Hey ho, here we go! This is the start of my new list of my favorite 150 games I've played throughout the years. First, I have to point out some things. There are a LOT of games I haven't played, and I will make sure to make some mentions in my last post of the list. Therefore, if you are surprised about the absence of some games and/or series, wait until the list is over before commenting on it. I would also like to point out that I'm not a very avid fan of shooters, and the shooters I like the most are not very typical. Therefore, expect to see some legendary shooters only reaching the hundreds. You have been warned. I won't have any pictures, for two reasons: some games surprisingly don't have any and the quality my laptop is able to put forth in picture quality is slim. Therefore, I'll stick to simple words. Once more, I will point out that reaching a high number (i.e. "low" place) on the list is not a bad thing. These are all terrific games which I like immensely. Finally, please be patient about the opinion of others. I don't really have to tell you people that, but really only pika is allowed to be mean to me, since I was mean to him on his list :P OK, here we go.
This list shows the games that have kept gaming my favorite hobby, and without them, I would not be playing games as I would be now. Each one of these games has a place in my gaming history, and are important components in the gaming world. I won't stall any further. It starts now!
#150: Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)
Who doesn't know Pokémon? Seriously. It's become more than a phenomenon, it's an entity in and of itself. The everlasting series has given out more games than you can count with the fingers of Goro's hand. And yet, the games still manage to make me go out and buy them. Every time. It is no secret that the games of recent years have a considerable lack of innovative concepts, but Diamond and Pearl show that the series still has some life in it left. With the classic staples; great music, varied monsters and exciting battles, the fourth generation of the mainstream series adds some interesting bells and whistles to the formula, the most entertaining the mining sections you could embark on with friends. Digging for fossils and other stuff with friends is not only addictive, but ingenious as well. The graphics have also been revamped, and with a clever blend of old and new, D/P more than deserves a spot on this list, albeit not a very high one.
GS review: 8,5
#149: Jak 3 (PS2)
Jak 3 is a game that is not that much remembered in retrospect, and in some way, it is understandable. It did little to nothing new, built upon the mechanics of Jak 2 and felt like more of the same. However, if you really think about it, Jak 3 still has a bucketload of incredibly entertaining gameplay and a story more interesting than the other two games had. Taking Jak to his origins, the game tells an intriguing story and puts you into a more free setting, dominated by vehicles and exciting gunfights. The desert setting is only one of the places you'll visit, and the game manages to surprise you from there. A host of colorful characters are present in the game, and Daxter is back with his witty banter and crazy humor. Take into account the polished gameplay Naughty Dog is known for, and you have a game that is definitely worth remembering. A fitting end to the true Jak trilogy.
GS review: 8,6
#148: Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction (PS3)
Who doesn't like to explode alien life forms with huge weapons in colorful vistas? I don't know anyone, and neither does Insomniac. They really know how to keep a franchise alive, and even though ToD uses most of the mechanics of the first R&C games, it still manages to amaze with its addictive gameplay and luscious visuals, along with a great sense of humor that lasts throughout. New weapons and new enemies are what keep the experience fresh, and it has worked every single time. A feat only Insomniac's team of gaming wizards could ever do. It's not only a sweet memory of the past games, but a bold step into the next generation, which could only improve.
GS review: 7,5
#147: Herdy Gerdy (PS2)
Have you heard of this game? I didn't think so. Definitely one of the most obscure games on the list, Herdy Gerdy didn't garner much attention. Maybe it was because of the silly cover, or maybe the ridiculous name (seriously, Herdy Gerdy?), but Herdy Gerdy is a puzzle/action game worth partaking in. It blends really good graphics with an ingenious game mechanic (herding monsters into pens with special methods needed for each monster type). The nonsensical story adds to the charm the game manages to create so lovingly, and it never ceases to come with something new every single time you look away. Sure, the camera can be horrendous at times, and the controls are often imprecise, but the integrity of the game and charm is unwavering. Truly a game that everyone should check out, if not only to see what it's like to play as a guy named Gerdy. Geez, poor guy.
#146: Monster Rancher 4 (PS2)
Another obscure one, though now for more understandable reasons. Somehow, this game never made it to European retails (that I know of), and I honestly don't know why. If any of you know me, you'll know I love the Monster Rancher series. Even my avatar is a monster from the Monster Rancher series. I had to order this game off the internet, but it was worth it. This is basically a ranching game, if that makes any sense at all. However, Monster Rancher 4 isn't just a copy/paste of the former entries. Many new things are introduced here, like training your monster in situ, i.e. on the ranch, and being able to have many monsters at a time. This tends to decrease the emotional attachment you got in the former games with the monsters, but it is definitely a gameplay change that keeps the experience fresh. The monster variety is vast, and the battles are as fast-paced and fun as before. If you want to get started on the series, this is at least the most accessible of the lot, and a definite must-buy. A fun game throughout, and it will most likely keep you hooked for days on end.
