My first post at level 26. Woo!

Been waiting on a lot recently. Walking Dead Episode 2 (now due to be released on the 29th, cutting it fine with their end of June deadline), My Dragon Age 2 which should be coming through the letter box any day now, and waiting to find a solution to the many glitches that are plaguing my Lego Batman at the moment.

Highly frustrating.

Shout out to all my Gamespot buddies.

Well, firstly, Level 25 has taken virtually no time at all to go up? Bring on 26.

E3 has come and gone. I was particulary impressed by Beyond: Two Souls, Lego City Undercover, as well as the WiiU in general. But alas, I needs the monies first before I can even think about what I need to buy soon.

What stood out most, was the new Tomb Raider. It looks truly awesome. A reboot worthy of bringing attention back to the series. Darker and grittier than we're used to seeing Lara.

I have been an avid gamer since the tender age of 5 years old. I have seen some of the best games come and completely revolutionise the industry. I have seen the technological advances come thick and fast and I marvel at the endless outings of impressive innovation that comes with every new generation of gaming. I honestly feel that now we are at the best point that gaming has ever been. The possibilities are endless. And as I grow more and more out of touch with the gaming world with the further I advance through life, I still consider myself very lucky to have been able to witness some of the best gaming moments.

I have been reflecting on some examples of this, and have found that these games that follow are what I consider the turning points in my gaming life. Those that completely blew me away. Those that I once dreamed when I was younger would never be possible, but have delivered exactly as I imagined. True masterpieces from behind the controller. I'm not here to promote or tell you about the ins and outs of the games, or list my all time favourite games, just merely to express my love for them and my reason for their influence in my life.

1. Metal Gear series

The absolute pinnacle of gaming, and I know for a fact that many would agree with me without hesitation. First brought to the world in 1987 through the genius that is Hideo Kojima, the game started out on the MSX2 system and was classed as the first proper stealth-based action. The original game was an immediate hit and has gained a place in many "Greatest Games Ever" lists. But it wasn't until 1998 that the series really put it's stamp on the industry forever. Released for the Playstation system, the game moved from 2D to 3D and absolutely astonished critics and gamers alike. Heralded as more of an "interactive action movie blockbuster" rather than a game, Metal Gear Solid incorporated such new and unheard of concepts such as cut-scenes and voice-acting and held one of the best video game storylines of its time.

My first experience of this game was through a demo disc that I received through a purchase of a Playstation magazine which had several games on it including Tomb Raider, Cool Boarders etc. I was fairly ignorant of gaming at the time, preferring wrestling games and the simple driving games that were popular at the time. It wasn't until really a year later in a gaming store that I found it again. I had been impressed by the demo and therefore bought it. And much like anyone else of the same experience, I could not fully comprehend what was happening. I was connecting with characters, intrigued by storyline, using actual gaming skill and fully caring about everything about the game. It was incredible.

Since then, sequels inevitably have spawned. And each one has been as good if not better than the one before it. MGS2 was the first release on the Playstation 2 platform and if people thought its predecessor was ground-breaking, it was nothing to what Kojima and his team achieved with this. There are no words to describe it other than a masterpiece. MGS3 was the same. MGS4 could be considered the best in the series. No matter which you prefer, it is safe to say that everyone would agree when I say that this series has always, and will always set the bar for games everywhere.

2. Super Mario series

Although the above entry is my favourite series of all time, the Super Mario series is one that I have reserved a very special place in my heart for. Utterly enjoyable, always fun, and absolutely everyone loves Mario. Starting its path to glory in 1985 on the NES system, Mario was the game that all 2D side-scrolling platform games aspired and continue to aspire to. The appeal of the Mario games I believe is a simple one. It asks no questions or ability of the gamer, whatever their level. Anybody with fingers and thumbs could pick up the controller and play Mario. Thus it's charm. And the reason for the plumber's astounding and ever-increasing popularity

Not only has the Mario series had it's fair share of sequels, you can find our hero in essentially every genre. Racing games? Sports? Beat-em ups? He's everywhere. And while the platform genre is where Mario really shines, all of these games have mass appeal to both serious and casual gamers. Family fun, or solo play. It doesn't matter. Mario is there for everyone. And we love him.

