The 100 Greatest Games of All Time: - My Personal List of Favorites
Mar 20 '06 (Updated Apr 22 '07)
The Bottom Line The 100 Greatest Games of All Time: My Opinion.
Once upon a time I wrote out a list of my 100 favorite games. Recently I was looking back through it, and I was disappointed in myself with most of the picks, and their placement. Now I've gone back to re-write the list, and I put a heck of a lot more thought into it this time around. It took me a week just to decide the order of everything, and the basic list had several revisions even beyond that time period. Please keep in mind that this is how I currently feel, and though I may have said things in the past that conflict with the placement of certain games, this list highlights my feelings at this time. I'll try and update it every once in a while as I play new games. Now on to the list.
Note: I originally intended to publish this piece of writing on March 17th 2006, as that day marks my fifth year writing at epinions. The site suffered from a couple major bugs that day so I held off on publishing it until now.
#100. - Knuckles Chaotix
Platform: Sega 32x
The 32x was a bad move on Sega's part, nobody can really deny that. It's unfair that one of Sega's best side scrollers has gone mostly ignored because of it. Knuckles Chaotix gave our red echidna the spotlight for the first time. The big difference between this and your traditional Sonic title came with the fact that your primary character always has someone chained to them by a ring. As such, the physics are changed as you must account for the other character. Though this one doesn't recieve a whole lot of praise, I really like it a lot.
#99. - Lumines
Platform: Sony PSP
Lumines Full Review
Lumines is to the PSP as Tetris was to the Gameboy. It seems that all handheld consoles launch with a headlining puzzle game, and the PSP is no different. Lumines fuses both gameplay and music, for a truly incredible experience. This game's major innovation comes in the form of a timeline, which is the only thing that can eliminate matched blocks as it moves in line with the music's tempo. Lumines is easily one of the greatest puzzle games of all time. I have serious doubts that I'll ever be able to shake off this addiction.
#98. - Asteroids
Platform: Atari 2600
Some games are timeless. It's an odd feeling when you can sit down to an absolutely archaic game and still have as much fun as you did the first time you played. This pretty much defines my relationship with Asteroids, as it's one of the few games on the 2600 that I still play. Asteroids features one of the more simple premises; you must maneuver your ship around the screen avoiding the asteroids as you blast away at them. A few of my first gaming memories involve this game.
#97. - Breath of Fire II
Platform: Super Nintendo
Nostalgia just won't let go as I write this. I had a tough time placing this game on my list, and even now I'm beginning to think that maybe I should have placed it higher. This is one of the better classic RPGs, with a fully featured battle system, decent storyline, and some pretty nifty ideas. It does feel a bit archaic, but only because of Capcom's terrible translation job. Breath of Fire II has a lot of soul and heart, and it's definitely worth looking into.
#96. - Lufia & the Fortress of Doom
Platform: Super Nintendo
This is another RPG on the Super Nintendo that didn't receive it's proper due. Lufia may not have been big on storyline, but it had some pretty inventive dungeon designs, and a nifty combat system. What's more is the fact that you start off the game slaying the main enemy from Lufia II. How cool is that? Here's to hoping that Taito gets off their butts and brings Lufia into the next gen.
#95. - Panzer Dragoon II: Zwei
Platform: Sega Saturn
Sega really deserves better than the fate they've suffered. They were absolutely fantastic as a developer when they made their own consoles, but now they've lost nearly all of their previous talent. Either way, we can still enjoy their classic games, and Panzer Dragoon II is one you shouldn't miss out on. Basically Sega took the formula for the original, added a few on-ground areas, and upped the graphics ante. The result is fantastic. Who knew the Saturn was capable of such awesome graphics?
#94. - The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Platform: Nintendo Gamecube
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures Full Review
As a child I always dreamed of a grand scale multi-player Zelda game. When Nintendo actually announced that they were not only making one, but that it would also make use of the GCN/GBA connection I was more than excited. Four Swords Adventures does not disappoint, as it retains the classic feel of the 2-D Zelda games, while adding in some really cool quirks with the GBA connection. If you've got a few friends with GBA's and link cables, than it be high time to venture back to Hyrule.
