Salutations, my friends, I need your help! I'm currently taking my exams, so sorry if I'm not as active as per usual. This will be especially apparent from the 5th to the 10th of May. But onto the help. After exams, my parents are always sweet enough to allow me to get some gaming stuff. It just so happens that there's a LOT of stuff out now which is desirable. 3D Dot Game Heroes, Nier, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Super Street Fighter IV, BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, No More Heroes and more and more. I've already decided to get 2000 Wii points, which can get me two SNES games and one NES game. I've pretty much decided to get Super Metroid and Link to the Past, but other recommendations of both the SNES games and NES games are welcome.

The main thing, however, is that I can get one more game on either the PS3 or Wii, and that's where you come in! Which do you recommend from personal experience? Just wing it, doesn't matter what game, when it came out, just whatever springs to mind. It's a big favor, but one that will make me very happy :D So, I leave you with this question and then this awesomeness:

As you can see, it's real!

-Calvinsora

Welcome, friends, to my newest blog series "Have you..." What exactly is it? There are three types: "Have you heard", "Have you seen" and "Have you played". In them, I'll talk of various games (played), movies (seen) and VGM (heard) that you might or (more likely) might not have heard in the world, and then tell you why its worth experiencing it. With this, I wish to give credit where credit is do and not only talk of the major releases of every year. I won't always talk of something that isn't popular (especially in HYH), but you get the basic gist of it, yeah? In this entry, I'll talk about some very entertaining VGM from a number of disparate games. Enjoy! :D

Philistine (No More Heroes 2)

Way too awesome, simple as that. I posted Pleather for Breakfast a while ago, which is great in itself, but this theme destroys it IMO. It's incredibly catchy, dark and funny, fitting the NMH styIe to a tee. It also manages to introduce the boss herself in terms of personality. Quite an evil one, eh?

-Is she a good person? I wouldn't bet on it.

One Final Effort (Halo 3)

I'll be honest here, I had no idea the Halo series had good music until just recently. I'm glad that I was wrong on that front. This theme sounds exactly like what the name implies: it's the advent before the last assault, the final effort to defeat your adversaries. It's a beautiful and atmospheric theme through and through.

-Don't hurt me!

The Evil Twins Theme (Crash Twinsanity)

Can you say catchy? Oh yes, this one sticks in your mind for years before finally letting go, and I mean this in a good way. I was honestly not expecting this, as you all know, I'm a huge ND-Crash fan, and am not that fond of the newer ones. However, the music seems to be absolutely fantastic. Might I get the game if I see it used? That just became more likely. But this theme is awesome, I'm very glad I stumbled upon it.

-Grr, we are evil.

Dark Messenger (Final Fantasy IX)

Kuja, like Seymour, is a villain that is often forgotten in FF lore. Don't. His theme is way too awesome to be forgetted. It has a fantastic beat, and I love the "We will rock you" beat at times, it gets your blood pumping for the battle itself. It's an absolutely fantastic sample of boss VGM which can always get me in the mood to defeat my dastardly foes (do that on a daily basis, btw).

-Kuja looks down on you!!!

Otherworld (Final Fantasy X)

I'm not usually into heavy metal-ish music, but this is just one awesome theme. Playing in the penultimate battle, it's perfect in relation to the circumstances. The guitar is also AMAZING. WOW, come on! Anyway, listening might make you faint from intensity. Watch out.

-Like father like son, eh?

Elite 4 Lance Battle Theme (Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal)

This is definitely my favorite Elite4 Champion theme by a large margin. It's catchy, fast-paced and sets the mood for the awesome battle with the tough Lance (and Red). The sword cling in the beginning is a nice touch as well. The other Elite 4 themes from the Pokemon series are great, but beating Gold and Silver? Never!

-Why do capes exist? They serve absolutely no purpose.

Chaos(Dissidia Final Fantasy)

Dissidia has a lot of great music but this theme just rocks beyond any measure. The lyrics, guitar and other instruments are fantastically blended to create an incredible tune for the final battle. This has skyrocketed up to the accolades of my absolute favorite VGMs. It's THAT good.

-Ouch, talk about a face only a mother would love :?

That's it for now, I hope I managed to entertain music lovers across the world wide web. Expect more entries in this then in my now retired ATIVG list, rest assured! Au revoir, mates and lasses, and god-speed!

-Calvinsora

There have been pretty games, ugly games, impressive games and engrossing games. What ultimately contributes the most to these attributes is the graphics. When push comes to shove, graphics matter little in terms of a game's overall quality and the enjoyment that can be had with it, but when a game it looks good, it can often amplify the experience. This is a list, and sort of tribute, to those games I feel have had the best overall graphics. When I say best overall, I don't mean technically. To me, how technically proficient the graphics are means 0% in relation to how good the graphics are (this is a common mistake made in "graphics king" debates), the design has to be good, and how much it contributes to the world matters just as much. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 graphical achievements in gaming.

#10: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GC) (2004)

-Can you spell "ominous"?

PM:TTYD's graphical genius lies in its simplicity. Everything is made out of paper, from the characters, trees, houses, enemies and even the ocean, it's all in a wonderful faux-2D that looks amazing. This automatically gives it a timeless look, but it's more than just that. The graphics perfectly compliment the gameplay itself. The whimsical approach is instantly noticeable, and it feels strictly Mario. However, it has a unique touch of its own. It would seem impossible to make a world made entirely out of thin paper, but this game shows that it can be done. The first game did as well, but Thousand-Year Door polishes the visuals and expands in size as well. The game simply looks gorgeous, and it's a true thrill playing the game for its visual styIe alone.

#9: Flower (PS3) (2009)

-I wish there was more blue grass in this world...

It's purely coincidental that Flower, like TYD, benefits greatly from its overlaying simplicity. Another big factor is that Flower is by and large created upon the foundation of the visual styIe itself. It's more of an experience than a straight-out game, to be honest. You are the wind, blowing beautiful petals around breathtaking locales, simply enjoying the experience. Ever blade of grass is fully animated, every pixel bursts with color and together, it looks almost like a real-life photo or wonderful painting. The changing aesthetics also shake up the atmosphere, you'll see serene blue skies, calm sunsets and gray city scapes. It's truly amazing, and it has to be experienced to fully appreciate. In terms of pure synergy between gameplay and graphics, it's hard to beat the beauty that is Flower.

