IGN Best Game Ever 2009?

It seems that IGN does this feature every other year and they did it in 2003, 2005, and 2007, and the readers seem to have their lists in 2006 and 2008. Haven't seen the list for this year but I did see the top 100 greatest video game makers ever. I think that there are a few, not many, games made in 2007-present that could get into the top 100, most notable Mass Effect, Bioshock, Fallout 3, and GTA IV.

Here is the top 20, and I think they nailed it, especially the #1 game everyone seems to forget.

1. Super Mario Bros - cement, nails, glue....this game is stuck here and for good reason. It doesn't have to be your favorite (it isn't mine), but it is the most important video game of all time and one that is actually still fun to play.

2. Tetris - the most definitive puzzle game ever and important for handheld gaming

3. Civilization II - I think ranked a little high, definately top 20, excellent series

4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the constant readers fave, ranked right where it supposed to

5. Super Mario 64 - the most important 3d platformer ever and it still holds up well today

6. Half Life 2 - I think it is ranked too high, a top 20 or 30 game though, excellent characters

7. Super Metroid - excellent game, I was shocked to see this game rated so highly, I thought people underrated it and there was not Metroid game until the Gamecube.

8. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - my fave SNES game, love the Dark World/ Light World theme which paved the way for Young and Adult Link in OOT.

9. Final Fantasy VI (III US) - the hands down best game of the definitive JRPG series, this was actually #56 in 2005, but after the release of the GBA port, many editors got to see how great this game really was, especially its story and characters. Think the readers say VII is the best, nope, they rated VI much higher in 2008 as well. Interesting note, Tactics is the 2nd highest rated FF game, IV next, and VII is #76.

10. Resident Evil 4 - ranked too high I believe, but it is still a wonderful game.

11. Starcraft - the definitive RTS, one that is still played a lot today. The Official Game of Korea....lol

12. Star Wars: Tie Fighter - never played, can't comment

13. Ms Pac Man - come on, its Pac Man!!!!!

14. Pirates! - an excellent retro game and its a snadbox game, love the ship to ship battles and the duels, trully one of Sid Meier's greats.

15. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - incredible game, helped perserve the series and spawned 6 clones!!!!

16. Shadow of the Colossus - epic, one of the riskiest games ever made, but hands down, the best PS2 game ever. Excellent battles with the colossi and an ending so epic I just cannot put into words....

17. Super Mario World - launched in my opinion the best console in history, the SNES and what a start it was.

18. Chrono Trigger - usually #2 in the reader's list, I think no other JRPG plays better than this and the time travel narrative as well as the story, art direction, and characters make this game truly excellent, should be ranked even higher (maybe not as high as FFVI though)

19. Doom - brought FPS to the mainstream although this game is ravaged by the test of time, but I was a fanatic for this game when I was younger

20. Metal Gear Solid - Should be ranked higher, excellent return for Snake although the story is messy in the later games, who here has played the NES Metal Gear?

I don't think there should be very much movement on the top 20, but three games recently released do have a shot

Mass Effect - probably the best game of this generation, despite its flaws, excellent story and mythos, great characters, and great environments. For reference, Knights of the Old Republic is ranked #27, Mass Effect is better and was ranked recently as the best 360 game, it will be high on the list next time guaranteed

Bioshock - another excellent game with an epic story, characters, and environment. System Shock 2 is #22 on the list and while it is a truly great, but underrated, game, Bioshock is better, definite top 25 or 30.

Fallout 3 - game of the year last year and iGN's GOTY as well, the original Fallout was #33 on the list

-------------------------------------------------------

So what do you think moves into the list and moves out?

Mass Effect has nothing on Kights of the Old Republic.

Fallout 3, like Oblivion, is ultimately still a step backwards from Morrowind (not techincally of course, but in many other ways... Fallout 3 is much tinier in scope and freedom, and most definitely narrative).

Yeah, well as to the list itself... I don't see it at all. This is not a best games list... if anything it's a "most innovative" or "influential" games list. Today, I wouldn't touch many of those games with a 10 foot pole. But then, bizarrely, I see games like RE4 which, while good, doesn't belong on an "influential" games list..... ugh, yeah I think the list is pretty awful.

Mass Effect has nothing on Kights of the Old Republic.

