Jason's 40 Greatest Video Games of All Time

[Jason]

There seems to be a reoccurring theme here. This will be my third Top video games of all-time list, succeeding the original list of the 20 Greatest Video Games of All Time and the second list of the 30 Greatest Video Games of All Time. Not sure if anyone actually reads these lists, or at least skims through the countdown, but I do enjoy making them and will probably continue to do so. I'm also open to criticism, so feel free to give me an earful if you see a game you don't like, or don't see one you feel should be on this list.



The list you see here is a list of games I need to complete (or complete again) before properly ranking them:

007: From Russia With Love
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Uncharted
Kirby 64: Krystal Shards
Mega Man Franchise


With that out of the way, let's get started!









#40





Super Mario Bros. 2





Not many people know about this, but this is not the original Super Mario 2. The original Super Mario 2 was initially released in Japan and was extremely similar to its predecessor, but was specifically designed to be far more challenging. After being released in Japan, distributors felt it was far too difficult and similar to the first one to get a U.S. release, so a different game (the Super Mario 2 you see here) was already in the works to be a co-op adventure game, but was developed into a sequel of the first Super Mario game, which is why it is so different in style. No U.S. Nintendo port exists for the original Super Mario 2, but there was an edited release on the Super Nintedo called Super Mario All-Stars with updated graphics, but different in gameplay. The original Super Mario 2 was finally released as a download for the Nintendo Wii. If ever there was a reason to get a Wii, this would be it, for me. I love a challenging video game, and this has been talked about as one of the toughest ever. But as it is, what we got was the Super Mario 2 that made this list, so let's discuss.

This, in my opinion, is the most underrated of all the Super Mario games. The gameplay is much different from the first and third, and even more different than any other Mario game ever released (I'm sure you can guess why), but even with all that, the entertainment value is equaled. Of the original Super Mario trilogy released in the U.S., this one is unique in the fact that you have four characters you can play as. To top it off, each character has opposing strengths and weaknesses: Mario runs faster; Luigi can jump the highest; Toad can run and pluck vegetables the fastest but is the poorest jumper; and Peach can jump the farthest, due to her ability to hover for a short time, though she is the slowest runner and slowest at plucking items from the ground. I've always admired the fact that each character has their own unique abilities. Though it is the most different in the trilogy, it is just like the others in that it is very challenging and an instant classic.
















#39





The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask





You may have noticed that this game made the list of games I need to complete (or complete again) before properly ranking. I did complete this game, but was unable to give it the attention it deserved. After off-and-on continuation of the game, it took me about a year to complete.
Although it likely isn't properly ranked, I wanted to at least include it, because I know that after I complete it again without leaving big gaps between gameplay, it will surely make the list.

The game chronologically takes place a few months after Ocarina of Time and begins with Link searching for his departed fairy, Navi, his overly annoying and often unnecessary navigator from Ocarina of Time. While riding through Hyrule on Epona, he is ambushed by the masked "Skull Kid" and his fairy accomplices Tatl and Tael (Tattletale?). They steal his horse and the ocarina of time. While confronting them, Link is cursed and turned into a Deku Scrub. As they attempt to get away, Tatl is left behind and has no choice but to work with Link to get back to Tael and the Skull Kid. It is soon explained that the mask the Skull Kid is wearing carries an overwhelming apocalyptic power, which transformed the Skull Kid into an uncontrollable fiend who inflicts evil onto others, the worst being the infliction of an apocalypse, with the moon set to collide with the Earth in just 72 hours, and it is up to Link to stop it. The style in which the game is played is identical to Ocarina of Time, but the story and journey is much different, and extremely challenging.
















#38





Super C





Super C, the super sequel to the original Contra from the same system. Both Contra and Super C were originally released as arcade games in the late 80's, but were remade for the Nintendo, which are the versions I'm accustomed to playing. Super C is similar to Contra in gameplay, and maybe it's because I've spent far more time playing the original, but I feel this one is overall a bit tougher. There are enough differences in this sequel to give it its own unique feel, but the overall importance for Contra fans is that you got a whole new Contra game, similar to the first one you loved, but with different obstacles and challenges. If you loved Contra, you'd certainly enjoy Super C.
