#8: Metroid Prime (GC) (2002)

-Uh-oh.

Well, I could pretty much put any of the MP games here, but I chose MP1 for two reasons: 1. It was the first game, is 8 years old and still looks amazing; 2. It has the best atmosphere of all three games IMO. It is amazing how alone you feel in the game. The world is a virtual wasteland, but a hauntingly beautiful one as well. Green jungles, icy tundras, burning lava pits and high-technical laboratories are some of the incredible locales you'll visit, all incredible in scope and detail. The first-person view in tandem with the 3rd person view in morphball mode adds additional depth to every world as well. MP is a stellar example of how proficient the GC was from a graphics standpoint, and is a technical and aesthetic achievement to remember.

#7: Heavy Rain (PS3) (2010)

-Is this a "hug moment"?

Where Heavy Rain truly succeeds is increating a world. To be precise, it creates the real world within the confines of a video game. This is pretty much the most detailed game in existence, at least that I've seen. Look at the picture above; see the intricate designs of the magazines, the crinkles in the detectives coat, the peas behind him and the shadows? This pic is completely in-game, the game really looks this realistic. But unlike some games of today that simply look realistic to look realistic, Heavy Rain works alongside the graphics themselves. You don't feel like this is a fictional world filled with fictional characters. It all seems oddly real, creating an overwhelming sense of connection with the game itself. It fits very well with the noir story and serious narrative, and it's utterly brilliant.

#6: Final Fantasy XII (PS2) (2006)

-Happy bomb!

I am consistently surprised by how great FFXII's graphics are. What exactly makes it so beautiful? Maybe it's the slick design, the great design, the grand areas or the great variance in styIe. Whatever it is, FFXII is one of the best-looking games on the PlayStation 2. The color palette is incredibly varied, you'll see wonderful jungles, haunting mountains and imposing temples. Not only that, I really like the facial design of every character, they move realistically which is a rather rare thing even today. I'm also a big, big fan of how the enemies are presented, each minor detail on every foe is brought to life and it's always a spectacle to see a new adversary pop up. Overall, the design is just sublime. It's colorful, smooth and streamlined, and a highlight of visual awesomeness on the PS2.

#5: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS2) (2009)

-Like Chuck Norris, Nathan needs only stare at somethingfor it to explode.

It's hard to find one visual blemish in UC2. Almost impossible, really. Every single detail is polished to an unnatural sheen that is simply breathtaking. The world is crafted with the utmost skill, making every area a masterpiece in beauty. The wonderful city of Shambhala, the white mountains of Nepal, the war-torn central city (don't remember the name), you feel part of the experience. UC2 is very Hollywood-esque in presentation, the emphasis on heavy action and intense pacing is relentless and the visual flair makes it even more powerful. I could go on talking about the smooth framerate and incredible character design, but it's all been said a million times before. UC2 is a visual feast, and shows how far we've come in aesthetic presentation.

#4: Dead Space (PS3) (2008 )

-Aw, I love you too.

I try and use every chance I get to praise Dead Space, and for good reason. It's awesome! But one of my favorite aspects of the game is its stellar visual presentation. The important aspect of a horror game is that it's scary (obviously) and Dead Space's presentation is simply the best I've seen. If you aren't scared after seeing your first necromorph, then you might want to check your nerve ends. The game is technically brilliant, yes, but where it really shines is how detailed it is, and how well it creates a tangible atmosphere. You feel alone among bloodthirsty aliens, fearing for your life at every step. Every room feels different, bears many unique traits like blood splattered on the wall, foreign writing or dead bodies strewn around the room. Though the atmosphere itself changes little, its endurance is eternal. Dead Space looks simply amazing in every sense of the word.

#3: Okami (PS2) (2006)

-Why are all the cherry trees bearing bows? Never made sense to me.

Need I explain? Really? OK, fine. The first and most prominent aspect of Okami is exactly how gorgeous it is. It has a distinct Japanes watercolor styIe which looks even better in motion than in the picture above. The colors explode off the screen, creating a visual dream. It's really a magical experience, the wind is accentuated by black ink streaks in the sky, backgrounds are heavily outlined and the entire game shines with a lustrous glow. It all works so amazingly well that it never gets old. The game is consistently beautiful andalways amazing in how superbly it's crafted. Everything blends to create a world filled with wonder and serenity, ultimately making Okami one of the finest-looking games on any system.

#2: Eternal Sonata (PS3) (2008 )

-My room looks very similar.

Cel-shading is always a slippery slope. It can be a double-edged sword, i.e. some might like it, some might hate it; however, there are other cases where it is a rampant success in every way. Eternal Sonata is one of those games. It looks absolutely fantastic, it's so wonderfully polished, colorful and detailed that you will be in awe from day one. As you can see from the picture above, the design is achingly pretty, putting more emphasis on the dream setting of the game. You will visit magical castles, fiery dungeons and crystalline towers, all looking as beautiful as a painting by DaVinci. It's an artistic and aesthetic marvel that transcends simple gaming limitations. If you are not amazed by the graphics every single second, then you should go and get yourself some new glasses (I kid, but still). It's absolutely ethereal in how gorgeous it is, and is only beat by one game on this list.

#1: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) (2010)

-This game looks just too good.

This shouldn't be a surprise, at least I hope not. FFXIII manages to amaze on so many levels that it's astounding. Its presentation is gorgeous, the character designs are fantastic, enemies are all varied and clever in design, the world itself is absolutely unparallelled in beauty and even the finest details are covered. I've never stopped and looked at the scenery as much as in this game. When I looked at an in-game sunset, I actually got goosebumps and nearly cried. How does a game do that? I have no idea, but it must be some sort of wizardry. It isn't often that graphics have such a profound effect on...pretty much everything. I've never seen a more polished, beautiful and smooth experience than FFXIII. Even on my horribly low-res LCD screen, I was left with my jaw virtually on the floor throughout the entire game. The color contrasts are lovely as well, white often combining with a yellow or pink hue to great effect. What can I say other than that if any game deserves to be labelled a visual masterpiece (with most of the other entries on the list, mayhaps), it's FFXIII. Good job, SE, you've done it again.

