than, well...0 people list VtM: Bloodlines as their #1. And while I didn't list it that high, as I prefer tactical RPGs, I"m glad to see that some people liked it that much. Most underrated RPG, by far.
Add to that: FRONT OFFICE FOOTBALL 2007. The Front Office Football games are the holy mecha of American football sports sims. They are unbelievably good, and Gindin seems to have mastered the trick of making every iteration better than the last, which, God knows, EA has not.
Add to that: FRONT OFFICE FOOTBALL 2007. The Front Office Football games are the holy mecha of American football sports sims. They are unbelievably good, and Gindin seems to have mastered the trick of making every iteration better than the last, which, God knows, EA has not.
I'm surprised to see more than, well...0 people list VtM: Bloodlines as their #1. And while I didn't list it that high, as I prefer tactical RPGs, I"m glad to see that some people liked it that much. Most underrated RPG, by far.
The Gothic series, man. Only one vote so far for Gothic 2 and Risen, and those were from me.
I can honestly say I'm both kinda surprised and not surprised at all at my picks. There were a lot to choose from and it was hard coming down with the bottom few, but I'm still quite happy.
Picks:
1. Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
2. The Longest Journey (PC) <2000>
3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
4. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
5. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PC, PS2, XBOX, GC) <2003>
6. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (PS2) <2003>
7. Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) <2006>
8. Painkiller [Battle Out of Hell] (PC, Xbox) <2004>
9. Final Fantasy XI [Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the God
10. Final Fantasy X (PS2) <2001>
11. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, XBOX) <2001>
12. Dead Space (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
13. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) <2003>
14. Metroid Fusion (GBA) <2002>
15. God of War 2 (PS2, PS3) <2007>
16. Final Fantasy IX (PS1) <2000>
17. Chrono Cross (PS1) <2000>
18. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
19. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP) <2008>
20. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
21. Metroid Prime (GC) <2002>
22. Twisted Metal: Black (PS2) <2001>
23. Max Payne (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
24. Guitar Hero 2 (PS2, 360) <2006>
25. Pixeljunk Monsters (PS3*) <2008>
Posts
Suikoden 2 is certainly my favorite; ever after, I always entered the next game hoping there was a cooking contest, always to be disappointed. Suikoden 5 is certainly a return to form, though it doesn't come close to reaching the pinnacle of 2. Just curious, as they seemed to fit some of your other choices.
Disappointed that Batallion Wars wasnt up on the list. Had I known about this earlier, I would have nominated it.
Rest of list is composed of the games I played the most/have the fondest memories of.
Resident Evil 4 (GC, PS2, Wii) <2005>
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) <2009>
Civilization III [Play the World, Conquests] (PC) <2001>
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC) <2006>
Guitar Hero 2 (PS2, 360) <2006>
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) <2003>
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (DS) <2007>
The Beatles: Rock Band (360,PS3,Wii)
Halo 3 <2007>
Mario Kart DS (DS) <2005>
Viewtiful Joe (GC, PS2) <2003>
New Super Mario Bros. (DS) <2006>
Mario Strikers Charged (Wii) <2007>
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC) <2003>
Grand Theft Auto 4 [Lost and the Damned, Ballad of Gay Tony] (360, PS3, 360) <2008>
Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
Kirby Canvas Curse (DS) <2005>
Punch-Out!! (Wii) <2009>
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (GC, PC, PS1, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
Wii Sports (Wii) <2006>
Contra 4 (DS) <2007>
Katamari Damacy (PS2) <2004>
Scribblenauts (DS) <2009>
I have 549 Rock Band Drum and 305 Pro Drum FC's
REFS REFS REFS REFS REFS REFS REFS REFS
That's weird hearing you say that considering I remember you saying you got the big boss emblem in 4 (right?). Seems like aiming with your left thumb wouldn't be that big of a deal given that you were good enough for that. I agree that the camo got annoying, but it was so worth it to hide in tall grass and sneak up on some asshole. Diff'rent strokes I guess.
You're the second person I have seen put Civ3 on their list but not 4.
I don't remember much about 3 and I have just started playing 4 so I can't really compare. In what ways was 3 better?
Also high five for double dash, nintendo really took a step backwards with mario kart wii.
The music is pretty ace, though.
How many songs you at?
543 on PS3, nearly 300 on 360
Also, I was a little miffed that Tomb Raider: Legend wasn't on the nomination list, it would have made my Top 25 for sure and knocked off Bioshock.