#37





Burnout 2: Point of Impact





when I was around 15 or 16 and GameCube was the hottest Nintendo system on the market, my friend and I would often walk down to Hollywood Video and rent this game for 8 days and play it non-stop. The best thing about it is the multiplayer. Single-player racing is fun, and it is challenging to win in all these different courses, but wait until you unlock the best cars and play multiplayer mode. Good times will be had by all. The graphics are outstanding, even by today's standards, and to this day, it still has the most realistic crashes I've ever seen in a racing game. I finally bought it in 2010 after having not played it for about 4 or 5 years. Great memories.

When you're done playing the game, be sure to take extra caution if you get on the road for real. I've caught myself almost going for "near misses".
















#36





Zelda II: The Adventure of Link





There was a Zelda game I vaguely remember playing on the Nintendo when I was a kid. All I remember was the side-camera angle and being able to launch swords like arrows. It was either this one or the original Legend of Zelda and after completing both games earlier this year, I realized it was this one. Both Adventure of Link and The Legend of Zelda are very similar to each other, but there are enough differences in the sequel to generate a brand new experience from the original. This is the game where all three of the Triforce parts come into play. In this game, the Triforce of Courage is needed in order to combine it with both the Triforce of Wisdom and the Triforce of Power to awaken Princess Zelda, who, after refusing to reveal the location of the Triforce, was put under a sleeping spell by a wizard. I swear, the Zelda series has to be the first video game series to have such detailed backstories.

The gameplay is quite good, and as I mentioned above, swords fly like arrows, but only if your health meter is full, just like in the original game. It is overall a bit more difficult in terms of player's skill than the original, but just as entertaining (and frustrating at times). The soundtrack, though, is top notch, and among the best of the Zelda franchise. It is absolutely worth a try if you are willing to dedicate yourself to it.
















#35





Day of Reckoning 2





I was a huge wrestling fan from the late 1990's to the mid 2000's. And as a kid who loved video games, I always had to get my hands on the wrestling ones. There was never a perfect one. True wrestling fans who loved video games always had a gripe about every single one, no matter how good it was, but rightfully so. Some games had no versatility in grappling moves, others had no specialty matches, such as Hell in a Cell or Iron Man matches, but Day of Reckoning 2 did. Not my favorite wrestling game, as you'll see later on in the countdown, but it was well worth plunking down the cash for a pre-order. Graphics have little to no affect on my rankings, but this is the most realistic wrestling game I've ever played, and it did enhance my enjoyment of it quite a bit. I've always loved the Create-A-Superstar option, and it is extremely detailed, here. Couple that with the fact that Stacy Keibler is your baby-doll in the story-mode, and you have yourself a winning wrestling game.
















#34





Kirby's Adventure





I'm pretty sure I began this adventure shortly after I completed both original Zelda games earlier in the year. Picked this sucker up down the street at a local Pawn Shop for quite cheap. I think I haggled with them a bit. It was somewhere between 4-10 dollars. Heard good things, and it certainly didn't disappoint. It is the only true Kirby game that I've ever beaten, and I don't think it can be topped. I know most Kirby fans don't have this one as the best of the franchise, but most other Kirby games are on handheld devices and my gaming love is with consoles. It did help a bit to understand the complexities of Kirby in this game by playing the Super Smash Bros. franchise so much. The game was tough, but I may have had a tougher time without Super Smash Bros'. assistance. It plays pretty similarly to Super Mario Bros. 3, but power-ups are very different and give you a different arsenal of attack with Kirby. There were a couple of them that I never wanted to let go.
















#33





Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers





This game is seldom talked about, but actually rivals some of Nintendo's best for me. Enemies and obstacles grow increasingly more challenging as you advance through the game. It's not a lengthy one, as most original Nintendo games aren't, but if you're new to this game, odds are you won't be able to complete it in one sitting and will have to shut it off and continue another time. It was a favorite for me as a kid, and although I've beaten it countless times, it's difficult to master, which is another positive trait. You can choose to be Chip or Dale, and co-op is an option, which can enhance the fun of the game.
















#32





Darkwing Duck





♫ When there's trouble you call D.W. ♫
Loved this cartoon in the 90's, but that isn't why the game makes this list. It was a constant play for me when I was younger, but I don't think I got to beat it until earlier this year. It just barely edges out Chip 'n Dale because the gameplay was just a tad sharper and the boss battles were more challenging, here. It plays very similar to Mega Man and I feel pretty bad for including this and not Mega Man, only because I haven't played much of the Mega Man series.

It is another fine game from the original Nintendo console. They rarely failed to impress.
