#93. - Last Bronx
Platform: Sega Saturn
Last Bronx takes a lot of rap, but I'm not exactly sure why. The Sega Saturn was a terrific console for fighters and because of this, Last Bronx was overshadowed. I really like this game's use of weapons, and although it's not very original in execution, it's still well done and nicely put together. Last Bronx is one of the best unknown fighting games the Saturn has to offer.
#92. - Popful Mail
Platform: Sega CD
Does the idea of a side scroller and RPG hybrid sound good to you? From a distance, Popful Mail doesn't look all that special, but it didn't take me long to discover that this is easily one of the best games on the Sega CD has to offer. Popful Mail is also a rather comical game, but this may be largely in part to Working Designs' fantastic localization. It's games like this that make the Sega CD worth owning, even after more than a decade from it's release.
#91. - Fighting Vipers
Platform: Sega Saturn
Fighting Vipers is kind of like a heavy metal remix of Virtua Fighter 2, but slightly less interesting. The game makes use of armor for each of the characters. The most entertaining element to the game is in trying to knock the armor off of your opponent, which makes them suppler to hits. This is yet another overshadowed fighter on the Saturn. Be sure to avoid its terrible sequel on Sega's Dreamcast console.
#90. - Mario Kart 64
Platform: Nintendo 64
One of the best reasons to own the Nintendo 64 early on was Mario Kart 64. For a while this was the party game to own, and I found it to be a pretty decent upgrade from the Super Nintendo classic. Personally, I prefer the original game, but that doesn't mean this version doesn't have a lot going for it. With four player support, and two different multi-player modes, this is certainly a game I'll never forget.
#89. - Samurai Shodown 2
Platform: Neo Geo
1-on-1 fighters were all the rage in the early 90s. The biggest name in this business was Street Fighter, but there were several others that were worth playing. The Samurai Shodown series has developed a pretty devout fan base, and with good reason. This game is absolutely fantastic, with fast action, great graphics, and gameplay that's clearly a step above the rest. This is easily one of the Neo Geo's best games.
#88. - Gunstar Heroes
Platform: Sega Genesis
Did Sega ever really do what Nintendon't? Not really, but they did have the backing of some seriously talented developers. Treasure is one of these companies, and their game, Gunstar Heroes is easily one of the greatest co-op titles of all time. With Gunstar Heroes you can expect to see tons of enemies, gunfire, and power-ups. I can honestly say that this game has stood the test of time.
#87. - Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes
Platform: Turbografx CD
This is another unknown RPG, but this one is on the Turbografx CD add-on. Dragon Slayer is extremely advanced for an 8-bit game, because the game makes splendid use of the CD format. The game may be simple, especially when compared to more modern RPGs, but it's more entertaining than most. The real highlight here is a wonderful story and soundtrack, but the battle system is also pretty cool for such an old RPG. This is definitely one to look out for.
#86. - Cosmic Fantasy 2
Platform: Turbografx CD
Cosmic Fantasy 2 Full Review
I've only recently had the chance to play through this classic RPG, and I'll admit that it rubbed me the wrong way at first. Now I look back with only pleasant thoughts. Cosmic Fantasy 2 was one of Working Design's earliest localizations, and even though it's a retro RPG, it's still one of the most advanced 8-bit RPG I've ever seen. Featuring full voiced sequences, anime cut scenes, a really cool soundtrack and story, Cosmic Fantasy 2 is easily one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
#85. - Final Fantasy VIII
Platform: Sony Playstation
Final Fantasy VIII Full Review
This is yet another game that has a notoriously bad rap. Admittedly I wasn't too keen on it at first, but Final Fantasy VIII has really grown on me. This is really the first FF game that was advertised as a love story here in the US, and once you get past Squall's bad attitude, you'll find that there really are a lot of tender moments. The only thing they really screwed up on with this game was the GF and magic drawing systems.
#84. - Rad Racer
Platform: Nintendo
My first racer was this game, which was surprisingly enough, developed by Squaresoft of Final Fantasy fame. I recall marveling at how realistic Rad Racer was, as it featured ultra fast action and some pretty cool courses to race on. This was also one of the more difficult games I experienced when I was young. Personally, I'd like to see Square-Enix one day make a new sequel to this one.
