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Resetera's Essential Games
- Thread starter Aurica
- Start date
Okay, so I couldn't figure out what approach to take to this since video games are weird and not like movies in the sense that there is a higher barrier to entry. There are a ton of things to understand about film but you can watch any film from beginning to end and probably be able to explain the plot or something along those lines. With games, if you don't understand the input then you can't proceed. So my list reflects games that I think are good at showing a type of game for someone new to the genre. And I'm going to do a bad job at that.
BIG BUDGET CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Last of Us- I wanted to picked Uncharted 2 but I think something that can live entirely in a vacuum works better here. I don't think the game is a masterpiece but Naughty Dog is better than anyone at walking the player through these great set pieces. This is different than a BIG BUDGET BLOCKBUSTER as this feels more grounded than the Uncharted games despite being about zombies and stuff. The cut scenes are packed with emotion. The ending I think is actually bad but the build up and moral ambiguity feels "movie-like" even if it rarely works there either.
OPEN WORLD
Breath of the Wild- Another game that I am not sure about being a masterpiece. Too early to say how influential it will be. It takes the core idea, exploring a vast world, and pushes the player through with some well placed locations throughout a rather vast map. Entering the open world genre on a game like Assassin's Creed feels overwhelming and muddies the goal. While those games probably better represent the genre I am not sure they are as effective at moving the player around the world. Also, the island quest is amazing and distills the entire experience of the game unlike anything I have ever seen. So pure.
EMERGENT STORYTELLING
Mount & Blade: Warband- Not even sure if I am doing this right but no game has made me feel like I am telling my own story quite like M&B:W. There are a variety of different "origin stories" you can choose from, mixing and matching different elements that lead to your stats. Do you want to be a trader? Be a trader, make that money. Want to be knight? Fight for your country. Want to build your own army and potentially carve out your own piece of land? Sure, why not. Combat is fun even if wonky. I am still unsure whether there is actually a storyline or a recommended path. Doesn't matter. Make your own way.
I'm going to attempt to add more later but these are three that I would certainly recommend if I wanted to maybe teach a younger cousin about games (like 12 with parent's consent because I'm not a wild man)
BIG BUDGET CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Last of Us- I wanted to picked Uncharted 2 but I think something that can live entirely in a vacuum works better here. I don't think the game is a masterpiece but Naughty Dog is better than anyone at walking the player through these great set pieces. This is different than a BIG BUDGET BLOCKBUSTER as this feels more grounded than the Uncharted games despite being about zombies and stuff. The cut scenes are packed with emotion. The ending I think is actually bad but the build up and moral ambiguity feels "movie-like" even if it rarely works there either.
OPEN WORLD
Breath of the Wild- Another game that I am not sure about being a masterpiece. Too early to say how influential it will be. It takes the core idea, exploring a vast world, and pushes the player through with some well placed locations throughout a rather vast map. Entering the open world genre on a game like Assassin's Creed feels overwhelming and muddies the goal. While those games probably better represent the genre I am not sure they are as effective at moving the player around the world. Also, the island quest is amazing and distills the entire experience of the game unlike anything I have ever seen. So pure.
EMERGENT STORYTELLING
Mount & Blade: Warband- Not even sure if I am doing this right but no game has made me feel like I am telling my own story quite like M&B:W. There are a variety of different "origin stories" you can choose from, mixing and matching different elements that lead to your stats. Do you want to be a trader? Be a trader, make that money. Want to be knight? Fight for your country. Want to build your own army and potentially carve out your own piece of land? Sure, why not. Combat is fun even if wonky. I am still unsure whether there is actually a storyline or a recommended path. Doesn't matter. Make your own way.
I'm going to attempt to add more later but these are three that I would certainly recommend if I wanted to maybe teach a younger cousin about games (like 12 with parent's consent because I'm not a wild man)
The Nintendo Gamecube
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Classic fighting game. To this day, the game still has a thriving competitive scene, and future games in the series don't quite scratch the itch for this style of Smash Bros. But the game's value isn't only the excellent multiplayer; it also features wonderful single player modes. You have standard Smash classic mode, a great adventure mode, individual stages for every character's target test, the introduction of the homerun contest minigame, about 50 events (most of them really fun), around 10 characters to unlock, and around 300 trophies to hunt for. Even if you prefer the expanded roster of future games, you owe it to yourself to try this one out, and examine it in historical context -- it's a huge leap up from the first game in the series.
Metroid Prime 1 and 2
I remember a time when many thought Metroid Prime would be a disaster. First person Metroid? No way that works well! Instead, little old Retro studio graced us with a sci-fi magnum opus. Early in its generation, Metroid Prime felt like it pushed the standard for craftsmanship in game creation. The game sidesteps traditional FPS controls and more importantly design, giving you a game that really focuses on exploring a world, just like it's 2D predecessors. The world it puts you in feels, in many ways, so much more realized due to the 3D environments. Love it or hate it, you'll be searching all throughout the world, visiting most places multiple times. The sequel is almost just as strong as the original. It strays a bit from the normal Metroid formula, instead opting to use a light/dark world mechanic. This one implements some different power ups, nice boss fights, and some nice locations. Both are very much worth playing today and always.
F-Zero GX
The latest and greatest in Nintendo's futuristic racing series. GX offers a fantastic sense of speed, and it's willing to challenge as much as you're willing to accept. You've got plenty of options for racers, a nice story mode, options to create your own vehicles, and several grand prixs to chase after. The game feels great and looks great. Probably one of my favorite racing games.
Soul Calibur II
The previous SC game already nailed the feel of a good fighting game. Even on a very casual basis, you get this sense that you know what you're doing (even when you don't). You feel very in control. II takes a strong base and makes it better. This one has a fantastic single player, compared to many fighting games. You'll visit a variety of mission, engage in some fights (often with some twist), and there will be tons of bonus weapons to unlock. And the reason I list this as a Gamecube essential, of course, is the bonus character. This one includes Link from the The Legend of Zelda series. Link in a traditional 3D fighting game? How cool is that?! He's actually not all that great, but still fun just because it's unusual.
Animal Crossing
A great version of an addictive Nintendo staple. AC was very different from most of what I was familiar with, back when it released. Other than Harvest Moon, it was just in a direction totally opposite from most of what I played. Instead of being pushed forward to a critical objective, you're pushed to relax. To take it easy and wait until you play tomorrow. I adored it. Found myself playing for months, and for a good chunk of that, for hours each day. To be honest though, it is a bit hard to recommend this one over future installments. Those provide some cool new features, including multiplayer and online features. There is one big feature that only this entry can boast though: NES games. These are the most worthwhile collectibles in the series, and it feels great to find one.
Phantasy Star Online: Episode I and II
The Dreamcast introduced the world to PSO, and it was pretty solid there. PSO is a perfectly happy medium between an MMO and a loot focused action RPG. You gather up in parties of 1-4, tackle a few areas over and over again to progress your character, and search for rare items. At the time, of course the big selling point was the online play. What stands the test of time though, is the wonderful carrot-on-a-stick rare item drop table. Each character you make falls into 1 of 10 groups, and each group can find a specific rare item from each enemy. It's brilliant, because you can focus on that enemy and hunt exactly what you're looking for, and you can make a new character in a new group to chase after other loot.
So why the Gamecube version? First of all, the Gamecube version has local multiplayer. This is already huge; local requires less resources and is also more fun than the online modes. The drop rates on rare items are far more reasonable on the Gamecube iteration. Managing data is way easier on the GCN version too - on DC, your memory card and character are locked to your console, for whatever reason. (And I'm not even sure, can you make multiple chars on DC?). Also pretty cool, the Gamecube version adds a second episode - the entire game takes place on 4 stages (with several parts each), but in the Gamecube release, there are 4 more stages (with several parts each). Unfortunately, the 2nd episode is a big drop in quality, but still nice to have those extra options. (Disclaimer: not 100% on some of these facts, so please correct me if I get something wrong.)
Not only is the game still great, but the game also, fortunately, has some flexibility with its online config. That is to say, you can still play online through fan run servers! Some features are sadly locked to online quests, but these things are still available.
Others
I got tired of typing up blurbs, but I'd also add Paper Mario 2, Mario Sunshine, Wind Waker, RE4, and Viewtiful Joe, to the required playing for the system. The Gamecube had a lot going on, and I had a great time with it.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Classic fighting game. To this day, the game still has a thriving competitive scene, and future games in the series don't quite scratch the itch for this style of Smash Bros. But the game's value isn't only the excellent multiplayer; it also features wonderful single player modes. You have standard Smash classic mode, a great adventure mode, individual stages for every character's target test, the introduction of the homerun contest minigame, about 50 events (most of them really fun), around 10 characters to unlock, and around 300 trophies to hunt for. Even if you prefer the expanded roster of future games, you owe it to yourself to try this one out, and examine it in historical context -- it's a huge leap up from the first game in the series.
Metroid Prime 1 and 2
I remember a time when many thought Metroid Prime would be a disaster. First person Metroid? No way that works well! Instead, little old Retro studio graced us with a sci-fi magnum opus. Early in its generation, Metroid Prime felt like it pushed the standard for craftsmanship in game creation. The game sidesteps traditional FPS controls and more importantly design, giving you a game that really focuses on exploring a world, just like it's 2D predecessors. The world it puts you in feels, in many ways, so much more realized due to the 3D environments. Love it or hate it, you'll be searching all throughout the world, visiting most places multiple times. The sequel is almost just as strong as the original. It strays a bit from the normal Metroid formula, instead opting to use a light/dark world mechanic. This one implements some different power ups, nice boss fights, and some nice locations. Both are very much worth playing today and always.
F-Zero GX
The latest and greatest in Nintendo's futuristic racing series. GX offers a fantastic sense of speed, and it's willing to challenge as much as you're willing to accept. You've got plenty of options for racers, a nice story mode, options to create your own vehicles, and several grand prixs to chase after. The game feels great and looks great. Probably one of my favorite racing games.
Soul Calibur II
The previous SC game already nailed the feel of a good fighting game. Even on a very casual basis, you get this sense that you know what you're doing (even when you don't). You feel very in control. II takes a strong base and makes it better. This one has a fantastic single player, compared to many fighting games. You'll visit a variety of mission, engage in some fights (often with some twist), and there will be tons of bonus weapons to unlock. And the reason I list this as a Gamecube essential, of course, is the bonus character. This one includes Link from the The Legend of Zelda series. Link in a traditional 3D fighting game? How cool is that?! He's actually not all that great, but still fun just because it's unusual.
Animal Crossing
A great version of an addictive Nintendo staple. AC was very different from most of what I was familiar with, back when it released. Other than Harvest Moon, it was just in a direction totally opposite from most of what I played. Instead of being pushed forward to a critical objective, you're pushed to relax. To take it easy and wait until you play tomorrow. I adored it. Found myself playing for months, and for a good chunk of that, for hours each day. To be honest though, it is a bit hard to recommend this one over future installments. Those provide some cool new features, including multiplayer and online features. There is one big feature that only this entry can boast though: NES games. These are the most worthwhile collectibles in the series, and it feels great to find one.
