Well, here we are, the top 20! These are the games I think are simply outstanding in every aspect, and are the highlights in gaming history for me. I'll be taking five a blog now, so I can go a bit more in-depth with every game. So, without further ado, here are the top twenty:

#20: Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (PS) (1998 )

-The goat must die!

I'm a huge fan of the Crash series. It's the example of almost perfect platforming action. You play as the amiable, mute bandicoot Crash, who is always in a bitter battle against the egotistical, insane and big-headed Neo Cortex. The third installment in the series takes Crash on an adventure through time, dropping him in a number of crazy worlds for him to jump and spin through. The first great thing about Warped is exactlythat: the worlds. The level design is superb. ranging from an area on the Great Wall of China to a medieval town filled with wizards and cyclopses, there's never a dull moment. The game mechanics are as smooth as ever, but this time, you also get to play as Coco, Crash's sister, in special tiger levels. To add onto that, you get to burn some rubber on Crash's motorcycle, plunge into the ocean waters, jet-ski over serene waters and take part in dogfights both in space and in the skies. There's so much to do that it's staggering. The boss fights are insanity personified, the hyperactive Tiger, the hillbilly Dingodile, the imposing blue wizard of time Doctor Nefarious Tropy, the mentally unstable N. Gin and the always funny Neo Cortex as the finale, along with the evil mask Uka Uka. Crazy, right? Warped also boasts some of the best graphics on the PS, with a smooth framerate and presentation. CB3 is most certainly a worthy entry in the franchise, and is, for me, the last good Crash platformer. Sadly, Naughty Dog left Crash in the hands of another developer (Sierra) to work on bigger things. Though Uncharted and Jak are great, Crash still remains the series I love most from their studio. It's a reminder of the glory days of platforming and is loved not only by me, but legions of fans across the globe. It's just fantastic.

GS review: 8.9

#19: Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (GBA) (2002)

-How will Mario solve this problem? He won't!

Well, I know the original is almost exactly the same, but I played it on the GBA, so there it goes. Anyway, what hasn't been said about this masterpiece? Immaculate platforming fun, charming design, beautiful and colorful presentation,an insane amount of worlds to discover and incredibly numerous secret locations. Mario's formula is simple yet endlessly elegant. It takes skill to truly master the game's intricacies, and as previously mentioned, finding all the secret locations will stretch your brain. Not only that, but it's also pretty difficult, especially the later levels. There are some new mechanics added in this game as well. The cape lets you fly around levels, and this officially marks Yoshi's entry as a sidekick. You'll be able to give Yoshi different abilities by eating different colored shells. You'll also search for dragon coins, of which there are five in every level. If you find them all, the entire game gets an autumn makeover. The level design itself is superb, there are many different worlds and motifs and every aspect is detailed and beautifully animated. It helps that the graphics are timeless, it still looks just as good today as it did so long ago when it was released. Add to that the whimsical music and you've got a true winner. The additions in the GBA port aren't big, I'm not completely sure of them all but the biggest is the added voices of our titular heroes (you can also play Luigi, if my memory serves correctly, which adds another dimension to the gameplay) and the standard Mario Bros. remake (which is also on my top 150 list, a bit back). It's a fantastic package that you can take with you wherever you go. Fantastic.

GS score: 9.4

#18. Wario Land 3 (GBC)(2000)

-That is a very big hoop...

Wario is a very...peculiar character. He was originally created as an anti-hero to Mario (the very "original" name Wario is a testament to that) but grew more and morepopular as the years passed. Wario Land 3 is, for me, his magnum opus. Wario Land 3 does so many things that can't be found in other platformers that it's staggering. It's almost a puzzle platformer in the vein of Braid. It actually is a puzzle platformer, when I think about it. First of all, you never die. Nope, Wario is invincible. If you're hit, Wario jumps back or is affected by some status. For instance, if you're hit by a fire monster, you'll turn into a towering inferno. If you're hit by a bee, Wario will swell up into a balloon and float up uncontrollably. If a donut hits you, Wario will instantly eat it and grow into an even fatter blob. You'd think the game would be easy if you couldn't die, but that would be a mistake. The game can be incredibly difficult. The real point of the game is to find out how to solve some of the fiendish puzzles in the game. The main format for these puzzles is that you must use the different status effects to progress. You may have to burn something, so get hit by a fire enemy while you're close to the thing you want to burn. Want to traverse to a higher platform? Lure a bee under the platform and get stung, then float up. This requires some lateral thinking, while still retaining the charm of the Wario series. As you progress in the various levels, you will get new items that will grant you new abilities. At that point, you can revisit old levels to find even more stuff. It's very much influenced by Super Metroid, and is a perfect fit for the Wario platformers. Sadly, it hasn't been used in later games. It's these fantastic puzzles, along with the great open level design that makes Wario Land 3 so amazing. It's a prime example that handhelds are more than capable to offer a premium experience even with limited technology. If you ever get a chance to buy this game: get it. It's superb in every way.

GS review: 9.8

#17: Donkey Kong 64 (N64) (1999)

-Now that's some monkey business! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Oh, Rare, where are you now? It's shocking how good Rare was as a Nintendo property. It put out quality game after quality game, always doing something that is a joy to play. Donkey Kong 64 is no exception. It's basically Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie with apes. And that's exactly what's so awesome about it. It does everything that made the other games great and puts a unique spin on it. You'll trek across massive worlds in search of the golden bananas. You'll have a choice of five different apes: the big honcho Donkey Kong; the little monkey Diddy; the clownish Lanky; the petit Tiny and the oafish Chunky. Each has special abilities they can use to react to special occasions. You'll often have to experiment to find the most suitable ape, and it puts a big spin on the formula. Of course, none of this would matter if the mechanics weren't good, but it's smooth sailing throughout. The game mechanics are fun and responisive, and each ape's unique feel makes it a very varied experience. One thing you'll probably see in most games in the top 20 is that they have great level design, and DK64 is no exception. Grand jungles, dry deserts, frozen caves, scary castles, crazy factories, enchanted forests and more awaits you, and every world has its own secrets. There is just so much to do, so much to explore and discover. To top it off, the game looks superb. It's not a technical marvel, but the animation and design is still a sight to see, and the controls are just as good as in Banjo-Kazooie. It went partially under the radar due to its extreme similarities to its older cousins, but don't fret. This game is fantastic even despite that. If you're looking for a 3D platformer more fun than a barrel of monkeys, look no further. Donkey Kong 64 is the game for you.

GS review: 9.0

#16: Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2) (2006)

-No paint? What is this world coming to?