#83. - Dragon Warrior VII
Platform: Sony Playstation
Dragon Warrior VII Full Review
After skipping an entire generation of English releases, Dragon Warrior VII was slated to be released in North America for Sony's Playstation console. I was one of the first adopters of this title, and it lasted me more than almost any other RPG I've ever played. Dragon Warrior VII's use of time travel, it's classic battle system, and the diverse tasks given to save each island make for a really unique game. The only drawback is the game's graphics, but it's not that hard to get past.
#82. - Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest
Platform: Super Nintendo
Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest Full Review
Most people consider this game to be a joke, but I doubt they've even played past the first few battles. Though touted as a 'beginner's RPG', Final Fantasy Mystic Quest features some very well crafted dungeons and locales, and an awesome battle system. Admittedly, it's a bit difficult to get past the idea of having only two characters in your party, but besides that, FF Mystic Quest has a ton to offer.
#81. - Tales of Phantasia
Platform: Super Famicom
This is easily one of my most treasured games in my collection, and with good reason. It's just too bad that I don't understand Japanese. Thankfully, there are several translations available across the web. Because this is the first Tales game it's the one that started the linear motion battle system. Fighting is done in real-time, and even though the game hasn't aged too well, it's still a whole lot of fun. Recently a remake has been released on the GBA, but in all honesty it just doesn't equal up to the original.
#80. - Tales of Destiny
Platform: Sony Playstation
Placing two Tales games on the list right next to each other was really more of an accident, but this is where they fit best. Tales of Destiny took everything made Phantasia great and took it a step further. You'll find the battle system, story, and graphics have all improved, and it's just all-in-all a fantastic game. I just can't get enough of that battle system. Rest assured that this isn't the last Tales game you'll see on this list.
#79. - Phantasy Star IV
Platform: Sega Genesis
Phantasy Star was always more of an obscure RPG series, as the Sega Genesis wasn't all that famous as far as the genre is concerned. Phantasy Star IV is the last game in the series, and undoubtedly one of the best. This one deals with a rookie guild member known as Chazz, as he and his partner uncover a scheme which will eventually unfold to a fun and massive quest. This is the most polished, and easiest to pick up and play as far as Phantasy Star goes.
#78. - Super Off Road
Platform: Super Nintendo
Off Road is just one of those games that I can't help but play whenever I see an arcade machine up and running. When I was a kid I remember talking my parents into going out for pizza, when in reality it was just so I could get down with some Off Road. Either way, the Super Nintendo version retains everything from the arcade, although the game is admittedly better when you have four players, and are using the steering wheel.
#77. - Super Street Fighter II
Platform: Super Nintendo
This was the first big upgrade to Street Fighter II. Not only did the game have a new visual style, but it offered up several brand new characters and levels. This is my personal favorite of the Street Fighter games. The new characters were fantastic for the time, and they blended in well enough with the gang. There's magic between me and this game, and it's one that I still don't mind bringing out every once in a while.
#76. - Donkey Kong Country
Platform: Super Nintendo
I was seriously shocked when I first saw Donkey Kong in motion. It was beyond what I thought the Super Nintendo was capable of graphically, and I found myself wondering if even the upcoming 32-bit consoles could pull it off. Graphics aside, Donkey Kong Country is a very fun platformer with a ton of variety. You'll find yourself swimming through the sea in one level, and in the next you'll be riding a mine cart over perilous track. Two player co-op was a nice little bonus.
#75. - Dark Wizard
Platform: Sega CD
The Sega CD really deserved better than the fate it was handed. Dark Wizard is a fantastic strategy RPG title which makes use of a hexagonal grid. The game is turn based, but it the shape of the grids makes this one stand out from the rest. What's especially cool is the fact that you can start out as four different characters. This feature alone adds a ton of variety to this already fantastic game.
#74. - Resident Evil
Platform: Sony Playstation
Resident Evil Full Review
With Resident Evil came sub-genre of survival horror. Now I'm not saying that it was the first of its kind, but it was definitely the first one worth playing. At the time of this game's release it felt remarkably cool to blast away at zombies in a ghastly mansion, and I still play this game regularly even despite the cheesy dialogue. It's also worth noting that this was one of the first games to give me actual nightmares.
#73. - Breath of Fire III
Platform: Sony Playstation
Breath of Fire III Full Review
This is really the first Breath of Fire that struck popularity in North America. This is a very cool RPG making use of some pretty innovative ideas, such as the dragon gene system for example. With these new ideas comes an RPG that just reeks of classic RPG gameplay. This is, in my opinion, the best that Breath of Fire has to offer. Check it out if you haven't already.