I hope you liked this little list, I'd love to hear of your own graphic favorites in the comments section. Adieu for now, my friends.

-Calvinsora

It's a simple question, cake or death? A special smily for anyone that can recognize the joke without using the internet ;)

Anyway, I don't know why I'm typing this. I honestly don't. Am I that bored? There's a French oral exam tomorrow, so I guess I'mjust looking for escape of some kind, but still! I guess this is where I can pretty much say everything that's on my mind :P Sorry if I bore you, it's only intentional to a small degree.

First off, has anyone seen Kick-Ass? What...a...film! I never thought there would be a movie to top Watchmen in terms of comic book movies for me, but Kick-Ass has done it. Though it really was a surrealistic experience overall. I obviously had a very different perspective on the film as the audience did. When they laughed, I was moved, when I laughed, they were confused. If I'm allowed to be stereotypical, you know those violence-loving depictions of society? That IS Iceland. It would be easy to just look at the violence in Kick-Ass and leave it at that, and in that respect, the movie also does its job. However, the reason I love the film is because of how smart it is, and also how styIish it is. The cinematography, audio, it's visual candy in more than one way, and it all works. That pretty much sums up the film: it works, in the best way possible. It's already sky-rocketed into my top 20 film list, it's THAT good.

But I should talk about games here too. The games I am looking madly forward to are:

Nier

-This game is looking way too good.

3D Dot Game Heroes

-This game is ALSO looking way too good.

Super Street Fighter IV

-Cody PUNCH!

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

-A PSP game I look forward to. Finally. (had to say it :P)

Dead Space 2

-Potential game of the year? I think so.

Of course, there are other games I want, but these are the top of the top. If you need a reason as to why I look forward to these games...you don't know me, do you?

I also saw Precious. I expected a powerful film, but this movie shook me to my very core. There aren't many films that have left me as shocked as that film. It is simply brilliant, and everyone should watch it if they can stomach it.

Finally, you can check out my new GoW1 review if you haven't already. ;)

Hope everyone is doing well. So long, my friends.

-Calvinsora

Will people hate me for this? It seems ridiculous to think so, but just remember: 8.7 is a great score. Maybe I'm just freaking out here :P As you may have guessed from my blog title, I have written my review of God of War, and you can read it here. All feedback is more than welcome ;) See you latah!

-Calvinsora

Well, what a journey. Six months, 145 games, hundred comments responded, debates had...it's been some time since I decided to make this eventful list. Before you scroll down the list, pretty much ignoring the text, I'd like to take some time to thank all of you that have put your own time into reading my list and commented. I won't be listing names because I'm sure I'll forget someone. Simply see it this way: if you've ever commented, thank you. Now, I guess this is the moment people have been waiting for, so I won't stall it further. These are my personal top 5 games of all time.

#5: Monster Rancher 2 (PS) (1999)

-Slapping is a past time for pink balls. Uh oh.

Ever wonder from what game all of my avatars are from, including my current one? Yup, it's from this game, one of the most over-looked games of all time and a true cult cIassic. It still has a fanbase today, even. Monster Rancher 2 chronicles your experience as you train special monsters to fight in tourneys, eventually becoming a breeding master. That's it, that's the story. That is, however, exactly what makes the game so great. It has no end (well, you get 9999 years, so almost endless), only a beginning and an abnormal amount of time to hone your skills and improve. This game is all about getting you hooked, and it does so incredibly quick. After you bring your first monster home, you can give it food, train it, let it sleep, play with it or take it into battle (not a good idea early on). You can also visit the town, shop around or go on special expeditions. There's a lot to do, and luckily, a lot of time to do it. You train a number of attributes in various trials. Once these stats are boosted, it's time to battle. The photo above shows the normal format, attacks are mapped to certain proximities, and you'll need Guts to perform them. Also, according to your Skill stat, there is a specific hit percentage. There's a lot of strategy, some moves sacrifice hit percentage for power, others lower guts and some have high critical rates and some even cure you. Pretty cool. Your main goal is to get to the champions (never managed that, the disc was destroyed before I could do that) and become the master of all fighting.

-Slapping continues, you can even slap sharks!

You spend more time on the farm itself, however, and also in the town. The most unique aspect of the game is how you procure your monsters. You can buy a few basic monsters yourself, but the main procedure is to pop in a CD, DVD or video game into the PS at a certain shrine and get a monster for your troubles. And each disc (or its specific code) corresponds with a certain monster. I don't know how many hours I've spent taking CDs to my room and putting them into the console one at a time, revelling in the mystery of the monster to come. Once you've done that, you can also combine different monster types and get hybrids. There are 38 different monster types, anda grand total of 391 monsters in all. That's A LOT. The game's main achievement, however, is how it manages to get you attached to every monster. They all have a limited time to live, and when they did, it is truly a sad moment. All the times you've spent together, training, bonding, eating at times, celebrating birthdays even. If they get sick, you worry. If they disappear, you fret. It takes a special game to do that, and that is maybe the biggest reason it holds such a special place in my heart. Not many have heard of the game, but if you ever, at any time, get a chance to play it, get ready to be engrossed in one of the most charming and lovable games of all time.

GS review: 8.7

#4: Pokemon Gold and Silver (GBC) (2000)

-How did this person get to the elite four?

When it comes to Pokemon, you'll meet some very, very passionate fans. And, despite popular belief, this isn'tagame loved only by young kids. Definitely not, the series' incredibly addictive nature and incredible depth is hard to solidify in a simple paragraph or two. I've already explained some of the legendary series' staples when Blue and Red came on the list some while ago, and who am I kidding: everyone knows what Pokemon's about. Fight monsters, train them, repeat. It's much like Monster Rancher 2 (more the other way around, actually), and it's odd that two monster training games get so high on the list. That is, maybe, because of how different they are in real life. Gold and Silver are (obviously, seeing where it is placed) what I think are the pinnacle of the Pokemon series. It takes everything the first game did well, adds 100 Pokemon, another entire region, even better graphics and awesome music. All of this in a tiny GBC cartridge? What a deal!

-It's still a mystery why all the professors are named after trees. Weird.