Fallout 3, like Oblivion, is ultimately still a step backwards from Morrowind (not techincally of course, but in many other ways... Fallout 3 is much tinier in scope and freedom, and most definitely narrative).

Yeah, well as to the list itself... I don't see it at all. This is not a best games list... if anything it's a "most innovative" or "influential" games list. Today, I wouldn't touch many of those games with a 10 foot pole. But then, bizarrely, I see games like RE4 which, while good, doesn't belong on an "influential" games list..... ugh, yeah I think the list is pretty awful.

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"][QUOTE="jedinat"]

Mass Effect has nothing on Kights of the Old Republic.

Fallout 3, like Oblivion, is ultimately still a step backwards from Morrowind (not techincally of course, but in many other ways... Fallout 3 is much tinier in scope and freedom, and most definitely narrative).

Yeah, well as to the list itself... I don't see it at all. This is not a best games list... if anything it's a "most innovative" or "influential" games list. Today, I wouldn't touch many of those games with a 10 foot pole. But then, bizarrely, I see games like RE4 which, while good, doesn't belong on an "influential" games list..... ugh, yeah I think the list is pretty awful.

jedinat

Mass Effect had a rather poor story, and weaker characters than those in KotOR (both of them). Jade Empire is incredibly shallow in almost all respects.

My thoughts...
Super Mario Bros - it has since been done, and better, many times.
Tetris - whatever. I mostly only ever played Tetris because its so generally considered one of the best games of all time.
Civilization II - it's been done and better since.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Majora's Mask is arguably better. It still belongs here though.
Super Mario 64 - I'll say it belongs.
Half Life 2 - Sure, what the hell. But it makes no sense that Half Life 2 is here instead of the first game, while a game like Doom is on the list (or Super Mario Bros, etc.) It confuses the intent of the list.
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Sure, what the hell, even though I think some of the portable 2D Zeldas are probably better.
Final Fantasy VI - Sure, what the hell. Though I don't really like FF games all that much.
Resident Evil 4 - great game but I don't see why its on the list when so many other great(er) games are absent.
Starcraft - Sure, whatever, but most RTSers have moved on.
Star Wars: Tie Fighter - I don't think so, really. I mean, why?
Ms Pac Man - No, just no.
Pirates! - Why this and not the recent one? The game tires after a day or two, so no.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - I never liked the franchise, but sure, for those that do. Personally I think the game sucks.
Shadow of the Colossus - Great game, I don't mind it being here.
Super Mario World - Sure, what the hell.
Chrono Trigger - overrated, so no.
Doom - No, just no. Utterly antiquicated and outmoded.
Metal Gear Solid - ugh, no. The franchise sucks. Not fun gameplay, if you want to experience the lame story read the graphic novel or something.

Really, the only games I wouldn't immediately strke from the list are Ocarina of Time, Mario 64, Half Life 2, Starcraft, and Shadow of the Colossus. If I was attempting to be unbiased, I'd probably keep A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and maaybe FF6/Chrono. Really though, where the hell is Morrowind, Monkey Island (not a single nod to adventure games?!), Diablo 2, and (even though they're not my favorite--I know they're widely praised) Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate 2?

final fantasy 7 isn't up there?keohane122

Really though, where the hell is Morrowind, Monkey Island (not a single nod to adventure games?!), Diablo 2, and (even though they're not my favorite--I know they're widely praised) Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate 2?

jedinat

"Mass Effect had a rather poor story, and weaker characters than those in KotOR (both of them). Jade Empire is incredibly shallow in almost all respects"

While Mass Effect doesn't have someone like an HK47, the character casts, both followers and nonfollowers are excellent and while the story doesn't rely on the big twist (like both KOTOR games and Jade Empire), it is still a great and well written story with directions they could not have gone with KOTOR. The most stunning sequence in the game was the meeting of Vigil (it kind of reminded me of the scene in Jade Empire where the party saw the Water Dragon being drained) and everything becomes clear. Jade Empire is extremely deep for an original IP, its not as deep as Star Wars mythos wise, but thematically, it is deeper than KOTOR. Biowares best follower character is Dawn Star in my opinion.

Is Xenogears, Goldeneye, King's Quest or any of The Elder Scrolls game on the list?