#72. - Shining Force III
Platform: Sega Saturn
Sega's incompetence as a publisher really shined through when they refused to bring more than the first scenario of Shining Force III out in the US. I'm still a little bitter about that. Either way, Shining Force III retains the classic gameplay of the previous versions, while serving up a pretty intense graphical upgrade. The storyline and battle systems reek of classic Shining Force goodness. This was one of the Saturn's last big games before the console went under, and it's also one of the best.
#71. - Harvest Moon 64
Platform: Nintendo 64
Harvest Moon 64 Full Review
A farming simulation may not sound fun on paper, but in reality it's a blast. The N64 rendition featured different girls, a different town, and more areas to explore. The game is also infinitely replayable, and I find myself coming back to it despite newer games in the series seeing release. In my opinion, the Nintendo 64 version is the greatest of them all, retaining all the charm of the previous games while keeping things simple. It's just too bad that the last few Harvest Moon games were terrible.
#70. - Ys Books 1 & II
Platform: Turbografx CD
Here's yet one more example of an overshadowed gem. Ys 1 and 2 is a remake of the first two Ys games which were on both the NES and Sega Master System. Admittedly it was a bit difficult to get used to ramming enemies instead of slashing at them, but once you get past this minor fault you'll find a very rewarding game. This package is best known for it's godly soundtrack, and I must say that it has lived up to my expectations. If you're looking for a great action RPG look no further.
#69. - Illusion of Gaia
Platform: Super Nintendo
Illusion of Gaia Full Review
Here is another absolutely fantastic action RPG. Illusion of Gaia is the second game in the trilogy from Quintet, and though it's not well known, it's likely the most famous of the three titles. The game throws you into the shoes of a young boy named Will who is armed with powers of telekinesis. You'll journey far and wide in search of ancient civilizations, forgotten ships of gold, and even a floating garden in the sky. The storyline strives for deeper meaning in the end and this really gives off a surreal feeling.
#68. - Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
Platform: Super Nintendo
Here it is, the better of the two main Lufia titles. This one throws you into the role of the red haired warrior Maxim as he sets out to destroy the Sinistrals that threaten the land. What's cool is that this game leads up to the events that happened in the original Lufia. The dungeon designs are absolutely fantastic here, with some great puzzles and cool layouts. If you're looking for an RPG off the beaten path than you can't go wrong with Lufia II.
#67. - Saturn Bomberman
Platform: Sega Saturn
Why Saturn Bomberman? Three words; ten person multi-player. Sure you need a couple of the special adapters to allow for more controllers to be plugged in, but it's more than worth it. I'd go so far as to say that this is the best version of Bomberman that is available. Heck, I doubt any future titles could even surpass this one. The best tip I can give is to stick only with multi-player. Oh, and make sure that you have enough controllers. Buy more if you must, because the experience is totally worth it.
#66. - Starfox 64
Platform: Nintendo 64
As one of the early adopters of the N64 I was crushed to see that there just wasn't a ton of software. Starfox 64 cut into the serious dry spell, and the included Rumble Pack was a thing of awe. The original title was one of the first console games to make use of polygonal graphics, but everything was just too choppy. Starfox 64 went back and fixed all this, with incredible graphics, more levels, and even two new vehicles to ride. Hopefully Nintendo themselves develop the next Starfox game, as Namco and Rare just didn't cut it.
#65. - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Platform: Sega Genesis
Sonic 2 was basically Sega answer to Super Mario World. While the game didn't quite add up to SMW it's still quite a lot of fun to play. This is the Sonic game that introduced Tails into the mix. It's quite obvious that Sonic Team put more thought into this than the original, especially once you look at the level design. The game also feels incredibly fast, and there's a ton of eye candy as you run up walls, through loop de loops, and all that classic Sonic jazz.
#64. - Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts
Platform: Super Nintendo
I still remember exactly how much I paid for this game when I bought it 14 years ago; $27.99. I went into it not expecting much, but I found Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts to be exceptionally fun, once you get past the insane difficulty level. I'm definitely looking forward to the remake on the PSP, although I doubt it will still have all the old charm of this one.
