Post by: GoldShadow on February 03, 2003, 08:33:55 PM
To start off, the obvious choice... undoubtedly one of the greatest games of all time: Zelda 64.
Game: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
System: Nintendo 64/GameCube
Release: 1998
Ocarina of Time was a simply stunning game. Not only was it revolutionary in design, but it was simply very fun and epic. Some of it's innovations include z-targeting, auto-jumping, horseback riding, and a huge, interconnected, fully 3D world. The designs of all of the dungeons are incredible, they are a joy to go through even after beating them before. The game has great pacing, a catchy soundtrack, and an intrigueing storyline. Few games have left such an impression on me, with so many memorable moments - the Sheik cut-scenes, the Forest Temple, little Link drawing his sword against Ganondorf in that great cut-scene, the battle with Ganon... in 2003, some games may be better than OoT. Few, however, will ever be as original.
Post by: ShanD on February 04, 2003, 02:32:24 PM
System: NES
Date: 1989 i think
This game brought platforming to a whole new level. The levels are still among the best designed levels ever in videogame history, the powerups were extremely creative for the time, and many are still creative today. The levels were packed full of secrets, and all this is presented with a pretty good diffuculty. You must play this game.
Post by: RickPowers on February 04, 2003, 03:15:13 PM
Game: Metroid Prime
System: Nintendo GameCube
Release: 2002
Metroid Prime is the rookie effort of Retro Studios (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nintendo), and a perfect example of how to take a two-dimensional game and bring it into a 3D universe. The gameplay is entirely new and different, but retains much of the same feel as the rest of the games in the series. The music does an outstanding job of establishing mood, and the game delivers tension in spades. More than anything, there is a focus on minutia in Prime that has never been seen before. Metroid Prime was every Nintendo site's candidate for Game of the Year for 2002, and with good reason. The game is a testament to good development technique and incredible attention to art detail.
Post by: baberg on February 04, 2003, 03:48:13 PM
Game: Final Fantasy 6 (Final Fantasy 3 in the US)
System: SNES
Release: 1994
An epic role playing game by the masters at Squaresoft, FF6 didn't make too many innovations. Real-time battles were already implemented in Final Fantasy 4 (released in the US as Final Fantasy 2). Perhaps the use of Mode-7 graphics for pseudo-3D flight was innovative. But FF6 doesn't need innovation. It has a solid storyline, rememberable characters, villans that you grow to hate, and difficult boss battles. Plus, cutscenes were sparce and fit in with the plot (a common criticism of later Final Fantasies is that it's a movie, not a game). Though FF7 for the Playstation may be the most remembered, FF6 is all that and more. It's extremely rare, though, so good luck finding a copy to play through. But it's worth it for the RPG enthusiast.
Post by: Grey Ninja on February 04, 2003, 04:51:38 PM
Game: Xenogears
System: PSX
Year: 1995 (I think?)
I may be a very loyal Nintendo fan, but I know quality when I see it. This game just did absolutely everything right. Very little FMV, but more story than you can believe, extremely deep characters, excellent game mechanics, challenging gameplay, and I cannot possibly think of a more captivating and addictive game. It is truly the best RPG (if not game) that I have ever played. I searched for the game for 3 years based on the word of mouth that the game ruled. When I finally got it and booted up a PSX emulator, I found that the stories did not exaggerate its greatness. It was all that and more. It truly deserves a place in any great games list.
Post by: GoldShadow on February 04, 2003, 05:34:10 PM
Game: Advance Wars
System: GameBoy Advance
Release: 2001
Advance Wars is an amazing game, especially considering that it's on a handheld. It's a turn-based strategy game on a grid, with each unit occupying one square, like chess. Aside from its many options and extras, the core career mode is very entertaining. Some are designed as typical strategy game levels, but others are very unique and can be solved almost as puzzles. Each level is different - some have you planning naval warfare, with islands serving as building and supply centers. Another might be an uphill battle in the snow, with you slowly making progress. Each has specific strategies involved.
The game is very, very involving. I recall having to painfully pull the game away as my computer opponent crushed me during particularly hard levels. The individual units have more importance than in other strategy games (the fights are always one-on-one), so the destruction of that single helicopter transporting your men to the front line can make you cringe. But every time I lost, I knew that I could win if I played smarter... and I did. The battles rely on strategy, and the right strategy can turn an impossible battle into an easy one. It's a classic, and anyone who owns a GBA who is even slightly interested in strategy games should pick it up.
Post by: Rancid Planet on February 05, 2003, 10:46:24 AM
Cobra Triangle. This game came out around 1988. It was another stunning Rare game from that time period. They always made really good simulations of 3-D in their games. Like R.C. Pro Am and Marble Madness. But nothing messes with Cobra Triangle. It's a really good jet boat/shooter/battle the sea monster kinda game. They just don't make games like this enough anymore. This game is totally on my top 5 NES games of all time. You know, a sequel to Cobra Triangle would be really good.