Phantasy Star Online: Episode I and II
The Dreamcast introduced the world to PSO, and it was pretty solid there. PSO is a perfectly happy medium between an MMO and a loot focused action RPG. You gather up in parties of 1-4, tackle a few areas over and over again to progress your character, and search for rare items. At the time, of course the big selling point was the online play. What stands the test of time though, is the wonderful carrot-on-a-stick rare item drop table. Each character you make falls into 1 of 10 groups, and each group can find a specific rare item from each enemy. It's brilliant, because you can focus on that enemy and hunt exactly what you're looking for, and you can make a new character in a new group to chase after other loot.
So why the Gamecube version? First of all, the Gamecube version has local multiplayer. This is already huge; local requires less resources and is also more fun than the online modes. The drop rates on rare items are far more reasonable on the Gamecube iteration. Managing data is way easier on the GCN version too - on DC, your memory card and character are locked to your console, for whatever reason. (And I'm not even sure, can you make multiple chars on DC?). Also pretty cool, the Gamecube version adds a second episode - the entire game takes place on 4 stages (with several parts each), but in the Gamecube release, there are 4 more stages (with several parts each). Unfortunately, the 2nd episode is a big drop in quality, but still nice to have those extra options. (Disclaimer: not 100% on some of these facts, so please correct me if I get something wrong.)
Not only is the game still great, but the game also, fortunately, has some flexibility with its online config. That is to say, you can still play online through fan run servers! Some features are sadly locked to online quests, but these things are still available.
Others
I got tired of typing up blurbs, but I'd also add Paper Mario 2, Mario Sunshine, Wind Waker, RE4, and Viewtiful Joe, to the required playing for the system. The Gamecube had a lot going on, and I had a great time with it.
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Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nier Automata
Persona 5
Danganronpa V3
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nier Automata
Persona 5
Danganronpa V3
OP
OP
There's some red text in the OP.
Interesting choice just doing new games, though.
SNES
Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2
In my opinion, the best SNES platformers. The music is so jolly it's like getting slapped in the face with my childhood. There's some hard levels but all in all not too difficult or time consuming to get through. Just delightful games all around.
Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2
In my opinion, the best SNES platformers. The music is so jolly it's like getting slapped in the face with my childhood. There's some hard levels but all in all not too difficult or time consuming to get through. Just delightful games all around.
Came here to post this.
For me, it's the best open world super hero type game ever. It's just a joy to move from point A to B and there's nothing on the market quite like it. I'm not too confident that we'll see a sequel. So I hope that it comes to PC one day just so more folks can play it.
PC
Fallout 1 and 2 - simply the most complete RPG ever made, with broadest scope of interaction seen to date. It is the ultimate videogame - it allows you to craft any kind of character and meaningfully play them. Which other game allows you to become scientist, or a dumbfuck, or a pornstar, or junkie, or smoothtalking sniper, or a boxer, gravedigger, childkiller.. ? And all that in completely unique universe with unforgettable atmosphere and style as well as sense of humor.
Deus Ex - the ultimate first person game, mix of stealth and action, with heavy narrative emphasis and again broad scope of player agency. As much as I like its sequels, no other first person game has yet managed to match Deus Ex in its design.
Witcher 3 - proof that quality and quantity can happily coexist in a single package. I don't think I have ever played a game that had this much content in form of unique narrative, characters and quests, that also kept this level of consistently high quality across both itself and its expansions. My first playthrough took little over 200 hours with zero seconds spent in boredom, which is ridiculous.
Fallout 1 and 2 - simply the most complete RPG ever made, with broadest scope of interaction seen to date. It is the ultimate videogame - it allows you to craft any kind of character and meaningfully play them. Which other game allows you to become scientist, or a dumbfuck, or a pornstar, or junkie, or smoothtalking sniper, or a boxer, gravedigger, childkiller.. ? And all that in completely unique universe with unforgettable atmosphere and style as well as sense of humor.
Deus Ex - the ultimate first person game, mix of stealth and action, with heavy narrative emphasis and again broad scope of player agency. As much as I like its sequels, no other first person game has yet managed to match Deus Ex in its design.
Witcher 3 - proof that quality and quantity can happily coexist in a single package. I don't think I have ever played a game that had this much content in form of unique narrative, characters and quests, that also kept this level of consistently high quality across both itself and its expansions. My first playthrough took little over 200 hours with zero seconds spent in boredom, which is ridiculous.
I'd like to put forward Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I consider it the best stealth-action game of all time (yes, including those games).
I remember seeing the early footage of the game, and the hammy "I never asked for this" line becoming a huge meme, and the general impressions being severely negative. Then the first third of the game "leaked" (still not convinced this wasn't done on purpose). I downloaded the leak kind of as a joke, and by the time I was done with it I had it pre-ordered.
The stealth and exploration are completely unrivaled for an fps, and while I can't claim to still be finding new paths today, those of you who underplayed it could still have a lot to discover. The game had great atmosphere and worldbuilding, and Jensen's VA (Elias Toufexis) did an amazing job of making a character which deserves to be around for a long time. Oh, and the music was insane.
The biggest criticism I remember hearing of the game after it released was that the boss fights were crappy (I enjoyed them, but I digress) but what a lot of people failed to realize was that there was basically a boss skip included the entire time. If you take the Typhoon augment and then heavy damage variant early, it will basically 2 or 3 shot any boss you don't feel like screwing with.
Human Revolution's legacy ended up being a huge problem for me. Mankind Divided just didn't even have a chance to compare in my mind, which is a shame because from the 1/4 or so I played of it the worldbuilding seemed really solid. I'm gonna get back to it, one day.
...if I can ever skip HR to do so.
I remember seeing the early footage of the game, and the hammy "I never asked for this" line becoming a huge meme, and the general impressions being severely negative. Then the first third of the game "leaked" (still not convinced this wasn't done on purpose). I downloaded the leak kind of as a joke, and by the time I was done with it I had it pre-ordered.
The stealth and exploration are completely unrivaled for an fps, and while I can't claim to still be finding new paths today, those of you who underplayed it could still have a lot to discover. The game had great atmosphere and worldbuilding, and Jensen's VA (Elias Toufexis) did an amazing job of making a character which deserves to be around for a long time. Oh, and the music was insane.
The biggest criticism I remember hearing of the game after it released was that the boss fights were crappy (I enjoyed them, but I digress) but what a lot of people failed to realize was that there was basically a boss skip included the entire time. If you take the Typhoon augment and then heavy damage variant early, it will basically 2 or 3 shot any boss you don't feel like screwing with.
Human Revolution's legacy ended up being a huge problem for me. Mankind Divided just didn't even have a chance to compare in my mind, which is a shame because from the 1/4 or so I played of it the worldbuilding seemed really solid. I'm gonna get back to it, one day.
...if I can ever skip HR to do so.
The best PC exclusive (YES IT IS)
IJI - Nanotech yourself, shoot and kick your way through this marvelous game. High replay value, satisfying combat, different guns, techs, enemies and a nice story and an awesome and kickass protagonist.
Oh, did I mention it is free and got a brand new patch earlier this year? :D
http://www.remar.se/daniel/iji.php
GO PLAY IJI!
IJI - Nanotech yourself, shoot and kick your way through this marvelous game. High replay value, satisfying combat, different guns, techs, enemies and a nice story and an awesome and kickass protagonist.
Oh, did I mention it is free and got a brand new patch earlier this year? :D
http://www.remar.se/daniel/iji.php
GO PLAY IJI!
Sega Master System: Phantasy Star
The NES had enough RPGs to build a staircase to the moon, but one of the (only) SMS rpgs had they all beaten for the 8-bit crown to me. It's a shame Japan and USA were nintendo dominated, so the first PS never got the acclaim it deserved (and perhaps the series as a whole never had the chance to truly shine against the nostalgia of other titles starting on nintendo consoles)
The NES had enough RPGs to build a staircase to the moon, but one of the (only) SMS rpgs had they all beaten for the 8-bit crown to me. It's a shame Japan and USA were nintendo dominated, so the first PS never got the acclaim it deserved (and perhaps the series as a whole never had the chance to truly shine against the nostalgia of other titles starting on nintendo consoles)
Basic knowledge:
Tetris
It's videogame 101. A simple puzzle game about falling shapes and clearing lines. Tetris is timeless because its formula does not need to be reinvented in order to be fun. There is no end, so the main objective is also the only one. It's simple, it's intuitive, and it's remarkable. It's hard to find a videogame more videogame than Tetris.
Super Mario Bros
It's videogame 102. You control a small, agile avatar that runs and jumps. Anything you do in the game is based on running and jumping (and throwing fireballs). It teaches how movement is important and the mere fact you can control an avatar character and do different stuff with it can be incredibly fun. It shows less is more and there is no need for a ton of things if you're making an accessible game.
Doom
It's videogame 103. Shows how speed, positioning and quick reflexes can make a game incredibly engrossing in a 3D space. Shows how enemies should behave and how frantic action paired with secrets and knowing your audience can lead to great success. Doom's worldwide success was no accident. Knee-Deep in the Dead is still a masterclass on how to make a fun first person shooter.
EarthBound
Every single person in this world should play EarthBound. It shows how a game can be kind, and how humanity, instead of escapism, can make the soul of an adventure. It shows how dialogue, charisma and events can have real effects on one's perpection. It's a game that made me a better person. I can't say that for many other games. Similar recommendations, but for different reasons: Dragon Quest V (teaches the importance of narrative through a personal journey), Chrono Trigger (shows the importance of masterful pacing and uplifting tone), Skies of Arcadia (same as the previous one, minus the perfect pacing), Panzer Dragoon Saga (all of the previous ones; plus, it's unique) and Pokémon (acessibility, incentive for playing, making a game for all ages, interaction with other players). Also, the obvious ones: Mother 3 (EB with more narrative and fleshed-out characters) and Undertale (influenced by both games, shows how kindness, good writing and subversion of expectatives can make an experience remarkable).
Advanced courses:
Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 3D World
Same as the original SMB, but in a 3D space. Super Mario 64 shows how a game should be fun simply by moving the character around. It also teaches basics about 3D cameras and how they sucked. Super Mario 3D World, ironically, is actually this formula simplified so as to be an actual 3D conversion of the game style of the original, 2D Super Mario Bros games. It also teaches how 3D space can be manuevered with a fixed camera and multiplayer and still work despite all that. Both are incredible genius games, which focus on fun first and foremost.
Resident Evil 4
It is the quintessential third-person action game. Masterful pacing, encounters, player feedback, tension, and even tone. Almost every single thing you do in this game is enjoyable, down to the most silliest and most irrelevant ones. No encounter plays the same. Even reloading is fun. There are few games that come as near perfection as this one.
Runner up: Resident Evil 2, for a near-same example on a simpler hardware.
Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents
I sincerely consider the Ouendan/EBA series to be quite possibly the best IP to come out on the previous decade. While Guitar Hero had more mainstream appeal, and the iNiS games didn't really set the world on fire, I think it's remarkable how the games' unusual control scheme is so simple yet so acessible to the point where I've never, ever seen a player think "Ok, I've had enough, I don't feel like trying the harder difficulties". Ouendan and EBA have a steep learning curve that makes even people who don't give a shit about videogames go insane on making high scores, perfect runs and keep improving themselves. Seriously - throw this game at anyone who never played a videogame before, give them a while to understand how it works, and see it they'll want to stop. Stupid fucking spinner aside, these games are absolutely genius.