Is Xenogears, Goldeneye, King's Quest or any of The Elder Scrolls game on the list?

KillerJuan77

[QUOTE="jedinat"] Really though, where the hell is Morrowind, Monkey Island (not a single nod to adventure games?!), Diablo 2, and (even though they're not my favorite--I know they're widely praised) Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate 2?

texasgoldrush

"Mass Effect had a rather poor story, and weaker characters than those in KotOR (both of them). Jade Empire is incredibly shallow in almost all respects"

While Mass Effect doesn't have someone like an HK47, the character casts, both followers and nonfollowers are excellent and while the story doesn't rely on the big twist (like both KOTOR games and Jade Empire), it is still a great and well written story with directions they could not have gone with KOTOR. The most stunning sequence in the game was the meeting of Vigil (it kind of reminded me of the scene in Jade Empire where the party saw the Water Dragon being drained) and everything becomes clear. Jade Empire is extremely deep for an original IP, its not as deep as Star Wars mythos wise, but thematically, it is deeper than KOTOR. Biowares best follower character is Dawn Star in my opinion.

my thoughts, this list sucks

1. Super Mario Bros - way overrated for whatever reason. might be the 1st platformer, but even as a child i enjoyed better games more

2. Tetris -good to kill time, but never found anything special about it. gets boring pretty fast

3. Civilization II - havent tried it

4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - tried it a little and got bored fast

5. Super Mario 64 - havent tried it but probably have no reason to

6. Half Life 2 - FPS sucks, so i wouldnt elaborate

7. Super Metroid - it looked good but it didn't really seem like one of those games i had to play/finish

8. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - it wasn't bad, but not captivating good

9. Final Fantasy VI (III US) - havent tried but if i had to pick a jrpg, i'd pick something from nipon ichi or atlas

10. Resident Evil 4 - That was the biggest letdown in RE games other than the survivor games. RE was awesome back in the day since they were the first horror games that felt like a movie. RE4 is a stereotypical shooter. Why ppl like RE4 so much is beyond my understanding

11. Starcraft - played it a little, takes up way too much time for too little

12. Star Wars: Tie Fighter - never played, can't comment. but what the **** so many great fighters to choose from and it had to be a star wars game? either it's really awesome or ign are star wars fanboys

13. Ms Pac Man - whats the difference between pacman games?

14. Pirates! - havent played

15. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - yes this game was awesome. a whole list and finally something i found great at # 15

16. Shadow of the Colossus - haven't played but doesnt look apealing

17. Super Mario World - another overrated mario game

18. Chrono Trigger - havent tried

19. Doom - another fps game. not for me anyways

20. Metal Gear Solid - agreed it should have been ranked higher. MGS series are awesome.

theres around 2 or 3 games on that list that are truly greatI've tried. No real action games on that list like ZOE 2, Devil may cry, ninja gaiden. No real fighters(star wars), no old school beat them ups, no rhythm games. Others either don't appeal to me or i found average or dissapointing.

[QUOTE="jedinat"]

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"] Mass Effect is a cut above KOTOR, its more impressive because it is an original IP as well as its actually thematically deeper and much more intellegent than KOTOR. As cool as KOTOR was, it was made memorable because it was Star Wars as well as having a story that was better than the prequel movies. Mass Effect holds it own because the universe Bioware created for it was top notch, the story, the characters, the places, the themes..............Mass Effect is hands down Bioware's greatest work. I can make a case that Jade Empire is better than KOTOR in a lot of aspects. The list is indeed a best games list.........many of these games stand the test of time and are great played today as when they were first released. Look at #11, millions still play it.R7_3

Mass Effect had a rather poor story, and weaker characters than those in KotOR (both of them). Jade Empire is incredibly shallow in almost all respects.