I think what makes it so incredibly good, however, is just how much ridiculous fun it is to explore the world, train your Pokemon and find everything there is to be found. The Pokemon formula has always been a magical thing, and I think Gold and Silver are the best examples of that. There aren't many games as timeless, as enchanting, as memorable, as expansive and as varied. It just shows that portable games can indeed match, and even exceed, some of the biggest console games. To me, Gold and Silver are some of the best games in existence (I own, have played and finished both), and they most certainly deserve the fourth spot on my list.

GS review (same for both): 8.8

#3: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) (2008 )

-He can wear that mustache!

Oh boy, we're reaching the big boys now. Now, let it be known that when this game was released, I wasn't even a fan of the MGS games. I hadn't tried one at any time. So, when MGS4 got a 10 on GS, I wasn't sure what to think. So I brushed up on the series, played 2 and 3, read up on the series via the worldwide web and got to playing MGS4, basically daring the game to impressme. What can I say: I was blown away. This is one of my two 10 games (along with KH, which I decided to exclude from the list as I stated a long time ago for certain reasons), so it isn't exactly a secret that this game is up here. Why does it deserve this spot (for me at least), however? First of all: the story is the best I've ever seen in any game, ever. It's told superbly, the cut-scenes are amazing and the characters are incredibly detailed in every way. The pacing, atmosphere, moral, dialogue, set-pieces; they're all perfect and I can barelydescribe how much I love it. Story isn't enough to propel it so high, however, and that's where we come to the gameplay. MGS4 is how to do a sequel right. It has the core gameplay mechanics, but it improves everything. The guns, the combat, the sneaking, the equipment, the bosses even. It's astonishing. You can pretty much choose how to finish each area in the game in whatever way you choose, even guns a-blazing (but that's no fun, is it?). The new octocamo is absolutely genius, the iPod makes waiting in lockers more fun than it should be, the insane amount of weapons is insane and you can customize them to your liking. To add even more fun, you also get the awesome solid eye to add even more tactical depth.

-How to be awesome: be a cyber ninja.

One thing MGS4 is just amazing at is boss battles. They are all deadly, dangerous and incredibly well-designed. I rememberevery little detail of the battles. The Beauty and the Beasts are fantastic montages of Snake's older foes, and are all executed wonderfully. The graphics in the game are, in a word, extraordinary. Not only that MGS4 mixes the world up; you whisk from one world to another instead of being stuck in one place the entire time, which adds great variety. The character animation is incredibly detailed on top of all that. And, of course, the music is as good as ever, fitting every moment like a glove, not to mention the always brilliant voice acting. MGS4 simply manages to succeed in...everything. It's a technical marvel as well as a storytelling one. I was doubtful that I would be that impressed by the game, but at this point, I can't avoid it. MGS4 is a masterpiece of our time, and a must-own for all PS3 owners.

GS review: 10
My (first) review: 10

#2: Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (GBA) (2003)

-I also have a tail! As I said, I'm not well.

This is the same case as with Super Mario World, I've only played the GBA port. And, wow, what a game. This is another almost universally loved game, and for many reasons. It's cIassic Mario, for one, but it's also something much, much more than that. It's also near perfect. Heck, for the record, I can't actually find one flaw in this game. Fantastic level design, charming visual design, immaculate platforming bliss, great value, inventive enemies and bosses and more and more and more. And more. You get the drift. I have very little to say about this game. It's simply so good that it needs no explanation. It takes incredible skill to complete, which is always a plus, and you'll have many ways to get through the challenges. You have the incredible Raccoon suit (why hasn't this been used again), the Frog suit, the Hammer Bros. suit and the awesome Tanuki suit as well. And let's not forget the P Wing, which makes almost every level a breeze. But that would be a wrong move, since every level is so amazing. Remember seeing the giant level for the first time? What about soaring in the sky? Have you seen the secret coin ship? Have you found the secret flutes? These are just a piece of the things you'll find throughout the game, it's so filled with content, despite it originally being an NES game. I'm not gonna talk much more about the game simply because I can't find more words. The game...is awesome. I couldn't find a more deserving game for the number 2 spot, and to me, there's only one other game that could beat it.

GS review: 8.9

*drum roll*

*more drum roll*

*even more drum roll*

#1: Final Fantasy X (PS2) (2001)

-I...can't joke here. This game is too good.

Shock! Gasp! Duh! Anyone that knows anything about me know that I LOVE this game. I practically worship it, really. There are just so many reasons, but this time, I can actually talk quite a bit about the game. One thing you might have noticed is that I gave this game a 9.9 while MGS4 got a 10. Well, that's ONLY because of the repetitiveness of the beginning in repeat playthroughs. I know it's petty, but that's the way it has to be. This game is too good to deserve such a slight but noticeable flaw! However, there is no doubt in my mind that this is my favorite game (it even fights Kingdom Hearts for the top spot, and in many ways, beats it). The story is simply one of the best I've seen. It isn't often that I'm this invested in the characters. Tidus, Yuna, Wakka, Lulu, Auron, Rikku and Kimahri, I will never forget you. Also, I would like to point out that I, the anti-romantic, love Tidus and Yuna's relationship. Why? Because it isn't thrust down my throat like a mandatory addition. It all feels natural, and in a way, beautiful. I can't believe I'm saying this, really, it's not like me. But it is what it is. The main characters aren't the only ones that shine. Seymour topped my list of gaming villains, but lets not forget the *spoiler, spoiler, spoiler, can't put spoiler tags!* evil old man Mika. *spoiler end, spoiler end* and the other great side-characters (riding ze shoopuf is always fun), and Jecht gets the award for most irritating father. Way to go! Some of the twists are ingenious, and the way the game tells it is astounding. And before you go and mention the whistling scene, it's only five minutes of the 10+ hours of cutscenes. Jeez.

-Yes, this game is beautiful.

The next part I want to point out is the gameplay itself. I love CTB, it's probably my all-time favorite FF battle system and for good reason. I had time to compose myself in every battle, instead of frantically choosing an option with the clock ticking away. It's a very welcome change of pace from the ATB system, which has its own merits. It made each battle intense, but also strategic. Putting that together with the sphere grid system and you had a bevy of options to choose from. The weapon system was also a cool addition, and gave you more control over each character's powers. I miss random battles, to be honest, and I'm glad I can still fall back on FFX if I get the familiar want of randomness. This is partially due to the great enemy design. I love how every monster varies in a number of ways, even monsters of the same species. I always knew how to react to every situation and the boss battles were similar in how fantastic they are in design. They're almost all huge, lumbering beasts that will require some smart organizing to defeat. The highlights for me are the battle with Yunalesca and all the Seymour battles. Just awesome.