#31





Resident Evil 3: Nemesis





Yeah, I know. I shafted Playstation by putting the Gamecube edition (which is no different) instead of the Playstation edition. But I don't feel so bad since this is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 2 from Nintendo 64 and this is also how I ended up getting to play the game; purchasing the Gamecube release. I also don't feel bad because the original Playstation sucked.

Overall, this game is very good, but somewhat of a disappointment if you're comparing it to some of the other Resident Evil games (Oops. Hint hint? Spoiler alert? More Resident Evil on this list? Maybe). I was extremely impressed, especially in the beginning, when you're brought back to the police station to do a few things as part of the mission. It is exactly the same as in Resident Evil 2, and although you're not there for long, it's a nice trip down memory lane if you haven't played Resident Evil 2 in a while. The game is also unique in the fact that when you reach certain points in the game, you can pick one-of-two scenarios of your choosing and makes the game even more replayable than it already is.

As far as Nemesis, the dude is everywhere. He isn't just some final boss that you need to track down and defeat at the end. He is there, pretty much from the get-go, and pesters you at random times as you progress through the game. Take some advice from Pink Floyd and Run Like Hell, because he is probably going to annihilate you 90% of the time, and if you manage to knock him out, say goodbye to your ammo.

[Jason]

#30





Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers





I loved the original cartoon when I was a kid, and when Hollywood Video was selling their older N64 games and upgrading to the Gamecube, Playstation 2 and XBox, I practically made a blind purchase and picked this one up. Glad I did. Although the gameplay isn't anything special, the concept with what it has to work with is brilliant. It features stories from actual episodes of the original cartoon that you (Shaggy, with Scooby) have to solve. You have a fright meter, and it goes down every time you bump into something scary or harmful, such as a spider walking around or rotating blades in the ground.

I have no shame in admitting that this game is the guilty pleasure of the bunch. It's very simple by design and possibly the easiest game to complete on this list. My love for the original cartoon is the main reason it is on this list.
















#29





James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing





This game was instant greatness. Phenomenal gameplay, Superb graphics, and one of the best action games ever made. The story Mode is intense and the cooperative multiplayer option was one of the best things about it; the icing on the cake. The levels were challenging and fun, the weapons and gadgets were fantastic and the overall style of the game was supremely entertaining. I love a good action game that implements a great sniper option. This is one of those games that did it right. Everything or Nothing is a very underrated James Bond game.
















#28





Wrestlemania XIX





After the massive failure that was Wrestlemania X8, it seemed now that video game producers were starting to listen to the wrestling fans. Every single quality imaginable about XIX was better than X8. I was shocked. X8 was the first wrestling game for Gamecube and I thought the days of playing good wrestling games were over, but in came XIX. The story Mode was great, and the backstage action/revenge match option was excellent and extremely creative and very unique. Some included eliminating your opponent by throwing him or her off of balconies, others included slamming your opponent through cars, and some actually included throwing your opponent into oncoming traffic to get the win. This one got me excited for wrestling games again, and although, in my opinion, they didn't make one better after this, the ones I got to play were still a huge step up from X8.
















#27





The Legend of Zelda





Earlier this year, I decided I'd start from scratch and begin playing the Zelda franchise from its original release. Upon completing the first two games back-to-back on the NES, I wasn't sure which game I liked more. After putting them through the test of time, I've come to the conclusion that I prefer this one. The plot is great and very motivating. Ganon, Prince of Darkness, has invaded the land of Hyrule and stolen the Triforce of Power. In order to prevent him from obtaining the Triforce of Wisdom, Hyrule's Princess Zelda separated it into eight parts, and hid them in eight dungeons. She sent her nursemaid Impa to seek out a hero courageous enough to save the kingdom. She finds Link.

I think Zelda II was a bit more difficult, but that's not taking anything away from this one. That's one thing you can always count on Nintendo for; extremely challenging gameplay. Some of these dungeons were ridiculously hard to complete, and the 9th and final dungeon to confront Ganon is almost impossible to find. I have no idea how the creators of this game expected anybody to find this damn dungeon, but when you find it (if you find it), you're in for some tough times.
















#26





Bubble Bobble





I've been playing Nintendo for as long as I can remember, and this one gets a hold of you. The longevity is one of the best things about it. Because this game was so long, you were given passcodes to each level to get back to where you left off. So, when you decided to give it a rest, all you had to do was write down the five letter passcode. There are 100 levels in this game and you must defeat your enemies by trapping them inside your bubbles and popping them before they're able to break free and get extra pissed at you. Each level is unique and grows more and more challenging as the game progresses. Good luck in the end.
















