Top Ten Favorite Games MEME

A MEME created by .

We once again enter a subject I am more than willing to talk about. And this one of course holds significance on both ends of the spectrum.
What entertained me the most; and where I drew the most inspiration from in terms of games.

To have made this list; a few things needed to be considered:
A.) First Impressions
B.) How many times I have played these games.
C.) How did these games inspire me artistically and story telling wise?
D.) No matter how time has aged them; they still hold significance to me.

And I chose one game per franchise. So you can consider this list as 'One game representing one of my favorite franchises.'
And as much as this is a top ten; they sort of are in order. Except for the top 1 slot; most of these games follow no particular order as ranking them exactly is too hard to do.
But for number's sake we'll go in ascending order: from #10 to #1.

#10. Resident Evil 2 - A lot of people suddenly began to hate on Resident Evil 4. Saying it was overrated, it destroyed the concept of survival horror, and was just pure eye candy. Well I still praise it for its length an tense moments. Overloaded ammo aside, the horror element of it was far from removed. But even so; the best Resident Evil game that truly had a successful blend of action, survival and fair puzzles was Resident Evil 2. Although Resident Evil 1's story allowed you to choose two scenarios; the scenarios in 2 were done even more expertly and just as well overlapped. Instead of one mansion, you were exploring the zombie and mutant infested streets, police stations and hidden laboratories of Raccoon City. It's survival horror game I used to play a ton of times. And Resident Evil was truly one of my favorite series. However; it's number 10 on the countdown because as of late...it has lost its way and needs to return to survival horror. Say what you will about Resident Evil 4 destroying the franchise...I think 5 did far more damage. And even a new RE game will never match to 2's greatness.

#9. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back - My first fandom was the Crash Bandicoot one. And the first PSOne game as well as Crash game was this doozy. Despite 1's difficulty and 3's extra features; 2 still has something about it that makes it just as fun going back to. I think one element is not being overly concerned with time trials to get the "true ending." The gems were more than enough. And it seems 2 just has a great look an feel to it without being overcrowded. The gameplay is still tight as is finding everything needed to truly complete it. Also; it had the best soundtrack of any of the games; with 3 coming in at a distant second. Besides my favorite Crash levels of all time were the rocket pack levels. The controls, gameplay an music were well done in that level that it still is fun to navigate through. And I dunno why; Crash controls perfectly in this game than all his other games. Some sort of familiarity to this title that puts it at the #9 spot.

#8. Guilty Gear X2 - Fighting games are natural favorites to me. And Street fighter for the longest time of holding my distinction as the greatest fighting game series; with the best to me being 'Street Fighter Alpha 3.' But when a newer series caught my interest; I investigated into its unique character designs, combos and most of all...its soundtrack. This was Guilty Gear X2; the most influential fighting game to me in terms of style, music and art. The art in particular since most of the art and music was done by the game's main creator; Daisuke Ishiwatari. His artwork shows truly exaggerated characters an poses; but in their own unique way that makes them very unforgettable. It ventures out of the norm of traditional fighting garb or fighting styles; and creates a unique cast of characters with unique move sets. And the soundtrack as I mentioned is so freaking cool. Hard rock and metal dominate the tracks; each with their own awesome beat and rhythm. Art books, CDs and various titles from this series I have collected. The Guilty Gear Draftworks book in particular is a must for an artist studying poses for action. It's uniqueness still has me hold this fighting game in high regard; an makes me only happier that a true sequel to it is on the way...Guilty Gear Xrd.

#7. Sly 2: Band of Thieves - Noticing the chain here huh? Almost every title so far is a sequel of sorts. A direct one for lack of a better word. Sly 2 is no exception. This is basically due to the fact that Sly 2 improved upon its predecessor in many ways; much like Crash Bandicoot 2 did. Aside from better controls and more detailed and accessible environments; it was the ability to have all your team mates involved on the ground with Sly that made it more character driven. Characters are definitely what I got out of this game. An their designs as well as attitudes still influence my own designs today when it comes to anthropomorphism. The recent 'Thieves in Time' definitely deserves mention here too; the characters in the form of Sly's ancestors are truly unforgettable. But the ones introduced here are just as lasting. Aside from Sly's charisma himself, as well as Carmelita Fox's charm and improved design...Sly's chums Bentley and Murray also come ino play with their own unique moves and interactions. And the cast of villains of course prove equally as memorable. Among them are Demitri an Neyla; who are still popular to this day. The story's progression and where we visited in the world told me that this was a series that was never fresh out of ideas. I'd say both this and Thieves in Time share this spot...but I give it to 2 for first impressions on how the series really took off.