GS review: 7,4
#145: Bangai-O Spirits (DS)
I just keep on coming with the obscure games, don't I? The first Bangai-O was a side-scrolling shooter on the Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 was only sold in very limited numbers, but was an instant hit among the few who were in the know. Bangai-O Spirits continues the legacy of the first game. Blending some of the most insane action you'll ever see in a game with lush visuals and a great sense of humor, Bangai-O Spirits is definitely one of the most surprising DS games out there. The only downside is the fact that there is no story mode, focusing rather on individual levels that depend on lateral thinking and quick reflexes. If you can get over the almost vertical difficulty curve, you'll definitely find a treasure trove of stuff to do in Bangai-O Spirits. After all, who doesn't like 100 bullets at the same time on one screen. It is insane.
GS review: 8,0
#144: Lego Chess (PC)
No, don't go just yet! This is the last obscure game for a while! OK, I know you weren't expecting a chess game here, even less a Lego one from 1989, but the truth is, I learned chess from this game. It has an extensive tutorial that even teaches en passant, which is super-cool. You can choose a number of teams, from Native Americans to Pirates. Every piece from every team has a special animation for capturing every opponent piece from any team. Yes, that means, for example, that the animation (cut-scenes, really) for a Native American rook capturing a Pirate pawn isa completely unique occurence. This means that every capture is exciting in it's own way, and it helps that the computer knows how to put up a fight. This game transcends the probably overused Lego franchise, and becomesa chess game almost unmatched to this day. A game that is so charming and appealing towards all ages, while maintaining a level of professionalism and educational value deserves a medal.
No GS review available
#143: Ultimate Spiderman (PS2)
I just had to put a Spiderman game here, and when push came to shove, I found Ultimate Spiderman to be the best package. It goes back to the comic book roots of Spiderman, with its cel-shaded look and faithful recreation of what the comics are all about: kicking ass! You havea huge city to swing around, and the sense of adrenaline is incredible when you're at top speeds. Not only that, you can also play as one of the coolest villains ever, Venom. Now isn't that just awesome? I think so, and I never get tired of wreaking havoc in the city as the meanest thing alive. Not only that, but the story is just like a comic book both in presentation and narrative. It gives you a real sense of authenticity and it's also just incredibly cool. For any Spiderman fan, like me, this is a great, great game that isamong the best Spiderman games out there.
GS review: 7,1
#142: Pikmin (GC)
Hmmm, controversial placement, mayhaps, but remember: all games on this list are terrific. Pikmin is definitely a game that tries something new, and succeeds with much aplomb. A basic herding game in nature, it goes even further in making it a game that makes you think while flexing your nerves as much as humanly possible.Controlling the little pikmin is a joy, and attacking with them is a harrowing and lightning fast experience. However, the most troubling part is watching them being gobbled up, drown or burn to death. These deaths are all put forth in a cutesy manner, but it is all very serious, and can be called a genocidal occurence. And yet, these pikmin aremore than willing to help Olimar in his quest to find parts for his ship. They're blind loyalty is almost scary, really. Maybe the games only flaw is the time limit and the intense difficulty, which can still be overcome with some dedication. Note that this is one of the few games on the list I have not completed. The missions got tougher fast, and I ended up losing a shipload of pikmin, a few times even, and spent a few days to build it up again, only to lose them once more. However, I felt it a crime to not put it on the list, though the number is a bit too low for some...maybe.
GS review: 8,9
#141: Meteos (DS)
This game sure was popular back in the day. That's at least what I remember. Meteos might seem on the surface as just another puzzle game in the vein of Tetris and Puzzle League, but it is totally different. By putting together rows of same color blocks, you can rocket them into space (into space!). By creating more color rows by sliding the blocks around, you can lift a larger amount of blocks. This frenetic pace keeps the game endlessly entertaining, and by blending a large number of specific levels, Meteos becomes an incredible game that sticks in your subconscience to arise later and making you crave more intense action. It's colorful, it's inventive, it's unique, and it is FUN! The sad thing is, Meteos was released early in the DS's life span, and therefore, those who got the Lite or DSi as their first DS will have most likely missed this game. If you ever, EVER, see this game in a retail, do yourself a favor: buy it.
GS review: 8,5