#25





WWF No Mercy





This is my favorite wrestling game ever. WWF No Mercy. I had a blast with Wrestlemania 2000 from the Nintendo 64, but everything improved with No Mercy. There were many options and challenging goals for the game. The story mode is lengthy and very detailed, which is what I appreciate most about the game. You get cash for each performance you put on in story mode. You can collect money and buy famous weapons such as Cactus Jack's barbed wire bat or purchase some of pro wrestling's greatest athletes such as Shawn Michaels or Ken Shamrock. The hardest part for me was unlocking Andre the Giant. Survival Mode is one of two ways to unlock him, and it was the only way I knew of as a kid. It is basically an unlimited Royal Rumble, where you have to survive 101 opponents without getting eliminated. Surviving that long is difficult enough, but in order to unlock him, you have to defeat him in a match and he is one of the toughest characters in the game.
















#24





Super Smash Bros.





What an unexpected concept. Nintendo's finest characters pitted against each other in a free-for-all of senseless violence. This game was immensely addicting. I stayed up on the weekends until dawn many times playing this game as a kid. Although there isn't much to the story mode in the franchise, this game paved the way for its sequels, which may be the greatest multiplayer games of all time. The main goal is to unlock all the characters and stages so you can play as whoever you want, wherever you want. For this game, the first of the franchise, my favorite character to play as was Captain Falcon.
















#23





Mario Kart 64





Seeing this game and playing it for the first time made me instantly yearn for a Nintendo 64. I fell in love with this game the moment I played it and have loved it ever since. It was my favorite game for a long time and it's a fun for all ages style game that truly never gets old. I could play this game for days straight when I was young and would never get sick of it, even to this day I do that. It's just one of those games that has such a simple concept, but designed brilliantly and is ridiculously fun.
















#22





Mike Tyson's Punch Out





Who remembers when Mike Tyson was the most intimidating sports figure the world had ever seen? He was predicted by many to be the future greatest boxer of all time, and some to this day think he's right up there. With Punch Out, you're given the opportunity to beat him. With a Rocky-esque character (Little Mac), you begin your journey at the bottom of the rankings and work your way to the top of the boxing world. The more opponents you defeat, the tougher they become. From Glass Joe, the human punching bag, to Bald Bull, the human bull, the game not only had a challenging list of boxers, but each one of them had a unique style of boxing you had to overcome. Mike Tyson, however, was in a league of his own, and is easily the toughest boss in the game. Many video game enthusiasts believe he is the toughest boss in the history of gaming, and if you've fought him, you know it's hard to argue. The game had no real longevity. Hell, I've beaten it in less than 30 minutes, I'm sure. But it's so enthralling. And addicting. I can't tell you how many times I've beat the game, just to reset it and start from Glass Joe again. It was an instant classic, and has remained that way for 25 years and counting.

Oh, and Mario is the referee!


















#21





Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game





Turtle Power! Anyone who's ever played video games had to have played this one. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were BIG when I was a kid. I enjoyed the cartoon and the movies were pretty good, but this video game trumps all, for me. Select your favorite Ninja Turtle (Raphael!) and the quest is on to save April. Two can also play, and although it is entirely more challenging to go solo on the quest, it is equally fun with a partner.

[Jason]

#20





Mario Kart: Double Dash!!





Mario Kart: Double Dash!! was a pretty big step up from its predecessor, Mario Kart 64. While Mario Kart 64 is an excellent game in its own way and truly paved the way for the Mario Kart franchise's success, Double Dash entered the GameCube world with a bang. This one is much more demanding of skill and much more challenging than the Nintendo 64 version. Instead of using one character, you use two characters. One is the driver, the other is riding in the back, collecting items to throw at opponents. You can switch places with them at any point during gameplay, which can be a very strategic move, depending on who your characters are. There are more levels, more characters, bigger stages and tougher obstacles. You might want to start out with Mario Kart 64 before jumping right into Double Dash.
















#19





Contra





Contra. So simply put together, and so addicting. Truly a man's video game. Everything about this game is great. Just like many of the great NES games, you can play the game solo, or with a friend. You represent a military commando set to infiltrate the evil Red Falco Organization that is planning to take over the Earth. The gameplay, the action and the obstacles were something you had really only seen in arcades at the time and it revolutionized action games when it was brought to the NES. But gameplay aside, who can forget that victory music upon conquering a level? I can't help but do a fist pump, and sometimes even do a TeBow. Maybe no TeBowing as a kid, but this game has withstood the test of time, and for me, even the victory celebration evolved a bit.
