#6. Mega Man 3 - If ever a series one can easily play without going in an particular order; it's this one. I was gonna put 'X' on here to represent the X series; but I lost interest in that series after 5. For old school Mega Man games however; they're just timeless. No matter if one has one goofier robot master than the next; or the soundtrack isn't as hot...Mega Man games from the 8 bit era still rock the house. Further proof of this was when Mega Man 9 and 10 were made for download on all next gen consoles. And 9 was truly a blast. Probably my second favorite in the series. Now; EVERYONE picks 2 as the best. Oh don't get me wrong it's a hoot. But to me; it feels a bit unbalanced. I mean that Metal Blade slaughters everything. And there's no true order to figure out the Robot Masters in that one meaning you can start most anywhere. For me; the one that truly showed more balance and finesse was Mega Man 3. Which is why it's here in the countdown. Aside from a more clear Robot Master order (though Snake Man can be beaten with either your mega buster or Needle Cannon); there was also the introduction of the best animal companion for me I ever had: Rush. Rush's abilities to get Mega Man to hard to reach places was a fine tune up from 2's previous 1,2 and 3 Items. The introduction of Protoman being Mega Man's brother also added a nice addition to the character roster. And yes 2's soundtrack is legendary. But 3 has some VERY good tunes as well. Snake Man, Hard Man (hee hee X-3), Top Man and Shadow Man's theme are all pretty cool. I suppose the biggest boon for this game is that it holds one of the worst Mega Man weapons ever; the 'Top Spin.' But it still beats what I consider THE Worst weapon ever (The 'Charge Kick' from 5) because it still is used to beat Dr. Wily and Shadow Man.

#5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - OK I admit it; I am NOT a huge Legend of Zelda fan. But...when there's a title from that series that really impresses me; it really DOES impress me. For the longest time; 'The Ocarina of Time' was highest on my list. But when I went back to the days of SNES, in terms of exploration an fine tuned control an colorful gameplay...the true outstanding citizen of the series to me is 'A Link to the Past.' The whole layout and exploration here is masterfully well done. As great as it was seeing Link jump into 3-D for Ocarina....the SNES is where his top down exploits served as his best. It pretty much is the only Legend of Zelda game on SNES...which sometimes means one game per system helps a whole load. The dungeons and enemies you encountered in this game were all memorable. The bosses in particular are the best I ever battled in any game. This game is a template for me to experiment if I ever decide to make a homebrew game. A top down exploration game with all sorts of surprises waiting inside; I really do like that. You can consider the first Zelda a timeless classic. It is is....but it has its share of major problems. SNES ironed those out with A Link to the Past. The dungeon exploration aspect here is just as refined since going deep within to discover the deeply hidden dangers and secrets from the otherwise peaceful exterior gives one a sense that they truly are on a huge adventure. An adventure around familiar areas where all is not yet seen. Who'd have thought that just below their feet...a giant fire breathing iron headed lizard awaited. Now that's epic. ;D An let's not forget the mood enhancing soundtrack; an early representation of how SNES truly could master sound over its Genesis adversary. But only one other SNES game has me holding it in such regard; and it was among the first...if not THE first...SNES titles.

#4. Super Mario World - It may have come as the package deal with SNES. It may be old as one can remember. It may have been one of the first SNES games that came out and was only eclipsed by later epic titles like Super Metroid and Secret of Mana. But.....there is no denying...this game is STILL fun to play and will bring back just as many early memories....of me never having officially owned a SNES. XD Well did...but not for long. It was during its twilight years and I had only two games for it. Later though I repurchased it and got Super Mario World back. And as I mentioned earlier...it's old but still VERY fun to play and reminisce on. So why not the more acclaimed Super Mario Brothers 3? Oh I have played that. And I have really enjoyed it. But without a save feature; the idea of beating it in one sitting did not make me savor it more. Super Mario World's save feature really was its best feature. Simply put; it added more incentive to explore it's various worlds more as well as discovering its secrets. I mean there secrets WITHIN secrets in this game. And they can even change the landscape. And let's not forget the other useful sidekick outside Rush...Yoshi. Aside from his ability to eat enemies...the various colored turtle shells he ate gave him different abilities....from the useless stomp to the all too useful flying ability. (Those blue shells rock when it comes to Yoshi.) The soundtrack is pleasant and fits the overall tone of the game with atmospheric music. You can tell the period this game came out with just its music. From the mellow overworld theme, to mysterious and smooth cave themes. I still think this one had the best among Mario soundtracks. Like many top 10 game lists; at least on Mario game always makes the cut. And with only super Mario 64 and Super Mario 3 rivaling for my choice; Super Mario World truly is the best of the best for me in my opinion as far as Mario games go.