This was however its first US release though, so I think it should have qualified.
5 is enjoyable enough, and it's fun to go around finding characters, but it is completely lacking in challenge. There are very few battles that can't be won simply by letting your characters auto attack.
It doesn't have anything nearly resembling a good enough story to keep you interested when there's no real effort or challenge in the gameplay.
Took like an hour to trim it down to 25, the only easy thing was the top pick, which never changed. So much
Sans the CQC, I am not one to argue that MGS4 had perfect controls. The over the shoulder aiming was great. In MGS3, you could lightly hold down square (I know, not precise at all) and run-and-gun. In real life soldiers never run and gun period, so the constantly having to stop to aim didn't bother me much. I know the game isn't realistic, but it is in some areas and isn't in others.
The camouflage system in 4 was nice, but it was cool to have specific camouflages to wear in MGS3. It's akin to having to pause all the time in Zelda games - which is a bad thing.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2) <2004>
3. Half-Life 2 [Episodes 1 and 2] (PC, 360) <2004>
4. Ico (PS2) <2001>
5. Portal (PC, XBOX) <2007>
6. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
7. Persona 3 (PS2) <2007>
8. God of War 2 (PS2, PS3) <2007>
9. Yakuza 2 (PS2) <2008>
10. Rome: Total War [Barbarian Invasion, Alexander] (PC) <2004>
11. Silent Hill 2 (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
12. Devil May Cry (PS2) <2001>
13. Resident Evil 4 (GC, PS2, Wii) <2005>
14. Burnout Paradise (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
15. Metroid Prime (GC) <2002>
16. Assassin's Creed II (360, PS3) <2009>
17. Dragon Quest VIII (PS2) <2005>
18. Infamous (PS3) <2009>
19. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PC, PS2, XBOX, GC) <2003>
20. Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec (PS2) <2001>
21. Fallout 3 [Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout, Mothership Zeta] (PC, PS3, 3
22. Flower (PS3*) <2009>
23. Final Fantasy IX (PS1) <2000>
24. Batman: Arkham Asylum (360, PS3, PC) <2009>
25. Final Fantasy XII (PS2) <2006>
To be honest, I made up the top 10 and then kinda rushed with the rest. I wanted to spend a few days debating with myself over the positions but frankly, I've got better things to do (plus I'm lazy).
I'm kinda gutted that I haven't played a bunch of games that'd probably make my list though (like Persona 4).
Well maybe you should have nominated it.
Hiiiiii
ESPN NFL 2K5 was in my nomination PM to the OP, but it didn't make the list. I guess traditional sports games aren't eligible? At least the best non-traditional sports game ever (SSX 3) was nominated, because my Top 5 would have had a hole in it if SSX 3 wasn't eligible either.
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
Every Suikoden is completely lacking in challenge. Like every other one, the enjoyability of the combat basically depends on your ability to derive pleasure from the act of outfitting and optimizing your group and watching them steamroll through things.
The story is at least moderately engaging (I felt a lot more than 3 or 4), and the cast is solid. Also, I personally loved that you could spend like an hour just talking to everyone in your army before every major battle.
Suikoden 5 was a LOT better than 4 (not sure about 3, it never came out over here) but it really felt like they were just copying 2's formula for 90% of the game. Not that that's a bad thing but sometimes the execution just wasn't there.
It really sucks that Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden 1 and 2 director) left Konami mid-way through Suikoden 3's development, the series hasn't been the same since. He currently seems to contract out his scenario writing for other developers. Here's his website. Maybe Konami could one day wisen up and get him to write Suikoden VI.
Ah well, I'd just say that you're really missing out not playing BG2 and Arcanum is very playable with mods/patches.
And
This Dr. knows whats what.
1. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
2. Animal Crossing (GC) <2002>
3. Metroid Prime (GC) <2002>
4. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) <2007>
5. Elite Beat Agents (DS) <2006>
I'm getting goose bumps thinking of all the good times I had with those games.
really? the unmatched gameplay and presentation didn't do it for you?
Madden still hasn't gotten right what NFL2k5 did 5 years ago.
I am shamed.
You aren't a good person.
eh, I don't really agree with that. 2k5 was better than madden, but incrementally better. It wasn't some revelation in football videogames (aside from the price tag.)
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
2k5 had a gang tackling system that Madden can't even match 5 years later. 2k5 had a real draft (madden's is still awful), 2k5 had half time and other presentations (just now this year Madden has matched that).