My thoughts...
Super Mario Bros - it has since been done, and better, many times.
Tetris - whatever. I mostly only ever played Tetris because its so generally considered one of the best games of all time.
Civilization II - it's been done and better since.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Majora's Mask is arguably better. It still belongs here though.
Super Mario 64 - I'll say it belongs.
Half Life 2 - Sure, what the hell. But it makes no sense that Half Life 2 is here instead of the first game, while a game like Doom is on the list (or Super Mario Bros, etc.) It confuses the intent of the list.
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Sure, what the hell, even though I think some of the portable 2D Zeldas are probably better.
Final Fantasy VI - Sure, what the hell. Though I don't really like FF games all that much.
Resident Evil 4 - great game but I don't see why its on the list when so many other great(er) games are absent.
Starcraft - Sure, whatever, but most RTSers have moved on.
Star Wars: Tie Fighter - I don't think so, really. I mean, why?
Ms Pac Man - No, just no.
Pirates! - Why this and not the recent one? The game tires after a day or two, so no.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - I never liked the franchise, but sure, for those that do. Personally I think the game sucks.
Shadow of the Colossus - Great game, I don't mind it being here.
Super Mario World - Sure, what the hell.
Chrono Trigger - overrated, so no.
Doom - No, just no. Utterly antiquicated and outmoded.
Metal Gear Solid - ugh, no. The franchise sucks. Not fun gameplay, if you want to experience the lame story read the graphic novel or something.

Really, the only games I wouldn't immediately strke from the list are Ocarina of Time, Mario 64, Half Life 2, Starcraft, and Shadow of the Colossus. If I was attempting to be unbiased, I'd probably keep A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and maaybe FF6/Chrono. Really though, where the hell is Morrowind, Monkey Island (not a single nod to adventure games?!), Diablo 2, and (even though they're not my favorite--I know they're widely praised) Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate 2?

my thoughts, this list sucks

1. Super Mario Bros - way overrated for whatever reason. might be the 1st platformer, but even as a child i enjoyed better games more

2. Tetris -good to kill time, but never found anything special about it. gets boring pretty fast

3. Civilization II - havent tried it

4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - tried it a little and got bored fast

5. Super Mario 64 - havent tried it but probably have no reason to

6. Half Life 2 - FPS sucks, so i wouldnt elaborate

7. Super Metroid - it looked good but it didn't really seem like one of those games i had to play/finish

8. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - it wasn't bad, but not captivating good

9. Final Fantasy VI (III US) - havent tried but if i had to pick a jrpg, i'd pick something from nipon ichi or atlas

10. Resident Evil 4 - That was the biggest letdown in RE games other than the survivor games. RE was awesome back in the day since they were the first horror games that felt like a movie. RE4 is a stereotypical shooter. Why ppl like RE4 so much is beyond my understanding

11. Starcraft - played it a little, takes up way too much time for too little

12. Star Wars: Tie Fighter - never played, can't comment. but what the **** so many great fighters to choose from and it had to be a star wars game? either it's really awesome or ign are star wars fanboys

13. Ms Pac Man - whats the difference between pacman games?

14. Pirates! - havent played

15. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - yes this game was awesome. a whole list and finally something i found great at # 15

16. Shadow of the Colossus - haven't played but doesnt look apealing

17. Super Mario World - another overrated mario game

18. Chrono Trigger - havent tried

19. Doom - another fps game. not for me anyways

20. Metal Gear Solid - agreed it should have been ranked higher. MGS series are awesome.

theres around 2 or 3 games on that list that are truly greatI've tried. No real action games on that list like ZOE 2, Devil may cry, ninja gaiden. No real fighters(star wars), no old school beat them ups, no rhythm games. Others either don't appeal to me or i found average or dissapointing.

mibukin

Good. Not my best games ever, but by actually looking at that list it looks like more thought went into it than 99.99999999% of the other "best games" lists where it's just mindless hating on a certain franchise, or hating on one particular genre :roll:

I like it :)

Good. Not my best games ever, but by actually looking at that list it looks like more thought went into it than 99.99999999% of the other "best games" lists where it's just mindless hating on a certain franchise, or hating on one particular genre :roll:

I like it :)

I don't get why Super Mario Bros is considered the most important game in history when it wasn't even responsible for the birth of the industry. That honor should be reserved for Pong.BladesOfAthena

I don't get why Super Mario Bros is considered the most important game in history when it wasn't even responsible for the birth of the industry. That honor should be reserved for Pong.BladesOfAthena

I don't get why Super Mario Bros is considered the most important game in history when it wasn't even responsible for the birth of the industry. That honor should be reserved for Pong.BladesOfAthena

Because the NES was a rebirth to the industry. No longer was it just crappy games with absolutely no upgrade in graphics or hardware.