-Besaid Islands, where your dreams come true and blitzballs hit your head.

I think I've overused the word "awesome" at this point, so I'll tone it down. Like with most FF games, FFX has an assortment of great minigames. Yes, I'm one of those that actually likes blitzball, but that's mostly because I took the time to learn the finer nuances of the sport. The chocobo minigame (which I've beaten twice now with a time of 0 seconds, haha) is also fun if not imprecise and frustrating. I can't help but love the lightning-dodging minigame, which took me 2 hours to perfect and tried my patience more than almost anything else I've experienced. Then there's the great monster arena, where you can duke it out with some of the most fearsome enemies in the entire game (only one left for me at this point). All of these minigames and extras are great fun, but what interests me even more are the secret sidemissions. Finding the secret aeons, getting all the legendary weapons and discovering all the secret areas are activities that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I won't forget the dark aeons. These weren't included in the original NA (and I think JP) version of the game, it then appeared in the International Version. These are INCREDIBLY difficult bosses that are absolutely brutal, and beating them all leads to the nightmarish Penance, who is the pain in many a person's side. It's these secrets that make FFX that more enthralling.

-Eeek! I mean, aaarrrg!

As you may have noticed, this game still looks awesome. It's amazing that more than 8 years since its initial release, it still looks awesome. Its FMVs still put some of today's games to shame. The detail to everything really brings out the best of the world, and I can't find a gaming world that I want to live in more. Who wouldn't want to visit Luca once in their lifetime? I've talked of the soundtrack in FFX before, so I'll just say this: to me, it's the best gaming soundtrack ever. Period. To Zanarkand is my all-time favorite song, even, so I would like to thank the composers for their fantastic work. This is pretty much all I can say at this point. I just love this game, and it is one of the games that reminds me so well of why I'm still playing them. Some may disagree with this placement, but I don't mind. To me, this is an experience I will never forget, an experience that is so good that it transcends simple gaming pleasures. It's not just a masterpiece; it's a work of art.

GS review: 9.3
My review: 9.9

Well, it is finally time. Time to put an end to the madness, end the sorrows, abade the tension and reveal the truth. Yes, people, I'm talking of my top 10 games of all time. You will gasp, you will be surprised, you will swoon (maybe), but one thing is for certain: you will be entertained (aren't you entertained?!). This is the last chapter in my top 150 games list, and check the former entries out if you wish to see the big picture of it all. However, if you have, then there is no more need to wait. Here are my personal top 10 games of all time.

#10: Spyro the Dragon (PS) (1998 )

-This is a sheep on stilts wearing a cloak, a pumpkin head and weilding a scythe. I'm not kidding.

Why do I love this game? That's a question I've been pondering for some time now and never found a concrete answer. I just...do. Spyro is to me a masterpiece (well, the other games on the top 10 are as well, but still!) that is: a. original b. funny c. big d. challenging e. entertaining and f. timeless. I guess those are the reasons why I love it so much, but I'm here to explain exactly what makes the points valid. Spyro is the first in the now sadly deteriorating Spyro series (why does Sierra destroy my favorite franchises?) and is developed by Insomniac Games of Ratchet and Clank and Resistance fame. It tells the story of the young, purple dragon Spyro that is thrust into action when the elder dragons are all imprisoned in crystal. It is Spyro's task to save his elders from their fate and defeat the sinister Gnasty Gnorc. You'll traverse lofty skies, dangerous bogs, tranquil country sides and more. I don't think you'll be surprised to hear that the level design is superb. Every level has its styIe and is laden with hidden treasures and goals to complete. You can glide, breathe fire, charge with your horns and even fly at points and you'll be surprised how varied the game really is. There are numerous enemies to slay each with their own charm, and the bosses are definitely the highlights, dangerous multi-tiered bouts requiring skill and cunning.

Spyro is a traditional 3D platformer, and one of the biggest showcases of the hidden power of the PS. Not only is the game proficient in technical terms, it also looks beautiful. The textures are smooth, the animation colorful and detailed and the framerate is smooth. The voice acting is great as well, Spyro is spunky and fun, while the other dragons all have their own unique personality. Spyro also has a sense of humor, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments in the game. The final thing I'd like to point out is the difficulty. Spyro is not easy, it will take real skill to beat some of the tougher levels but the game is never unfair or frustrating. It's a fine balance that only the best games achieve. Spyro the Dragon is both a milestone in platformers and PS games in general. It's a true cult cIassic and will live on as a true diamond in the rough. You can get it on PSN, so what are you waiting for? Get it!

GS review: 8.3

#9: Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (PS) (1997)

-N tattoos are all the rage these days. And collagen-infused foreheads, apparently.

I can say, with about 90% certainty, that I am one of the 100 people that thinks CSB better than Warped. OK, so it's not by much (Warped is number 20 on the list) but still! The reasons why I think the second game is superiorcan be summed up in one, simple word: difficulty. Warped isn't easy, but it can still be finished 100% without too much effort. Crash 2, however, will have you trying for weeks to finish it completely. The difficulty levels of the Crash games isan interesting thing, I must say. Crash Bandicoot, the first game, has an insane difficulty, which is probably its biggest problem. As a kid, I just could not beat the game. I tried, and tried, and tried, and tried to no avail. I don't think that the annoying password system helped either. Crash 3 is, as already mentioned, a bit on the easy side, but it at least offers a challenge. Crash 2 is the perfect blend of both worlds. Platforming finesse is necessary throughout, you have to jump, spin and slide through countless worlds, run from giant polar bears, ride a small one, go on a jet-pack ride and surf on your very own jet-propelled surf board, all in the name of the purple crystals. Ironically, you have to get these crystals for your arch-nemesis, Neo Cortex, who retains his big-headedness and makes a not-so triumphant return. You will also need to collect the beautiful silver gems for the crazy enemy of Cortex, Nitrus Brio. It's not exactly a secret that Cortex secretly wants to kill our amiable bandicoot, but Crash isn't a smarty guy. He just goes with the flow. This leads to many battles with his crazy henchmen. The bosses are cool, fun and often-times tough as nails. It caps off a world with a veritable bang.

