Daniel Vanzzini challenged me to name my 10 favorite video games of all time. Here goes, in no particular order: Castlevania, NES: Yes, the controls were wonky, and sometimes you die for no reason, but this game was everything the NES was. I remember Christmas of 1987, tearing into a present, discovering this cartridge inside, popping it in to my NES system and being mesmerized. That opening scene where Simon Belmont approaches the castle gate and accepts his mission made an indelible impression on my early understanding of good vs. evil. Super Mario Bros. 3, NES: The early culmination of everything I wanted from the Super Mario Bros. franchise. Secret zones, flying, Tanooki suits - this game has it all. Final Fantasy, NES: As I type this, I can hear the midi theme music, and see the narrative intro. What a wonderful journey in to the early world of RPG. I will always love this game. Skate or Die, NES: A game that was way ahead of its time. Being a skater was not only validated, but glorified. This wasnt about the physics or skill of riding a skateboard (though it had that component), it was about skater culture, from the skate shop, the body art, and the attitude. This game runs the gamut of skating, from the Half-Pipe, to Downhill, to Joust, to Freestyle. The cops even make an appearance. Maniac Mansion, NES: Another pioneering game for its time, this game was anxiety -filled and fun! Having a ponderous cursor as the main control amped this up even further. Dont ring the doorbell three times! Techmo Bowl, NES: Walter Payton and Bo Jackson, zig-zagging for 80 yard touchdowns all day. Enough said. The Legend of Zelda, NES: Again, one of the first games I owned, this was easy to love. Non-linear, basic yet captivating story, and the seeds of a franchise that is larger than life. It almost makes me want to pick up a wooden sword and slash some Octorocks! The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, SNES: In my opinion, this is the finest offering from the Zelda franchise. Yes, it is still a save the princess type of game, but the mechanics and depth are amazing, even by todays standards. Good vs. Evil. The Heros journey. Great stuff. Goldeneye, N64: The first and one of the few shooters that I actually enjoyed and was good at. This game stands the test of time; I would play it today if I had it. The story mode followed the events of the film faithfully, and there is nothing like unlocking all of the characters from the entire Bond universe. No one is allowed Oddjob! 007 Nightfire, Gamecube: Goldeneye on steroids. Guided missiles, all the characters, all the guns, all the girls. Consummate Bond. Improved controls too. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, Gamecube: I discovered this later in life, thanks to my wife, Tiffani Evangeline Cornish. Gameplay is unlike any other that I have seen; your controller is a Gameboy Advance, acting as a source for character management and mapping. This innovative feature, coupled with the creative lore and story line that Ive come to expect from the Final Fantasy franchise makes this game a winner. I love it. Hot Shots Golf, PS, PS2, PS3: The whole franchise. Fun characters, friendly animation, and a light approach to golf for us duffers. I played many a round with Lee Francis during our formative years. Fable, XBOX: If you havent played this, do it. I am a big fan of the Heros Journey (from a mythological standpoint), and this game is built upon it. Every action you take or dont take affects who you become and how others perceive you. Steal and kill? Grow horns and attract flies, causing people to run and cower at the mere mention of your name. Do good deeds and help the people? A halo might appear above your head, and youll be met with applause and songs of your exploits wherever you go. Non-linear environment; you can blaze through the story line, or you can get married, buy a bunch of property, kick chickens, and take your sweet time saving the world. The choice is yours, but remember: the ripples never stop. Mario Kart, all versions: So many friendships have been forged and tested over this game. Conversations, competition, and fun. You learn a great deal about people when you play Mario Kart with them. Try it. Honorable mentions: Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Super Mario World, Contra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Illusion of Gaia, Legacy of the Wizard, P.O.W., Castlevania II: Simons Quest, Little Big Planet, Mario Party Franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Mutant League Football, Joe Montana Quarterback, Metroid, Mike Tysons Punch Out! I could go on forever about video games. As a technological native, they are woven in to the very fabric of our beings. Good stuff.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:52:22 +0000
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