The game itself (Snake Eater) deserves this spot anyway, but the special edition offers the original game improved PLUS some of the best extras ever, so I went with Subsistence. While the previous games here in this top 20 have mostly succeeded in the gameplay department, where MGS3 truly shines (though it does shine in other departments) is the story. The tale the game weaves is extraordinary. Everything from the pacing to the characters to the locations to the narrative is simply amazing. You're thrust into action, and thanks to the great cutscenes and voice-acting, you live yourself completely into the story. You will really feel for the characters (or hate them depending on the desired effect) and some of the moments will keep you in awe for long stretches of time. Everything about it is just superb. The gameplay, of course, is fantastic. It's stealth gameplay at its finest, but some things have been changed. Since the game happens in the time of the Cold War, many things are different. You will have to hunt for food and use natural camouflage to hide from soldiers. The AI is smart, but not realistic enough to make the game simply unplayable (if these soldiers had real eyesight, the game would simply be boring), and sneaking through a base unseen is incredibly satisfying. Hunting food is a mechanic I love, and it's incredibly smart. If you wait too long, it will rot and become unedible. Some food is simply poisonous no matter what. You'll have to think before you eat, to put it simply. The gunplay isn't spectacular, and it could be better, but it instead encourages a sneakier approach, so it can be forgiven. The bosses are, in one word, fantastic. The End is the most often mentioned, but I really liked all the other bosses (Ocelot and The Pain are my favorites, along with the Shagohod) and think they're another area MGS3 really succeeds in. The game also looks amazing. I think it holds up incredibly well, and even looks better than many other games of today. In the same way, the soundtrack is standard MGS excellence, and it fits the mood perfectly. With all this quality, how can there be more? There is, however. The secret theater offers hilarious clips that put a comedic spin on some of the game's biggest moments (I'd recommend watching them all on Youtube, they're comedy gold), there's an Ape Escape/MGS3 hybrid minigame that offers hours of entertainment, there are both original Metal Gears on the MSX (Japan only!), there's boss rush mode, an option to watch all of the game's cutscenes back to back with some added cohesion to make it more cinematic, there's a trailer for the upcoming MGS4 and even though it's dead now, there was also MGS Online. So much extra content in this single package. Even if you own the original, I highly recommend you get the SE as well. It simply is one of the best SEs of all time. Now, if you haven't played MGS3: why? Get to it! It's a masterpiece from beginning to end, and is a hallmark title of the PS2.

GS review: 9.0

See you soon for more ;)

Ah, I've been tagged (again) by the infernal pika. I will enact my revenge some day! But I'll just keep it simple.

1. I'm 17, born '92 and live in Iceland (like everyone knows by now). I love the US alot more, though, and I lived there for four and a half years a while back, which explains my knowledge in English (I'm no wunderkind, at least I think not :?)

2. I'm six foot four (6'4'') or 193 centimeters for the metric folk (like me), so yeah, I'm quite tall.

3. My favorite gaming genre is JRPGs, and my favorite series are Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Star Ocean, Metal Gear Solid and Dragon Quest. Yes, I love Japan.

4. Most of my avatars (the animal ones) are from one of my favorite games, the oh-so overlooked Monster Rancher 2. The game has to be the definition of cult game, it has quite a loyal fanbase even today.

5. I jog pretty much every day, or do something that equates the exercise necessary to jog. 10K is the longest run I've taken part in, but I aim to run a marathon in the distant future. Lofty plans, that.

6. I aspire to get into medicine in some way, either as a psychiatrist or an ER surgeon. If that doesn't happen, I'd also love to become an English linguist.

7. I'm Christian, Lutheran to be exact, but I'm not as incredibly religious as many others. I just keep it at my pace. I also loathe religious debates, and I don't think anyone is wrong in having another religion or being atheist. It's fine by me.

8. My favorite musical genres are VGM, cIassical and pop. I value music highly in games, and a boring soundtrack can really put me in a bad mood.

9. I like to call myself an "equalist", I believe in the complete equality of all genders and races, and will not hesitate to call all racists and sexists idiots.

10. I also really like movies, it's just overshadowed slightly by my love of games. I just like any well-made movie, almost regardless of genre.

Now, for the tagging sweetness: @gdw0908 and @asian_pride69 Muahahahahahahahahaha!

Anyway, happy Easter, everyone!

What exactly is a "mature game"? A game that boasts excessive violence, sexual content and swearing? A game that is more about mature problems, such as love and lost innocence? Maybe it's just a term used for games that simply don't appeal to the average kid. Whatever it means, it has split opinions across the board. However, if you look at the matter rationally, it's pretty easy to see the big picture. Of course, the discussion in this blog is only speculation, but I hope I can get you to think about the matter, and not just look at it as a passing argument.

The most common definition of "mature games" is that they are games that have the fabled M-rating. However, my favorite definition of the word is: "Suitable or intended for adults". Note that that only implies that the content is for mature audiences, not that the content is what the ESRB deems to be "mature". The difference might seem small, but it's actually quite significant. If I am to use an example, then I'll use God of War. The series is often referred to as a mature series, but is it really? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the series at all, but the problem is that the content in the game that is cIassified as mature is purposefully excessive. It isn't controlled, it's neither realistic or rational, and doesn't require any serious thinking on the gamer's part. It is definitely fun, yes, but how mature the series is is debatable. After all, GoW is popular among kids of 10-12 years of age as much as people in their teens and adults. Believe me, I've seen it. Mature usually designates that the core demographic is, actually, mature.

-Fun? Yes. Mature? Ummm...no.

So what is a mature game, then? Well, the way I think of it, a mature game is one that requires lateral thinking. It has a deeper meaning and handles matters of a far more complex nature than in your average game. Furthermore, mature games are usually not appealing to children. They are simply not created for that generation. Games that are examples of the aforementioned aspects are Heavy Rain, Ico and Braid. I can't imagine a 10-year-old kid playing Braid and loving every minute of it, though I mean no offence to those of that age. To emphasise that point, I'll note that I probably wouldn't like the game if I were ten today, and had it in my possession. All three games mentioned are multi-layered, often too complex for the younger mind to grasp and at times even too hard for me to fully understand. This cIassification isn't restricted to only games. Schindler's List is not a movie a kid would enjoy, and Moby Dick's 700+ pages would tire a young person long before they broke the hundred-page mark. Meanwhile, movies like Die Hard, Terminator and 300 are all violent movies that are popular among both young people and old. Like in movies, some games simply aren't tailored towards a certain group, and that's what defines "mature gaming". Heavy Rain isn't a game designed for anyone that hasn't experienced anything more traumatic than the death of Bambi's mother (bad simile, but stay with me).

-Such a happy, fun game...

The confusion that stems from the different definitions of "mature" of course leads to a number of consequences. If you'd go to a gaming outsider and asked him about the gaming industry and how it is doing today, what answer would you get? "Video gaming is a reputable medium that has truly blossomed as of late and its emphases lie in many different fields"? Not at all. You'd probably be told of the violence prevalent in gaming or that games are just toys. As you all know, video games are fully capable to tell a story, evoke emotion or create an experience. However, if hyper-violent games are billed as the "mature" games of the industry, what kind of message does that send in the future? Parents will most likely believe that those "mature" games are just fads the children will grow out of and then turn to more "serious" media. And to further emphasise this point, how often have we heard politicians blame games for dramatic events such as violence? It isn't just because of ignorance on their part; from the outside, it really seems like a possibility. It's even progressed to the point where violence and rating is used as a selling point instead of a warning. I've really seen advertisements that state: "Strictly restricted for anyone under 18 years of age." This isn't used as a warning; it's promoting the product.

-Confusing a mature rating with a mature game is all too common.