Super Mario Bros. is why gaming is still around

[QUOTE="BladesOfAthena"]I don't get why Super Mario Bros is considered the most important game in history when it wasn't even responsible for the birth of the industry. That honor should be reserved for Pong.raahsnavj

Yeah I know that but it didn't give birth to the industry as we know it today. That's like accrediting your entire existence to your doctor when it was your mother that brought you into the world in the first place.

Mass Effect - probably the best game of this generation, despite its flaws, excellent story and mythos, great characters, and great environments. For reference, Knights of the Old Republic is ranked #27, Mass Effect is better and was ranked recently as the best 360 game, it will be high on the list next time guaranteed

texasgoldrush

I have no idea how you could possibly think this (you are entitled to your opinion just saying). Mass Effect is a great game and all but it really doesn't touch KOTOR............at all. Suprised KOTOR isn't in the top 20 as well.

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"]

Mass Effect - probably the best game of this generation, despite its flaws, excellent story and mythos, great characters, and great environments. For reference, Knights of the Old Republic is ranked #27, Mass Effect is better and was ranked recently as the best 360 game, it will be high on the list next time guaranteed

moose_knuckler

I have no idea how you could possibly think this (you are entitled to your opinion just saying). Mass Effect is a great game and all but it really doesn't touch KOTOR............at all. Suprised KOTOR isn't in the top 20 as well.

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"]

Mass Effect - probably the best game of this generation, despite its flaws, excellent story and mythos, great characters, and great environments. For reference, Knights of the Old Republic is ranked #27, Mass Effect is better and was ranked recently as the best 360 game, it will be high on the list next time guaranteed

I have no idea how you could possibly think this (you are entitled to your opinion just saying). Mass Effect is a great game and all but it really doesn't touch KOTOR............at all. Suprised KOTOR isn't in the top 20 as well.

[QUOTE="raahsnavj"][QUOTE="moose_knuckler"]

I have no idea how you could possibly think this (you are entitled to your opinion just saying). Mass Effect is a great game and all but it really doesn't touch KOTOR............at all. Suprised KOTOR isn't in the top 20 as well.

moose_knuckler

ME's data transfer isn't phenonmenal. It's been done by other games in the past. For example, Golden Sun transferred everything you did in the first game to the second game using the GBA link cable or a massive password that you could enter if you didn't have two GBAs and a link cable laying around.

I think RE4 has always been too overrated; personally, I enjoyed 1 and 2 much more than I ever did 4; however, that list is very good.doomsoth

[QUOTE="moose_knuckler"][QUOTE="raahsnavj"] I probably have to agree with texasgoldrush on this one. KOTOR, while my favorite RPG of last gen, did get out done by Mass Effect. And the design plans of how they are continuing ME through the next two games will utterly destroy KOTOR. It was hard for me to accept such a belief because of how much I loved KOTOR, but it happened. I prefer the range based attacks, you aren't trapped on the opening world for what seems like forever, and you have more control where you go and when.gameguy6700

ME's data transfer isn't phenonmenal. It's been done by other games in the past. For example, Golden Sun transferred everything you did in the first game to the second game using the GBA link cable or a massive password that you could enter if you didn't have two GBAs and a link cable laying around.

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

[QUOTE="moose_knuckler"]Well of course what ME is doing is phenominal (bringing data over from previous game), although the gameplay in ME reminds me more of a TPS than RPG. After the series is over, who knows ME series could become a better series that what KOTOR has brought (counting TOR and hoping on KOTOR 3) we'll just have to wait and see. While, ME does beat KOTOR in some certain aspects it's just certinaly not up to par with it in terms of story (there again it's Star Wars so that's a given), gameplay mechanics actually required a good variety of strategy, more party members you could actually care about, etc. texasgoldrush

ME's data transfer isn't phenonmenal. It's been done by other games in the past. For example, Golden Sun transferred everything you did in the first game to the second game using the GBA link cable or a massive password that you could enter if you didn't have two GBAs and a link cable laying around.