#3. Metal Gear Solid - You might have noticed that my top 3 contenders of my list are PSOne games. It cannot be helped. The PSOne was truly the system I gamed on. I was a late bloomer in terms of NES and SNES. I don't think; other than PS2; I've gamed as much on any other console. So there are three titles from this system that truly shaped not only my gaming experience; but artistic and writing experience. And one of these was Metal Gear Solid. I can only consider Snake Eater as better as this....but its length could be overbearing sometimes. So for the more easier and accessible title; I had to go with Metal Gear Solid the original on PSOne. Lemme just say this about Twin Snakes on Gamecube too: prettier graphics and overthetop Matrix moves do not make this game cooler. In fact; it made it look even less realistic and IMO; dumber. The original for PSOne set the tone for narrative an interactive movie experiences. The polygonal graphics actually were better since it was presented as dark and grittier. And the lack of over the top action added more drama and realism to the story. (Although you can do whatever you want with Grey Fox; he's a cyborg ninja for crying out loud. XD) The story was what especially got me interested. Although you start off as a one man army trying to stop terrorists from launching a nuke (as if that wasn't stressful enough); you suddenly get wrapped up into an even larger conspiracy that for what it's worth; would be far too much for any human in this situation to comprehend. All the more reason Snake is a real bad ass in this game; and probably still his most bad ass moment still. (3 doesn't count...that was Big Boss.) Snake can just go through the motions and continue till his mission is done; despite how he is involved in all this and how this one mission escalated into something even more. It's all the more reason story became more important to me in a game. An the cut scenes and character interactions did not detract from the overall gameplay; it blended right into it. All this with great voice actin and great pacing. Like I said; the story is what made this game great. But the next contender in the countdown has it where the story was essential.

#2. Final Fantasy VII- Since the advent of internet; I have only come to realize just how many people dislike this game; if not hate it. You must keep in mind these are my personal favorite games; not THE best games ever. And I also told you first impressions were important. So when it came to introducing me to the world of RPGS, extremely large stories, and complex character backgrounds....VII truly delivered the first impression. But because it's among the most popular and successful(selling ten million freaking copies people!!) people soon began to denounce it. Particularly when it came to arguably the most popular character in the game: Sephiroth. But you must understand where I am coming from an why this game still holds significance to me and the series. It presented me with enough to do and an intertwining story I could follow and remember. And in terms of Final Fantasy; it was the first I played and made me go play the other titles. Now many of the other titles are probably just as good as this one: including the legendary VI. I won't lie; VI does have a better story and a better villain. (Mostly because Kefka DOES have personality more so than Sephiroth.) But even so; there is something about VII that makes me enjoy it and play it even more. Materia systems and chocobo raising being among them. Playing between different characters; all of which have everything directly to do with opposing shinra. (Unlike VI where not all the characters were essential to the plot.) And say what you will; I thought all the characters were greatly designed and the more I found out about them; the more I wanted to go further. (not like the Phoenix Cave in VI where I got so fed up with random battles I was like...screw it. I never liked Locke anyway.) And though Sephiroth is technically not the main villain (Jenova is); his style and ultimate connection the planet still left something of an inspiration me. He had all the traits needed to leave an impression on people. And he did. Hoe many times have you heard One Winged Angel? XD But more importantly, he was the game's major turning poin. In the beginning you were tagging along with a terrorist group to save the planet from the threat of shinra. Now; ever since he came back into the picture...you must save the planet from an even bigger more imposing threat: Sephiroth. And while technically it's still Jenova; Sephiroth is still very much a part of her. Oh yes...we cant forget Aerith's death scene. Yes first time I saw it; I was misty a bit. Not bawling but still it had some heartfelt to it. I'm aware characters from previous titles died too unexpectedly; like Galuf from V. (Though I felt more for Syldra's passing.) It's reasons like this that people suddenly turn against. There is some merit to its criticisms. But in terms of characters and a story; it truly influenced me. Much of its plots and character archetypes I still incorporate into some of my work. Say what you will. Call it overrated. It still is very important to me in terms of games that truly left their impressions one. But not as much as the number 1 contender in the countdown.