#63. - Mega Man X
Platform: Super Nintendo
This game was the first Megaman title I had ever played. The earlier stuff just didn't appeal to me in all honesty, and X proved that Capcom had it in them to make their little blue bomber into a 'cool' mascot. Like with all Megaman games, there are a ton of enemies which you must blast through with a rather large arsenal. Even after all these years the gameplay still holds up, and the PSP remake for the game proves this. The Super Nintendo version is still the best overall though.
#62. - Tetris Attack
Platform: Super Nintendo
Nintendo introduced this new take on Tetris near the end of the Super Nintendo's life span, and this warranted not shelving the console. Instead of falling blocks, they rose up from the bottom of the screen. Tetris Attack required you to re-organize them into matches in order to eliminate said blocks. The great gameplay was only accented with the Super Mario World 2 theme, and of course, the Nintendo caliber of polish.
#61. - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Platform: Super Nintendo
Rare proved that they could make a standout sequel, as DKC2 even surpasses the original in my opinion. This time the main character is Diddy, and instead of good ol' Donkey Kong, he's accompanied by the female monkey Dixie. This game introduced several new mechanics to the Donkey Kong Country world, including the ability to actually transfer into the rideable animals, and the usage of currency to buy things.
#60. - Dragon Warrior
Platform: Nintendo
This game right here pretty much paved the way for modern RPGs as we know them today. Though extremely simple by today's standards, I still get the urge to play through this one every once in a while. Dragon Warrior has all the trimmings of a classic RPG, including a long quest, dark dungeons, and of course, swamps. Well maybe the last one wasn't so important, but it is something included in every iteration of this series.
#59. - Dragon Spirit
Platform: Nintendo
In a time when shooters mostly involved space ships and lasers, Dragon Spirit came along and was a breath of fresh air. Basically you command a flying dragon as you blast your way through a variety of different levels. The game is more storyline oriented than your typical shooter, but it's the great gameplay and design that makes Dragon Spirit such a fantastic game.
#58. - Fighter's Megamix
Platform: Sega Saturn
In the time of Tekken, Dead or Alive, and Virtua Fighter it seemed that the genre was taking itself too seriously. Then came along Fighter's Megamix. This game is a solid blend of all of Sega's fighting games, but with some pretty humorous hidden characters thrown into the mix. Ever wanted to see if the car from Daytona could win in a fight against a giant Panda? If so, Fighter's Megamix has got your number.
#57. - Kingdom Hearts
Platform: Playstation 2
Kingdom Hearts Full Review
Disney and Squaresoft, who would've thought such a mix would be bound for success? Kingdom Hearts is what came from this unorthodox match, and honestly I wasn't expecting anything special. As the game neared release it started looking better and better, until I could no longer resist it's charm. Kingdom Hearts managed to totally blow me away, with a fantastic story, fun battle engine, and the old fashioned Disney charm. You'll be hard pressed to find an action RPG so brilliantly crafted.
#56. - Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins
Platform: Gameboy
It wasn't until this game was released that I actually felt inclined to even give Nintendo's handheld a chance. The original Super Mario Land was awful, and so it's nice to see that Nintendo strived to improve with the release of the next game. Six Golden Coins introduces Wario to the mix, as he's taken over Mario's castle. As is tradition, Mario isn't going to take this sitting down, and so it's your job to retrieve the magical coins to unlock Wario's hideout. Absolutely fantastic design and gameplay, and the rabbit ears power-up is a pretty cool idea.
#55. - The Legend of Zelda
Platform: Nintendo
It would be a travesty to leave this game off my list, as it's one that influenced me greatly. I remember just how exciting it was to enter my first dungeon, and then blow up my first crack in the wall, and even to defeat Ganon in the final dungeon. The Legend of Zelda is magical, but it's not timeless. Honestly, this one hasn't aged particularly well for me, at least not as well as countless other NES games. That's why it's not higher on the list.
#54. - Final Fantasy VI
Platform: Super Nintendo
Final Fantasy VI Full Review
Although I love this game to death I do have to admit that it's one of the most horrendously overrated titles of all time. Final Fantasy VI's claim to fame is in the sheer amount of playable characters available. This was pretty impressive in it's day, but the game pays the price in the storyline department. This is easily the most refined, polished, and thoughtful of the 2-D Final Fantasy games, but as far as gameplay goes it's the least fun of the 16-bit main FF titles.