Rez
It's art. Teaches how videogames can be sinestesic experiences. Also recommended: Space Channel 5 Part 2 and Rhythm Tengoku (games with incredibly simple control schemes that are immensely rewarding by the way they're presented).
Really fucking advanced courses:
Metroid Prime
Teaches the importance of masterful design, exploration, sense of progression and atmosphere. The more I understand videogames, the more I like this one.
Dark Souls
Shows the importance of risk vs. reward. Shows how games can be engrossing if the players feel there's something on the line. Shows how good world-building and a sense of tension create an engrossing experience. Demon's Souls, is predecessor, is also excellent, but I like how this one makes it with an interconnected world.
Bayonetta
It teaches what an action game is.
Vagrant Story
Teaches the importance of a great script, art direction and cutscene direction. While Metal Gear Solid is the obvious answer to this, I'd go with the underdog, as it also shows how a steep learning curve can make the players more enamored with the work if they go deep enough to understand it. I hold VS in a high regard that almost no other games match, save for other Matsuno works, such as Tactics Ogre.
Personal recommendation:
Wonder Boy in Monster World
It's the simplest, most colorful, more fun introduction to a Metroidvania one could ever play. It encourages exploration, trial and error, and lateral thinking (considering what was standard at the time, in the system). If I had to recommend someone to play a game to learn what games are, this would probably be my pick.
Ok, I guess that's enough.
Tetris
It's videogame 101. A simple puzzle game about falling shapes and clearing lines. Tetris is timeless because its formula does not need to be reinvented in order to be fun. There is no end, so the main objective is also the only one. It's simple, it's intuitive, and it's remarkable. It's hard to find a videogame more videogame than Tetris.
Super Mario Bros
It's videogame 102. You control a small, agile avatar that runs and jumps. Anything you do in the game is based on running and jumping (and throwing fireballs). It teaches how movement is important and the mere fact you can control an avatar character and do different stuff with it can be incredibly fun. It shows less is more and there is no need for a ton of things if you're making an accessible game.
Doom
It's videogame 103. Shows how speed, positioning and quick reflexes can make a game incredibly engrossing in a 3D space. Shows how enemies should behave and how frantic action paired with secrets and knowing your audience can lead to great success. Doom's worldwide success was no accident. Knee-Deep in the Dead is still a masterclass on how to make a fun first person shooter.
EarthBound
Every single person in this world should play EarthBound. It shows how a game can be kind, and how humanity, instead of escapism, can make the soul of an adventure. It shows how dialogue, charisma and events can have real effects on one's perpection. It's a game that made me a better person. I can't say that for many other games. Similar recommendations, but for different reasons: Dragon Quest V (teaches the importance of narrative through a personal journey), Chrono Trigger (shows the importance of masterful pacing and uplifting tone), Skies of Arcadia (same as the previous one, minus the perfect pacing), Panzer Dragoon Saga (all of the previous ones; plus, it's unique) and Pokémon (acessibility, incentive for playing, making a game for all ages, interaction with other players). Also, the obvious ones: Mother 3 (EB with more narrative and fleshed-out characters) and Undertale (influenced by both games, shows how kindness, good writing and subversion of expectatives can make an experience remarkable).
Advanced courses:
Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 3D World
Same as the original SMB, but in a 3D space. Super Mario 64 shows how a game should be fun simply by moving the character around. It also teaches basics about 3D cameras and how they sucked. Super Mario 3D World, ironically, is actually this formula simplified so as to be an actual 3D conversion of the game style of the original, 2D Super Mario Bros games. It also teaches how 3D space can be manuevered with a fixed camera and multiplayer and still work despite all that. Both are incredible genius games, which focus on fun first and foremost.
Resident Evil 4
It is the quintessential third-person action game. Masterful pacing, encounters, player feedback, tension, and even tone. Almost every single thing you do in this game is enjoyable, down to the most silliest and most irrelevant ones. No encounter plays the same. Even reloading is fun. There are few games that come as near perfection as this one.
Runner up: Resident Evil 2, for a near-same example on a simpler hardware.
Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents
I sincerely consider the Ouendan/EBA series to be quite possibly the best IP to come out on the previous decade. While Guitar Hero had more mainstream appeal, and the iNiS games didn't really set the world on fire, I think it's remarkable how the games' unusual control scheme is so simple yet so acessible to the point where I've never, ever seen a player think "Ok, I've had enough, I don't feel like trying the harder difficulties". Ouendan and EBA have a steep learning curve that makes even people who don't give a shit about videogames go insane on making high scores, perfect runs and keep improving themselves. Seriously - throw this game at anyone who never played a videogame before, give them a while to understand how it works, and see it they'll want to stop. Stupid fucking spinner aside, these games are absolutely genius.
Rez
It's art. Teaches how videogames can be sinestesic experiences. Also recommended: Space Channel 5 Part 2 and Rhythm Tengoku (games with incredibly simple control schemes that are immensely rewarding by the way they're presented).
Really fucking advanced courses:
Metroid Prime
Teaches the importance of masterful design, exploration, sense of progression and atmosphere. The more I understand videogames, the more I like this one.
Dark Souls
Shows the importance of risk vs. reward. Shows how games can be engrossing if the players feel there's something on the line. Shows how good world-building and a sense of tension create an engrossing experience. Demon's Souls, is predecessor, is also excellent, but I like how this one makes it with an interconnected world.
Bayonetta
It teaches what an action game is.
Vagrant Story
Teaches the importance of a great script, art direction and cutscene direction. While Metal Gear Solid is the obvious answer to this, I'd go with the underdog, as it also shows how a steep learning curve can make the players more enamored with the work if they go deep enough to understand it. I hold VS in a high regard that almost no other games match, save for other Matsuno works, such as Tactics Ogre.
Personal recommendation:
Wonder Boy in Monster World
It's the simplest, most colorful, more fun introduction to a Metroidvania one could ever play. It encourages exploration, trial and error, and lateral thinking (considering what was standard at the time, in the system). If I had to recommend someone to play a game to learn what games are, this would probably be my pick.
Ok, I guess that's enough.
Metal Gear Solid (PS1) - This game arguably marked the beginning of cinematic storytelling in games as we know it. From the fact that the opening credits fade in over the opening minutes of your gameplay, to the surprisingly strong voice work and character development (especially for a game that came out in 98), to the hugely memorable boss encounters, MGS is undoubtedly one of the most important and landmark games ever made.
Super Mario Bros. (NES) - Mario laid the groundwork for nearly every game that came after it, with "show, don't tell" level design that allows even the most novice of players to wrap their minds around the mechanics just by playing the game. This game is Miyamoto's stroke of genius, a masterclass in game design that continues to reverberate across the industry over 30 years later.
Super Mario 64 (N64) - This game did what Super Mario Bros. did for games as a whole, except this time it laid the framework for fluid movement in a 3D space. Its initial complexity to someone who's never touched a thumbstick before fades to simplicity, the longer the player jumps, leaps, and lunges in the courtyard around Peach's castle. Mario 64 is crucially important to games as we know them today, and turned the 3D space from something daunting to something accessible, and moreover, a hell of a lot of fun.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360/PS3) - This shooter, which after a decade of sequels does seem like a distant memory in retrospect, did revolutionary things with its genre, colliding two previously unacquainted concepts: the online multiplayer FPS, and RPG progression systems. The result was arguably the most addictive iteration on competitive shooting up to that point. To think the concept of "leveling up" and unlocking guns was practically unheard of in shooters prior to this game is unreal to think about, and that, coupled with the game's blockbuster campaign mode, make this game easy to add to the list.
I have more to add, but I'm at work and should probably get some stuff done. Haha
Super Mario Bros. (NES) - Mario laid the groundwork for nearly every game that came after it, with "show, don't tell" level design that allows even the most novice of players to wrap their minds around the mechanics just by playing the game. This game is Miyamoto's stroke of genius, a masterclass in game design that continues to reverberate across the industry over 30 years later.
Super Mario 64 (N64) - This game did what Super Mario Bros. did for games as a whole, except this time it laid the framework for fluid movement in a 3D space. Its initial complexity to someone who's never touched a thumbstick before fades to simplicity, the longer the player jumps, leaps, and lunges in the courtyard around Peach's castle. Mario 64 is crucially important to games as we know them today, and turned the 3D space from something daunting to something accessible, and moreover, a hell of a lot of fun.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360/PS3) - This shooter, which after a decade of sequels does seem like a distant memory in retrospect, did revolutionary things with its genre, colliding two previously unacquainted concepts: the online multiplayer FPS, and RPG progression systems. The result was arguably the most addictive iteration on competitive shooting up to that point. To think the concept of "leveling up" and unlocking guns was practically unheard of in shooters prior to this game is unreal to think about, and that, coupled with the game's blockbuster campaign mode, make this game easy to add to the list.
I have more to add, but I'm at work and should probably get some stuff done. Haha
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In no particular order (and ones I can think of right now)
KOTOR II + TSLRCM on PC
The Witcher 3
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Dark Souls
Bloodborne
Mass Effect trilogy
Shenmue I & II
Experiences that make you think "yup, this is why I love video games".
EDIT: Sorry, just saw the red text, it's late here and my mind is kinda fuddled, these are just games you have to play.
KOTOR II + TSLRCM on PC
The Witcher 3
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Dark Souls
Bloodborne
Mass Effect trilogy
Shenmue I & II
Experiences that make you think "yup, this is why I love video games".
EDIT: Sorry, just saw the red text, it's late here and my mind is kinda fuddled, these are just games you have to play.
Barkley Gaiden is a must play as it captures a story of a fallen man who fits the current climate and worry while also bringing MarioRPG gameplay back when we're severely lacking it.
I hope I don't make Aizō's avatar dog sad with this post, because I have 3 games that all follow one larger reasoning. I'll still get into things the respective games did exceptionally well too.
Zelda OoT
Mario 64
Metroid Prime
Those games are the best 2D/3D transitions ever made in gaming, which is quite a feat. Some of them revolutionized gaming in general. They are so well pulled off you can still play them today without any problems. I'd put GTA 3 in there as well but I don't think it has aged as well as these 3. Artstyle is probably a big reason for that. Anyway:
Zelda OoT: Really good pacing and had a huge influnece on a plethora of games with it's Z-targeting. The music is absolutely phenomenal. Word's can't describe how good these pieces are. It's gameplay loop is so good Nintendo didn't have to change much for the next few entries and the whole Zelda template is never really copied by anyone else. There is no other game series with these intricate dungeons and item progression. Lot's of games take inspiration from it but noone tries to actually emulate all of if. Barely anyone would manage to anyway. You also have to paly it to experience the water temple at least once to know why people are bitching so hard.
Mario 64: Again, it probably wouldn't blow anyones mind when played today, but it is something everyone should have experienced at least once. I actually can't say that much about it. It didn't hold up as well as OoT and Prime but it is the first game of the three that made the jump and my god what a jump it was back then.