And as for me, I can't get enough. My first experience being Super Mario Bros. 3 for the SNES which I used to play at my friend's house cos I only had a Sega. Since then, I have never had a bad word to say about Mario. My personal favourite, Super Mario Galaxy. Just so brilliant in its execution and it looks awesome. Mario. A true gaming legend.

3. Bioshock series

Now, while this series only really has two instalments, they both could be easily considered as two of the greatest games ever conceived. My cousin introduced me to this game. I was visiting him at his house and walked into find him glued to his screen with this game on. He said "Check this out" and I watched as he set a swarm of bees upon his foes and then set them on fire. I knew then that this was something special.

Starting with the main strength, the story. Based in an underwater city miles below the Atlantic ocean, you travel through a world that could only be imagined by some of the most creative minds in the industry. The boys (and girls) at 2K have shown what can really be achieved in a game when a vision is so strong and properly executed. The story and game generally deal with extremely dark and disturbing concepts, and it forces a tremendous burden of morality on the gamer, forcing them to make decisions that test both their personal beliefs and their character.

Technically, the game is absolutely stunning. At no point are you not astounded by the level of detail or care taking in designing every single aspect to the game, even down to the last cracked floor tile or droplet of water. I think that is what impresses me most. I am often extremely impressed by the art and graphic and greatly appreciative of the hours of painstaking work that goes into creating the awesome look of these games. But none have made me take notice as much Bioshock.

4. Silent Hill 2

The most important factor in any game for me; the story. Obviously racing or fighting games excluded, a great story is what drives me to continue on with a game. And as much as some of the other games in this list have amazing stories, some of the best in fact, the Silent Hill series for me has produced the cream of the crop. The main one that stands out is Silent Hill 2. The original outing in the series was truly ground-breaking and put a brand new spin on the whole survival horror genre. While Resident Evil is the series that brought the genre into the spotlight, I believe it is Silent Hill that does it real justice.

What I love about Silent Hill is the originality of it all. Instead of arming you to the teeth to fight your way through a horde of undead monsters, you get nothing. At first anyway. Sure you can arm yourself better further on, but no more than a shotgun and even then, a lead pipe seems more effective against what you're facing. That's not the intended idea anyway. The game is shaped so that you feel so incredibly vulnerable and isolated that you fear absolutely everything around you. Limited visibility in dark or foggy environments with only a radio to warn you of danger, you feel more an urge to run for your life than fight. Then there are the ghouls themselves. Creatures that could only be dreamed in nightmares, so grotesque and strange that you can't take your eyes off them, until you realize they are upon you.

Such a disturbing but unique game and one that has completely set itself apart from the rest of the pack. A definite cult game and a classic at that. I still feel uneasy playing, but my love for it only grows each time.

5. Rock Band/Guitar Hero

I honestly remember thinking one day "wouldn't it be great if there was a game where you could play drums and a guitar and basically rock out?". Ok, those weren't my exact words but you get the picture. That was some years ago. So imagine my delight when I caught the first sniff of news about Guitar Hero. Actually being honest, Guitar Hero completely passed me by. It wasn't until I was walking around an electronic store and found a demo booth of the game. There was a kid playing. I was 3 friends and while they were ready to move on, I found myself transfixed at what this kid was playing. I asked him what it was and he told me without looking up or any lapse in concentration. Eventually he stopped and left. I picked up the guitar and started playing. I was there for about an hour. My friends had gone for lunch and I hadn't even noticed.

My dreams had come true. I play a real guitar too, and of course there are the far of dreams of being a rock star most young boys have. But it just ticked all the boxes of the dream I had all those years ago. Here it was and I was playing it. Of course I bought it and enjoyed it endlessly. Then, I couldn't imagine what would happen. It got better. Drums, microphone, you could now do it all! It was all I'd ever wanted. And judging by every other gamer I know, it was all they ever wanted too. Sure it costs a lot but there is honestly nothing more fun to play as a group. In my humble opinion of course.