One thing I've noticed, and I hope I'm not alone in this, is that Crash never ages. It still looks and plays absolutely great. I played it a short while ago, and it is still as good as I remember it. Mario 64 revolutionized the platformer scene due to its open 3D, but in terms of pure looks, it's hard to match Crash (the first game actually came out before Mario 64, if I remember correctly). It's all incredibly colorful and beautiful, and I love that. The whimsical styIe is presented very well and like Spyro, the game is very funny. Cortex is such a pitiful villain that you grow to love him very fast. This can be said about all the characters in the game, though, and that's a terrific thing right there. When I think of pure, unadulterated fun, Crash always springs to mind. And seeing as Crash 2 is my favorite in the series, it isn't strange that the game gets the ninth spot on my list.

GS review: 8.6

#8: Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2) (2005)

-Hero's "tension" increases by 100. That changes things, doesn't it?

If you remember from my top 5 games of 2009 list, I love cIassic RPGs. Dragon Quest is the cIassic RPG incarnate, so there's no chance that I didn't like Dragon Quest VIII. What makes it so great, however, is just how refined it is. The combat, the story, the scale, the visual styIe, the music, the side-quests, the enemy design, the voice-acting...everything is just so good. You play as the Hero (mute, emotionless, but more important than you might think at first) on an adventure to save the king, who has been transformed into a toad-like creature. You are accompanied by a colorful cast of characters that are memorable and not at all overbearing. One thing that is maybe a bit bothering is that the plot is very, very simple. However, that isn't a very bothersome detail when it's told so well. The world feels absolutely unique, it's so stunningly detailed and beautiful (yes, I love that word) and it's the same with the visual styIe itself. It's a sort of cel-shading, but it has its own feel to it. Akira Toriyama (known for his work on Dragon Ball Z) also lends his talent in character design, which should be apparent from the photo above.

However, the game's main triumph is its gameplay. It's turn-based combat blended with exploration, and it works perfectly. It's strategic, but also incredible fun. The battles all present a challenge (other than the little blue slimes, mayhaps) but the bosses are the real challenges. They can take over 20 minutes at times, and I just love that. It's hard to exactly explain what's so great about the battle system, it just rocks. The music is simply wonderful orchestration that fits the game perfectly. It's pretty much epic, and I don't use that word often (so overused). The reason it's epic is because of the pure scale. You explain the immense world, and can find so many different treasures and secrets that it's staggering. It's a magical journey that will last you over 80 hours, and what more can you ask for? What about an unbelievable adventure? Either way, DQVIII offers both. So the eighth entry in the legendary series gets the number eight spot. Fitting, yes?

GS review: 9.0
My review: 9.7

#7: Metroid Prime (GC) (2002)

-Aw, come on, it's a bit cute.

When it comes to almost ubiquitously loved games, there are few that reach Metroid Prime. This game is to me almost completely perfect. It is a technical, artistic, aesthetic, aural and ludological masterpiece, and is an incredible experience. How do you sum up Metroid Prime in just a few words? How do you encompass an experience so atmospheric, beautiful (yes, for the fourth time) and exciting that you are lost for words? I do not know, butI'll sure try. 2D to 3D transitions are fickle things. They either succeed with much aplomb (Marioand Zelda, for instance) and others fail spectacularly (Castlevania and Mega Man are examples of that), but MP is not only in the former camp; it transcends it, it defines it, it's an achievement like no other. It transforms the lonely world of the 2D Metroids into glorious 3D and it looks amazing. The GC was a surprisingly powerful piece of machinery, and MP is a showcase. It still looks amazing, and will probably always look amazing no matter what comes up in the future. That is, of course, partially due to the technology but also partially because of the art styIe. The motif is solitude, you are alone on this planet. Samus (one of the best heroes in gaming history) is once again tasked with exploring a foreign planet, this time chasing a robotic version of the deadly Ridley. She finds hereself then thrust into an amazing adventure spanning huge areas filled with lethal enemies.

The gameplay mechanics are absolute genius. You can use various visors, my favorite being the informing Scan Visor with which you can scan different items and read about them. You can also use various beams and other weapons to tackle your foes, not to mention you can go into Morphball mode and roll around in tight spaces. The world is your oyster and you're given rather limitless freedom to explore what you wish. The isolation is complete, giving a great sense of adventure alongside the loneliness. There's a lot of backtracking involved, but it's just so much fun to explore that it barely matters. The music also help, feeling incredibly ambiant and fitting the Metroid theme perfectly. I'm running out of words here, but I feel I've made my case pretty well. Metroid Prime can now be found in limited supply in the Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii. If you haven't played the game yet: get it. Get it now. You will not regret it.

GS review: 9.7
My review: 9.8

#6: Banjo-Kazooie (N64) (1998 )

-I have my very own backpack-wearing crocodile. I'm not well.

I've said it before, and I'll say it once more: I miss Rare. Not Rare the company itself, but Nintendo Rare, where the magic happened. The wonderful, wonderful magic called Banjo-Kazooie. As GS so amply stated in their review, this game is often called a simple Mario 64 clone, but I think GS also said it correctly when they said: "It doesn't stray too far from the formula, but it makes the logical progressions you would expect Nintendo to make". That's exactly it, it improves, it adds on while not getting rid of anything good. Basically, it's 3D platforming at its absolute best. You're cast as the aloof bear Banjo with his backpack-dwelling bird Kazooie. This crazy duo must save Banjo's sister from the evil Gruntilda, who wishes to extract the beauty of the little sister and make it her own (every game over screen shows this process being performed, it's a horrid sight). Arid deserts, chilly snow paradises, the infernal Rusty Bucket Bay (darn you, oil water, darn you!) and more amazing levels await you. It's a lot like the gameplay in Donkey Kong 64 in that there are multiple items of interest in every level, unlike the segmented form of the Mario games. There are some curve balls, however. You can transform into special animals, use Kazooie for a number of menial tasks and there are some incredible secrets to be had too. There's a lot to have in this small package.