Metroid Prime: This game is something truly special. When it was announced nobody thought the devs at Retro could pull it off. People thought that if it was possible Nintendo would've tried to make a 3D Metroid way sooner, like they did with Mario and Zelda, and not give it to some western developer. Damn were they wrong. The only games that come close to this game's 3D metroidvania leveldesign are some of the Souls games, and it's atmosphere is unmatched. A huge part in this has again the soundtrack, which is something out of this world. The whole item progression, the bossfights, the spiderball/morphall sequences (which were even improved on in the sequel) are truly unique and I would implore anyone who has the chance to try this masterpiece.
Another game that doesn't fit the 2D/3D transition is:
Bloodborne: I'm really glad I didn't give up on this one at the start. Genius leveldesign, atmosphere, series typical combat with a variety of super interesting weapons, soundtrack... Everything is gaming bliss. Also the best shortcut in the whole Souls series.
Zelda OoT
Mario 64
Metroid Prime
Those games are the best 2D/3D transitions ever made in gaming, which is quite a feat. Some of them revolutionized gaming in general. They are so well pulled off you can still play them today without any problems. I'd put GTA 3 in there as well but I don't think it has aged as well as these 3. Artstyle is probably a big reason for that. Anyway:
Zelda OoT: Really good pacing and had a huge influnece on a plethora of games with it's Z-targeting. The music is absolutely phenomenal. Word's can't describe how good these pieces are. It's gameplay loop is so good Nintendo didn't have to change much for the next few entries and the whole Zelda template is never really copied by anyone else. There is no other game series with these intricate dungeons and item progression. Lot's of games take inspiration from it but noone tries to actually emulate all of if. Barely anyone would manage to anyway. You also have to paly it to experience the water temple at least once to know why people are bitching so hard.
Mario 64: Again, it probably wouldn't blow anyones mind when played today, but it is something everyone should have experienced at least once. I actually can't say that much about it. It didn't hold up as well as OoT and Prime but it is the first game of the three that made the jump and my god what a jump it was back then.
Metroid Prime: This game is something truly special. When it was announced nobody thought the devs at Retro could pull it off. People thought that if it was possible Nintendo would've tried to make a 3D Metroid way sooner, like they did with Mario and Zelda, and not give it to some western developer. Damn were they wrong. The only games that come close to this game's 3D metroidvania leveldesign are some of the Souls games, and it's atmosphere is unmatched. A huge part in this has again the soundtrack, which is something out of this world. The whole item progression, the bossfights, the spiderball/morphall sequences (which were even improved on in the sequel) are truly unique and I would implore anyone who has the chance to try this masterpiece.
Another game that doesn't fit the 2D/3D transition is:
Bloodborne: I'm really glad I didn't give up on this one at the start. Genius leveldesign, atmosphere, series typical combat with a variety of super interesting weapons, soundtrack... Everything is gaming bliss. Also the best shortcut in the whole Souls series.
Dibs on forum post is the most hilariously dumb thing I've seen online. Good thing we're doing away with that nonsense.
What happened to the thread for one for each system? Well, it's easier for me to put now.
LittleBigPlanet
If you're the creative type and have an interest in creating your own game I feel that LittleBigPlanet is a good place to start. The user creation tools are phenomenal and easy to use and there's plenty to keep you busy for years, but since this game is so old now and with 2 sequels you probably won't find many other people to play this with. The campaign is standard. It has its high, but overall just okay. I feel that the multiplayer is where things shine. Being able to play with other people online in user created levels is the most fun to me and you can even have other players create with you.
Super Mario Maker is likely a good choice as well, but unfortunately I have yet to play it.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
If you want to introduce someone to a JRPG I think this or a Pokemon game is a good place to start. SMRPG is very simple, probably too simple, funny, and pretty to look at.
LittleBigPlanet
If you're the creative type and have an interest in creating your own game I feel that LittleBigPlanet is a good place to start. The user creation tools are phenomenal and easy to use and there's plenty to keep you busy for years, but since this game is so old now and with 2 sequels you probably won't find many other people to play this with. The campaign is standard. It has its high, but overall just okay. I feel that the multiplayer is where things shine. Being able to play with other people online in user created levels is the most fun to me and you can even have other players create with you.
Super Mario Maker is likely a good choice as well, but unfortunately I have yet to play it.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
If you want to introduce someone to a JRPG I think this or a Pokemon game is a good place to start. SMRPG is very simple, probably too simple, funny, and pretty to look at.
There's a lot I could pick, but I think I'll just go with one of my favourite games of all time: NieR.
It's not the prettiest game, the most technically competent, or the best playing, but NieR is a masterpiece nonetheless for its fantastic storyline that deconstructs the very nature of gaming itself and its insanely lovable, memorable cast of characters.
Pictured: Your new best friends, right before something tragic and awful happens because it's that kind of game.
I can personally guarantee that there are plenty of people who, if they were to try NieR, would be disappointed by its technical flaws, and you know what, sure, okay. It's not a game for everyone, and particularly delights in screwing with you, the player, in every way it can possibly think. For my part I can't recommend it enough.
Also the guys involved with the soundtrack just kinda sat down and created the single greatest OST in video game history, NBD.
It's not the prettiest game, the most technically competent, or the best playing, but NieR is a masterpiece nonetheless for its fantastic storyline that deconstructs the very nature of gaming itself and its insanely lovable, memorable cast of characters.
Pictured: Your new best friends, right before something tragic and awful happens because it's that kind of game.
I can personally guarantee that there are plenty of people who, if they were to try NieR, would be disappointed by its technical flaws, and you know what, sure, okay. It's not a game for everyone, and particularly delights in screwing with you, the player, in every way it can possibly think. For my part I can't recommend it enough.
Also the guys involved with the soundtrack just kinda sat down and created the single greatest OST in video game history, NBD.
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Shin Megami Tensei IV, Nintendo 3DS
SMT IV has been warmly received both by the press and the MegaTen community, and while it's generally considered to be a solid entry into the series, I never see it discussed with the fervor that I think it deserves. It's is an incredible example for world-building in games: every location has been intricately crafted, telling its own story and conveying a different mood and atmosphere. The Tokyo world map is sprawling, and everything is in some way connected or loops back in itself, encouraging you to interpret NPC directions and negotiate the various environmental hazards and geographical relationships (unlike so many other games which rely on objective markers and streamline navigation to where it becomes a complete afterthought, including SMT IV's own direct sequel). The way you explore and the things you find reinforce so much of the subtle theming in the game; I don't want to give too much away, since this is supposed to be a recommendation, but suffice to say that this is not your standard linear JRPG story. Much of SMT IV's appeal isn't concretely what happens, but how it makes you feel. It's a game that slowly claws its hooks into you, and you won't want it to let go.
It's not just my favorite 3DS game, but one of the greatest JRPGs ever made if you ask me, and everyone interested in the medium as a form of art owes it to themselves to play it. I know Dark Souls comparisons are lame, but if you appreciate what Dark 1 specifically did compared to the rest of the series, then you'll LOVE SMT IV.
SMT IV has been warmly received both by the press and the MegaTen community, and while it's generally considered to be a solid entry into the series, I never see it discussed with the fervor that I think it deserves. It's is an incredible example for world-building in games: every location has been intricately crafted, telling its own story and conveying a different mood and atmosphere. The Tokyo world map is sprawling, and everything is in some way connected or loops back in itself, encouraging you to interpret NPC directions and negotiate the various environmental hazards and geographical relationships (unlike so many other games which rely on objective markers and streamline navigation to where it becomes a complete afterthought, including SMT IV's own direct sequel). The way you explore and the things you find reinforce so much of the subtle theming in the game; I don't want to give too much away, since this is supposed to be a recommendation, but suffice to say that this is not your standard linear JRPG story. Much of SMT IV's appeal isn't concretely what happens, but how it makes you feel. It's a game that slowly claws its hooks into you, and you won't want it to let go.
It's not just my favorite 3DS game, but one of the greatest JRPGs ever made if you ask me, and everyone interested in the medium as a form of art owes it to themselves to play it. I know Dark Souls comparisons are lame, but if you appreciate what Dark 1 specifically did compared to the rest of the series, then you'll LOVE SMT IV.
I spent too much time on this post so I'll stop with these. Could have added 3-4 more per console lol.
N64
PS1
DreamCast
PS2
Gamecube
XBOX
PSP
PS3
Wii
PS4
PC VR
N64
- Mario 64 - Still super fun to play, grew up playing this game a lot so the nostalgia is really high for me
- Zelda: Ocarina of time - classic game with one of the most catchiest music ever...also don't attack chickens!
PS1
- Final Fantasy 7 - Iconic rpg, for many this was probably their first ff game.
- Final Fantasy 9 - My fave final fantasy game, everything about it is full of charm and its also a nice tribute for the older fantasy rpgs too.
- MGS1 - See where it began for the mgs saga with iconic music, characters, boss fights (despite awkward controls)
DreamCast
- Skies of Arcadia - one of my all time favourite games. awesome rpg that combines all classic rpg elements that you dont really see anymore from a diverse and interesting party, well developed villains that you are introduced to way before you ever encounter them, ship battles, open world with discoveries to find, recruitable ship crew mates who you can summon into battle via one of the ultimate attacks, I could go on.
- Powerstone 2 - A 4 player arena fighter that hasn't been replicated by anything else (and I don't understand why!), this could have existed alongside smash brothers as fun party fighters. Arena's are dynamic in the sense that they transition to new areas (often by having the players run from hazards whilst beating the crap out of eachother. You can pick up weapons and lift objects in the environment , you can craft and unlock consumables and weapons for all modes and theres also a co-op beat-em-up campaign too. You'll also have boss enemies spawn midbattle too on certain arenas to make life harder.
- (I never played shenmue so I can't recommend that personally, but its widely considered a dreamcast classic so just wanted to mention this here too)
PS2
- Final Fantasy X - This was my first final fantasy so it holds a special place. Completey turn based and with a great story. Also, blitzball!
- Kindgom Hearts - final fantasy x disney, sounds crazy and it is crazy and thats what makes it awesome. Battle system is super fun too.
- DMC3 - best devil may cry game and its a prequel to boot.
- Dark Chronicle(uk) / Dark Cloud 2(us) - another great jrpg but completely action based. A charming story with fun characters with a really cool mash up of systems. The invention system was amazing and addictive, being able to upgrade your mech, cosmic golf, village building gameplay etc.
- Jak and Daxter - great platformer, also recommend the sequels including the racing spinoff too.
- Ratchet and Clank - another great platformer with a focus on crazy weaponry.
- God of War - great story, great action (simple formula compared to games live devil may cry but it worked), epic boss sets.
Gamecube
- Skis of Arcadia legends- am I cheating? its a re-release of the dreamcast game with a ton of extra content.
- Smash Brothers Melee - too many hours played on this game, amazing arena-like fighter that supported 4 players.
XBOX
- Jet Set Radio: Future - super stylish game where you grafitti the environment whilst crusing on rollerskates in a futuristic environment with iconic music
- Halo - Pretty much put console fps on the map for mainstream gamers.
PSP
- Final Fantasy Tactics - I placed this one here instead of the ps1 version. One of my favourite tactical rpg games, redone cutscenes and its portable!
- Dissidia: Duodecim - tons of content and you get to play as final fantasy characters beating eachother up
- Crisis Core - prequel to ff7, telling the story of Zack. A lot of content to keep you busy.
- Loco Roco - cute, fun and iconic.