Anyway, if you ever see this game at a yard sale or pawn shop GET IT!
Post by: Ian Sane on February 05, 2003, 11:03:09 AM
Game: Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
System: Gameboy/Gameboy Color (DX version)
Release: 1993/1998
Before Pokemon came out this was the reason to own a Gameboy. When I first saw this title on shelves I assumed it was, like most Gameboy games, an inferior portable cash-in on a popular franchise and would in no way be able to match the brilliance of A Link to the Past. Boy was I wrong. Not only does this titles match LttP but it actually improves on it in many ways making it a true Zelda game despite it's portable roots. To this day I consider it not only my favourite Zelda game but my favourite game PERIOD. It also remains the only game I have beaten more than once. A perfect example of how, with the right amount of effort, a portable title can easily be as good as a console one. If you have any sort of Gameboy you must buy this game.
Post by: Chasefox on February 05, 2003, 02:20:26 PM
Game: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
System: SNES
Definately one of my favorite games of all time. It retains all of the original zelda sweetness and adds new bonuses to the different levels. Light and Dark world? Genius. This game was pure genius and shows true ingenuity. I never owned the game. I played it at my cousins whenever I got a chance. This game is a classic, and you know it as soon as you hear the first musical note that it is a true Zelda classic.
Post by: manunited4eva22 on February 05, 2003, 02:45:16 PM
Year: 1981?
Arcade
The game that took endless quarters from me that later went on to produce our favorite brooklyn/italian plumber, mario. While lacking depth gameplay was infinitely more fun than anything in my local arcade. One of the oldest games in the arcade today, but none the less played nearly the most.
Post by: ReiTheZer0 on February 07, 2003, 05:40:15 PM
Chrono Trigger
System: SNES
Year: Sometime between 1994-1996?
One of the best RPG's ever with a battle system unlike any other. One draw back however was little character development. However, over 15 different endings and a wide variety of spells kept you playing this game over and over to unlock all of the endings and see all of the spells and attacks in action,
Post by: yrrab436 on February 07, 2003, 07:05:47 PM
Game: Secret of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 2)
System: SNES (Super Famicom)
Release: 1993
This game is perfection, in my opinion. It was my first RPG ever, and the 436 in my name is a backwards 634. If you've played the game, you know where it's from. Anyway...
Granted, it just has the typical "save the world from evil empire" story, but it's done well! Some things are different from the norm though. For example, finally a girl is out to save a guy in this game! Excellent music and graphics (for the time) help to bring the vibrant world to life. The battle system is phenominal. It's like the merging of the ATB (Active Time Battle) system of Final Fantasy with the combat of Zelda. Most games with non-menu battles turn magic into simple projectile or radius abilities. That's not the case with Secret of Mana, as magic is done with the menus just like in many other RPGs. You progress in weapon and magic levels by actually using the weapons and spells. Each of the three characters can use all of the eight weapons, and two of the characters can use spells. How could I forget the multiplayer! This is a multiplayer RPG! And, if you don't have anyone to play with, the AI isn't completely moronic. Granted, it's not bright, but it could have been far worse.
I'll say it many times, I believe this is an excellent game.
And just for the record, Mana is pronounced "mah-na" not "man-a."
I couldn't decide whether to do this or Seiken Densetsu 3 (would have been Secret of Mana 2), but I like the weapons and magic system in SD2 better.
Post by: Attrox on February 07, 2003, 07:25:33 PM
System: Nintendo 64
Release: 2000
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, is a sequal to quite possible the best game ever, the Ocarina of Time. The graphics were great at the time of release, on the Nintendo 64, and had the same gameplay style as the Ocarina of Time. It made a great addition to the legendary Zelda series, and overall was a great game. If you played the Ocarina of Time, and enjoyed it (which I'm guessing you did), this is a must play game for you. With 72 hours to defeat Majora's Mask, you travel through time and save Hyrule.
Post by: keitarou on February 07, 2003, 07:43:47 PM
System: SNES
Year: 1992? I'm not entirely sure...
This game follows the perfect scheme for an ideal puzzle game: simple to learn, extremely hard to master!! The simple concept of just matching 3 similar shapes using a 2-piece cursor to flip tiles boils down to fast-paced movement and a race to the goal! I just can't describe the satisfaction you get when your brain clicks and you clear a lot of blocks at once. When you get the general idea of it, there are tutorials that describe to you in detail about the many combos you can do, which completely blew my mind!! Why? It's because of the fact that you had to literally race against the clearing of the blocks to set up your next combo! All this equals to a feverish mad dash to demolish your opponent!! As ingenious as the puzzle was, the attacks they deliver to your opponent are just as clever, with the larger blocks and the gray blocks...PLUS the fact that you must clear blocks adjacent to them to clear them up!
And that was only the beginning. The story mode was pleasant, offering tougher (and more) bosses and challenges with each difficulty setting, and the number of different tiles increase as you progress further along the story mode. The time trial and puzzle modes offer other variety modes of play. And of course, one cannot forget the 2-player option. Lots of homework time was lost between my girlfriend and I over many, many rounds.