I think it is a common trait with all games on my list that they age well, and BK is no exception. Its visuals are still colorful and great to look at (see, I avoided beautiful) though it's not as much of a technological marvel as it used to be. Ah well, who cares about that, the main thing is that it plays well. And it still does. It's Mario 64 with some smoothing down in terms of platforming. You can glide for a short amount of time and have some new, nifty abilities as well. You trek along the world collecting golden notes and jigsaw pieces (called jiggies). Not only that, you also save the lovely Jinjos, who help you along the way. Solving the different puzzles with your wits alone is incredibly fun, and as mentioned before, some of the secrets in the game are incredibly obtuse (Ice Key, anyone?). But that's what BK is about: finding out the fun stuff yourself. You can find this gem of a game on Xbox Live (you lucky 360 owners), so get it if you can. What more can I say but Banjo-Kazooie is a game to remember.

GS review: 9.5

Hang in there for part 2, where I will unveil (drum roll, please)...the top 5! Stay tuned!

-Calvinsora

Eh, I'm getting lazy nowadays. Just gaming and gaming away, not blogging at all. You must hate me! But I promise that I'll get my next entry of my top 150 list (the top 10, w00t) up as soon as I can. I'll have to churn out as much stuff as I can before I take my A-levels in May. That won't be fun.

As everyone has noticed by now, gamer profiles have changed. My curmudgeony self doesn't like change! It's nifty in a way, I like the new emblem rankings, especially since I have one Epic! emblem myself (Top 500 Reviewers emblem). However, the absence of PS3 options in comparing achievements is disappointing, since I don't own a 360 or a PC. I'm not fond of the level bar either, like SuperfastSonic said, it's like a loading bar. But I guess I can't do anything but refuse to fuse with Raptr! HAHAHAHA!

In gaming news, I now own Resonance of Fate (which I've just started playing and like so far) and God of War Collection, and I've finished the first game. You'll just have to wait for my review to see my final verdict! I have also decided to completely ignore the Gamespot forums, at least in regards to SW. Too many arrogant infantiles that think their opinions matter more than others. Bleck! It's an endless pursuit of ephemeral self-absorption, and I don't see the point. Luckily, I like to believe that everyone I track are logical and smart people, and I think that is indeed the case ;)

I'd also like to point out some musical bliss for your entertainment, awesome tunes that I really like:

Final Fantasy XIII Final Boss Music: This is just so epic! I almost never use that word, but this music is epic. Period.

Snow's Theme: Awesome theme for an awesome character. What more is there to say?

The Climax of the Tower: From one of my favorite games, this theme is when you fight Berle or Metatron. I encourage you to check out all the boss themes, though, they're plain awesomeness.

Fight with Seymour: As you all know, Seymour is my favorite villain, and this theme is just incredible. It's fast, punchy and so much fun. I love it.

Finally, I'd like to apologize to all myEnglish and Scandinavianfriends for the ash spreading from Iceland, I assure you, it was only partially my fault.

Check out all the game soundtracks as well, as can be found on Youtube! Peace out, everyone, may you all prosper!

-Jon (Calvinsora)

Hey guys and gals, Cal here. I just wrote my review of FFXIII (it can be found here), I hope you like it :D As always, any feedback is welcome. Also, be sure to check out my recent entries in my top 150 games list! Hope everyone's doing fine. :)

-Calvinsora

More to come now, so enjoy:

#15: Super Mario 64 DS (DS) (2004)

-This was the tragic end of Luigi.

Once more, this is actually a remake of the N64 game Super Mario 64. but I played and loved the remake, so it makes the list. The first thing I must mention is the sheer influence of the original product. It single-handedly made a 3D world possible, and paved the way for any and all 3D game to come. The DS version doesn't stray far from the cIassic, but it adds some nifty features (you can play as four separate characters), there are extra mini-games which are wildly fun and a large number of brand new stars to find and collect. The mechanics don't always suit the DS perfectly, but the charm stays put. Shockingly, this game ALSO has fantastic level design. Exploring all the magical paintings in the castle in-game is exhilirating fun, and the different styIes are all unique. And though the platforming is more tight on the original console, it instead manages to make it a more aesthetically and smooth experience. The added map works great for knowing where you are at any given time. The design is just lovely, blending exuberant colors with the cIassic Mario light-heartedness. Also, as previously mentioned, you can control four characters: Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Wario. They all have different abilities you'll have to utilize to beat the levels. This delivers some added depth to the gameplay. It will take you a long time finding all the secrets this game has to offer, and it's so incredibly well-designed that you'll never tire of it. Super Mario 64 DS is superb from beginning to end, and it's easy to see why it is such a legendary title. It's still not hard to find it, so if you see it, do yourself a favor and buy it. You won't regret it.

GS review: 8.4

#14: Star Ocean: The Second Story (PS) (1999)

-HAHAHAHAHA! Laser Beams kill you!

Have you played this game? If you have, you deserve a big smiley face for your gaming awesomeness. Me and SO:SS go way back. It was basically my first RPG, and what a good one it is. First of all, if you were wandering, this is the game my current avatar is from (his name is Ashton). Second of all, this game is awesome. First off, the story is epic. It improves upon the first game's story immensely. It spans entire worlds, and the world, and the fate of your party, rests in your hands. Some of the twists are simply unforgettable, I dare you to forget the story anytime soon. It's often called a "space opera", and it can very well be so. You can flesh out the relationship between the different characters, and there's an incredible effort put into making you identify with every character. There's pretty much no negative to be found in the story department, it's epic, huge(spanning two discs) and perfectly paced. As for gameplay, I must say: SO:SS has one of the best battle systems in any RPG, at least to me. It's fast-paced, incredibly satisfying and frantically awesome. Just look at the screen above. Visual gold, I tell you. There are special killer moves that you can utilize to maximize the carnage, and turn every battle into an immensely entertaining experience. Also, you are given a smorgasboard of different skills to develop that change the way you play the game in myriad ways. You can become a chef and cook food for the entire party, create your own weapons from specific materials, use the power of unity to either minimalize or maximize the frequency of random battles, call for doves to do your shopping, refine your weapons, evaluate objects for profit, write novels, compose and perform music with pianos, cellos, lyres, guitars and more, improve your combat skills and more and more and more. Yes, all that is possible, and that's just a sideoption.The game has multiple endings depending on the bonds you create and it's always fun to see what changes after certain events. SO:SS at its time took a very brave move in blending 2D sprites, BEAUTIFUL pre-rendered backdrops and a 3D overworld. Now, the overworld isn't pretty, but everything else most definitely is. I love the backdrops, they're so ridiculously detailed and well-designed. The 2D sprites never feel unnatural and the developers have managed to cram a lot of emotion into them. The music is equally great, atmospheric and a delight to listen to. Finally, SO:SS has one of the best secret dungeons of all time. It's hard, unique and incredible fun. That alone will take you about 10 hours to trek through. The game has recently been ported to the PSP, so if you haven't played the game before, you now have the chance (the subtitle is Second Evolution). However, the added VA, art change and other minor changes make it not quite as good as the original. It's still brilliant, but if you ever have the chance to get the original, get that instead. What more can I say but: SO:SS is awesome.