- Valkyria Chronicles 2 - might be a controversial pick for some since its set in a high school with cliche characters but I still enjoyed it and had fun playing it.
PS3
- Demons Souls - The game that spawned the souls genre during that gen.
- Dark Souls - expanded on demons souls and was a bigger hit.
- God of war 3 - Amazing entry and conclusion to the original trilogy. The boss set pieces where insane.
- Ni No Kuni - studio ghibli + level 5, super charming game and felt like a shoutout to old school rpgs
- Uncharted 2 - Amazing game and in my opinion, made the uncharted series one of the top playstation exclusives
- Infamous- amazing open world hero game with a great story full of twists
- Killzone 2 - Great sci-fi shooter full of some crazy tech for its time + online multiplayer was a blast
- Valkyria Chronicles - Innovate rpg at the time with amazing gameplay and story, nothing else like it. Also had Vyse and Aika (and at a stretch Fina) from skies of arcadia so it gets bonus points!
- Last of Us - amazing game set in a zombie apocolypse (mushroom zombies) but focuses on the human side of things, great story and gameplay with an ending that had tons of debates everywhere. The online was great too.
Wii
- Smash Brothers Brawl - Great entry in the super smash series and had tons of guest characters like sonic and snake too.
- Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Amazing entry to the Zelda series
PS4
- Bloodborne - Souls game by From Software, still going strong and it has an amazing setting. Yharnam city was beautifully depressing!
- Until Dawn - awesome cheesy, horror game with decision making that effect the story. Great game to play with others too.
- Horizon: Zero Dawn - Great open world action game by the killzone devs. You fight robo dinosaurs with bows and arrows. Story was great with the present day stuff and finding out about the past, very well written.
- Persona 5 - Amazing rpg that can take over 100 hours to complete, super stylish!
PC VR
- Lone Echo - Great showcase of vr, utilises every aspect of the pc vr motion controllers, has a great story that takes around 8-9 hours to complete. Writing is great, characters that you interact with are done well. Zero gravity games in vr are gonna have a hard time to stand out thanks to this game. Also has an aweosme multiplayer game available for free as a stand alone game.
- Superhot VR - super....hot. super...hot. super...hot. Seriously though, you are Neo with the power to stop time if you're standing still. Has a short campaign but unlocks some great modes like endless mode.
- Robo Recall - Great showcase of VR in terms of the flexibility it can give for what should be ordinary/normal gameplay. Takes first person shooter gameplay to the next level (atleast when it comes to arcade like shooters and not military sims).
- From Other Suns - Rogue Like space adventure with ship battles, boarding enemy ships, walking around space stations shooting pirates, robots, aliens. Weapons are randomised similar to the borderlands series.
- Chronos - Great showcase of 3rd person VR. Its a souls-lite game, you die and you respawn at the last checkpoint object you touched. however, everytime you die your character ages. Growing old slows you down and you cant level up your physical attributes but you become adept in magic.
I don't know if it's listed, but here goes:
ETERNAL DARKNESS SANITY'S REQUIEM
A Mature-rated GameCube game, published by Nintendo with outstanding voice acting and a compelling narrative. The sanity effects alone are worth the entry price. However, the game was also fun to play, with a unique spell system and a ridiculously high replay value. Just phenomenal.
ETERNAL DARKNESS SANITY'S REQUIEM
A Mature-rated GameCube game, published by Nintendo with outstanding voice acting and a compelling narrative. The sanity effects alone are worth the entry price. However, the game was also fun to play, with a unique spell system and a ridiculously high replay value. Just phenomenal.
Ok the OP leaves a fair bit up to interpretation, so let's get creative:
Bad Games
... or rather, bad game, at least from me. I'd like to recommend Sonic the hedgehog for xbox 360 and ps3, or as it's more often known, sonic 06. This is for people who want to know how a game can go wrong in development, or those with innocent friends who they want to have a laugh with.
But why would you play Sonic 06 specifically? Well it's not actually entirely bad. The music, is as often pointed out, fantastic. All the tracks from Crisis City, Flame Core, Wave Ocean, the boss themes, the character themes, the list of great tracks goes on. Also, the game is actually quite ambitious, and has a bunch of different playable characters, with their own playstyles, and even some additional playstyles on top of that, and the level areas are often pretty cool places too, especially in the concept art. Finally, whilst the game is notoriously buggy, it's only rarely that you'll suffer a major setback as a result of these bugs if you're familiar with how the game works - playing with a friend who knows their stuff is ideal for this. Sure not everything is avoidable, but at a certain point this comes with the territory. With all this in mind, the game is rarely boring on a fundamental level.
So here's the thing, Sonic 06 is still kind of boring anyway. But it's impressively so. Since the game isn't fundamentally broken in the same way some of the shovelware on Steam is, it has to be unfun in other ways, like idea execution, story, and level design. Every level, you'll find some new and exciting badly executed concept. Maybe it's playing as Amy with her terrible double jump, maybe it's a puzzle that relies on the games lackluster physics engine, maybe it's randomly replaying a level as tails for reasons that aren't particularly well justified, and then it's never brought up again. If you go into this with the wrong mindset, you will actually find this as boring as it should be, but I find it fascinating, and I'm sure others do too. It can be fun to ask "what were they thinking" or "how did this come about" sometimes, and Sonic 06 provides plenty to discuss. It's an important and memorable part of gaming history, even if it's not actually that great of a game.
Bad Games
... or rather, bad game, at least from me. I'd like to recommend Sonic the hedgehog for xbox 360 and ps3, or as it's more often known, sonic 06. This is for people who want to know how a game can go wrong in development, or those with innocent friends who they want to have a laugh with.
But why would you play Sonic 06 specifically? Well it's not actually entirely bad. The music, is as often pointed out, fantastic. All the tracks from Crisis City, Flame Core, Wave Ocean, the boss themes, the character themes, the list of great tracks goes on. Also, the game is actually quite ambitious, and has a bunch of different playable characters, with their own playstyles, and even some additional playstyles on top of that, and the level areas are often pretty cool places too, especially in the concept art. Finally, whilst the game is notoriously buggy, it's only rarely that you'll suffer a major setback as a result of these bugs if you're familiar with how the game works - playing with a friend who knows their stuff is ideal for this. Sure not everything is avoidable, but at a certain point this comes with the territory. With all this in mind, the game is rarely boring on a fundamental level.
So here's the thing, Sonic 06 is still kind of boring anyway. But it's impressively so. Since the game isn't fundamentally broken in the same way some of the shovelware on Steam is, it has to be unfun in other ways, like idea execution, story, and level design. Every level, you'll find some new and exciting badly executed concept. Maybe it's playing as Amy with her terrible double jump, maybe it's a puzzle that relies on the games lackluster physics engine, maybe it's randomly replaying a level as tails for reasons that aren't particularly well justified, and then it's never brought up again. If you go into this with the wrong mindset, you will actually find this as boring as it should be, but I find it fascinating, and I'm sure others do too. It can be fun to ask "what were they thinking" or "how did this come about" sometimes, and Sonic 06 provides plenty to discuss. It's an important and memorable part of gaming history, even if it's not actually that great of a game.
(Work in progress)
My personal essentials over my many years of gaming:
NES:
- Super Mario Bros.
Genesis:
- Sonic 2
Game Gear:
- Sonic 1
- Sonic 2
- Columns
Game Boy:
- Link's Awakening
- Tetris
- Super Mario Land
SNES:
- Super Mario World
- Megaman X
- Chrono Trigger
- FFVI
- Killer Instinct (I sucked at Street Fighter 2, hadoken for lyfe)
N64:
- Mario 64
- Goldeneye
- Starfox
Playstation:
- Resident Evil
- Megaman X4
- Gran Turismo 2
- Metal Gear Solid
- Castlevania Symphony of the night
PS2:
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (alt: MGS3)
- Persona 4
- FFX
- Devil May Cry
- God Of War
- LOTR: Two Towers
- Gitaroo Man
PSP:
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- Patapon
Xbox:
- Halo
- Halo 2
- Black
- Oddworld Stranger's Wrath
- Crimson Skies
Wii:
- Mario Galaxy
- Mario Galaxy 2
- Wii Sports
Xbox 360:
- Rock Band
- Gear of War
- Burnout Paradise
- Mass Effect 2
Playstation 3:
- Demon's Souls
- Dark Souls
- MGS 4
- Last of Us
- Uncharted 2
- Shadow of the Colossus
WiiU:
- Mario Kart 8
- Zelda BOTW
- Pikmin 3
PS Vita:
- Guacamelee
- Hotline Miami
- Downwell
- Tearaway
- Rogue Legacy
My personal essentials over my many years of gaming:
NES:
- Super Mario Bros.
- No Nintendo was ever without this classic.
- Super Mario Bros. 3- Excellent follow up to SMB that introduced new elements while still maintaining excellent gameplay
- Megaman 2- Excellent music, bosses, stage design. Very challenging but fun platformer.
Genesis:
- Sonic 2
- Sonic 2 had some of the most memorable levels in the series, coupled with one of the more palatable bonus levels that I actually enjoyed doing.
- Sonic 3 + Knuckles- Sonic 3 was such an amazing game but Sonic 3 + Knuckles was in a league of its own. I loved the integration and continuation of Sonic 3 storyline. The true final boss fight remains one of the best in the series.
- Mortal Kombat 3-
Game Gear:
- Sonic 1
- Sonic 2
- Columns
Game Boy:
- Link's Awakening
- Tetris
- Super Mario Land
SNES:
- Super Mario World
- Megaman X
- Chrono Trigger
- FFVI
- Killer Instinct (I sucked at Street Fighter 2, hadoken for lyfe)
N64:
- Mario 64
- Goldeneye
- Starfox
Playstation:
- Resident Evil
- Megaman X4
- Gran Turismo 2
- Metal Gear Solid
- Castlevania Symphony of the night
PS2:
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (alt: MGS3)
- Persona 4
- FFX
- Devil May Cry
- God Of War
- LOTR: Two Towers
- Gitaroo Man
PSP:
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- Patapon
Xbox:
- Halo
- Halo 2
- Black
- Oddworld Stranger's Wrath
- Crimson Skies
Wii:
- Mario Galaxy
- Mario Galaxy 2
- Wii Sports
Xbox 360:
- Rock Band
- Gear of War
- Burnout Paradise
- Mass Effect 2
Playstation 3:
- Demon's Souls
- Dark Souls
- MGS 4
- Last of Us
- Uncharted 2
- Shadow of the Colossus
WiiU:
- Mario Kart 8
- Zelda BOTW
- Pikmin 3
PS Vita:
- Guacamelee
- Hotline Miami
- Downwell
- Tearaway
- Rogue Legacy
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I would argue it was Halflife 1998, not Halflife 2, 2004 that was revolutionary, even though Halflife 2 is arguably the better game.
FPS were never the same when Halflife came along.
It's really stressful for me to rank games by quality, so I'll stick to innovative and influential. And it makes more sense to me to go by genre instead of platform.
Platformer
-Super Mario Bros.: Where the platformer as we know it began, not to mention the game that revived the U.S. console industry. SMB codified ,the physics of friction and momentum that make platforming feel good, and is one of the earliest examples of antepiece-heavy game design, which educates and tests players to create a smooth and satisfying difficulty curve.