However, the outwards appearance of the industry isn't the only result of this confusion. It's impossible to deny the relative popularity of the "mature content", and developers have been very eager in including it in a game. It's almost a certainty that if a game is extremely violent, it will sell well (there are, of course, exceptions like in everything else). This, unfortunately, leads to a noticeable reduction in what we can call games for kids. I remember games like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro and Banjo-Kazooie frequently being played by myself and myriad of other kids and adults. Those games were entertaining for all ages, but this seems to have reduced significantly in recent years. Nintendo has been doing its best to offer games that cater to various age groups, but they're only one company. I've actually heard the PS3 and 360 being called adult consoles, and that just makes me cringe. Gaming is, believe it or not, a medium that is supposed to appeal to all ages. When entire consoles fail to offer anything but the occasional good game kids game and then a flood of licensed dirge, then we know there is a problem and a big one at that. I'm happy that developers now try to expand their focus to the older age group, but that doesn't mean that another one must be forgotten in the process.

-Crash was at his best when Naughty Dog was in the developer seat

Since those that grew up with gaming years ago have now matured and grown older, it's easy to forget that there is a completely new young generation that is being introduced to the gaming industry today. I happen to be lucky in the fact that I grew older at the same time that games got more adult-oriented, but if I were to imagine that I was, say, 10 years old right now, I might not see gaming as a veritable past-time for me. Nowadays, people are far too dependant on the prospect that the games that bear the T and M ratings can also be enjoyed by the younger audience, but we mustn't forget the value of innocent fun. Now that developers and gamers are confusing mature gaming with violent gaming, entire genres have been eschewed to cater to the older age group. Mature games are just as the name implies: games that are mature. They don't appeal to kids, and aren't supposed to either. If this definition of the word were to be utilised, developers would be far more serious when creating these mature games. They'd know fully well that it wouldn't sell as much as a gory showcase of violence, so they'll genuinely work hard to make it an experience to remember. I'm hoping that games like Heavy Rain will remind people that mature gaming isn't a moniker for anything excessively violent, or something that contains sexual content and swearing. They are for those that are willing to think, to learn, and most importantly, to experience something they wouldn't get in any other game. That is what I consider to be "mature".

-Calvinsora

2009 was quite a year, no matter how you spin it. Whether you liked adventure, puzzles, RPGs or shooters, there was bound to be something tailored for you. As always, there will be one game that stands out as a clear winner, but I'm here to list my top 5 games of 2009. Yes, I'm vey late, but I've had the privilege of playing some of the games of last year in this year, so I hope I can be forgiven for that transgression. No more stalling, then. Here are my top 5 games of 2009:

5. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS)

If there is one thing I love, it's cIassic JRPGs, and it doesn't get any more cIassic than Dragon Quest. DQV originally came out on the Super Famicom in 1992 (or to be exact, 39 days after I was born), but it has been remade on both the PS2 and the DS (the version presented here). There are a number of reasons why I love this game. First of all, the story is one of the best I've seen in a game. I won't spoil anything, but it's unforgettable, to say the least. The gameplay is awesome, the option to employ monsters adds a lot of choice to the gameplay and it isn't overly complicated or difficult to learn. It's just RPG gameplay at its best, IMO. Not only that, the team working on the remake have done an amazing job at making the game look incredible on the DS. Being able to spin the camera 360 degrees is also mind-blowingly awesome. Add the great music and great post-game, and DQV is just too good to be true. If you have a DS, and love RPGs, this is a must-buy.

GS review: 8.5

4. Braid (PS3)

OK, I'm breaking the rules a bit, but just an eensy weensy bit, right? Anyway, the PS3 version of this amazing game was released in the latter part of last year, so it technically counts. Now, I had heard of how good this game was beforehand, so I had high expectations. Little did I know the game would exceed them. The puzzles in this game will stretch your mind in ways you never thought possible. Time is just a tool to use, going from one place to another in the endless field of time is as simple as pressing a button. That's the magic of Braid.You'll have to learn, adapt and be willing to fail over and over. However, another, more surprising factor is the story. I just love it, how multilayered, complex and emotional it is, under its standard philosophical cover. To solidify Braid's place as pretty much art is the wonderful visual styIe and ingenious music. There really is no game quite like Braid out there. The biggest puzzle, though, is not the game itself. It's figuring out why this game has a user score of 6.9 here on GS. Blasphemy, I say.

GS review: 9.5
My review: 9.5

3. Assassin's Creed II (PS3)

Assassin's Creed II is an example of how to do a sequel right. Take every flaw in the first game, get rid of them and still retain the great gameplay at its core. If I am to be completely honest, I doubt I would have liked the first game. I seriously dislike stiff gameplay, and it seems the first game has a lot of it. But the sequel is just pure awesomeness. First of all, I love Italy. It's such a beautiful country, and having been to both Florence and Venice, revisiting them in a video game is surreal and wonderful at the same time. The gameplay is immensely satisfying, the story is just brilliant (I'm a sucker for conspiracies) and every character is brilliantly presented. Just to show how much I like this game, this is the first game I got a platinum for. I can't believe I actually did that. All in all, if you liked the first game, there is no way you will not like the sequel. It's amazing from beginning to end. There's little as fun as leaping from a building and stabbing two men straight in the throat when you land. Swish!

GS review: 9.0
My review: 9.5

2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

This, incidentally, is also an example of how to make a great sequel. Actually, not only is it a great sequel, it's an amazing one. Pretty much perfecting 3D adventure gameplay, everything is so...good. From the cinematic presentation, the gorgeous visuals, pumping soundtrack, charming characters, tight gameplay, great multiplayer... everything shines ten times brighter than you could imagine. Playing it is like watching an Indiana Jones movie (one of the good ones) and never tiring of it at all. It's adrenaline-fueled from beginning to end. Naughty Dog has literally upped the ante when it comes to games as an experience. I've always been an avid fan of ND, but this is something even I didn't expect. The game is simply unbelievable. If you own a PS3, but not this game, then you should seriously consider checking it out. In fact, I order you: get it! Get it now! You will definitely not regret it.

GS review: 9.5
My review: 9.5

1. Demon's Souls (PS3)

This is my game of the year for a number of reasons. First, I'd like to point out that first, I wanted UC2 to win GS's GotY award. However, at that point, I had only played a few levels in Demon's Souls, and thus hadn't gotten the full experience. Once I had played it all the way through, however, everything made perfect sense. This is simply one of the toughest, most unforgettable, unique experiences of not just this generation, but possibly ever (for me, at least). The gameplay is simply addictive, infinitely rewarding and is not for the faint of heart. You will die. Repeatedly. But that's also the game's charm. You will learn after every death, you won't ever feel like it's the game's fault. If you die, it's your mistake that caused it. It's incredible that From Software managed to do such a perfect balancing act. The bosses show perfectly that they can make a game simply better. The worlds are simply stunning in detail and the monsters are all fantastically crafted. And tough. Oh yes, they are tough. I also love the music that appears in boss battles, and the main theme is just incredible. There is so much to do, find and explore in Demon's Souls, it's astounding. However, there are more aspects that make DS so unique. It's best played online, where you can employ the help of random strangers to help you, use the messages they leave or see how they died. It's this subtle addition that makes Demon's Souls so incredible. The only question left is why hasn't the game found a publisher in Europe? This is one of the most imported games ever, so I don't see how they could think it's a bad move. This game isn't for everybody, just to make that absolutely clear. But if you want a challenge, an incredibly refined experience and some of the best bosses in gaming history, you can't go wrong with Demon's Souls. I might have given it a 9.3 as a score, but that was due to how inaccessible it is for certain gamers. I simply can't forget this game. For all of the reasons above, I choose Demon's Souls as my game of the year 2009.

