over the past few weeks, i've tried to compile the list of games that made an impact on me and stood the test of time. it wasn't easy. so many games played over my not-so-young life. so many memories. so many revolutions in game type, game play, game tech. i spent quite a lot of time googling and wikipediaing trying to put a name to a game i had long forgotten, or to make sure something special didn't slip through the crack (i'm sure some have). i envy the players of today who will have an exhaustive archive of games played, achievements earned, brag clips saved. i had to rely on my grey matter.

i had no formal rules on what was required to make the cut. i went with my gut. i vetted my reasoning on some with zak. i plan to write about each game in their own separate blog posts, and perhaps that will reveal why they earned a spot on this coveted list.

this is a living document. i reserve the right to change it.

MY SEMINAL GAMES LIST (in semi-chronological order)

zork

super star trek

pong

mattel classic football handheld

slot racer

football (intellivision)

robotron

zoo keeper

mario bros.

donkey kong jr.

dragon's lair

the legend of zelda

super mario

ultima series

castle wolfenstein

doom

quake

syndicate

planetfall series

trinity

romance of the three kingdoms

star control

wing commander

lemmings

unreal tournament

gran tourismo 3

GTA 3 (and series)

ico

halflife (and 2)

diablo 2

simcity

deus ex

red faction

medal of honor: allied assault

portal

WOW

call of duty: modern warfare

midnight club II

fallout 3

red dead redemption

portal 2