#53. - Alisia Dragoon
Platform: Sega Genesis
Alisia Dragoon turned out to be a very pleasant surprise after I received a recommendation for it. This is also one of the Genesis' best side scrollers. Alisia Dragoon features a system allowing for a dragon to follow you as you romp through the levels. This beast will fight alongside you, and you have several different types of dragon to choose from. Also cool was that Alisia's main weapon was a laser that auto-targeted the enemies. This is definitely one to check out if you've got an old Genesis lying around.
#52. - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Platform: Sony Playstation
I'm quite surprised this game was even allowed to be released on the Playstation considering Sony's hatred of 2-D gaming. This was the first of the Castlevania games to incorporate RPG elements, and it's also laid out more similar to Metroid than the NES titles in this series. Symphony of the Night represents the pinnacle of 32-bit side scrollers, and it proves that 2-D is still completely viable.
#51. - Mortal Kombat 2
Platform: Sega 32x
Mortal Kombat 2 represents the very best that Mortal Kombat has to offer, and the 32x version is the best that I've seen thanks to the more powerful hardware. Fond memories go back far with this one, as I still remember most of Johnny Cage and Liu Kang's movesets. This is another game that hasn't aged particularly well, as it's not one that I still spend much time with. Still, Mortal Kombat 2 was a lot of fun in it's time and thus deserves this spot on the list.
#50. - Meteos
Platform: Nintendo DS
Meteos Full Review
Meteos is in my opinion the greatest puzzle game ever created. Admittedly I'm not exactly huge on this type of game, but I just can't put down this one. What's cool is the fact that Meteos and Lumines are from the same developer; Q Entertainment. Both are innovative titles, but Meteos much more so than Lumines. This game makes total use of the touch screen, requiring you to drag blocks around the screen in order to match them up. Once matched, blocks will float upwards, reacting to gravity all the while. The goal of the game is to eliminate all of these blocks.
#49. - Fatal Fury
Platform: Neo Neo
Fatal Fury Full Review
When I finally got my hands on the Neo Geo console (not too long ago actually) Fatal Fury was the first game I popped in. Though it's severely limited (three selectable characters, what's up with that?) it does feature a very fun story mode. The real draw of the game though is in it's two-player co-op, which allows for simultaneous play. When I first started out with this list I felt inclined to include the sequels to this game, but then I realized that this was the most fun of them all.
#48. - Phantasy Star
Platform: Sega Master System
In the early days Phantasy Star was Sega's premier RPG series, and with pretty good reason. Although the series doesn't quite add up to the likes of Dragon Warrior or Final Fantasy, it's unique and entertaining enough to deserve this spot on the list. The first person dungeons are fun to blaze through, and the ability to travel to numerous planets adds a lot to this game. Phantasy Star is also pretty difficult, and it really feels like you've accomplished something by the end of it.
#47. - Primal Rage
Platform: Sega 32x
I was first introduced to Primal Rage on the Super Nintendo, but after playing this version I don't think I'll ever be able to go back. I have nothing but fond memories of this game. In the fifth grade I would spend weekends at a time at my friends house, and we wouldn't even consider playing anything else. As far as fighting games go, most don't like this one. If you're looking for something a little different, Primal Rage may be able to fill the void.
#46. - Super Mario Bros. 2
Platform: Nintendo
Even as a child I realized that this game was made by a drug induced team of developers. A simple cop-out led to Mario characters being thrown into a game in order to garner sales in North America. This is how Mario 2 was conceived. Despite this, I find the game to be incredibly fun still. This is one I used to play when I wanted the time to pass quickly, and to be honest, I still get the urge to play through under the same circumstances in modern times. This stands high as one of the best Mario games of all time, and my opinion only gets better of it as the years pass.
#45. - R-Type
Platform: Turbografx-16
NEC's Turbografx console may not have had a lot going for it here in the US, but it did have the shooter genre on lockdown. R-Type is a game that always intrigued me when I saw it in the arcades, but I never actually gave it the opportunity to steal my quarters. When I actually did play it on my Turbografx console I found a genuinely terrific game. Though it's aged, this shooter stands mighty with fantastic gameplay, unique design, and hair pulling difficulty.