GS review: 9.0
My review: 9.3

Villains are fantastic. I think we can all agree on that. For every gallant hero, there's a despicable villain ready to foil his or her plans. How dare they?! Well, they dare for the sake of daring. The reason people like villains is simply that we love hating someone, to have something to oppose, to be a hero, basically. That's why it's pivotal to have a villain that you CAN hate, or in some cases, even love. This is my list of 10 villains that I feel have left the biggest evil footprint in gaming history, so I don't expect many to agree with me, but I hope you can in some way relate to my choices and have fun while you're at it. Like always, I'm more or less limited to the games I've played. This excludes some great villains from this list, such as Kefka. One final thing should be mentioned: I'll try and limit spoilers to a bare minimum, but I can't guarantee that there won't be any. You have been warned. I won't stall any longer, here come my top 10 villains!

10. Ridley (Metroid series)

It's hard to exactly describe what makes Ridley such a great villain. He/she/it doesn't speak at all, has no personality and is basically your typical beast. However, this foe isn't normal in any way when you look deeper. For one thing, this evil flying beast killed Samus' parents, and after that fateful day, Samus has borne an intense hatred for Ridley. Ridley has also done his (I'll just refer to him as "him" for simplicity) part in trying to get rid of the amiable bounty hunter, even haunting her after his death in the form of Meta-Ridley. That is tenacious indeed. His legacy is large, having made an appearance in almost every Metroid game, but I feel his prime performance is his appearance in Metroid Prime. Everything, the setting, the music, the epic scale and feel, it's all so incredible. It is one boss fight you won't forget. For his pure evil tendencies, tenacity and incredibly cool design (come on, he looks awesome), Ridley deserves the number 10 spot for sure.

9. Sho Minamimoto (The World Ends With You)

Minamimoto is a very eccentric villain. He is, in a sense, the typical wild soul in a group of hooligans. He does things his own way, and loves it. From his avant-garde look on art to his flashy clothing, it's hard not to remember Minamimoto (though the same can't be said about his name). I think one sentence in particular makes him so hard to forget: "Listen up, hectopascals!" Of course, it makes no sense at all. Pascal is a unit of pressure while hecto- is the SI prefix for hundred. But it's the way he says it, like a sort of derogatory remark reducing the people around him to simple units, is what makes him so despicable, yet so funny and likeable. What he really is is a nerd. He's super-intelligent and his jargon isn't restricted to hectopascals. He literally is one of the coolest nerds in history, which translates to him being one of the coolest villains as well, at least for me. This is the truth, hectopascals!

8. Ganondorf (Legend of Zelda series)

At first glance, Ganondorf looks like the archetypal evil guy...and he is. However, there is a large difference between archetypal and stereotypical. Ganondorf is, for all intents and purposes, a greedy, evil, sadistic tyrant that knows of no good in his heart. However, if you think of how his life has been shaped so far, it becomes at least a bit more understandable why he really is so evil. Being born in a female-only tribe is tough. Being then expected to become king simply because of his gender is even tougher. Who knows how Ganondorf would have been if he had led a normal life? Maybe he would have been evil, maybe not. We will never know. At this point in time, Ganondorf is the embodiment of evil, both figuratively and literally. Having been defeated more times than you can count, he still comes back for more (I stopped thinking of the logic a long time ago). You always know there is an epic battle afoot when you see Ganondorf, and that is why he finds himself in the number 8 spot on this list.

7. Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts series)

It might seem unorthodox to put Xehanort as the villain, as opposed to the fake Ansem or Xemnas, but in reality, Xehanort is the one that started it all. Dabbling too much into the examination of hearts, he ultimately became a Heartless and left behind him a Nobody as well. The heartless is the fake Ansem from Kingdom Hearts, while Xemnas, leader of Organization XIII, is his Nobody. Quite a twist right there, eh? The reasoning behind my putting Xehanort on the list isn't because of his individual qualities; his altered forms are where it's really at. The fake Ansem (though you thought it was Ansem in the first game) is evil to the core, wanting to exploit kingdom hearts for his own use, controlling the dark. He is destroyed when it is revealed that kingdom hearts is, in fact, light. Xemnas is personally even cooler. He feels nothing, is nothing, but desires nothing more than to have a heart. He is willing to kill and slaughter to that effect, and he cares nothing for his fellow organization members. Interesting fact, though, take the X out of Xemnas, rearrange the letters and you'll get Ansem. The same can be done with Roxas (Sora), and the names of the other organization members can probably be deciphered in the same way. Interesting...but anyway, Master Xehanort is said to be the villain of Birth By Sleep, so it will be interesting to see how he develops as a villain. For now, though, he's just wickedly cool.

6. Arthas (Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III: Frozen Throne)

One thing is having a memorable villain. Another is making him first be a hero before becoming corrupt. A whole other level is playing as the character throughout the transformation. That is Arthas, the once courageous knight in Warcraft III. He is on a quest to get rid of a dangerous plague that makes dead bodies become zombie-like creatures, endangering anyone in vicinity. After killing Kel'Thuzad, the one who was distributing the plague amongst the people, he follows his leader, Mal'Ganis. On the way, they hear of a cursed sword called Frostmourne, which Arthas desires to have. When found, he offers his soul for the sword and, unwittingly, becomes a Death Knight. This starts a cataclysmic series of events, which almost spells the end of the world as you know it. His transformation is swift and ruthless, and absolutely unforgettable. He starts off as a likeable guy, but then becomes one of the most ruthless villians of all time. You can imagine my disappointment when the follow-up was World of Warcraft *shudder*

5. Andrew Ryan+Frank Fontaine (Bioshock) (SPOILERS)

I decided to go with both of them because they just aren't the same together as they are apart. They are much like Yin and Yang, in eternal battle with eah other for the ultimate power: control over Rapture. You are led through the game with the soothing voice of Atlas, a man you feel you can trust. After all, his family is in peril, why would he lie about that? Little do you know that this "Atlas" is in fact Frank in disguise, using you to get to Andrew Ryan. After the BIG twist, you end up killing Andrew and doing everythingFrank wanted you to do. However, after some turmoil, you finally get to make Frank pay for what he's done, and boy does it feel sweet. I've talked a lot about Bioshock, I think it is one of the most engrossing, well-written, atmospheric and brilliant stories of our time, and how the gameportrays the characters, their struggle, the ebb and flow in their conflict, it's almost poetry, to be honest. These villains are just superb in every way. If you don't like them...you are weird.

4. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII+spin-offs)

To be fair, I haven't played much FF7. However, I'm completely aware of the story, and have played almost every spin-off and in every one, Sephiroth just oozes cool. With his insane sword, flashy do and weird clothes, he sticks out like a sore thumb. He starts off as the typical soldier, stoic, to the point and deadly. However, when he discovers he is just an experiment created by Hojo from the cells of the alien life-form Jenova, he cracks. He goes insane, burns his home town to the ground and goes on a killing spree, with total global destruction as a goal. Pent-up rage, anyone? He is one of the most symbolic villains in gaming, and it helps to have one of the coolest boss themes ever, One-Winged Angel. However, where I first saw Seph was not in FF7, it was as a secret boss in Kingdom Hearts. The boss is just the definition of epic. Insane attacks, awesome music, bucketloads of HP, it's all unforgettable. For all of the reasons above, Sephiroth deserves the highly prestigious 4th place.

3. Bowser (Mario series)

It may be weird to put Bowser above Sephiroth and the Bioshock duo, but I just love this guy. Shockingly enough, he is one of the most human villains I've seen in a game. He's far from perfect, he keeps making mistakes and even ends up helping his archnemesis Mario. He never relents in his endless pursuit of kidnapping Peach, and it can almost be called psychosis, really. When you think about it, in the beginning, why would Bowser want to kidnap Peach? There's no king (why isn't she queen, anyway?), so there's no ransom. Is it just to be with her? That freaks me out a bit. But his tenacity, his charm and humor really make him a unique villain. It's in the Mario RPGs where he really shines, showing his comic sides along with his (rarely) smart side. He really has grown both as a villain and a character, and I hope he just keeps on evolving even further. Bowser forever!

2. Liquid Ocelot (MGS4 (2 and 3 to some extent)) (SPOILERS)

Being old AND cool is a difficult thing. However, both Old Snake and Liquid Ocelot pull it off with gusto. Throughout the MGS series, both Liquid and Ocelot are a pain in Snake's side. Always in the way, it ends up with Ocelot fusing Liquid's hand onto himself, gaining Liquid's mind in the process. Weird? Yes. Awesome? Definitely. In MGS4, he goes for complete domination of the world, by taking down the Patriots. However, the revelation near the end of the game puts everything into a new light. In the epic final fight with Liquid Ocelot, he takes off his coat, revealing one normal hand and one...robotic hand? Yes, Ocelot never actually fused Liquid's hand to his body (meaning he never actually got his mind taken over by Liquid). Instead, Ocelot sacrificed all to adopt Liquid's psyche through repeated hypnosis, to get close to target people and take down the corrupt Patriots, and ultimately track downthe delusional Major Zero, and find Big Boss. I won't go deeper into the storyline (which I feel is the best in gaming history, personally), but the extent to which Ocelot goes to reach his goal is extraordinary. He sacrifices everything for the greater good, feigning villainy to the point of being almost pure evil. That is devotion, and he is more than worthyof the number 2 spot.

1. Seymour Guado (FFX) (SPOILERS)

"Well, if you are offering your lives, I will have to take them!" Seymour is my favorite gaming villain for a number of reasons. For one, he is an absolute psychopath. Not just a simple one, he is delusional in more ways than you can imagine. Having killed his father, slaughtered Maester Kinoc, led everyone to believe that you are heathens and dangers to society and died four times (the fourth being the last), he is crazy through and through. Every battle with him is a combination of action and dialogue; Seymour tries reasoning with you, showing that your actions are futile, that you are just pawns against the threat of Sin. His ultimate goal is to BECOME Sin, therefore being granted the power to destroy all of Spira. At first, he comes off as a kind, intelligent summoner, who also wishes to abolish Sin. But his dark, twisted past isn't kept hidden for long. He is a constant threat, for instance weilding the soul of his own mother as an aeon (the disturbing beast that is Anima), and despite his bizarre physique, clothing and hair-do (not to mention the color of his hair), he is more imposing than most other villains out there. I feel he is a lot like Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds. He's subtle, yet his appearance and performance is unforgettable. It can really only be described as delicious. Add to that the mesmerizing but infinitely disturbing voice he has, and you've got a villain to remember. For all of these reasons and more, Seymour is my all-time favorite villain in gaming history.

I hope you enjoyed this list of mine. I'd love to get feedback on what your favorite villains are in the comment section! I bid farewell for now. Adieu.

-Calvinsora

Hey y'all, I just posted my Heavy Rain review at it can be found here. I hope you guys like it, it's one of my longest yet. Any feedback is welcome :D Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well, and have a fantastic Sunday. Au revoir for now.

-Calvinsora

I'm so excited about getting to the top 20 that I'll just keep it coming. But make sure to read my former entry! Do so, or the Arrowhead in my avatar will stare at you forever. Oh, and I'm having a contest! Anyone that can guess either of the following things will get a "glorious" prize: guess 5 of my top 10 in their right places OR guess which ten games are in my top 10, regardless of place. One clue is needed, since not all choices will be obvious: my old avys are almost exclusively from the same game, and I'm a big fan of PS platformers. There, everything else should be just plain deduction. Good luck :D PM me the answers if you wish to partake in this "contest". Anyway, no more stalling! Here are numbers 30 to 21.

#30: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC) (2003)

If there is any series Nintendo fans should recognize, (outside of Mario, of course) it is Zelda. This series is almost universally loved, and for good reason: it's a great series. Now, I'm not as big of a Zelda fan as some I know, but I love a good adventure as much as the next guy. And Wind Waker is a fantastic adventure. Nintendo took a big risk implementing a new graphical styIe into the series, and it split many opinions. However, I loved it. It both added new soul and heart into the series, but also managed to harness the awesome power of the dear Gamecube. I also love the addition of the ocean. Every square area has an island of its own, and when you grasp that fact, you truly see how big the world really is. The music is great, the story is great, the combat is great. Wind Waker is an awesome addition to the beloved series.

GS review: 9.3

#29: Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) (2007)

I honestly don't know how to feel about this game. On one side, I love it. It's innovative, polished, beautiful, charming and just plain epic. On the other side, I sort of irrationally dislike it. I think it's way too easy, every level is woefully short, the story is surprisingly odd and incomprehensible in comparison to other titles (yes, even Sunshine's) and something about the missions bores me. But whatever, bottom line, Galaxy is still one of the best Mario games out there, and IMO, the best Wii game out there. The bosses are awesome, and some of the galaxies are just stunning. Add to that the great graphics, sublime sound design and smooth platforming, and you've got a real winner. But I still sort of dislike it. And yet, I love it. *sigh*

GS review: 9.5

#28: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS) (2005)

Being an attorney isn't an easy job. Being Phoenix Wright is even harder. With his spiky hair and snazzy suit, he's had to solve more cases than he can count. It's amazing how much fun Capcom has made the job of an attorney. Is it accurate? No, but that's the charm. The cases are all hilarious, superbly written and perfectly paced. You'll have to rely on your wit and resourcefulness to get past the tough cross-witnessing and difficult witnesses. Not only that, the presentation is just superb, along with the great sound design. I've actually finished every mission at least twice, and some three times. Even if I know who did it, it doesn't make the cases any less fun. But what ultimately elevates this game to such incredible heights is the amazing last case. The way the game tells the last story is just...breath-taking. AA is just an amazing milestone in gaming. And I just love it.