#18





Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Cloudy Mountain





Anybody remember the Intellivision? If you thought Nintendo was old school, try playing the Intellivision. The controller is probably the most bizarre at-home video game controller ever. Yes, even more bizarre than the Wii. It looks absolutely nothing like a controller. It looks more like a touchtone telephone. You use numbers to navigate and shoot instead of joysticks, D-Pads and buttons.

But enough about the system, let's talk about the greatest game it ever produced. You represent a trio of hunters (basically 3 lives) traveling through mountain caves and woods on the hunt for two pieces of a broken crown, trying to restore it. Along the way, you collect arrows for your bow and run into odd creatures. There's no telling what's around the corner. The main enemies are demons, snakes and of course, dragons. The only way to know if you're close by is when you see the footprint of the demon, hear the hiss of the snake or the purr of the slumbering dragon. When traveling, most of the map is in darkness. The ground you've covered remains lit, but grounds you haven't covered remain to be seen. Things will often jump out at you, and you'll have to kill them with your bow and arrow. I can't tell you how many times, or how high, I've jumped as a kid when a dragon comes out of the dark, full speed, roaring at me. It is the greatest jump scare game of all time, in my opinion. Doesn't matter how old it is, if you play this game, you will probably fly right out of your seat if you aren't standing already. But then there's that sound. The simple sound you hear when you retrieve the final piece of the broken crown. It is the greatest video game sound of all time and gives you the feeling of utter accomplishment. This game is gripping, intense, and one of the greatest games I've ever had the pleasure of playing.

]
















#17





Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem





Welcome to the world of survival horror. Your character is Alexandra Roivas and she is investigating the brutal murder of her grandfather Edward inside his mansion in a remote area of Rhode Island. She discovers a secret room in his mansion and finds a book called The Tome of Eternal Darkness. With this new finding, she experiences a flashback to 26 B.C., where a respected Roman military commander named Pious is guided by mysterious voices to the exact book that was found in Edward's secret room. He is overcome by its powers and in a timeline of events, you discover the affiliation with Pious' discovery of the book to the death of Edward.

This game is something else. It is very Resident Evil-esque in terror, but that isn't even the half of it. Because this game is so frightening, your character is given a fright meter, and the lower it goes, the more insane she becomes, meaning she will see things that just aren't there. This game did the unthinkable and not only has the ability to make your character go insane, but it will make you, the player, lose your mind, as well. You'll see what I mean if you ever get to play it. It's a game I feel lucky to have discovered.
















#16





The World Is Not Enough





This one might be the most underrated game on my list. It was criticized for being a severe letdown in the James Bond franchise, but for me it was just the opposite. The multiplayer isn't very enticing, but the story mode makes up for its lack of multiplayer integrity completely. Each level is quite challenging, and upon completion, that feeling of success makes all those frustrating deaths worth every one. It's a great game to learn as you go. As the game progresses, each new level requires you to master different tasks and challenges. It's certainly no easy game, by any stretch of the imagination. The "Night Watch" level stands out for me as the most fun.
















#15





Battletoads





It's not often you find a game today whose multiplayer mode is simply another person embarking on the same journey through the game. The NES was always good for that, and this was another gem. Difficult journeys await from start to finish in this Nintendo classic. The mission is to rescue Princess Angelica and fellow battletoad, Pimple, from the evil Dark Queen. Each challenge is difficult and requires a consummate set of skill to pass through tough obstacles administered by the Dark Queen. This game is regarded by video game enthusiasts to be the toughest game ever made, and you know what, I think if I were to pick one, this would probably be it. I've said before that this was one of the hardest games I have ever played, and it just might hold that top spot. After the first two levels, EVERY level is extremely challenging. Rat Race was my favorite level as a kid. You have to race a rat on 3 separate occasions. Each race the rat is faster. You have to race him through a maze-like lair and get to the bottom before he does. That level would get my heart pounding, almost as if I had been the one doing the running. It's truly one of Nintendo's masterpieces. And wait until you give a listen to the pause music. I may have spent more time fist pumping to the pause music than playing the actual game.
