The most challenging aspect? All the pieces are laid out for you! Just simple moving and matching makes the gameplay really fast!
Needless to say, I'd get that Nintendo Puzzle Collection in a heartbeat when it comes to the US. 4-player action? Oh man, I can't wait for that....
Post by: Paul_IQ164 on February 08, 2003, 01:26:43 PM
Anyway, I'll choose...
Super Mario Sunshine
GameCube
2002
Noone seemed to go that mad about it, and (travesty of justice) Eternal Darkness bet it to 2nd place behind Metroid in IGN's GCN game of 2002 poll. But it was just so much fun. The spraying... and the stuff. Especially just the carefree larking around in Delfino Plaza. It improved in SM64 in every conceivable way. The joy of discovering a new mini-game or something. Even those goddamned impossible-to-find blue coins. And a final boss battle in a hot tub! Genius! Oh yes.
Post by: Smadte on February 08, 2003, 01:29:17 PM
Game: Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
System: SNES
Year: 1991 (I think)
I'd have to go with Zelda: A link to the Past for the greatest game of all time (as stated above), but Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is overlooked by way too many people. I really can't pinpoint why this game is so addictive, yet insanely difficult. I love the music and graphics (even to this day) and the gameplay is brilliant. It's the type of game that doesn't take itself seriously, and can be downright hilarious in places you least expect it. This game, in my opinion, is definately among Conami's top 5, and the SNES's top 10.
Post by: GoldShadow on February 08, 2003, 01:48:13 PM
Game: Wetrix
System: Nintendo 64
Wetrix is a very unique puzzle game. It has a great premise that made me interested since the first time I heard about it: You must keep the rain from overflowing using Tetris-style blocks as walls to dam up the sides of a square landscape. If you lose too much water off of the of your landscape, you lose. The game is one of the few puzzle games to really take advantage of 3D - the depth of the water is very important, and there is a lot of strategy in how to build up your walls. If you build too high, there may be an earthquake (a VERY bad thing). If you build to low, rainfall will cause the water to overflow. The game is very balanced. There are also power-ups thrown in like a fireball that dries up water or destroys landscape. The game isn't for everybody and is neither as easy to learn or as fast-paced as Tetris Attack, but it is very relaxing and suprisingly strategic. I just wish there was more variety in the gameplay.
Post by: Rancid Planet on February 08, 2003, 04:37:55 PM
Tetris for Gameboy. Seriously one of the games ever, or easily most addicting. Try asking anybody you know, even those who haven't played games in years or barely play at all. Everybody has a good "I played Tetris on my Gameboy for 12 hours last night!" story.
Post by: cubeless on February 08, 2003, 05:36:52 PM
Game: Super Metroid
System: Super NES
Words cannot describe the sheer amazement that this game brings, the elysian ectasy. Starting as a short vaunt into the abyssal depths of an eerie space station, soon enough the player is immersed into a world of challenge, mystery, nostalgia, and above all, blasting the crap out of stuff. One of the many masterpieces of a gaming genius and legend, the late, unparalleled Gumpei Yokoi. It took the basis for the successful prior two games and enhanced it beyond all compare. Play control is unequalled, without question. Graphics are 32-bit-esque, especially considering the age of the game (currently in its 9th year of existence). Sound? No comment, just go listen to it yourself. Above all lies the entire experience. Timing, item collection, beating the game with insanely low amounts of energy, it's all there. If you are one of the seven people who have not enjoyed this game, get a Super NES, and spend an afternoon with it. You will be sure not to regret it.
Post by: Game_Freak on February 08, 2003, 06:20:51 PM
System: Gameboy
Ok, let me start by saying that in my currert Pokemon Silver file, i have played for over 300 hours. A truly innovative RPG blends traditional leveling up with a brand new blend of RPGness. From catching Pokemon in pokeballs to burning a Bellsprout with flamethrower, this game is as fun as an RPG can get. I can safely say that i have played this game more than any other game, its so addictive and fresh and it never gets boring. From the moment you leave New Bark Town on your quest to the moment you beat the elite four, Pokemon Silver is just a dream to play and incredibly addicting. An excellent game that deserved every sale it made!
Post by: GoldShadow on February 09, 2003, 08:16:16 AM
Game: Perfect Dark
System: Nintendo 64
Release: 2000
Perfect Dark was, and is, an excellent game. Some still seem to prefer GoldenEye, but Perfect Dark will always be better in my eye. The first few levels are all brilliant - it's not that great after the Air Force One levels, though, and the alien levels are lame (Skedar are just not any fun to kill - they're short, ugly, and not even bloody. They should've gone the Jet Force Gemini method and made swarms of huge, disgusting aliens that you can splatter all over the place.), but the multiplayer more than makes up for it. Upon a recent playing, I can honestly say I enjoyed Perfect Dark more than TimeSplitters 2. The level designs are great, and the weapons are very cool. There is just so much stuff to do - challenges to beat, cheats to earn, perfect agent levels to wade through... I still haven't been able to beat anything past the second Area 51 level on PA. Some of the other PA levels took me dozens of tries to beat, but it was fun each time. There's nothing quite like tossing a grenade into a sniper tower and watching two bodies fly out the window!