-Super Mario 64. Did for 3D movement what SMB did for 2D. It hasn't aged quite as well-the camera in particular feels a bit clunky compared to modern sensibilities-but it's still shocking how close Nintendo got to nailing it on their first attempt.
JRPG
Dragon Quest: Yuji Horii wanted to make a game that provided players the same sense of progression and adventure as old-school Ultima and Wizardry, but was more palatable to a wide audience. With the first Dragon Quest, this goal was accomplished with charming graphics and toned-down complexity and difficulty. Death let you keep your experience points, so even poor players would eventually level up enough to mash through any challenge as long as they kept throwing themselves at it, while keeping enough depth that more skilled players could have an engaging experience prevailing at lower levels.
-Final Fantasy IV: The prototypical JRPG story. A hero with a hidden background who must overcome an existential crisis, a colorful cast of party members, allies, and villains, melodramatic moments, betrayal and redemption, shocking plot twists, and off-the-wall mishmash world design.
Action-Adventure
-The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: The template for every Zelda game up until the most recent one, with mythic storytelling, an easy-to-grasp structure of enter dungeon, get item, use item to finish dungeon and beat boss, and tons of secrets, hidden much more fairly than its predecessors.
-The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Along with Mario 64, above, defined how characters should move in 3D. Z-targeting is the ancestor of so many of the lock-on systems action games still use today.
-Resident Evil 4: Perfected the over-the-shoulder perspective used in so many third-person games. Shinji Mikami also put tremendous care into the desanign of every combat encounter,whether it's just a couple of guys or an elaborate setpiece sequence. Cinematic single-player games have been trying to live up to its legacy for years.
-Assassin's Creed: The towers-and-icons approach pioneered by AC is derided today for being too common and too thoughtlessly applied, but it's been successful for a decade because people like to climb things and look around at stuff and to have a wide variety of activities and options. AC gave players a world and mechanics that filled those needs, and its influence has been powerfully felt.
Platformer
-Super Mario Bros.: Where the platformer as we know it began, not to mention the game that revived the U.S. console industry. SMB codified ,the physics of friction and momentum that make platforming feel good, and is one of the earliest examples of antepiece-heavy game design, which educates and tests players to create a smooth and satisfying difficulty curve.
-Super Mario 64. Did for 3D movement what SMB did for 2D. It hasn't aged quite as well-the camera in particular feels a bit clunky compared to modern sensibilities-but it's still shocking how close Nintendo got to nailing it on their first attempt.
JRPG
Dragon Quest: Yuji Horii wanted to make a game that provided players the same sense of progression and adventure as old-school Ultima and Wizardry, but was more palatable to a wide audience. With the first Dragon Quest, this goal was accomplished with charming graphics and toned-down complexity and difficulty. Death let you keep your experience points, so even poor players would eventually level up enough to mash through any challenge as long as they kept throwing themselves at it, while keeping enough depth that more skilled players could have an engaging experience prevailing at lower levels.
-Final Fantasy IV: The prototypical JRPG story. A hero with a hidden background who must overcome an existential crisis, a colorful cast of party members, allies, and villains, melodramatic moments, betrayal and redemption, shocking plot twists, and off-the-wall mishmash world design.
Action-Adventure
-The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: The template for every Zelda game up until the most recent one, with mythic storytelling, an easy-to-grasp structure of enter dungeon, get item, use item to finish dungeon and beat boss, and tons of secrets, hidden much more fairly than its predecessors.
-The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Along with Mario 64, above, defined how characters should move in 3D. Z-targeting is the ancestor of so many of the lock-on systems action games still use today.
-Resident Evil 4: Perfected the over-the-shoulder perspective used in so many third-person games. Shinji Mikami also put tremendous care into the desanign of every combat encounter,whether it's just a couple of guys or an elaborate setpiece sequence. Cinematic single-player games have been trying to live up to its legacy for years.
-Assassin's Creed: The towers-and-icons approach pioneered by AC is derided today for being too common and too thoughtlessly applied, but it's been successful for a decade because people like to climb things and look around at stuff and to have a wide variety of activities and options. AC gave players a world and mechanics that filled those needs, and its influence has been powerfully felt.
Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines
Where do I begin. There is such an interesting history on this game and so much around it. How it was rushed out at the end but also released along side other titles that over shadowed this game. How the development began on a source engine that was still being quite new and being worked on. How the game seemed to have a fanatical, undying fan support post mortem - Clover Studios has gone under but fans continue to patch the game and attempt to restore cut content. The patches and updates make the game a much more pleasant experience today both in stability and graphical updates even without new content added to it.
The game itself is also very good. Atmospheric hub based exploration. The RPG mechanisms are quite good though let down a bit by the combat. The writing is fantastic. The plot and setting is intriguing. The voice acting is great and shames some of voices today. The dialogue choices also feel great especially compared to some of the modern WRPGs, particularly from modern Bioware.
As I play through Dishonored 2 I fantasized about the developers having a shot at a Vampire sequel.
Where do I begin. There is such an interesting history on this game and so much around it. How it was rushed out at the end but also released along side other titles that over shadowed this game. How the development began on a source engine that was still being quite new and being worked on. How the game seemed to have a fanatical, undying fan support post mortem - Clover Studios has gone under but fans continue to patch the game and attempt to restore cut content. The patches and updates make the game a much more pleasant experience today both in stability and graphical updates even without new content added to it.
The game itself is also very good. Atmospheric hub based exploration. The RPG mechanisms are quite good though let down a bit by the combat. The writing is fantastic. The plot and setting is intriguing. The voice acting is great and shames some of voices today. The dialogue choices also feel great especially compared to some of the modern WRPGs, particularly from modern Bioware.
As I play through Dishonored 2 I fantasized about the developers having a shot at a Vampire sequel.
I have a couple I'd define as essential.
Mega Man X is the first. I was too young when it came out to really appreciate what impact it may have had at the time, but it blew my mind as a kid. The art design, the music, the changes to the classic formula, Zero, it was all so, so good. In a lot of ways, I feel like it's a shining example of the era in which it comes from.
Devil May Cry is next. I have a lot of nostalgia for this title as well, but I was more aware of how big a deal this was when it came out. This game is the Genesis of genre. Anyone who likes any of the things that have come since owes it to themselves to see where it began. It changed the way I looked at games, it changed the way I play games and it has shaped my gaming habits to this day. Now of course, other games have done it better since, but I feel that any of these Genesis type moments should be on a list of essentials.
Mega Man X is the first. I was too young when it came out to really appreciate what impact it may have had at the time, but it blew my mind as a kid. The art design, the music, the changes to the classic formula, Zero, it was all so, so good. In a lot of ways, I feel like it's a shining example of the era in which it comes from.
Devil May Cry is next. I have a lot of nostalgia for this title as well, but I was more aware of how big a deal this was when it came out. This game is the Genesis of genre. Anyone who likes any of the things that have come since owes it to themselves to see where it began. It changed the way I looked at games, it changed the way I play games and it has shaped my gaming habits to this day. Now of course, other games have done it better since, but I feel that any of these Genesis type moments should be on a list of essentials.
Just gonna remind you of what is in the OP.
We're trying to do away with threads that include people just listing things. If people continue to just post a list of things and nothing else, then the thread will be locked.
I didn't have time to give reasons as to why, sure as hell do not rn, maybe later
Dark Souls III (PC, PS4, XBO)
Fuck everything you've heard about this game, especially vitriol thrown at this game because of "Souls-fatigue." Simply put, Dark Souls III is the most polished, most complete experience in the entire series. From nailed their swan song - massive, intricately designed levels (much, much larger than what you'd find in any of the previous games, Cathedral of the Deep is, by itself, bigger than most maps in the series) which actively rewards exploration in terms of vistas and scenery (so it's not the same dreary dark gothic aesthetic area that you've been staring at the past 20 hours except with added snow), as well as items, a massive variety of viable weapons (with weapon arts that allow you to vary up your bread and butter combos, seriously, try equip the dual-katanas and WA-R1-L1 for 4 quick hits and massive damage, especially with a bleed build) and armor (fashionsouls ahoy! It's even got a preview page so you don't have to keep switching back and forth!) which allows you to actually vary up your combat style (so that the game never becomes a R1 spam-fest like a certain previous title), covenants which actually reward you, archery that's finally viable since locked-on-roll-shots are now a thing, PvP that's worth a damn (although DS2 is more flexible), as well as having a magic system that becomes insanely powerful in the late-game (though it starts off slow). But the biggest draw to Dark Souls III in my opinion...are the boss fights. Dark Souls III has quite easily the strongest roster of boss-fights ever seen in a video-game. Period.
The game does start slow, but there's a certain moment at which the game just throws one of the best fights in the series at you, and never lets up from there. In my opinion, for a new player, the pacing is perfect, as the game leads you through its levels and there's a real sense of progress as you go deeper and deeper into the world, realizing how messed up the world has become. It's a story that's kept grounded by the fact that everyone failed, gave up and left the world to die (including you, as you're shown in the opening cutscene), and it doesn't have nearly the same grim-dark overly melodramatic, edgy feel as previous entries. The lore here is plentiful, and answers a lot of questions that fans have had about the universe Dark Souls takes place in, especially since Dark Souls 2 pretty much invalidated your entire effort in the original game. This game sets the record straight, and thank Gwyn for that. There are plenty of emotional beats as well, if you are following the storyline - one particular boss-fight tugs at the heartstrings because of lore implications (
). The final boss of the game is probably one of the most emotional moments in gaming, as a Soulsborne fan, especially as you understand the implication of the fight.
Yes, there's fanservice and pandering, sure, but it's the good kind of pandering, a kind of pandering that makes sense within the rules of the universe and the story but most importantly, it's the final game in gaming's greatest trilogy. And don't be discouraged by the hate towards the DLC - they're both absolutely fantastic (if a little short), and contain a few of the best enemy encounters, level design and boss fights seen in the series. I'd say out of the top 10 bosses in all of Soulsborne, 4/6 of the DLC bosses make it onto the list. This is a game that too many people have slept on. It didn't and still doesn't deserve the hate as it's quite literally one of the best videogames ever made.
Fuck everything you've heard about this game, especially vitriol thrown at this game because of "Souls-fatigue." Simply put, Dark Souls III is the most polished, most complete experience in the entire series. From nailed their swan song - massive, intricately designed levels (much, much larger than what you'd find in any of the previous games, Cathedral of the Deep is, by itself, bigger than most maps in the series) which actively rewards exploration in terms of vistas and scenery (so it's not the same dreary dark gothic aesthetic area that you've been staring at the past 20 hours except with added snow), as well as items, a massive variety of viable weapons (with weapon arts that allow you to vary up your bread and butter combos, seriously, try equip the dual-katanas and WA-R1-L1 for 4 quick hits and massive damage, especially with a bleed build) and armor (fashionsouls ahoy! It's even got a preview page so you don't have to keep switching back and forth!) which allows you to actually vary up your combat style (so that the game never becomes a R1 spam-fest like a certain previous title), covenants which actually reward you, archery that's finally viable since locked-on-roll-shots are now a thing, PvP that's worth a damn (although DS2 is more flexible), as well as having a magic system that becomes insanely powerful in the late-game (though it starts off slow). But the biggest draw to Dark Souls III in my opinion...are the boss fights. Dark Souls III has quite easily the strongest roster of boss-fights ever seen in a video-game. Period.