#1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - Haunted houses and castles are one of my favorite themes. What if you had a huge castle filled to the brim with monsters, the undead and demons to boot you had to fight your way through? And what if you were not done? what if there was another domain within the same game you had to go through to truly beat it? In terms of solid gameplay in a well designed domain of creeps and monsters galore: no other game has influenced me or impressed me as much as 'Castlevania Symphony of the Night.' It's a horror addicts dream. Take a huge haunted castle; decorate it with lavish backgrounds; throw in monsters anf ghouls of all shapes and sizes; giant bosses..and best of all...one of the best soundtracks ever made in game. And what do you got? You got a game that I NEVER...and I mean NEVER....stopped playing. At least a few times a year I will take it out and revisit the castle again and again. Why? Because it's just fun visiting the giant haunted castle. It's fun looking at its gorgeously designed backgrounds and listen to how the music compliments each room and situation. It's fun to fight memorable bosses and marvel at great sprite animations. most of all' it's fun to explore haunted castles in good ol 2D fashion. 2D is where it's at in this game; but also for its series. It has since created more SoTN type games like some other really notable titles: Aria of Sorrow, Order of Ecclessia...and the recent Mirror of Fate. (Oh c'mon..I DID like that one!) It's also my ultimate 'framing' game. I do my best to find the games best weapons; secrets and items. Unlike games like Monster Hunter (where it becomes a gianormous chore to kill as many monsters in long drawn out fights to get stuff); many monsters can be slain until you get the covetted item you were looking for. You get a wide variety of choices. And while the traditional Castlevanias relied on just your control and whip....this one offered a lot of versatility. An old school challenge is fun; don't get me wrong. But a game needs to inspire me with its presentation should it demand to be remembered by me. And this on truly left the biggest impression; especially when it comes to artwork, music and setting. Which is why when it comes to my all time favorite and influential games...Castlevania Symphony of the Night is truly #1!


Top Ten Honorable Mentions: (descending Order this time.)

1. Chrono Trigger - Excellent characters, soundtrack and story. It's just a shame I never played it in the hayday. It might've gotten its first impression on me for RPGS over FF VII. First come, first serve people.

2. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest - Great graphics and gameplay, along with one of my all time favorite game soundtracks. I haven't touched it in a while; simply because after finding everything...I didn't visit it as much as SoTN.

3. Pokemon games -They ARE fun people; I know why you love em. I just feel they're all the same so I really can't pick one out that truly stands above the rest. I'll tell you what; Sapphire's lack of eevees doesn't rank high for me. -__-

4. Tetris - Addictive and really fun to play. But only when I feel like playing a puzzle game. Other than that; I haven't touched this in a while and my max game time is between thirty minutes to an hour.

5. Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal - Another mascot driven game that I was into for a long time due to its fandom. But for personal reasons and the fact the latest games have not interested me as much; it's harder for me to get back into this series.

6. Spyro the Dragon - Easily one of the funnest titles I played on the PSone. But I never got into the series as a whole after number 1.</b>

7. Super Metroid - Oh yeah; I like SoTN but didn't include the game that influenced it? Well it's awesome and fun don't get me wrong. But SoTN's style and atmosphere was more fitting for this type of gaming than what I got from Super Metroid.

8. Street Fighter Alpha 3 - Had awesome characters, moves, supers and soundtrack. Easily my favorite Street Fighter. But Guilty Gear somewhere influenced me even more.

9. Silent Hill 2 - Silent Hill series is hit n' miss for me. But 2 really hit it home. I really do revisit it from time to time. But I'll never get that initial jolt it got for me the first time I played it.

10. Devil May Cry - Back when it first came out; the game was awesome. But the later games didn't quite grab me like this one. It still stands alone as my all time favorite from a series I...for the life of me...didn't really get that into.