GS review: 8.8

#27: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) (2000)

You might be surprised to see this game this high, but I'm actually not alone. This is the definition of a cult cIassic. The official standpoint is that OoT is the best 3D Zelda, but there is a large group that prefers MM. And I can't argue with them. The dark atmosphere, clever usage of masks, ingenious level design, fantastic music and memorable bosses make this an adventure to remember. Like Gamespot's review said, this game isn't for everyone, but it's a fantastic game in its own right. I also really love the time mechanic. You have to be careful with how you manage your time, and it adds a sense of urgency to the adventure. Also, we have another villain than Ganondorf. I just love that. Anyway, I just love MM, and you should too! How dare you have another opinion than me?! How dare you!?

GS review: 8.3

#26: Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA) (2004)

If there is one rivalry that is eternal, it is Mario and Donkey Kong. In this reimagining of the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong, this is one of the most unique and intelligent platformers I've played along with the brilliant Braid. Basically, it's a puzzle-platformer, relying on lateral thinking and quick reflexes. There is a large amount of levels to explore, and after finishing the first quest, there's a whole other quest waiting for you. This subtle twist is fantastic, and makes the game last longer than many other platformers of the time. You continue to find new things every time you play the game, and I assure you, you'll never tire of it. Too bad I lost my copy of the game. So sad.

GS review: 8.0

#25: Age of Mythology (PC) (2002)

There are a number of reasons this is the highest RTS on this list. Firstly, I'm a huge religion fan. Greek mythology is awesome, we all know this, Egyptian mythology is endlessly cool and my country's old relgion, Norse, is dark and dreary, and fun to play as. Two, the story is actually incredible. It spans countless battlefields, and you'll be tasked with fighting the most vicious beasts to claim victory. Thirdly, it has one of the best level creators I've ever seen. You can literally create the most bizarre creations and play them out. That's what I just love it. Finally, the gameplay is just good. It is in many ways similar to Age of Empires 2, and that's just even better. Leading your team of anubi to march against the enemy's team einherjar is truly epic. This is just a fantastic game that is just TOO fun. It's a problem, and stay away. *The more you know*

GS review: 9.2

#24: The World Ends With You (DS) (2008 )

The fantastically named The World Ends With You (or TWEWY *sigh*) is one of a kind. In Japanese, the game is actually called "It's a Wonderful World", but we all know that that name wouldn't exactly work on Western shores, if you are in any way acquainted with Louis Armstrong. It's basically a hyper-realistic rendition of modern-day Shibuya, with a dark twist on the life of a few characters. It fully utilizes the power of the DS, tells an amazing story, is unforgettable in its presentation and the music is insanely good. I love games that break the mold, and TWEWY most certainly breaks the mold. With great touch mechanics and harrowing combat, you won't be forgetting this game any time soon. This is essential for any DS owner.

GS review: 9.0
My review: 9.5

#23: LittleBigPlanet (PS3) (2008 )

Ittakes a certain kind of genius to make a game so filled with charm, wit and innovation. Media Molecule has that kind of genius, utilizes it to its full potential and makes a game that is truly special. The riveting soundtrack, the great platforming, the amazing level creator, the encouraging multiplayer components, the charming presentation and Stephen Fry make this game one of the most unique games of all time. It fully proves that 2D platformers are far from dead, and that people can actually be imaginative beings if they actually try. It's that kind of thing that makes LBP so incredible. Also, I feel Sackboy should be the Sony mascot. Come on, we really do need one! Oh, and Stephen Fry. I've mentioned Stephen Fry haven't I. He's amazing. Like this game!

GS review: 9.0
My review: 9.5

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

Mario+RPG= instant win. QED. It's as simple as that. There aren't many games as charming, funny and heart-warming as the Paper Mario games. TTYD is the sequel to the beloved Paper Mario, and it pretty much manages to stand up to the grand name. With almost perfect gameplay, immersive story, amazing graphics, fun music and epic bosses, if you haven't played this game, where have you been? I honestly cannot say more about this game. I just love it too much for words. It's simply one of the marquee titles on the lovely cube, and is a terrific game on all fronts.

GS review: 9.2

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

Just barely missing the top 20 is Final Fantasy XII. Man, I just love this game. I know I've said it so often that I love a game, but this is just gaming bliss. I've played through this game three times so far, and am yet to get tired of it. It has amazing visuals, great music, incredible gameplay, inventive enemy design, intricate story and ingenious mechanics like the license board and gambit system (isn't mandatory, I barely used it in my first playthrough). I simply adore this game. Many shun this game as a bad entry in the series, but I'll just say this: it's the second-highest rated FF game on Metacritic and has a user score of 9.1 on GS. HAHAHAHAHA! Anyway, this is a game to remember. Unfortunately, it misses the top 20 by only a millimeter. But it stands proud in the 21st spot on the list.

GS review: 9.0

OK, next up is the top 20. Are you ready? It'll be up soon, so stay tuned! Good night!

Well, we're reaching the big guns now, so I hope you will recognize at least some of them. Let's get to it!

#40: Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! (PS) (1999)

It's sad that Spyro has fallen in grace as of late. There's one reason for that: Sierra. Darn you Sierra! Anyway, Ripto's Rage is the second installment of the once-fantastic series, and a good game it is indeed. The world is more focused than in the first, i.e. there isn't as much exploration, but RR manages to pull it off splendidly and boast some of the most fun and inventive levels on the PS, not to mention one of the best looking. Along with Crash, Spyro was one of the best-looking games on the PS. Not only that, the game mechanics are terrific. You will dash, breathe fire, fly and glide through endless amounts of levels to take down the ridiculous but hilarious Ripto and his minions. This game is available via the PSN, so you have no reason to not play this fantastic game. I highly recommend it.

GS review: 8.6

#39: Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2) (2004)

As anyone who knows about me has heard over and over, I love the Star Ocean series. I love the atmosphere, the backstory, the main story, the combat, the design, the enemy design and especially the post-game. TtEoT (sheesh :P) doesn't disappoint. It didn't do so good critically for whatever reason, but I just love this game. The epic story, with one of the best plot twists in history, the great characters, the awesome levels and enemies, the long, two-disc adventure. It's just awesome. Since LH has received similar „meh" scores, I don't think I'll be disappointed. Star Ocean forever!

GS review: 7.9

#38:Banjo-Tooie (N64) (2000)

Rare has certainly left an impact on the gaming world. Not as MS property (burn!), but as part of Nintendo. Banjo-Tooie is just one more gem in their gem-studded crown. A sequel to one of the most beloved N64 games of all time, BT had big shoes to fill, and in almost every way, it succeeded. The world is huge, the story hilarious, the gameplay as good as ever and the imagination present in the game is just insane. The addition of traditional bosses is great and as the difficulty is incredibly balanced. This game is just a cIassic through and through.

GS review: 9.6

#37:CivilizationIII (PC) (2001)

There is a special word for the depth in Civilization: insanexplosionary. This is a game you need to sink hours upon hours in to fully experience. Everything is so meticulous, so incredibly multi-layered, that you'll forget that you're playing a game. It sucks you in like few other games and won't let go. The way you interact with the different cultural leaders adds a lot of strategy to the game. You can be a tyrant, a benevolent king, a tactical genius and more. This is a great example of a thinking man's game, and I just love it.