Post by: Segnit BGS on February 09, 2003, 11:35:21 AM
GoldShadow, no doubt a great post of Metroid Proportions!
Game: GoldenEye (GE)
System: Nintendo 64
Release: 1997
My older brother, two of his friends and I, had a true all-nighter with this inflammatory gem… Sun, Moon, Sun… Even in ones dreams, bounds of the Universe are indiscernible, so too the essence of fun in this jewel. To this day, GE’s vigorous core comprises of one lasting element, its foundation… the multiplayer; a component so novel that it will forever retain its reputation as a king without a crown. The play mechanics are so stupendously deep that no one in this world can claim to have mastered it all. The strategy of eliminating foes through walls via remote mines; those dummy exit reactions; those vulnerable and tense moments of weapon reloading; the importance of backing away at key moments; and most importantly being awarded most dishonorable for employing devious battle tactics. Many since have improved the formula, but not with as big a leap as GoldenEye did… gargantuan landmark from any perspective. Iced behind the multiplayer is the single player, considered by a dedicated few to be the last accurate recreation of our beloved secret agent. It had everything from the Music and the actual locations of the movie to Pierce Brosnan. The game turned everyone who played it into James Bond. A genuine something else… a magical supernova.
Oh and Basil and Slava
Post by: telaris on February 10, 2003, 01:18:49 PM
System: SNES
Release Date: 1995
On June 1, 1995, Ape and Nintendo released one of the greatest games of all time, Earthbound. It used to be my favorite game until I played Final Fantasy III. Before Earthbound, RPGs meant dungeons, swords, castles, and everything medieval. Earthbound changed all that. It had important role play game elements, such as leveling up, turned base fighting, and bosses. But how many games do you know have ATM machines, trout flavored yogurt, and a village that worships blue? Not many. Earthbound was the most unique game of its time. Other than unique, Earthbound is also extremely fun. Today, Earthbound has been sadly forgotten by most people. But for those who want to get a taste of reality in their RPG's, this is for you.
(I wanted to do Super Metroid, but thatw as already taken.)
Post by: Uglydot on February 14, 2003, 04:27:07 AM
System: PC
Date:1999
Everquest was my first introduction to the OMMRPG scene. And I have yet to find another to top it. The open-ended quest system that allowed you to quest all over Norrath was amazing. You could simply walk out of town and never come back. You could choose to fight in the Karanas, or make armor in Kelethin(SP?). I enjoyed hunting the undead the most, and spent many a night doing so. At any time, there were plenty of people to talk to, or to adventure with, whatever you desired. And many times, these activities intertwind as so many a bard song. Even though I cancelled my account in summer 2001, I still feel the urge to head down to the Karanas from time to time.
Awaiting everquest 2...
Post by: bmcg69 on February 14, 2003, 04:54:45 AM
Game: Space Invaders
System: Arcade
Date: 1977
This is the game that really started the arcade revolution. I think what made it so great was the easy control. Three buttons, one to move the ship left, one to move the ship right, and one to fire. There also was the sound. Bum, bum, bum, bum... Bum, bum, bum, bum... going slightly faster and faster as you destroyed more aliens. I shutter to think how many quarters I pumped into that game, and the countless hours I spent in those dark, smelly, hot arcades. Ahhh, memories. Good times, good times...
Post by: ThePerm on February 14, 2003, 09:34:54 AM
Developer: Namco(Formerly Nakamura Amusement Company)
Publisher: Midway(U.S.), Namco(Jp)
release date: 1980(U.S) ?(Jp)
System: Arcade
The Nakamura Amusement Company now known as Namco started out as a pinball and pachinco company. They were probably the company who revolutionized what is now the modern arcade. Namco using its puzzle making knowlege and its technical skills devised
Pac-Man. A very simple lemon shaped character that was supposed to go around a maze
collecting dots trying to avoid ghosts. Pac-Man contained soem of the earliest powerups in
game like the superball which made ghosts helpless for a limited amount of time. I have spent lots and lots of quarters on this game. It is quite awesome. I beleive when Miyamoto asked what was his favorite game he replied Pac-Man.
Post by: Rancid Planet on February 14, 2003, 10:01:15 AM
MARIO PAINT.
I am still waiting on the next installment...waiting...waiting...