#44. - Final Fantasy
Platform: Nintendo
This game alone sucked away so much time from my childhood. Final Fantasy frustrated my beyond belief when I first played it, but it had enough charm and magic to hold my attention all the way through. This game is pure magic, as I don't think I'll ever be able to forget the moment when the airship rises up from the desert sand. The fact that you could choose your party before starting gave mad incentive to play through again and again, and at the moment I'm currently contemplating starting again.
#43. - Bubble Bobble
Platform: Nintendo
The premise sounds simple; take control of a bubble blowing mini-dinosaur and guide it through through 100 levels in order to save a few captive friends. This one particularly shines in multi-player. I can still remember just how much the final boss blew my mind the first time I faced off against it. Bubble Bobble is easily one of my favorite arcade games of all time.
#42. - The Legend of Dragoon
Platform: Sony Playstation
The Legend of Dragoon Full Review
This entry will probably raise some eyebrows, but Legend of Dragoon is a pretty well thought out RPG. It's big claim to fame is the ability of your characters to transform into dragoons in the midst of battle. That right there scores some cool points with me, but outside of that, there's a well crafted story, a long quest, and a pretty cool battle system involving timed button presses.
#41. - Star Ocean: The Second Story
Platform: Sony Playstation
Star Ocean: The Second Story Full Review
This one achieved more fame than Legend of Dragoon, and Star Ocean 2 totally deserved it. I love the fusion of the medieval world with our hero Claude who's from a futuristic Earth. The combat system is also worth mentioning, as it's completely free roaming, and is a lot of fun. Most of Star Ocean 2's charm though, comes from all the options you have, which include cooking food, crafting weapons, and a whole lot more. It's just too bad that Star Ocean 3 didn't turn out this good.
#40. - Diddy Kong Racing
Platform: Nintendo 64
Rare is infamous for copying Nintendo's more successful formulas, but with Diddy Kong Racing they actually surpassed the masters themselves. DKR was exceptional because of it's course design, which allowed for multiple paths specifically to take advantage of the game's three different vehicles. Also cool is the adventure mode, and all of the options for multi-player.
#39. - Dragon Warrior III
Platform: Nintendo
Enix really hit the nail on the head when they released Dragon Warrior III. The game put you into the role of the legendary hero (Erdrick, Loto, whatever you wanna call him) from the previous games as it builds up to the events found in the very beginning of the series. One of the more unique aspects of the game is the fact that it features two worlds; both of light and dark, which made for an absolutely huge quest. This is easily one of the greatest Dragon Warrior games of all time.
#38. - Final Fantasy V
Platform: Sony Playstation
This is the one Super Nintendo Final Fantasy game that didn't make it to the US, but thankfully Squaresoft decided to package it in with the Final Fantasy Anthology set. Final Fantasy V makes excellent use of the now legendary job system, allowing for you to completely customize your characters with crystal shards. This is one of the more difficult Final Fantasy games, but it's also a ton of fun, which is why it's this far down the list.
#37. - Tales of Eternia
Platform: Sony Playstation
Tales of Eternia Full Review
This game was known as Tales of Destiny II here in the US when it was released on the Sony Playstation. Tales of Eternia is a godsend for those looking for a classic style RPG. The battle system is your traditional Tales free moving, and it's even more fun here than in the early games in the series. Though the storyline is a little weak at times, there's a lot to love, especially given the two different worlds you can travel to.
#36. - Panzer Dragoon Saga
Platform: Sega Saturn
This is probably the rarest domestically released Sega Saturn game, and with good reason. Panzer Dragoon Saga was released just as the Saturn was becoming obsolete, and so a very limited number of copies were actually manufactured and shipped to this side of the world. Although it's not quite worth the price it's going for on Ebay (hundreds of dollars) it's still a lot of fun mostly because of it's extremely unique battle system involving your flying dragon. Adding further to this is a fantastically told story. This really should have been the Sega Saturn's Final Fantasy VII.
#35. - Lunar: The Silver Star Story Complete
Platform: Sony Playstation
Lunar: The Silver Star Story Complete Full Review
There aren't many games out there that can actually touch your heart, but Lunar The Silver Star Story Complete is one of them. This RPG is brimming with charm, magic, and a way cool cast of characters. The story itself is powerful, and by the end, you'll find yourself hoping that everything works out for Alex and Luna. This version is a remake of the original Sega CD title, and it's obvious that it was put together with a lot of care and respect for the original.