GS review: 9.2

#36: Crash Team Racing (PS) (1999)

There is kart racing, and then there is CTR. This incredibly addictive game is just pure fun. From start to finish, there is never a dull moment. It's fast, frantic fun that never loses its charm. The level design, the smooth controls, the hilarious characters, there is just too much to do. There is a charming overworld as well, and every level has some sort of secret to find. There are even super-secret characters that are incredibly well hidden. I like. Bottom line, if you love kart games, you'll love this game. If you like Crash, you'll like this game. If you like both...you are in heaven.

GS review: 8.4

#35: Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GC) (2004)

I feel this game is often looked over when the series is regarded as a whole. This game is brilliant in its own right. It changes a few core components, but boasts the same great gameplay of the first. It has a tense atmosphere, good story, cool ammo system and brilliant bosses. And like in the first game, I love the sheer depth of the scan system. There's also less wandering than in the first game, which is always a good thing. All in all, MP2 is one of the best games on the good ol' purple cube, and is a game to be remembered.

GS review: 9.1
My review: 9.6

#34: Konami Krazy Racers (GBA) (2001)

Have you heard of this game? I thought not! This is basically Mario Kart Advance with Konami characters instead. But actually, it's also different. For one, there is a number of incredibly tough and varied missions to complete. Secondly, there are a few incredibly secret characters requiring you to do things you never would have thought of. Three, the music is just so much fun. It stands as a clone, but when a clone is so good, you can easily forget that slight problem. The racing is fast, fun and just pure awesome. And that's all that matters.

GS review: 8.1

#33: Pokemon Red/Blue (GBC) (1998 )

For many, this was not only their first game, this was also their first game period. There's something magical about that. And if my memory isn't completely broken, this was one of the first games I played as well. Boy, what a good game. It's the most basic of the basic, but the legacy it has left can only be called HUGE. This is the game that started it all, the hundreds of thousands of Pokefans out there were created by this series of legendary games. You will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Teaching them to understand the power that's inside. Pokemon! Everyone knows this series, most people like it, but I love it, and I will never forget these games as long as I live.

GS review Red: 8.8
GS review Blue: 8.8

#32:Ratchet and Clank 2: Going Commando (PS2) (2003)

It's quite jarring to see such a difference between the first game and its sequel. Going Commando and the first RandC game are perfect examples. GC gets rid of almost every single flaw that held up the original, while offering the same charm, detail and overall insanity of the beloved series. The story is a bit too mature-oriented when compared to the innocent first game (the end? Really?), but it's hilarious throughout, and that's what everyone loves about the series. Personally, this is the highlight of Ratchet and Clank's escapades, and it's a romp from beginning to end.

GS review: 8.8

#31: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) (2009)

It's really hard to describe how insanely polished UC2 is. It really is astonishing how much work the fantastic Naughty Dog have put into the game. Everything is just so...incredible. The amazing visuals, the enchanting areas to explore, the incredibly easy-to-use and tight gunplay, the exciting story, the amiable characters, the great multiplayer and more. There really is little not to like. This is an adrenaline-fuelled blast from beginning to end, and you'll want to relive it again and again and again. The added MP, though largely unnecessary, is still a cool addition and can be genuinely fun in many ways. This is one of 2009's prestige titles, and a one gamers won't forget for a long time.

GS review: 9.5
My review: 9.5

Stay tuned for more soon! ;)

Hey Gamespotters! I just felt it was worthwile to post my review of the literary masterpiece Romeo and Juliet. This is an assignment for school, so it's a bit different, but I hope you like it ;)

Romeo and Juliet review

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most acclaimed and well-known literary works of the famous poet and writer, William Shakespeare. The year of its writing is not fully known, but the first comprehensive version of the piece was printed in 1599. It is important to remember that Romeo and Juliet is originally a play, and Shakespeare never intended it to be read as a book. However, there are not many stories as universally celebrated than this masterpiece of storytelling and emotion, and not only on the hardwood floors of the theater.

The story focuses on the life and troubles of two young people, Romeo and Juliet. Their families, the Capulets and the Montagues, are in a bitter rivalry, and when the two fall in love with each other, they have no normal way of expressing it. Thus begins a catastrophic series of events that show how cruel the world can be.

Romeo and Juliet is set in the Italian cities of Verona and Mantua, most likely in the 16th century. It is strange that Shakespeare would choose Italy as the main site of the story, since he is English, but it seems to fit the style of the story quite well, especially when it comes to the glorification of family status. The story itself only spans four days, in which the characters have their lives completely changed forever.

Our attention is completely focused on the young couple during those four influential days. Romeo is of the Montague family, and is a proud, brash young man. He is heartbroken in the beginning of the story, having been rejected by a lady most fair, Rosaline. He believes he is incapable of finding another love, but when crashing a party the Capulets are holding, he spots the enchanting Juliet. She had been recently pestered to accept a proposal from a possible suitor, Paris, but she has no interest in doing so. When these two lay eyes on each other, they fall instantly in love, but are later shocked to learn of their familial connections. They decide, however, to oppose the wishes of their families and marry as soon as the dawn breaks. Even though attention is mainly on the amiable couple, Romeo's friend, Mercutio, is also a pivotal character in the story. It is partially because of him that the romantic escapades of the young couple don't turn out as planned.

The narrative itself is told from a third-person perspective, and the reader has no idea of the thoughts of the characters. This is understandable, since this is made for a theatrical presentation. Around two-thirds of the story is told in blank verse, i.e. a verse of five stressed syllables and five unstressed. There is no rhyme in these areas of the poem, but occasionally, Shakespeare will put in either alternating rhymes or consecutive rhymes to break up the form. An example of the latter can be seen when Juliet laments Romeo's exile:

Wash they his wounds with tears? Mine shall be spent
When theirs are dry, for Romeo's banishment.
Take up those cords. Poor ropes, you are beguiled,
Both you and I, for Romeo is exiled.
He made you for a highway to my bed,
But I, a maid, die maiden-widowéd.
Come, cords; come Nurse; I'll to my wedding bed,
And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead. (122)

These are seamlessly blended into the story, and some readers might not even notice their intrusion. Prose is also spoken in between, often to comedic effect, and there are many cases of witticism in the story, whether it be because of a misconstruction of enunciation or an ironic remark made by the enemy. Shakespeare handles these moments of comedy with tact and isn't afraid to use them to lighten the often melancholy mood.

Romeo and Juliet is mostly a story of forbidden love, but you can see equal amounts of criticism on the archaic importance of name and status. Romeo is judged solely by his ancestry, and never given a fair chance to explain who he really is. In the same way, Juliet is supposed to bow down to her parents' will and marry a man she knows nothing of except for the fact that he is royalty. There is also a strong sense of idealistic prospects, at least concerning the young couple's relationship. They are the archetypal lovers, falling in love at first sight and becoming absolutely obsessed with each other. Though it might seem a bit overdriven at times, especially considering the fact that they wed a day after meeting each other, this might also be Shakespeare's attempt to show the fanaticism that sprouts from intense passion, which is most definitely present in their relationship.