I'm not really sure you played the game. It has been voted the best sports game of all time at OperationSports.
Miss as in "did not play" or miss as in "forgot to add to list" because if it's the former...
http://www.audioentropy.com/
2. Ico (PS2) <2001>
3. Civilization 4 [Warlords, Beyond the Sword] (PC) <2005>
4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
5. Deus Ex (PC, PS2) <2000>
6. Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
7. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
8. Portal (PC, XBOX) <2007>
9. Final Fantasy X (PS2) <2001>
10. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn [Throne of Baal] (PC) <2000>
11. Unreal Tournament 2004 (PC) <2004>
12. Team Fortress 2 (PC, 360) <2007>
13. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (XBOX, PC) <2003>
14. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, PS3, 360, Wii) <2007>
15. Dead Space (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
16. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, XBOX) <2001>
17. Battlefield 1942 [Road To Rome, Secret Weapons of WWII] (PC) <2002>
18. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
19. SSX Tricky (PS2, GC, XBOX)
20. Defense Grid (PC*, 360*) <2008>
21. Dead or Alive 2 (PS2, DC) <2000>
22. Tekken Tag Tournament (PS2) <2000>
23. Soul Calibur II (GC, PS2, XBOX) <2003>
24. Gears of War (360, PC) <2006>
25. TimeSplitters 2 (GC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
Is it really that few? I thought I was seeing it in a lot of lists. Maybe not as much as some other games, but I thought it was doing pretty well.
I ended up trading SF4 away on Goozex within 3 weeks or so of picking it up on impulse. SF2 was a formative game for me - my best friend and I used to ride the El train from the suburb we lived in to downtown Chicago (despite explicit orders not to from parents) and then walk 2 miles or so to an arcade at North Pier mainly to play SF2, somewhere around 6th or 7th grade. SF4, while well done, just didn't hit me now the way SF2 did then and I think that lack of spark ruined it for me.
That and my friends just not getting into it at all at gaming parties. SC4 goes over well, as does Tekken 6, DOA4, VF5... Only MK vs DC was received as poorly as SF4, and that was likewise Goozexed out in short order.
Then again, I'm not into the competitive side of fighting games. For me they're first and foremost something to be played when friends are over, and if I play them too much or actually master some characters it won't be fun for casual play with friends anymore - nobody likes getting their ass kicked by the host/game owner all the time. The fighting games that did make my list largely did so because I have many good memories of playing them in a student lounge in college with the same friends I game with today.
but now with commentary why I liked awesome games and didn't like yours.:
First of all, I Mostly care about storytelling in games.
That is why as far as game genres go, I'm adventuregamer first, survival horrorist second and rpgrer third.
So how come rpg got the first place?
1. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (PC) <2004>
I've always liked Vampire as tabletop rpg and this game makes an unbelievable transition into a crpg.
It got the feeling right, benders actor is awesome and you feel like you're dicked around by everyone. Just like in tabletop.
2. Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2007>
As representing all good that is harmonix music games, RB2 has most awesome tracklist (due dlc) and good party-game that is still going strong after couple of years.
3. Siren (PS2) <2004>
One of the weirder japanese survival horrors, the Forbidden siren weaves nice tale with out of sequence story telling and 10:ish point-of-views. It also had really undying zombies, which was awesome addition.
Oh and the brit-dub: Simply awesome
4. Silent Hill 2 (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
Silent hills has nice disturbing feeling and SH2 gives it best nervous feelings without using much anything. It also had really hard puzzles in hardest difficulty, which I really liked.
I had to altavista about the shakespeare books, not to spoil one of the puzzles, but to find more about what each shakespeare book was about as we finns generally read finnish classics instead of english ones in school.
I've eliminated most of the extra members from game series from the list.
a Single rock band represents all harmonix rhytm games and 1 spot for best zelda is enough.
Only Silent hill got 2 spots, because they're that awesome.
5. The Longest Journey (PC) <2000>
The saviour of adventuregames back from 2000. It had nice puzzles, good acting and nice looking near future scenes. It also was good enough to convinve me to try funcom next turd of a game anarchy online.
Too bad they stopped making awesome games and went mmorpg.
6. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS) <2007>
Nice compact mystery novel in a form of a Ds game. Storytelling and unique visual style really makes you forget outside world.
7. Virtua Fighter 4 (PS2) <2002>
Fighting games are number 4 on my genre list and virtua fighter series show what is best about 3d fighters.