GS review: 8.3
My ridiculously short review: 9.7

#13: Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC) (2001)

-Grr, there's no non-cliche joke I can make here...

Melee is the ultimate fan service. All of the premiere Nintendo characters in one game, duking it out for the top spot. Nintendo (and Hal Laboratories) makes it into an experience like no other. The gameplay is frantic and insane, the characters all have their unique feel and the items put a great twist on the formula. Not only that, Melee boasts a plethora of different modes that will both entertain those looking for a single-player experience as well as a multiplayer one. First things first, I'm a HUGE fan of the fighting. As you may have noticed, I ranked this over Brawl, and you might be wondering why I did so. Well, the obvious reason is that I like the game more, but the reason for that is simple: the combat is more fast, more twitchy and more frantic. SSB wasn't ever about pure polish, like Street Fighter IV, and I felt like Brawl went in that direction. Gone were the aerial freeze dodges, the wave dashing, move cancels and other cases where the systems shortcomings were simply making the game better. Instead, there was...tripping? Anyway, I just love everything about how...insane it is. Then there was CIassic and Adventure modes. CIassic was my favorite, since not only was it pure battling, but there were minigames jutted in there. Why they removed them later on I have no idea. Adventure mode was also great fun, though it was often overly long. However, the recent references in gaming history made it like an homage to the good, old games of yore. Target Practicing was another highlight, each challenge was unique to the character, working to their strengths. Shortening the time on every level was something I loved. However, that was also done away with. Target practicing was again awesome, and somehow felt short-changed in Brawl. Multi-man brawl is better in Brawl, though, much more varied. I love the points system in Melee, which is, once again, gone in Brawl! What? One thing is innovating, removing things is another! *sigh* As you can see, there's a glut of content I just like better in Melee. To other things! The graphics and music are fantastic, a blend of nostalgia and new spins on every series. The roster of characters itself is an eclectic blend of the famous (Mario, Link, Fox) and the obscure (Ice Climbers, Roy, Ness). I was introduced to many characters simply by playing this game. The trophies are also a great way to learn more about Nintendo licenses, and is a great addition. Of course, like any fighter, it's also a joy to play in MP. There are many modes that create some of the most intense situations, filled with "NO"s and "DARN"s. It's lovely. Finally, there are the great missions that will teach you to react to special situations. All this content in one game. For all above reasons, this game deserves my 13th spot.

GS score: 8.9

#12: Super Mario Sunshine (GC) (2002)

-Round and round and round and round and round and round and round...

Another Mario game in this segment of the list! And one that is a bit more controversial. Yes, I love this game. I love it a lot, and love it more than any other 3D Mario platformer. The innovative gameplay, wonderful atmosphere, great music and graphics that still look good are all fantastic. I love the addition of Fludd. It gave incredible exploration opportunities and you could interact with the world in an incredible amount of ways. The mechanics are Mario perfection, and being able to slide made travelling from place to place so much more fun. The real star, however, is the level design. The world is layered in secret details. Furthermore, the challenge levels are fantastic. They will test all of your platforming skills to the limit. Whether it's exploring the charming Isle Delfino or the tranquil hotel on Sirena Beach, you'll really feel like you're in a tropical paradise. It's also quite hard, some missions (like the watermelon level *shudder*) will really test your patience and raw talent. And I love it. The graphics and music are, as previously mentioned, are wonderful. They fit the mood perfectly. There's so much to do that you might even get exhausted after a while. I really don't have anything else to say, I just love this game. This is one of the GC's prime experiences, and one no-one should ever miss. Fantastic in every way.

GS review: 8.0

#11: Paper Mario (N64) (2001)

-Oh, look at him, he thinks he looks so cool in his 2D awesomeness! I'm in 3D, how do you like that?!

OK, another Mario game, I swear it's just a coincidence. Paper Mario is the best example of what Nintendo does best: do something impossible and make it impossible. Here's the pitch: we make a Mario RPG; we make it in a world made out of paper; Mario has many sidekicks that help him on this quest; the game is very funny. Near impossible, yeah? Well, it isn't. Paper Mario is an absolute triumph. It's gameplay is awesome, blending turn-based battles with timed presses, resulting in stronger attacks. The partners all add their own flavor to the mix. The world itself is filled with secrets and hidden treasures, and the it's a funny world indeed. It's all meticulous in how it delivers its quirky styIe, and you'll marvel at many of the fantastic entities you'll encounter. You might not think so, but the game's atmosphere is absorbing. This is, of course, thanks to the incredible visualstyIe So many years later, the game still looks good. The entire world is made out of paper, and the game knows how to capitalize on that fact. You'll see stuff that would never happen in real life, all related to paper and its loose nature. It's imaginative, funny and ingenious. The music does its job too, staying true to the quirkystyIe. This is another game I can't say much more about, since I just love it so much for so many reasons. The boss battles, enemy design, level design, color palette, story, characters, dialogue...all aspects I absolutely love about this game. This would eventually end up with an essay, but instead, I'll just say this: the game is now available on Virtual Console, and it hasn't aged a bit. If you want some quality fun, don't hesitate to use your Wii points for this extraordinary game. I promise you, you'll love every minute of it.

GS review: 9.5

Top 10 will come soon ;)