6. LittleBigPlanet

I consider myself fairly creative. Not overly so, probably would be more if I wasn't quite so lazy. And therefore the idea of LittleBigPlanet, a game based totally on the concept of creativity, was immensely appealing to me. The never-ending possibilities of creation are what make this game so special, with gamers creating, sharing, and playing their own and each others levels and hundreds being created all the time in the LittleBigPlanet universe.

As with other games in this list, the main reason this game changed my life is the original concept and innovation behind it all, showing what can be done with the right vision and execution. With this LBP stands as one of the most original games ever thought of.

7. Portal

On the topic of originality, this fan favourite could be the best example of it all. If I could find the time and ability to narrow down my list of all time favourite games to even 5, I can safely say this would be in there. It's funny, challenging but what gets me is how simple an idea it really is. Get from point A to point B. Sure there are some obstacles and a cool gun that can transport you all over the place, but that is basically it. But, it is easily (and I mean easily) the best puzzle-based game ever to grace any gaming platform.

I love this game, purely cos it is so enjoyable. Every time you play it. The character of GLados is just terrifically done and full of that dark humour that I love. It's just such a fresh and exciting game, a true break from the mould and it's sequel is no different. A series that I will always follow and I know I will always enjoy.

8. Summoner

I very rarely bought games that I knew nothing about. I still remember the first CD I bought on a whim. It was "O" by Damien Rice. A terrific album. And my inspiration to learn guitar.

As for games, the first time I ever dived in with my gut instinct was with THQs role-playing game Summoner. And while at this point I did enjoy the role-playing genre, I wasn't too sure about this one that seemed like a Lord of the Rings rip-off. The beauty of buying something you know nothing about is that you can go into it with no expectations. But of course, you don't want to be disappointed. I wasn't.

Some of you if not many maybe never have heard about this game or just haven't given it a look. It's understandable as I never hear mention of it anywhere nor have I known anyone else to have played it. Those of you who haven't may be familiar with the Dragon Age series. If so, think of Summoner in the same vein. If not, think of it kind of like World of Warcraft without the online play and annoying 14 year olds. While there is nothing that truly stands out in this game either visually or technically, it is immensely gripping and intense, and does what good games should. Make you forget what time it is and how long you've been sat inches from the screen. And that is what Summoner does. Not for fans of Need for Speed or Fifa, but will be loved by those who appreciate a great story-based game.

Ever since selling my console last year I feel a part of me is missing. Sure I have my PC and games that are great but I miss turning on my PS3 and playing away. Soon I should have one back

Finally got through Episode 1 of The Walking Dead. And I want more. Like a zombie, I need to feed on episodes.

The first episode was great, despite some camera issues and the gameplay isn't really all too challenging. But the story is gripping, the cameras are sound and I can't wait to see where it goes.

I really need to sink my teeth into The Walking Dead Episode 1. Haha. See what I did there?

I also need a new console. Quite excited about the Lego LOTR announcement. Not so excited about the pushing back of Bioshock Infinite.

Gaming has been really slow recently. A lot of games on the list though.

Dead Island. Trailer was a bit close to the edge haha but it looks awesome.

Having finally had a dabble on LittleBigPlanet 2, I just love it and want it so bad.

And I know I am behind the times, but a copy of Red Dead Redepmtion: Undead Nightmare wouldn't go amiss.

Fifa or Pro Evo? Such a hard choice. Pro Evo has improved greatly but it's not quite up to scratch with it's glory days. Fifa is great and also even better than last year but my heart lies with Konami. AHH!

Finally got my Green Day Rock Band. Already done. Just need some peeps for the unison bonuses trophies.

AND SOON TO COME! COD: BLACK OPS!

Finally completed it! What a grim ending I got tho. Still really good. As sad as it may seem, need to play through at least 3 more times to get all the trophies :)

So my White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights managed to get here but still no sign of Green Day Rock Band.

Time for a refund me thinks.

Then off to the nearest game! Still got enough of Jack and Meg to entertain me for a while :)

x