Post by: GoldShadow on February 14, 2003, 02:29:18 PM
Game: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
System: SNES/GBA
Yoshi's Island is a very weird game. It is also endlessly creative and enduring. It's graphics were some of the best on the SNES - colorful and cartoony in watercolor style. It had huge bosses, lots of puzzles, and lots of secrets. So many of the levels in this game are brilliant - Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy not the least of which. The game starred Yoshi, carrying baby Mario on his back. That's pretty bizarre, and I'm not sure what it added to the game, but it works. The game has some great use of egg-shooting - to pop balloons, to get coins, to shoot enemies, and lots of more unique things, especially with bosses. The game had a lot of levels and is a complete classic. For me, it ties with Donkey Kong Country 2 for best 2D platformer.
Post by: Windwaker on February 14, 2003, 09:33:08 PM
System: N64
This game is probably the game I've spent the most hours playing multiplayer. Awesome levels, fun single player and funner multiplayer. Can't wait to play Mario Hydro-Kart on Gamecube, its going to rock.
Post by: Rancid Planet on February 14, 2003, 10:06:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldShadow
What's so great about Mario Paint? It's just an art program. There are countless ones like it on the computer. Ah, well, whatever.
What's so great about Mario Paint? Well it's not so much as how great it is now, as how great it was THEN. You're right, in today's world Mario Paint means nothing really. However that is EXACTLY why I want a NEW version. Something that will be as much fun as it was way back when.
Plus the fly swatter game rules all.
Edit: O KNow Mi spellrin SUxuoz!
Post by: GoldShadow on February 16, 2003, 03:57:40 PM
Game: Legend of Zelda
System: NES
Release: 1985?
The original Zelda was, and still is, a great game. For its time, Zelda was amazing. It was a long, very non-linear game that introduced you to a whole world you could explore. The game map was large and intimidating, and there was a lot to do. You could go save up for that expensive blue ring, or you could try moving graves in the graveyard, or solve a maze, or return to that dungeon you couldn't beat, or try out your raft at that one area up north that you forgot about. It was a mix of action an adventure, with some great boss battles that require thought and action (DODONGO DISLIKES SMOKE!) as well as a perfect translation (LETS PLAY MONEY MAKING GAME! ITS A SECRET TO EVERYONE! BUY SOMETHIN WILL YA!)
Post by: AlbinoPanda on February 17, 2003, 03:07:57 PM
System: N64
This is a great game, it's fun, and it made gaming what it is today. It revolutionized 3D gaming so that it would no longer be like the Crash Bandicoot platform-esque games.
Post by: Moonwatcher on February 18, 2003, 07:26:25 AM
Game: Conker's Bad Fur Day
System: N64
Release: 2000-2001?
Even if this game's rather crude sense of humor is not your thing it cannot be denied that this remains the most original platformer since Super Mario 64. The funniest game I have ever played (though it does go too far a few times) is also one of the best looking. Anybody who has this game, go back and look at it now, its still beautiful! My favorite part by far is the Dracula level...absolutely genius!
Not satisfied with making an amazing platformer, Rare included a multiplayer mode that rivals those of PD and GE in my opinion. My seven year old cousin in particular is a fan of BFD's multiplayer! It is this game alone that causes me to mourn the loss of Rare.
Post by: GoldShadow on February 19, 2003, 06:11:55 PM
System: NES
Super Mario Bros. is the game that started it all. Sure, Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong, but SMB gave Mario so many of its long-lasting features, such as pipes, mushrooms, fireflowers and lava. When you think about it, SMB truly was a bizarre game - you were a plumber, who could become a Super Plumber and even throw fireballs, and your goal was to jump over gaps and onto platforms while killing turtles and evil mushrooms until you save a princess. However, the game constantly tricks you - each time you defeat Bowser, you find some idiot mushroom instead of the real princess. Eventually, you make it to the impossibly hard eighth world and save the Princess, only to have her happily tell you that you can do it all over again, if you wish, on a harder mode. But aside from all that, SMB was (and is) great fun. The controls are classic Mario - slippery and very fast. There are lots of secrets to find everywhere, despite the fact that the game is totally linear. The game's music has been repeated so many times that it is rather surprising that our ears have not yet melted into a steaming puddle of flesh - indeed, it is still catchy and brilliant when heard in the latest game in the series, Super Mario Sunshine.
Post by: RahXephon on February 19, 2003, 06:28:47 PM
Platform: On a cardboard board.
Oh you mean Video game.
Game: Grandia II
Platform: Sega Dreamcast
Well i loved the game alot. It tool me 50 hours to beat. I owned it for 58 hours. The story was just so cool i couldn't get over it. Also i thought the love plot was great. that all i wanna say cause i cant think of anything to say.
Post by: EL Pollo DIablos on February 20, 2003, 06:09:40 AM
System: NES
Release: I think it was about 1994
This gameis really awesome. The NES gamers can recognise it. It was the first soccergame on NES.
Very very arcadestyle soccer with super kicks and all and hilarious tackles and postures.
And multiplayer is good to. Overall a great game but best game ever Ive gotta pick OoT.