That's what they're hyping but I would be very surprised if it amounts to anything more than deciding which characters are in your party at the start of ME2, which events characters will talk about, which major extra characters won't appear and which wont (did you kill the colonists of Zhu's Hope? Did you kill the Rachni queen?), and of course what the backstory in the second game will be based off of your decision at the end of ME1. And obviously the transfer will also include your characters' stats and equipment.

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"][QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

ME's data transfer isn't phenonmenal. It's been done by other games in the past. For example, Golden Sun transferred everything you did in the first game to the second game using the GBA link cable or a massive password that you could enter if you didn't have two GBAs and a link cable laying around.

That's what they're hyping but I would be very surprised if it amounts to anything more than deciding which characters are in your party at the start of ME2, which events characters will talk about, which major extra characters won't appear and which wont (did you kill the colonists of Zhu's Hope? Did you kill the Rachni queen?), and of course what the backstory in the second game will be based off of your decision at the end of ME1. And obviously the transfer will also include your characters' stats and equipment.

Don't be to surprised when you don't see one of your favorite games on the list. Keep in mind that it is solely an opinion. And yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's why I created my own list. I would love to get about 50 different top 10 best games lists, That way I can cross reference the lists, and create the best games ever made list. For my own personal enjoyment. www.bestgames2play.blogspot.comSOSICK0017

All I can say is that i dont understand how nobody realizes why resident evil 4 is on the list. first off it wwas an amzing game but u all seem to forget that it was a completly new turn for the series they completely droped the resident evil premisis as the zzombies were goen and it was a complete sucess. an amazing story. graphic deaths in teh cutscenes which they seem to have basicalydroped in five. Four characters were very well devolped and the whole new idea for the teme was crafted into the exisiting universe. Annnnnd Half life 2 deserves to be on that list because u can all admit when that game first game out as a sequel to half life u wr=ere stoked on life and they game turned out to be boooolts like I can guranee the whole combine being introduced and ur workin with vortigons. The Ragdoll was fun as hell and the sory was pretty decent but its a game u can always play.

SMB is the most unimaginative "Best Game Ever" choice...ever. Tetris is the second most unimaginative one. Cherokee_Jack

SMB is the most unimaginative "Best Game Ever" choice...ever. Tetris is the second most unimaginative one. Cherokee_Jack

Why though? I don't think I've ever met a single person who's played either game, and disliked them. More than 99% say they enjoy them from what I find. And c'mon, 25 years later people are still able to hum the tune, and still know who Mario is, and what Tetris is. Ask people that have never even played a game who Mario is, and they'll probably know.

Nothing about Super Mario Bros., and Tetris should disqualify them as being the best games ever.

[QUOTE="Cherokee_Jack"]SMB is the most unimaginative "Best Game Ever" choice...ever. Tetris is the second most unimaginative one. texasgoldrush

Again, I don't see how its the most important game ever made when it didn't even give birth to the videogame industry. Without Atari's foray into home consoles, Nintendo wouldn't even be in this business. And so what if SMB is the best selling? How is that even relevant? What if I said FFVII is the best selling FF ever? Would that make it just as noteworthy?

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"][QUOTE="Cherokee_Jack"]SMB is the most unimaginative "Best Game Ever" choice...ever. Tetris is the second most unimaginative one. BladesOfAthena

Again, I don't see how its the most important game ever made when it didn't even give birth to the videogame industry. Without Atari's foray into home consoles, Nintendo wouldn't even be in this business. And so what if SMB is the best selling? How is that even relevant? What if I said FFVII is the best selling FF ever? Would that make it just as noteworthy?

[QUOTE="BladesOfAthena"]

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"] actually it is way more imaginative than say Ocarina od Time or. ugh, FFVII..... SMB, while not my fave, may very well be the most important game ever, remember, its the best selling game ever as well.....texasgoldrush

Again, I don't see how its the most important game ever made when it didn't even give birth to the videogame industry. Without Atari's foray into home consoles, Nintendo wouldn't even be in this business. And so what if SMB is the best selling? How is that even relevant? What if I said FFVII is the best selling FF ever? Would that make it just as noteworthy?