(mostly) believable moves, right move at right time move/countermove fight system and best of all no hoooryouukens and other bullshit. Virtua fighter 4 happened to be the game nudged me into buying my first console after NES. I'd probably bought dreamcast for Virtua fighter 3, if I had money at that time though.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) <2000>
My favourite zelda game of all time. the looping 3 day time with smallish problem solving that changed the people around the game was mindblowing. Definitely most unique zelda and uniqueness is pretty important for me in games.
I've actually got used n64 with 3 games, this, ocarina of time and some lousy donkey kong game that came with the package. All these that I could play 3d zelda and they went and published them 2 years later for more modern nintendo console (cube or wii?)
9. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (PS2) <2003>
Best scifi movie I've ever played (or best game I've ever watched
Serious science fiction is a love of mine and xenosaga series had a excellent story about future.
10. Ico (PS2) <2001
Pretty eye candy and deep story telling without much to say. simple, short and moving game.
11-20 no commentary on these
12 Portal (PC, XBOX) <2007>
13 Elite Beat Agents (DS) <2006>
14 Bioshock (360, PS3, PC) <2007>
15 Devil May Cry (PS2) <2001>
16 Disgaea (PS2, PSP, DS) <2003>
17 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS) <2005>
18 World of Goo (Wii*, PC) <2008>
19 Deus Ex (PC, PS2) <2000>
20 Mirror's Edge (PC, 360, PS3) <2008>
21 Arcanum: of Steamworks & Magick Obscura (PC) <2001>
Really had to comment this.
Probably would be a top contender (with baldur's gate 2), except I have had pleasure to try replay them during last year thanks to let's play threads in these forums.
Some of the magic that these games had, were gone.
Arcanum still had awesome ideas and worlds, but it felt much more tedious than before.
I think the game mechanics of the rpg genre have moved tremendously forward and it shows here.
22-25 no commentary on these
23 Soul Calibur 4 (360, PS3) <2008>
24 Psychonauts (PS2, XBox) <2005>
25 Beyond Good & Evil (CUBE, XBOX, PS2, PC) <2003>
Is there a basketball equivalent?
Yes. Go here:
http://www.wolverinestudios.com/games.html
Their American football game is not very good, but both of the Draft Day Sports basketball games are worth your time.
The Gothic series, man. Only one vote so far for Gothic 2 and Risen, and those were from me.
Oh God no... I played the shit out of HL2 multiple times.
Picks:
2. The Longest Journey (PC) <2000>
3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
4. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) <2005>
5. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PC, PS2, XBOX, GC) <2003>
6. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (PS2) <2003>
7. Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) <2006>
8. Painkiller [Battle Out of Hell] (PC, Xbox) <2004>
9. Final Fantasy XI [Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the God
10. Final Fantasy X (PS2) <2001>
11. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2, XBOX) <2001>
12. Dead Space (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
13. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) <2003>
14. Metroid Fusion (GBA) <2002>
15. God of War 2 (PS2, PS3) <2007>
16. Final Fantasy IX (PS1) <2000>
17. Chrono Cross (PS1) <2000>
18. Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
19. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP) <2008>
20. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2002>
21. Metroid Prime (GC) <2002>
22. Twisted Metal: Black (PS2) <2001>
23. Max Payne (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
24. Guitar Hero 2 (PS2, 360) <2006>
25. Pixeljunk Monsters (PS3*) <2008>
PS3 Trophies
Diablo II [Lord of Destruction] (PC) <2000>
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) <2009>
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS) <2005>
Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) <2001>
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3) <2007>
Battlefield 1942 [Road To Rome, Secret Weapons of WWII] (PC) <2002>
Counter-Strike (PC) <2000>
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (PC, GC, XBOX) <2002>
World of Warcraft [Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King] (PC) <2004>
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS) <2006>
Infamous (PS3) <2009>
Rock Band 2 (360, PS2, PS3, Wii) <2008>
Half-Life 2 [Episodes 1 and 2] (PC, 360) <2004>
Halo 3 <2007>
Burnout Paradise (PC, PS3, 360) <2008>
Soul Calibur II (GC, PS2, XBOX) <2003>
Unreal Tournament 2004 (PC) <2004>
Grand Theft Auto III (PC, PS2, XBOX) <2001>
Wipeout HD [Fury] (PS3) <2008>
Assassin's Creed II (360, PS3) <2009>
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA) <2003>
Wii Sports (Wii) <2006>
Mario Kart DS (DS) <2005>
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS) <2005>
This is my PSN ID— Radthanael