#14





Simpsons Hit & Run





I said earlier that Scooby-Doo's appearance was the guilty pleasure of the list because of my enjoyment of the original cartoon. That doesn't fully apply here. I love The Simpsons show, but you can see the effort that was put into this game by the creators. I thought Simpsons Road Rage was a fun game. The story mode here crushes Road Rage. The longevity and unique style of play are just two of many positive attributes to this game. I had never seen anything like this game when it came out, and still haven't. If you're a fan of the Simpsons, and enjoy a good video game, this one should not disappoint at all. It is loaded with countless, hilarious references to the show, and regardless of that, the gameplay is phenomenal. An appreciator of games who hasn't seen a lick of the show would still enjoy this game.
















#13





Tecmo Super Bowl





Easily my all time favorite football game. I grew up absolutely loving this game. Hell, by the time I was 4 or 5, I had the 1990 rosters from every NFL team pretty much memorized, and that's no exaggeration. I started at the age of 2 or 3, and still enjoy this one to the fullest. Played as the Broncos, of course, and what boosted my enjoyment of the game was the challenge of playing against the toughest opponents in the NFL, at the time. The Bills and the 49ers were easily the two toughest teams, and a Super Bowl showdown with the 49ers was almost always inevitable. I will say this: As a young kid, I enjoyed watching Lawrence Taylor play football, and every once in a while, I played as the Giants, using Lawrence Taylor to bull-rush the quarterback on nearly every down. I might've enjoyed playing as him on those random occasions more often than I enjoyed seeing him play.

The Bobby Humphrey run up the middle and the Shotgun, Elway to Vance Johnson passes were my favorite.


















#12





Super Smash Brothers: Melee





This one is quite comparable to Mario Kart: Double Dash!! in terms of the major upgrade from its predecessor. While Super Smash Brothers for the Nintendo 64 was a groundbreaking new game, Melee took it to a whole new level. Of all the games I've played, I believe this one requires the most skill on the player's part. The characters are each given their own fighting technique, and it's up to the user to master it. Falco is my favorite.

Do you have one of those games where you feel like nobody can beat you? I'm sure we all do. This is one of them for me. I met a great friend of mine through a job we shared during our senior year in high school. I met a lot of his friends, and they're all good-hearted people. They were the drama club peeps. You know, the ones that play nothing but video games and those Japanese card games in their spare time? Well, sure enough, these guys were addicted to Super Smash Bros. Melee. And they were good. VERY good. And a big group of them were usually huddled around a TV at night waiting for their turn. After not having played for months, I decided to join in. I beat everyone. After that, whenever we would all get together, it was usually everyone challenging me to a game of Melee. Of all the people I've played, of all the times I've played them, not one of them beat me. Not one time. Ever. It's just one of those games that you master better than most everyone else. The friendly competition we had, and all those nervous matches wondering if my undefeated streak will ever come to an end just made the game that much more fun to play.
















#11





Resident Evil Ø





I'll never forget the moment I saw the commercial advertisement for this game. I was already familiar with the Resident Evil franchise and when I first saw the commercial, I was beyond thrilled that the series was coming to Gamecube. Once I got my hands on this bad boy, I couldn't stop playing it. Interchangeable characters and updated graphics only added to the fun. This franchise is downright terrifying if you play it in a proper setting, which is what I love most about it. Resident Evil Ø may have been the most different out of the fixed camera angle era of the franchise, but it is only a plus. There is never a dull moment in this game, and if you are a fan of survival horror games, there is no way you should be without this game.

[Jason]

#10





Banjo-Tooie





Banjo-Tooie was one of those games I always wanted to play as a kid, but it just eluded me. I picked it up at a local Pawn Shop for about $7, possibly $4, and I hit the jackpot. Reviews always seem to be split between which game was better: the original Banjo-Kazooie or the sequel Banjo-Tooie. Knowing I was in for a treat, this past Summer I finally dedicated myself to beating this game after so many years of wanting to play it. Couldn't be more thrilled about how great it was. It is a direct sequel to Banjo-Kazooie. A few years after defeating the evil witch Gruntilda, her sisters bring her back and the quest for another showdown with the evil witch begins. In reality, Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie feel like one very, very long game to me. They are similar in a lot ways, but the main difference here is collecting Jiggies and bringing them to King Jiggywiggy so you can unlock levels. The game design couldn't really be better and even the underwater level is fun. It did a lot to ensure you that you were embarking on a similar quest, but provided a completely new experience to the franchise, as well. Very deserving of the top ten spot.
