I'm not denying its importance. What I'm questioning is what makes the ressurgence of an industry more significant than the launching of it? Why is that more important? I mean, who would you owe your life to, your mother or your doctor? Who do we give credit to for the United States being here? Even if the industry would've died with them, that still doesn't negate the fact that they were the founding fathers who have laid out the groundwork for Nintendo and other companies to follow, which is why Nintendo owes much of its success to Atari, for they were among the first to prove that videogames can be a profitable venture, and is thus what influenced SMB's creation.

Frankly, I don't really see how SMB has aged well, seeing as how the gameplay seems rather archaic in comparison to the newer Mario games. Its certainly not a game I see myself coming back to, especially after having played SMG, which is much more fun and interesting to look at. Heck, I'd even choose FFVII over SMB if given the choice. It doesn't really make sense to me that SMB is given credit due to what it has done, while in the same breath FFVII is being knocked down a few notches below FFVI, even though FFVII accomplished far more for the industry than FFVI ever did, having spurred the success of the Playstation and all that.

^^ Good answer. The reason I would put SMB on top is that, game wise, it preceds every platformer and side scroller in the market today, with the simple mechanics of run and jump. It's kind of the same reasoning why Doom is sometimes (?) above Quake and Half-Life (I didn't forget about Castle Wolfenstein I just don't see it on many lists).

If you criticize SMB as a standalone game, how would it score? Not compared to any other Mario game, does that score reflect IGN's opinions? I think it does..

Super Mario Bros was responsible for resurrecting the game industry after the crash of 1983, it is the best selling game of all time (but Wii Sports may have passed it....ugh), and brough about the most popular figure in gaming.texasgoldrush

You are actually wrong on all three accounts. Super Mario didn't save the game industry, Nintendo didn't influence anything on the PC side, or if we're going to stick to the time period, the likes of Commodore 64 and Amiga. PC gaming would've probably been about the same as it is now. Console gaming would probably be vastly different, but it'd be alright all the same. It would have simply been influenced by Western developers from the start. This delusion that the game industry would disappear without Nintendo needs to stop. Seriously.

Neither Super Mario nor Wii Sports are the best-selling games of all time. Pack-ins. Do. Not. Count. The reasons are too obvious to waste words on.

Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong (1981).

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"]Super Mario Bros was responsible for resurrecting the game industry after the crash of 1983, it is the best selling game of all time (but Wii Sports may have passed it....ugh), and brough about the most popular figure in gaming.UpInFlames

You are actually wrong on all three accounts. Super Mario didn't save the game industry, Nintendo didn't influence anything on the PC side, or if we're going to stick to the time period, the likes of Commodore 64 and Amiga. PC gaming would've probably been about the same as it is now. Console gaming would probably be vastly different, but it'd be alright all the same. It would have simply been influenced by Western developers from the start. This delusion that the game industry would disappear without Nintendo needs to stop. Seriously.

Neither Super Mario nor Wii Sports are the best-selling games of all time. Pack-ins. Do. Not. Count. The reasons are too obvious to waste words on.

Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong (1981).

[QUOTE="texasgoldrush"]

[QUOTE="BladesOfAthena"]

Again, I don't see how its the most important game ever made when it didn't even give birth to the videogame industry. Without Atari's foray into home consoles, Nintendo wouldn't even be in this business. And so what if SMB is the best selling? How is that even relevant? What if I said FFVII is the best selling FF ever? Would that make it just as noteworthy?

I'm not denying its importance. What I'm questioning is what makes the ressurgence of an industry more significant than the launching of it? Why is that more important? I mean, who would you owe your life to, your mother or your doctor? Who do we give credit to for the United States being here? Even if the industry would've died with them, that still doesn't negate the fact that they were the founding fathers who have laid out the groundwork for Nintendo and other companies to follow, which is why Nintendo owes much of its success to Atari, for they were among the first to prove that videogames can be a profitable venture, and is thus what influenced SMB's creation.

Frankly, I don't really see how SMB has aged well, seeing as how the gameplay seems rather archaic in comparison to the newer Mario games. Its certainly not a game I see myself coming back to, especially after having played SMG, which is much more fun and interesting to look at. Heck, I'd even choose FFVII over SMB if given the choice. It doesn't really make sense to me that SMB is given credit due to what it has done, while in the same breath FFVII is being knocked down a few notches below FFVI, even though FFVII accomplished far more for the industry than FFVI ever did, having spurred the success of the Playstation and all that.