The game does start slow, but there's a certain moment at which the game just throws one of the best fights in the series at you, and never lets up from there. In my opinion, for a new player, the pacing is perfect, as the game leads you through its levels and there's a real sense of progress as you go deeper and deeper into the world, realizing how messed up the world has become. It's a story that's kept grounded by the fact that everyone failed, gave up and left the world to die (including you, as you're shown in the opening cutscene), and it doesn't have nearly the same grim-dark overly melodramatic, edgy feel as previous entries. The lore here is plentiful, and answers a lot of questions that fans have had about the universe Dark Souls takes place in, especially since Dark Souls 2 pretty much invalidated your entire effort in the original game. This game sets the record straight, and thank Gwyn for that. There are plenty of emotional beats as well, if you are following the storyline - one particular boss-fight tugs at the heartstrings because of lore implications (
Yhorm the Giant & the significance of the Storm Ruler, outside of also being a Demon's Souls reference
Yes, there's fanservice and pandering, sure, but it's the good kind of pandering, a kind of pandering that makes sense within the rules of the universe and the story but most importantly, it's the final game in gaming's greatest trilogy. And don't be discouraged by the hate towards the DLC - they're both absolutely fantastic (if a little short), and contain a few of the best enemy encounters, level design and boss fights seen in the series. I'd say out of the top 10 bosses in all of Soulsborne, 4/6 of the DLC bosses make it onto the list. This is a game that too many people have slept on. It didn't and still doesn't deserve the hate as it's quite literally one of the best videogames ever made.
I'd recommend some early 90s PC games from Epic Megagames.
Mostly because they were heavily influenced by the 16-bit 80s and 90s computer scene. They represent a unique and innovative era in DOS gaming.
Overkill, Tyrian, Epic Pinball, Brix, Jill of the Jungle, Kiloblaster, Xargon, Solar Winds, Ken's Labyrinth, Jazz Jackrabbit, Radix: Beyond the Void, Dare to Dream andOne Must Fall: 2097
I've played Tyrian, a very good computer shmup where you upgrade parts of your ship as you move on. Music is classic FM tunes, one of the best and most memorable soundtracks of the 90s.
Jill of the Jungle was back then essentially the Mario of DOS computers. Except that instead of a mustached short plumber you have a blonde amazon using knife boomerangs, collecting keys and apples and the most important: She has to save the prince in one episode
Jill was Mario but Jazz Jackrabbit was MS-DOS Contra, with a bit of Sonic and Mario platforming. Amazing soundtrack and action.
One Must Fall 2097 was the equivalent of MS-DOS Street Fighter, though it was much cooler since it had upgradable robots. Even cameo characters made an appearance,
Aside form Epic, I'd recommend also
Pinball Fantasies
Amiga version is better, but DOS version isnt that bad. The series that established DICE as a developer. I think this remains the best digital pinball game of the 90s.
Metal Mutant
Computer's equivalent to Metroid but much cooler. Main robot can transform into a dinobot and a tank. Tank controlls a mechanic mosquito as well. Backgrounds and enemies put 2D Metroids to shame
Mostly because they were heavily influenced by the 16-bit 80s and 90s computer scene. They represent a unique and innovative era in DOS gaming.
Overkill, Tyrian, Epic Pinball, Brix, Jill of the Jungle, Kiloblaster, Xargon, Solar Winds, Ken's Labyrinth, Jazz Jackrabbit, Radix: Beyond the Void, Dare to Dream andOne Must Fall: 2097
I've played Tyrian, a very good computer shmup where you upgrade parts of your ship as you move on. Music is classic FM tunes, one of the best and most memorable soundtracks of the 90s.
Jill of the Jungle was back then essentially the Mario of DOS computers. Except that instead of a mustached short plumber you have a blonde amazon using knife boomerangs, collecting keys and apples and the most important: She has to save the prince in one episode
Jill was Mario but Jazz Jackrabbit was MS-DOS Contra, with a bit of Sonic and Mario platforming. Amazing soundtrack and action.
One Must Fall 2097 was the equivalent of MS-DOS Street Fighter, though it was much cooler since it had upgradable robots. Even cameo characters made an appearance,
Aside form Epic, I'd recommend also
Pinball Fantasies
Amiga version is better, but DOS version isnt that bad. The series that established DICE as a developer. I think this remains the best digital pinball game of the 90s.
Metal Mutant
Computer's equivalent to Metroid but much cooler. Main robot can transform into a dinobot and a tank. Tank controlls a mechanic mosquito as well. Backgrounds and enemies put 2D Metroids to shame
PS4 - Gran Turismo Sport
I believe every console needs a Sim Racing game... well there is no better option right now than GTS.
It has the most solid and evolved Online Mode I ever saw in the genre.
Plus after the complains it will receive the full old days SP content.
I do believe it an actual essential game for PS4 owners.
PS. I have more games to list but I will post as I remember them... my SNES and PS1 list will be full of JRPGs lol
I believe every console needs a Sim Racing game... well there is no better option right now than GTS.
It has the most solid and evolved Online Mode I ever saw in the genre.
Plus after the complains it will receive the full old days SP content.
I do believe it an actual essential game for PS4 owners.
PS. I have more games to list but I will post as I remember them... my SNES and PS1 list will be full of JRPGs lol
PC, PS3, 360, PS4, XB1, Linux, Mac
Alien Isolation - A game that indeed has glaring flaws, but perfectly encapsulates the feeling of dread you felt when you first watched "Alien." Created by Creative Assembly (and published by Sega), the developer known for real-time strategy games creates a horror stealth game that pits you as Amanda Ripley (Ellen Ripley's daughter) against a single Xenomorph. The setting is terrifying and brings in all of the elements of the original "Alien" movie. The gameplay itself involves you using whatever items you can gather to escape the Xenomorph, and the graphics aren't perfect (since it is a cross-gen title), but every horror fan or fan of the "Alien" franchise should play the game. Here is a gif:
Alien Isolation - A game that indeed has glaring flaws, but perfectly encapsulates the feeling of dread you felt when you first watched "Alien." Created by Creative Assembly (and published by Sega), the developer known for real-time strategy games creates a horror stealth game that pits you as Amanda Ripley (Ellen Ripley's daughter) against a single Xenomorph. The setting is terrifying and brings in all of the elements of the original "Alien" movie. The gameplay itself involves you using whatever items you can gather to escape the Xenomorph, and the graphics aren't perfect (since it is a cross-gen title), but every horror fan or fan of the "Alien" franchise should play the game. Here is a gif:
Ps1
Final fantasy 7. My first RPG and still the best. Just everything about it is great. Gran turismo 1, the amount of cars and realism compared to the mostly arcade racers at the time and being able to buy and modify cars aswell. Nothing else is like it and its probably still my favourite.
N64
Mario 64 it blew me away seeing a proper 3d game nothing else has made the same kind of impact as going from 2d to 3d.
Pc
To many to let but diablo and civ are unique. Also easily my most played games and genre, grand stategy.
360
CoD online games and fallout.
Yea alot have been played but there all essential.
Final fantasy 7. My first RPG and still the best. Just everything about it is great. Gran turismo 1, the amount of cars and realism compared to the mostly arcade racers at the time and being able to buy and modify cars aswell. Nothing else is like it and its probably still my favourite.
N64
Mario 64 it blew me away seeing a proper 3d game nothing else has made the same kind of impact as going from 2d to 3d.
Pc
To many to let but diablo and civ are unique. Also easily my most played games and genre, grand stategy.
360
CoD online games and fallout.
Yea alot have been played but there all essential.
Life is Strange (multiplatform, but PC version recommended)
A game far from perfect, but damn did it do a lot of great things.
Female characters interacting with other female characters. FREQUENTLY. Also, capturing teenage life more accurately than any game trying to present a coming-of-age tale. These characters are capable of invoking an emotional response from players. Visually, the game beats out almost any Telltale episodic series. A developer expanding its horizons to other genres. Musical motifs (an easy, but effective reversal of sounds mixed into the music, often with acoustic guitar for the protag, Max).
It's has flaws worth evaluating as well.
The choice format is limited and, sometimes, quite irritating. An example is that you can end up running in circles for a while trying not be attacked by a dog or being shot. A lack of fulfilment on a part of the dev for the final act of the series (but the ending is great, if you choose the 'correct ending', which is a huge flaw in itself). The dub sync with the models was quite ghastly. The dialogue can be unbelievable at times. The... emotion(?) of the characters can be inconsistent.
I think it's essential that it be played at least once. It's an emotionally charged episodic adventure with sci-fi and teen drama.
A game far from perfect, but damn did it do a lot of great things.
Female characters interacting with other female characters. FREQUENTLY. Also, capturing teenage life more accurately than any game trying to present a coming-of-age tale. These characters are capable of invoking an emotional response from players. Visually, the game beats out almost any Telltale episodic series. A developer expanding its horizons to other genres. Musical motifs (an easy, but effective reversal of sounds mixed into the music, often with acoustic guitar for the protag, Max).
It's has flaws worth evaluating as well.
The choice format is limited and, sometimes, quite irritating. An example is that you can end up running in circles for a while trying not be attacked by a dog or being shot. A lack of fulfilment on a part of the dev for the final act of the series (but the ending is great, if you choose the 'correct ending', which is a huge flaw in itself). The dub sync with the models was quite ghastly. The dialogue can be unbelievable at times. The... emotion(?) of the characters can be inconsistent.
I think it's essential that it be played at least once. It's an emotionally charged episodic adventure with sci-fi and teen drama.
I think one of the less obvious ones I could say is Grim Fandango (1998). Don't mean to dismiss Monkey Island franchise either (also essential), but Grim Fandango was a turning point of a kind. It was a game with decent budget, developer pedigree behind it, critical darling but it didn't sell that well. Gaming audience as a whole and budgets were growing, but the audience for adventure games didn't grow alongside them. Grim Fandango didn't kill adventure games, but it was an indicator that money could be spent better developing something with sure return. So many missed it at the time and it was also out of reach for purchase and maybe even getting it run for a long time. Luckily this issue was solved with the remaster and now the game is available on consoles too, even without the "tank controls"! The game oozes atmosphere, the funny and clever dialogue creates great characters. Also the artstyle compliments the 3D graphics of the time quite well. Stellar score and top-notch voice acting that doesn't pale in comparison even to the higher standars of today in Naughty Dog games and such.
Seeing trailers for Coco has brought me memories from this.
Seeing trailers for Coco has brought me memories from this.
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I am not sure if I need to insert platform since you already know what platform was each game released, since I am talking about games not so long ago.
Whole series of STALKER
Whole series of Forza Horizon
Both Metro games
Alpha Protocol
INSIDE
Life is Strange
Tales from Borderlands
The Last of Us
Uncharted 2
Sunset Overdrive
>Observer_
WET
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Far Cry 1
Bulletstorm
Crysis
The Saboteur
Resident Evil 5 & 7
Battlefield: Bad Company 1
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Killzone 3 & Killzone Shadow Fall
Infamous Second Son and First Light
Blur
Project Gotham racing 2 & 3
Just Cause 2
Path of Exile
Fallout: New Vegas
Geometry War 2
Half-Life 2
Portal 2
Painkiller 1
Übersoldier
This is not written in any order, just from top of my hat, what I consider to be essential games to play.