EL Pollo Diablos
Post by: sequoia on February 20, 2003, 09:50:54 AM
Game: Super Smash Brothers:melee
System: Gamecube
Release: 2001
Have you ever dreamed of a game where all of Nintendo's greatest videogame stars join up in a free for all melee? When Nintendo and HAL released the orignal Super smash Brother for the 64 in 99, it was videogame bliss. Then only 2 years later, about a month after Nintendo released the Gamecube. we needed a fighting game of our own and Nintendo Gave us Super smash brothers: melee. I couldn't believe how much Nintendo could fit in a little disc. It has so many Nintendo stars to chose from but, what made it even more fun was earning them. Each caracter has his own moves, streath and weakness, The controls are responsive and fluid, very ingenies. I know I'm not going to be able to think of every detail but, how could you? After you earn all the caracters you can still play event matchs and have acsess to the most complete multiplayer ever to be released. And to keep things moving, Nintendo has hundreds of hidden of trophies, trophies from every Nintendo era. This game has to go down in history as the greatest multiplayer game ever. (Please add to my list) I cant think of every thing
Post by: Kasceis on February 20, 2003, 10:51:39 AM
Game: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Arcade Game
System: NES
Release: 1990
The four turtles return in one of their greatest adventues. The boss battles were amazing considering when it was made. The co-op is one of the main reasons it was superb. Leo, Don, Mike, and Raph captured the hearts of so many with the cartoon series and movies and of course the games. This game is a MUST for TMNT fans, hours upon hours of replay value here. From saving April to defeating the Shredder and Kane, this game is one of the best games I have ever played.
FYI: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back! They have a new Cel-shaded cartoon series and if that does well they are going to make a new movie. Don't forget to support their new game coming to GC.
Post by: Infernal Monkey on February 20, 2003, 11:32:13 AM
System: Super Nintendo, Mega Drive/Genesis
Ported at a later date to: Game Gear, Mega CD/Sega CD, Game Boy, PC, Game Boy Advance
Release: Late 1994
Designed by the crazed mind of Dave Perry, Earthworm Jim was one of the most original concepts for a video game character. An ordinary garden worm who was struck by a space suit. Turning him into a rather powerful, talking, wacky hero.
Seeking revenge on crows, he set off to save a Princess (Why, nobody really knows)
This was more than your standard platformer game, this was a graphical work of art. Using animation that was previously seen in the likes of Dragon's Lair, and even Disney cartoons, it had a flawless sense of smoothness in every action Jim had.
Shooting, swinging (By his head), even ducking, looked like they had all been ripped from a high production cartoon.
Not only were the graphics top notch, but the music was of high values too. Often disturbing and strange, it fitted in with the whole insane setting quite well.
It even featured a touch of classical music during the second level "What the heck" where you were uh, fighting off old ladies and lawers in the depths of hell. But it added it's own remixed glory to it of course, adding a painful elevator type music style on the end. To further illustrate you being in hell, you see.
The gameplay has you doing things no other platformer would even consider. Shooting fridges to launch a cow into space, bungee jumping on a strand of snot, flushing yourself down a toilet to access a bonus room, shooting a chicken while falling to your death. This game had it all.
Not to mention an entire level that set itself out to be a 'Lemmings' type setting, where you had to guide a dog along the landscape. It would continue walking until it fell down a hole, walked into a death trap.. So on. Whipping it in the arse would make him jump, shooting him in the back of the head would make him duck (To prevent him getting struck by rocks silly!)
Jim could do a hell of alot too. Not only could he jump and have access to a rather funky gun (Which could also be upgraded for one giant blast), but he could also use himself (Being a worm and all) to hang onto hooks. Whipping his head would make him grab onto anything that shined. His head could also be used as a weapon. Often more effective than the gun!
This game was a work of art. Not only that, but the Mega CD added to the greatness by providing a deeper soundtrack and more levels.
Word of advice though. Don't get this on GBA. The original developers (Shiny) didn't port it over to GBA like they did with the other versions. So we're left with a shoddy company that did a rather horrible job with the conversion. Over half of the animation frames got lost, and the controls are just plain shoddy. They got the soundtrack right though (Features some of the best bass you'll ever hear from that pissy GBA speaker)
It gets seven thumbs up.
Post by: ThePerm on February 20, 2003, 04:55:37 PM
Developer: TechnosJapan Corp
release: 1989
This is an awesome game. It features both beat-em up and RPG gameplay elements. Alex's(Kunio-kun)girlfreind has been kidnapped by preps and is being held in thee school gym. Players will collect and read fighting technique books increasign their power and becoming better fighter.As players progress they will pick up various weopons found scattered around the streets and pound their enemies to the ground. This game is probably the best beat em up ever because it is so original and has so much more then most other beatem-ups.
Post by: Dirk Temporo on February 22, 2003, 05:39:43 PM
System: PC
Date: 2002
I am absolutely in love with this game. It took me a while to get started because I couldn't make a character I liked but I finally made a Lawful Neutral cleric with the Deat and Air domains. I walk around with my Skeleton Cheiftan who does 2d6+8 damage, 17-20 x3 crit. I love it to death and would seriously recommend it for any fantasy fan or D&D fan.