#9





Super Mario 64





This game was a surprisingly massive challenge. Nothing like the Mario games of the past where you could just speed run through the entire game, this one took some time to beat. A lot of time. But it just made you more and more eager to collect all those stars and complete the game. You will easily get lost in this game, no matter what age. It has such an original concept, and is easily one of the best Mario games ever made. Many games just plop you right in it and leave you running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to figure out what to do next, but this one is very organized. You know what to do, but knowing how to do it is the tricky part. The visual detail of each course and the great soundtrack provided additional fun to a very challenging, and sometimes frustrating game. But you can't have the highs without the lows, which makes me very appreciative of it.
















#8





Resident Evil





Over time, this game has slowly worked its way ahead of Resident Evil Ø. I played Ø before I played this one, and they were so equally great, I almost couldn't pick one. Naturally, I went with Resident Evil Ø since I hadn't given the Resident Evil remake time to soak in. But the reality for me is that this GameCube remake of the original Playstation game made it one of the scariest video games ever made. It may be the fact that I'm just a horror fan in nature that puts these Resident Evil games so high on the list, but Resident Evil Ø and Resident Evil triggered a new fire in my love for video games. Resident Evil is just a completely different style of gaming. Although a Resident Evil game may not be my favorite game of all time, it is easily my favorite video game franchise of all time. I'm not sure if I've ever had more fun playing video games than I do when I'm playing this franchise. When it comes to gaming, I don't think anything beats turning on the system late at night, blacking out all the lights, sitting alone in the house and playing Resident Evil on surround sound. A very unique gaming experience, and one I will forever cherish.
















#7





Super Mario Bros. 3





This game reached the pinnacle of the Super Mario franchise. A definite favorite as a kid that has withstood the test of time. You know how great a game is when you're still playing it over 20 years later. Of all the new consoles and all their new games, most have failed to produce a game that is even close to the quality of this one. Super Mario 3 was decades ahead of its time and a giant leap ahead of the first two. The gaming is better, more technical. The atmosphere of the game is much better and the story is more fun. The best Nintendo has produced for its original system.
















#6





Resident Evil 2





Flashback to the early 2000s. Hollywood Video was selling their video games for the first time, and there sat Resident Evil 2, ready for somebody to buy. Being a horror fan in nature, the cover is the only thing that was needed to sell me on the game, and I am very glad I made the purchase. Resident Evil 2 is easily the most scared I've ever been while playing a video game.

I'm not exaggerating. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. I was a young teen and still adjusting to the transition from Nintendo to Nintendo 64. The graphics were outstanding at the time, and sometimes it felt all too real. Visually stunning, outstanding gameplay, and pure terror around every corner. It is very, very difficult to match the excellence of a game with this many great qualities, let alone top it. This is the game that introduced me to my favorite video game franchise of all time.

[Jason]

#5





Conker's Bad Fur Day





I honestly thought my days of discovering excellent video games was over. I assumed I'd played all the classics I'd ever be interested in and never find a hidden gem among them. Once the Wii, XBox 360 and Playstation 3 were released, I was less than intrigued. No game I ever played for any of those systems even came close to matching the quality of all the older systems. My only hope was to be able to find that hidden gem I missed out on during my childhood. But there was no hope, and just when I thought I had already gone through that final run in epic video game discovery, I find Conker's Bad Fur Day.

Now, I've always known about this game, but being that it was one of the last Nintendo 64 games released, it wasn't very popular and there was no real buzz about it anywhere. So, I looked past it and moved onto the Gamecube. It wasn't until late 2012 or early 2013 that it was brought to my attention again. Thankfully for youtube, I was able to witness some of the gameplay. Upon discovering the video of The Great Mighty Poo, one of the game's bosses, I knew instantly that I had to have it. Because the game is so rare, I had to plunk down the price of a brand new game today for it, but it was well worth it. The humor in this game is far and away the best I've ever encountered in any video game. It had me laughing throughout its entirety, and what puts it so high on my list, was a combination of that humor, the hilarious film references and the fact that the gameplay is top notch. Every aspect of this game was taken seriously, as though the creators poured every ounce of their raunchy humor and creativity to make this game as great as it could possibly be. It is absolutely fantastic and instantly became one of the greatest games I've ever played.

When I originally made this list, Conker soared to #8. I couldn't believe what I was experiencing. It was just that good. It immediately felt like one of the greatest games I had ever played and it definitely felt worthy of a top 5 spot when I first completed it, but I wanted to see how it stood against the test of time, so it sat a few spots outside of it. After playing it a few more times, I've only grown more fond of it. It is challenging, immensely unique and shockingly creative. It has a storyline so ridiculous, you're almost sure to laugh and an ending so powerful you won't soon forget it.

