In a previous blog post, I put my top ten games of all time, but offered no explanation for any of them. Here is where I will do it. Remember that my rule is this: unless it's a spinoff, games cannot be from the same series. So Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros. could both be on this list, but not SMB and Super Mario World. See?

10. Mega Man X (SNES)

I have lots of fond memories of being able to master this very tough SNES game. I was so proud when I beat the end boss again and again, and I got so good at it that I nearly passed the game with no powerups or anything. This is my favorite entry in Capcom's flagship series, and it makes me all the more sad that they haven't made a killer Mega Man game since, except perhaps X2.

9. Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

The sequels were bigger and, possibly, better, but this game was so fresh and original, and the graphics are still impressive today. My dad said all during the N64 era that DKC had better 3D graphics than any of the new games. Whatever. Anyway, it's one of the best platformers ever made, and one of Rare's crowning achievements, and the sequels are also great.

8. FINAL FANTASY VIII (PS-X)

This is the game that introduced me to the marvelous world of RPG's, and it's still my favorite. I've played through almost every single FF game, but the humanity and integrity of this game, plus its powerful characters and amazing storyline, all make this an absolute favorite for me. I even own the soundtrack to this game. How nerdy can you get?

7. Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

This is one of my very favorite games for the N64. It blew Super Mario 64 completely out of the water and became one of the crowning achievements of the 64-bit era. The sequel was much more adventure and less platformer, so this remains my favorite.

6. Perfect Dark (N64)

Perfect Dark became one of my favorite games very recently. I loved GoldenEye 007, but this game is hugely better in every way imaginable. I even like it better than Halo. The multiplayer is incredibly addicting, and this is about the only N64 game I still play except for the virtual console games I have. A classic, indeed.

5. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2)

This was a hard one. The series as a whole is so awesome, but each game improves dramatically upon the last as far as story and presentation go. MGS3 is much better with the nice camera and special features, too. I've never tried the online game, nor will I ever, but the core game is fantastic and intense. I liked the characters best in this game...except there's no Otacon. Oh well.

4. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)

Another tough call. This is my favorite Mario game, but...only by a bit. Super Mario Sunshine almost beat it. This one has nostalgic value going for it, so that helps. I like this game a lot better than Super Mario World, though. Can't we bring back the bright orange fire power suit? I always liked that...

3. Resident Evil 4 (GCN)

I was torn on whether to try this game or not. Until less than a year ago, I had a strict "No M-rated games" policy which I didn't even break for Halo or Perfect Dark or anything. That lasted for over eight years, I think. But that started to change, and I had to set my limits somewhere. I will not play God of War or Grand Theft Auto, but something about this game...it's amazing. The boss battle with Del Lago? I could do that all day. I can't think of a single flaw in this game that bothers me one bit. Not one. I have never been blown away by a game this dramatically, and I was actually tempted to put this at #1...but no game can beat Zelda and Metroid Fusion for me. It says something when I almost replace those with this game. Can't wait for the Wii Edition.

2. Metroid Fusion (GBA)

So Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion came out the same day. Metroid Prime blazed new trails and was an amazing achievement. Metroid Fusion completely perfected the Super Metroid formula and actually TOPPED it. I still play Metroid Fusion through on occasion, and I can't believe it's still fun. Short game, my butt. It's got the best replay value of any game I've ever played.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

Oooh...hard one. Wanted to put Wind Waker here because I love it so much, but...this is where Zelda really ARRIVED for me. The earlier games were fun and all, but this game made the series my very favorite. This game still speaks to me in ways other games can only dream of. Perfect? Oh yes, even after all these years. Just played it through on the virtual console, and I noticed details I hadn't before. I've been playing the game since it came out and I'm STILL surprised by the awesome design choices. I think Wind Waker feels more fresh and original to me, but this one...ah, this one. It can't be topped, and if it is I'll eat my hat.

Share your opinion of your favorite games ever, or on my opinion as well! Go ahead, don't be shy!