Post by: GoldShadow on February 22, 2003, 08:24:34 PM
Game: StarCraft
System: PC
Release: 1998?
StarCraft was my first real-time strategy game. It is utterly addictive. Although I am terrible at multiplayer, I can see its genius. There are so many ways to play this game, so many tricks are possible. The campaign editor is very, very powerful and versatile. Watching huge battles taking place is fun. The only problem with this game is that it seems too often I end up simply building two dozen Protoss Carriers (huge warship that launches little fighters) and kill everything, which isn't as interesting as using a balanced force. But maybe that's more my fault than the game's.
Post by: PaLaDiN on February 26, 2003, 07:49:37 AM
System: PC
This is arguably Lucasarts' last good adventure game, but it's also one of their best adventure games, and in my opinion, it's a strong contender for the Best Game Ever. It's hands down the funniest game I ever played. Not only that, but the puzzles actually strike the perfect balance between challenging and frustrating, at least for me. It's games like this that make me cry, because the adventure genre is dead now... pun not intended.
It's set in the Land of the Dead, which may sound boring, but it's not. This Land of the Dead couldn't be further from what you imagine it to be. Every single location in this game has a life of its own (if you think you see a pun, ignore it), and there's plenty of variety between them. And the characters... wow. Somehow, I don't know how, every little character in this game will stay stuck in your head for quite a long time after you beat it. From your oversized demon friend and car mechanic Glottis, to your boss's secretary Eva, to the clown in the parade on the street outside your office (carpal tunnel syndrome guy in my sig)... every character is steeped in personality, and all of them make you care for them in some way. Which is pretty remarkable, because they all look like stylized Mexican dolls.
Mexican culture plays a big part in this game, but you don't need to know jack about it to play the game, it sets everything up perfectly. Basically, the Land of the Dead is where dead people go after they die, and they stay there for four years before journeying on to the Afterlife. You're Manuel Calavera, and you're basically a Grim Reaper, except over there, Grim Reapers are nothing but travel agents ready to welcome you to the Land of the Dead. Manny's forced to do the job to pay for a crime in his other life that he can't remember committing. Pretty soon, he starts uncovering corruption in his company and leaves on his own four year journey... I'll let you find out the rest for yourself from there.
You owe it to yourself to play this game somehow. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. This game is the only game I would ever give a perfect 10.
Post by: GoldShadow on March 04, 2003, 04:40:56 AM
Game: Curse of Monkey Island
System: PC
This game is a great, mind-boggling cartoon-styled adventure game. The game's plot is that you are a rather bumblingly innocent pirate named Guybrush Threepwood (I defy you to come up with a better name than that) and you must save your girlfriend from a curse that you accidentally put on her. Many of the puzzles are quite clever (often funny in themselves) and the characters are unforgettable. The conversations (which are all voiced) are often long, but you will begin to feel a compelling need to see all possible branches of the conversation. The lemonade kid, the beach snob, the barbers,... all hilarious. Simply looking at everything is often very entertaining, as there may be dozens of items in a room. The game's a classic that can't be missed if you're interested in traditional adventure games on the PC.
Post by: PaLaDiN on March 06, 2003, 08:22:15 PM
Anybody here played Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, or Sam & Max?
Post by: rpglover on March 08, 2003, 05:25:33 PM
developer- tri-ace
publisher- enix
year- 2000
this is one of my most favorite rpgs of all time- a very good gem on the psx
i suggest if you find this game and you own a psx or ps2, then hurry and pick it up
the game has a good story- it starts kind of slow but picks up- especially if you go for the best ending
the game itself has 3 different endings depending on your different actions through the game
the interesting part is the characters you get- all of them have a different back story to go through before you reach them
but the best part of the game is definately the battle system
you can have a party of 4 characters and you map each character to a corresponding face button (x, circle, triangle, square)
you then press the corresponding button to make your character attack--
the whole point is to fill up a hit meter- after it reaches 100 you can proform a special attack
it is a very stratigic combat system which is easy to pick up yet difficult to master
this could be to me the most underrated rpg on the psx
Post by: MorningStar on March 11, 2003, 07:01:47 PM
System
CDate:1998?
This game is the most addictive game i've ever played! The single player isn't much but the multiplayer...whew!!! No game comes close to it, not even SSB:M! It's so great when you're playing Facing Worlds and both teams are tied and equally skilled. Im not so sure what makes this game so fun and addictive but it's nice to see that an online FPS can keep some steady ping. Nothing beats blowing somebody apart with the Shock Rifle combo...It's too bad UT2003 sucks.
Post by: kholdstare on March 13, 2003, 05:39:57 PM
Platform: SNES
Release: ???
This game is the funniest, fruitiest Mario game ever! Ok, so it isn't a real Mario game, but it was fun nontheless. The simple battle system, the charming characters, the fun music, and the softer side to Bowser. Magnificent!