I truly can't put into words how appreciative I am of this game. The only possible way to understand my appreciation would be to get your hands on it and begin the adventure.
















#4





Resident Evil 4





Alright, I'll be honest. It's the end of December, 2014 and I barely completed this game for the first time just a few weeks ago. I've owned it for years, but with the negative reviews for all the new Resident Evil games with the third-person camera angle, I just could never bring myself to play it. What a mistake that was. This game is the real deal. I know it's easy to fall in love with a game you played for the first time and to put it so high on your list, but I don't think Resident Evil 4 is dropping from this spot any time soon. When I first began the journey, through the first 5-10% of the game, I was beyond surprised and felt like it could maybe rival Resident Evil Ø and Resident Evil. Didn't think it stood a chance at rivaling Resident Evil 2. But then I reached the Church...

This game is just on another level. It changed the most from its predecessors and while the terror went down a little bit, the gameplay and plot skyrocketed. It is one of the longest games I've played, loaded with fun and only gets better. Boss battles are incredible and the entire journey is a complete blast. I feel honored to have played this game.
















#3





Banjo-Kazooie





Can't make a platform game much better than this. The object of the game is to rescue Banjo's sister, Tooty, who is kidnapped by an evil witch named Gruntilda. I had a dream when I was about eleven or twelve, while in the middle of the journey of the game for the first time, that I had finally gotten to the evil witch. I don't remember too much from the dream, only the feeling of utter accomplishment that I was finally able to get to the end. The game was so consuming for me, that it even overtook my dreams. The unique design of each level is a massive enhancer to the overall enjoyment of the game. Even with the inclusion of my favorite type of level; a horror-themed level called Mad Monster Mansion, I think Click Clock Wood is the best video game level I have ever played. Challenging and an overall incredible gaming experience. Video games don't get much more fun than this.
















#2





The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time





Is it any surprise this one makes the list? Shouldn't be. In fact, it's probably more shocking that it didn't take the top spot. This game is widely regarded as one of the best video games of all time, and rightfully so. To this day, Ocarina of Time has been one of the toughest, most challenging games I've ever played. Some of the bosses can be easy, but the excitement lies in the journey. Many, many nights I spent up playing this game, wandering through it, figuring out what I had to do next; hanging out with my best buds, putting our brains together and getting through obstacles. We'd go home, continue the quest on our games and we'd meet in school the next day and talk about homework what new obstacle one of us had overcome, and one would show the other what to do. It took a HELL of a long time, and the entire time beating the game was just a blast. I can't go more than two years without yearning to beat it, again. This is a special game, and one that will likely never be replicated to this level of greatness

[Jason]

#1





GoldenEye 007




Number 1.
With a bullet.

March 11th, 1999. I got a Nintendo 64. The two games it came with? GoldenEye and Ocarina of Time. I'm sure you can imagine what my life revolved around as an 11 year old kid, playing two of the greatest games he'll probably ever play.

GoldenEye is just something special. The first ever first person shooter game, and the best one I've ever played. This game is just flawless. The greatest feeling I ever had playing a video game was when I beat the Control level on 00 agent. Each level has an Agent (Easy), Secret Agent (Medium) and 00 Agent (hard) scenario option. Not only is the Control probably the most difficult scenario in the game, but for quite a long time (years, likely), I had only reached the Cradle level. I had two more levels to discover, and the only way to get to the next level was to complete every available level on 00 agent. All I had left to beat on 00 agent was the Control, and when I completed it, a huge wave of excitement washed over me. I went back to the scenario file and there it was: Aztec. The next level after the Cradle. What increased my love of the game even more was the fact that the next two levels I played so hard to get to were two of the best in the game. There were classic references to previous Bond Movies in those two levels, and the music for both the levels kicked ass, as well. But I haven't even mentioned anything about multiplayer, yet. It's one of the best multiplayer games ever. Many great levels to choose from, and the game was loaded with different weapon options. The Golden Gun is probably the most intense version of multiplayer you can play. One shot, and you're dead. This got the heart racing, no matter who you played. When I'd play with proximity mines for hours at a time, and I finally finish with the game, I'd walk the halls and rooms of the house with caution, preparing to explode.

[kwyty]

Hey man where is golden axe?

Haha