There is always a constant sense of foreboding in the story, that something beyond the control of the characters lies waiting in the near future. Fate is a key motif in the story, and Romeo and Juliet firmly believe that their fate is already chosen. Instead of fighting it, they instead embrace what time they have together, and do anything to simply be with each other for eternity. This eventually leads to the tragic conclusion of the story, which comes as quick and painfully as a dagger through the reader's heart. However, despite the tragic overtones, there is a certain moral to be found within the story. It talks of the importance of reconciliation, and even more of how important it is to pursue your dreams, no matter how hard they may seem.

It is not a surprise that Romeo and Juliet is such a beloved piece of English literature. It is superbly written, paced perfectly and is not overburdened with overly complex imagery or structure. It holds up well even today, and is a must-read for anyone interested in love, conflict or simply a well-constructed narrative. As has been said so very often by any lover of literature, Romeo and Juliet is a masterpiece.

OK, we're finally at the top 50. Hoo boy. Now, I'm pretty sure you'll know more of these games than those that came before. I'd just like to reiterate that this is not a list of what I think are the best games, these are just my all-time favorites. Let's go once more!

#50: Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3(GBA) (2002)

Landing in the number 50 spot is Yoshi's island, or more precisely, its rerelease on the Gameboy Advance. This is another cult classic, and is a refreshing change from the usual Mario platformers of old. The first thing you'll notice is the adorable art styIe, but then you'll notice how subtly smart the gameplay is. You have to escort Baby Mario to the goal, avoiding all enemies on the way. You'll be throwing eggs to solve puzzles and bust the baddies, and you can collect flowers and red coins too. It hasn't aged a day, and is still incredibly smooth in practice. The difficulty is also near perfect, attracting both veterans and beginners alike. If you like platformers, you owe yourself to get this game.

GS review: 9.2

#49: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (PC) (1999)

Taking every aspect that makes a good RTS and putting it into one game is exactly what AoEII does. There's just so much to do in the game that it boggles the mind. You choose from a number of countries, and then build up your empire brick by brick. Your ultimate goal is to build an army of gargantuan proportions and take over neighbour cities. The gameplay is silky smooth, the graphics surprisingly good, the music fantastic and the atmosphere fits like a glove to the overall presentation. I just love this game and all the fun it can offer. And of course, cruising around in your sports car and shooting down entire barricades is always fun.

GS review: 9.1

#48: Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) (2003)

Mario in an RPG? Never! Well, he is in an RPG, and boy is it good. It's hard to exactly explain why it's so good. It maybe the quirky humor, the smart combat, the funny story, charming presentation, good blend of old and new songsor the simple fact that it's Mario. Whatever it is, SSS is an incredible entry in the GBA library, and is, and will always be, a fantastic game for RPG fans, Mario fans, and all gamers in general. And of course, there's Fawful. I have fury!

GS review: 9.2

#47: Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS) (2009)

Dragon Quest, I love you. I honestly can't believe that some don't like the series. Some say that the gameplay is too old-school, but that's what I love about it! In terms of pure gameplay, I think Dragon Quest is close to perfect, and DQV is no exception. First off, the story is just amazing. I won't spoil anything, but there are certain twists and turns in the story that I haven't seen in any other game. The monster variety is fantastic and the fact that they move in combat now in the DS remake makes them even better. Being able to train wild monsters for your team offers tons of customization options and on top of all the other great games, the graphics and music is incredible. And that's what the game is, incredible. If you own a DS, you should already have this game in your collection. Oh, and as a bonus, I just love the fact that you can turn the camera around to look behind buildings and such. So awesome.

GS review: 8.5

#46: Pokemon Stadium 2(N64) (2001)

It's kinda predictable that if I put the first game on the list, I'd put the sequel here too. It's pretty simple: this game is an improvement in almost every conceivable way. First there's the fact that you have about 251 Pokemon at your disposal, and the strategies you can utilize are almost infinite.Then there's the two campaigns, in contrast to only one in the first game. There are even more fun mini-games, cups and like with the first game, you can connect it to your GB/GBC games to use your own tailor-made Pokemon. Like with the first game, if you don't like the fighting in Pokemon, you won't like this game. But why wouldn't you like the fighting? Why? WHY?!

GS review: 7.2

#45: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations (DS) (2007)

Phoenix is back, and he has a new nemesis. In fact, he is one of the coolest, most suave nemeses of all time: Godot, the visor-wearing, coffee-addicted genius of a lawyer that will stop at nothing to beat our dear Mr. Wright. Now, the main problem with this game (since everything else is cIassic PW) is that it's too similar, but is that a bad thing? I'll answer that: no. The story is even more expansive, with almost all of the cases being connected in some way, and the courtroom drama never gets old. This game is awesome. You know the drill: get it.

GS review: 7.5

#44: WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (GBA) (2003)

It takes a special kind of madness to make microgames a suitable concept. But Wario does it, and does it good. It's just utterly insane. You'll pick noses, play as a humanoid Mario, experience a five-second session of Zelda and jump across roofs dodging arrows as a ninja. All of this under a threat of a countdown. WWI (not to be confused with the infamous war) will stretch your nerves to the limit, and it's just fun. Fun, fun, fun. If you aren't laughing the whole way through, you'll be disgusted. Or a weird blend of both. But that is the wonderful thing about WarioWare. You either get it, or you don't.

GS review: 9.1

#43: Trauma Center: Under theKnife2 (DS) (2008 )

When it comes to surreal experiences, look no further than Atlus. TC was a fantastic game which was fast-paced, tense and incredibly weird, in a good way. TC:UtK2 does the same thing, but does it in a more grounded way. There is a larger variety of missions, and there are far more surgeries that resemble reality. That's ultimately what makes the sequel even better than the first game. It's smoother, more balanced and the various difficulty levels will appeal to those that thought the first game was too hard (and it kinda was). The art work is...not good, at least to me, but that aside, this is just an incredibly good game that continues to make doctors look cool. Super cool, in fact. And that's what matters.

GS review: 8.5

#42: Pac-Man (ARC) (1980)

If you haven't played this game, hand me your gamer card. Come on, give it to me. Hey, where are you going? Hey! OK, OK, I give up. Anyway, this is another cIassic, but is definitely one of the most famous. Who doesn't know Pac-Man. He's basically the first character to lead to the production of licensed merchandise, and people still play this game today. The game is perfectly playable, incredibly well-designed and best of all, incredibly simple. Just eat the dots. Eat the big dots to eat the ghosts. Simplicity at its best. This arcade hit will always live in gaming legend, and is as revered now as it was 30 years ago (just imagine!). Pac-Man is legendary.

No GS review available

#41: Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC) (2003)

I've talked about the Mario Kart series before, and proclaimed my love for it, so there is little to say. DD is just a prime example of the series' greatness. It's pretty much the same as previous installments, but it's just so polished, so much fun, that it doesn't matter. Being able to use two characters at the same time is exhilarating, the levels are awesome and the different cups are varied and incredibly entertaining. Well, that's all I can say. It's just some of the most fun you can have on the GC, and I highly recommend it to any fan of Mario. Yahoo!

GS review: 7.9

Stay tuned for more soon ;) Ciao,

Calvinsora