For this you need PC, X360/PS3, PS4, XB1
Whole series of STALKER
Whole series of Forza Horizon
Both Metro games
Alpha Protocol
INSIDE
Life is Strange
Tales from Borderlands
The Last of Us
Uncharted 2
Sunset Overdrive
>Observer_
WET
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Far Cry 1
Bulletstorm
Crysis
The Saboteur
Resident Evil 5 & 7
Battlefield: Bad Company 1
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Killzone 3 & Killzone Shadow Fall
Infamous Second Son and First Light
Blur
Project Gotham racing 2 & 3
Just Cause 2
Path of Exile
Fallout: New Vegas
Geometry War 2
Half-Life 2
Portal 2
Painkiller 1
Übersoldier
This is not written in any order, just from top of my hat, what I consider to be essential games to play.
For this you need PC, X360/PS3, PS4, XB1
There's a lot of games I love, and I recommend. But there's only really one game that I'd ever consider to be essential and that's Chrono Trigger.
This game holds up so well because it does things RPGs made today don't even do. It's a story immediately built on tropes that are subverted wonderfully by incredibly likable characters. This is a game that really feels like you're playing a story book. A frog knight, a rebellious princess, a mad scientist, a lovable robot, a strong af cavewoman, and a brooding former foe. On paper these characters might not seem special, but in practice when you see how they all fit together it's wonderful. I could gush on this game all day because, for me, this game is as close to flawless as any game can ever come. Please play it if you haven't already.
This game holds up so well because it does things RPGs made today don't even do. It's a story immediately built on tropes that are subverted wonderfully by incredibly likable characters. This is a game that really feels like you're playing a story book. A frog knight, a rebellious princess, a mad scientist, a lovable robot, a strong af cavewoman, and a brooding former foe. On paper these characters might not seem special, but in practice when you see how they all fit together it's wonderful. I could gush on this game all day because, for me, this game is as close to flawless as any game can ever come. Please play it if you haven't already.
Mine are two games I relax to.
Proteus (PC & Vita - get the Vita version if you can).
Unfortunately I no longer own a Vita. But this was my goto game for relaxing at the end of the day. Lights out, headphones on and let the lo-fi graphics and wonderful audio wash over you. There is no game as such but the music ties to the scenery and seasons. I find it all Beautiful.
Minecraft (any version but PC with some pretty mods). Peaceful mode. Just digging and digging and digging. The tinkle of the piano every now and then. Constructing Minas TiRith with friends. It's a game that still holds up to this day.
These to me are my essential relaxation games.
Proteus (PC & Vita - get the Vita version if you can).
Unfortunately I no longer own a Vita. But this was my goto game for relaxing at the end of the day. Lights out, headphones on and let the lo-fi graphics and wonderful audio wash over you. There is no game as such but the music ties to the scenery and seasons. I find it all Beautiful.
Minecraft (any version but PC with some pretty mods). Peaceful mode. Just digging and digging and digging. The tinkle of the piano every now and then. Constructing Minas TiRith with friends. It's a game that still holds up to this day.
These to me are my essential relaxation games.
Some '80s and '90s stuff:
Panzer Dragoon Saga (Saturn)
No generic anime or padded length here, this is JRPG gaming at its best with a distinctive universe and an addictive hybrid battle system.
System Shock (PC)
Along with Ultima Underworld, this is one of the primary predecessors to Deus Ex, Bioshock, Dishonored, Prey, etc..
Aztec Challenge (Commodore 64)
Highly varied for a 1983 action game with side view, overhead, and 3d perspectives.
Shinobi III (Genesis)
A bunch of Shinobi games are essentials but this was the ultimate refinement of them. It's one of the few action platformers where every aspect gels perfectly.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin (Intellivision)
One of the earliest console RPGs. While not as deep as many PC games of the time, it offered an accessibility and arcade-like replayability that was rare in the genre.
Snatcher (Sega CD)
While the Blade Runner-inspired theme may not be the most original concept, Snatcher has proven to be a timeless take on it with its own atmosphere and suspense.
The Last Ninja (Commodore 64)
Not for everyone but an excellent way to sample '80s UK-style action-adventure gaming with trial-and-error design, amazing attention to detail, and a pumping SID chip soundtrack.
Mine Storm (Vectrex)
The sharpness and smoothness of having vector monitor graphics at home was crazy impressive in 1982 making it an essential to know the state of console technology. This also holds up as an excellent Asteroids clone.
Ys Book I & II (TurboGrafx CD)
An excellent showcase for the new CD-ROM format. We now take for granted the type of sound quality and cinemas this had.
Kenseiden (Master System)
Unlike Shinobi, this Sega martials arts game never had sequels to carry its legacy. This was one of the deepest action games in 1988 with various defensive and offensive moves to learn as you explored across Japan.
Blue Lightning (Lynx)
Coming out around the same time as the Game Boy launch, this looked leagues ahead with hardware scaling and full colour. It's a fine rail shooter as well.
Penguin Land (Master System)
An addictive puzzle-platformer with physics that were ahead of its time, and a well featured level editor.
TRON: Deadly Discs (Intellivision)
Possibly the first movie licensed game to be developed at the same time as the movie, this showed the versality of the InTV's springy keypad and offered an experience you couldn't quite get on competing systems and in the arcades. It's better than it looks.
Under a Killing Moon (PC)
Cheesy live action FMV but in a non-gimmicky game with an impressive 3d engine and quality puzzles.
STUN Runner (Arcade)
This brought polygon gaming to new heights with visuals, speed, and controls that hold up today.
Panzer Dragoon Saga (Saturn)
No generic anime or padded length here, this is JRPG gaming at its best with a distinctive universe and an addictive hybrid battle system.
System Shock (PC)
Along with Ultima Underworld, this is one of the primary predecessors to Deus Ex, Bioshock, Dishonored, Prey, etc..
Aztec Challenge (Commodore 64)
Highly varied for a 1983 action game with side view, overhead, and 3d perspectives.
Shinobi III (Genesis)
A bunch of Shinobi games are essentials but this was the ultimate refinement of them. It's one of the few action platformers where every aspect gels perfectly.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin (Intellivision)
One of the earliest console RPGs. While not as deep as many PC games of the time, it offered an accessibility and arcade-like replayability that was rare in the genre.
Snatcher (Sega CD)
While the Blade Runner-inspired theme may not be the most original concept, Snatcher has proven to be a timeless take on it with its own atmosphere and suspense.
The Last Ninja (Commodore 64)
Not for everyone but an excellent way to sample '80s UK-style action-adventure gaming with trial-and-error design, amazing attention to detail, and a pumping SID chip soundtrack.
Mine Storm (Vectrex)
The sharpness and smoothness of having vector monitor graphics at home was crazy impressive in 1982 making it an essential to know the state of console technology. This also holds up as an excellent Asteroids clone.
Ys Book I & II (TurboGrafx CD)
An excellent showcase for the new CD-ROM format. We now take for granted the type of sound quality and cinemas this had.
Kenseiden (Master System)
Unlike Shinobi, this Sega martials arts game never had sequels to carry its legacy. This was one of the deepest action games in 1988 with various defensive and offensive moves to learn as you explored across Japan.
Blue Lightning (Lynx)
Coming out around the same time as the Game Boy launch, this looked leagues ahead with hardware scaling and full colour. It's a fine rail shooter as well.
Penguin Land (Master System)
An addictive puzzle-platformer with physics that were ahead of its time, and a well featured level editor.
TRON: Deadly Discs (Intellivision)
Possibly the first movie licensed game to be developed at the same time as the movie, this showed the versality of the InTV's springy keypad and offered an experience you couldn't quite get on competing systems and in the arcades. It's better than it looks.
Under a Killing Moon (PC)
Cheesy live action FMV but in a non-gimmicky game with an impressive 3d engine and quality puzzles.
STUN Runner (Arcade)
This brought polygon gaming to new heights with visuals, speed, and controls that hold up today.
There's a lot I could pick, but I think I'll just go with one of my favourite games of all time: NieR.
It's not the prettiest game, the most technically competent, or the best playing, but NieR is a masterpiece nonetheless for its fantastic storyline that deconstructs the very nature of gaming itself and its insanely lovable, memorable cast of characters.
Pictured: Your new best friends, right before something tragic and awful happens because it's that kind of game.
I can personally guarantee that there are plenty of people who, if they were to try NieR, would be disappointed by its technical flaws, and you know what, sure, okay. It's not a game for everyone, and particularly delights in screwing with you, the player, in every way it can possibly think. For my part I can't recommend it enough.
Also the guys involved with the soundtrack just kinda sat down and created the single greatest OST in video game history, NBD.
Can you tell me more about this?
I have no experience with the Drakengard series and I never played Nier, however this year I picked up Nier: Automata and after reflecting on it I think it is the best game I have ever played.
While the combat was really fun Platinum action, the main draw for me is the story and how I felt. Does this do the whole story as well as Automata does?
You can go into NieR without playing Drakengard as all it does is add some lore stuff that doesn't really impact the game itself. NieR will also help fill in some contextual holes in Automata that you may have missed. I can think of a few moments in Automata that require NieR to fully grasp the impact of them.
Anyway NieR has my absolute favourite story in a video game, with one of the best casts ever. I won't tell you more though because you absolutely have to play it yourself.
I will warn you though that the gameplay is nowhere near up to snuff as Automata. It's very standard, but still functional and gets better as the game progresses.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a game I only got around to for the first time a few years ago. Since then I've replayed it on 3DS and it only made me more confident in going to bat for it.
This game has so much heart. The diversity of characters and settings and the palpable dread that hangs over the entire experience gives the situation a gravity that simply isn't present in other Zelda games or really any other games at all. The timer matters not just because it's game over if you're unsuccessful, but because you care about the fate of Termina. It feels alive in a way that is so rare. While I wouldn't recommend this as anybody's first Zelda game, I think it is emblematic of what Zelda games can be at their most profound and it eschews so many of the tropes of video games while still being a hero's journey. It is a uniquely brilliant game that holds up no matter how you play it. The odd/ugly N64 graphics actually enhance the peculiarity of the situation Link finds himself in and the soundtrack is creepy when it needs to be and beautiful when it wants to be.
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This game has so much heart. The diversity of characters and settings and the palpable dread that hangs over the entire experience gives the situation a gravity that simply isn't present in other Zelda games or really any other games at all. The timer matters not just because it's game over if you're unsuccessful, but because you care about the fate of Termina. It feels alive in a way that is so rare. While I wouldn't recommend this as anybody's first Zelda game, I think it is emblematic of what Zelda games can be at their most profound and it eschews so many of the tropes of video games while still being a hero's journey. It is a uniquely brilliant game that holds up no matter how you play it. The odd/ugly N64 graphics actually enhance the peculiarity of the situation Link finds himself in and the soundtrack is creepy when it needs to be and beautiful when it wants to be.
OP
OP
I've never heard of some of these games. Could you maybe tell us all a bit why you chose the less known ones?