Post by: GoldShadow1 on March 17, 2003, 12:42:38 PM
System: PSX
Release: 1997?
Although I can't say I enjoyed it as much as FFVI, FFVII was still a good game. It had a very interesting storyline for the most part, despite going a bit too mystical and strange toward the end. The game's graphics were amazing, especially the huge bosses, and the final battle with Sephiroth is was incredible. The materia system was very cool and versatile - essentially combining FFVI's Relic and Esper systems. There's a lot of strategy involved in setting up all your magic and power-ups to make your characters as strong as possible. The main problem I had with the game were the random battles. I detest random battles, and they were made worse on the PSX, taking too long to load. Oh well.
Post by: thecubedcanuck on March 18, 2003, 04:09:30 AM
Colecovision
198?
This was the game that took a pac man like style to the next level. Loads of differant critters to chase you, differant power ups on every level and just a load of fun all in all. This was the only game my father has ever played in his life, he never played prior and hasnt played since.
By todays standard this game would no doubt suck, but the nostalgia value I have from this game is second to none.
Post by: Uncle Rich AiAi on March 20, 2003, 11:15:35 PM
System: PC
Year: 1994 (i think)
who could forget this game? a space simulation in which you got to fly for the Empire (who could resist that?) and got to blast down these Rebel scums! it also had a good storyline about a traitor within the Empire. nothing beats having Darth Vadar as your wingman.
Post by: GoldShadow1 on April 03, 2003, 07:53:34 PM
System: PC
First off, I must admit - I have not finished this game. That is because, apparently, it is very long. However, I have played it more than enough to tell you that, indeed, it is an awesome game. Those of you who have never played computer-styled RPG's are in for a surprise - this game is much less linear (in parts) and gives you much more options than a normal Final Fantasy-style console RPG. If you want, you can attack ANY person, including cats, cows and damsels in distress (although it's not recommended.) The game uses Dungeons and Dragons rules, and the game can be quite confusing until you get used to it. Once you do, however, you're in for a great time. The battle system is excellent - there are countless different strategies and possibilities for each battle. For example, one time I defeated an enemy by luring it onto lava while my characters had fire resistance spells. Other times, I put my fighters in the doorway and blocked the monster while my other characters all used long-range weapons. This freedom comes from an ingenious device combining the realism of real-time games and the strategy of turn-based - you can pause, at any time, and give orders while it is paused. Thus, you can have every character be doing something immedietly, and do several completely different actions simultaneously as you click on each character and tell them what to do, then unpausing.
As mentioned above, the game is non-linear at times. Although the game has many, many optional quests (many of which are fun and rewarding). However, there is a large emphasis put on the main quests than in games like Morrowind. It works on a chapter-by-chapter basis - there maybe many things to do in a chapter, but often you can't go back to where you were once you've moved up. The game's story is compelling, but I think I personally would've wished for more freedom.
Post by: Syl on April 08, 2003, 10:30:14 AM
Fave games already taken (metroid prime, Yoshi's Island)
Gamecube: Skies of Arcadia Legends
Having never played the original Skies of arcadia, this game came as a complete surprise to me. With the best world map I've ever seen from any game, And even though the story was Cliche, it gripped me till the end. This is probably the only RPG that I've ever played where i played more just to SEE what was happening next. All the way through the end it was an amazing game, and a rather long one at that. Heres hoping for a Skies of arcadia 2.
Post by: rpglover on April 08, 2003, 12:25:46 PM
developer: square
system: psx
year: 2000 (i think)
if any of you have played this game then you know how good it is
it has a great story line- awesome graphics (for psx) and of course good gameplay
there is so much customization to the battle system i could go on and on about it
not only that but after you beat it once you want to go back and do it again not only for fun but to see the other 40 % of the game (rooms and stuff are added and doors unlocked!!)
its one of my favorite rpgs of all time along with the underrated and practically unknown valkyrie profile on the psx
Post by: GoldShadow1 on April 12, 2003, 09:55:05 PM
System: Too many
Rayman 2 is a platformer. However, it was very unique. It's hard to pin down exactly what makes this game so fun, but it's very smooth. Everything flows together, everything seems utterly seamless and natural. The game is linear, with an overworld map in the style of so many old-school platformers, letting you choose your stage. It isn't Crash Bandicoot - you control the camera, and there are many puzzles and paths to choose from. However, your goal is simply to get to the end, which is a refreshing break from games requiring you to collect hundreds of something or other. That's not to say the game is simple or repetetive - this game shows the many different ways a limbless hero can get to the finish line (yes, he is limbless). Riding on a rocket with legs, sliding down a hill being chased by a monster, following a whale, jumping over crumbling walkways while being shot at by cannons, floating into the air on rising whirlwinds are all part of the game. The graphics are smooth and artistic - amazingly enough, they still managed to impress me when I played it just days ago! Not because of the technology, but because of the art and the amazing style.