#34. - Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Platform: Super Nintendo
Looks are definitely deceiving when it comes to this awesome Super Nintendo game. Zombies ate my Neighbors allows you to blast your way through a hundred levels as you acquire new weapons and items to further increase the level of on screen carnage. The Texas Chainsaw Hedgemaze Level still makes me jump, even today. What made this one great was the co-op mode which made for some incredibly crazy moments.
#33. - Super Mario Kart
Platform: Super Nintendo
At the time it seemed a bit odd to combine Mario and Kart racing, but now it would feel wrong not to. This was one of the first games I played that made complete use of mode 7 graphics. Super Mario Kart is a game that I spent years playing, because it wasn't often for a racing game to not take itself too seriously. I've logged days into just the battle mode alone.
#32. - Life Force
Platform: Nintendo
Though I was a bit late in learning of this game, it's become one of my favorites very quickly. This is a pretty tough shooter from Konami, and is often considered to be a pseudo sequel to the original Gradius. I was immediately attracted to this game because of it's style, I mean, the entire game takes place inside a giant alien dragon. The highlight of Life Force is in its 2 player co-op.
#31. - Twisted Metal 2
Platform: Sony Playstation
This is the second game I ever bought for the Sony Playstation console, and it's also one of my most played. Car combat games had never been very common until Twisted Metal hit the scene, and this sequel does everything better than the original. Again, the highlight here is co-op play between two characters, but the single player is still fun with a large diversity of vehicles, courses, and of course, weapons.
#30. - Perfect Dark
Platform: Nintendo 64
Perfect Dark Full Review
This is the only game that I still play on a near daily basis. Me and my friends have spent so much time with it that there are a ton of inside jokes between us concerning characters in multi-player. I'm usually not a fan of FPS games, but Perfect Dark has been rocking my world for nearly 6 years now, and there are no signs of me stopping anytime soon.
#29. - Shining Force II
Platform: Sega Genesis
This right here is the perfect example of a sequel done right. Shining Force II expands on what made the original game so great, while not taking away any of the fun elements. The cast of characters is truly colorful here, and forming the perfect party is tremendously fun. The only thing more entertaining is the actually take said group of characters out to the grid based battlefield for some turn based strategy RPG antics. Shining Force II is absolutely amazing.
#28. - Sonic CD
Platform: Sega CD
Sonic the Hedgehog games have always struck me as rather shallow affairs, with about 1/4th the content in the levels when compared to your typical Mario game. Sonic CD is the only real innovation that the main Sonic titles supported. On top of a CD quality soundtrack and some pretty nice graphics, the game allows you to travel to three different time periods inside the levels. It's a very cool idea, and adds a lot of substance to the game.
#27. - Sonic R
Platform: Sega Saturn
Sonic R Full Review
In the face of defeat, Sega opted to go with a Sonic racing game (developed by Traveler’s Tales) rather than an all out platformer. Despite this bad decision, Sonic R is quite the excellent game as it retains all the speed and furious action the Sonic series is known for. What's also cool is the adventure aspects, which include hidden chaos emeralds in each of the levels, giving you a reason to explore each of them.
#26. - Chrono Trigger
Platform: Super Nintendo
Chrono Trigger Full Review
Sadly enough I was a bit late to the party with Chrono Trigger, and I came to learn that I had been missing out. Like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger suffers from being overrated a bit in modern times, but it's still an absolutely fantastic game. This was the first RPG I played that used time travel as a main gameplay element, and since then no other has been able to re-create anything as interesting in such regards. Chrono Trigger is a shining example of why the Super Nintendo is the greatest console of all time, at least in my opinion.
#25. - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Platform: Super Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Full Review
Zelda was an instant hit on the NES so it was only standard to release a third installment on the Super Nintendo. A Link to the Past further deepens the Zelda universe by adding a dark world, and a plethora of dungeons containing some pretty inventive puzzles for it's time. There's so much to do and see that I'd go so far as to say that Link to the Past is one of the most thoroughly adventurous games of all time. I've loved it since I was a kid, and I doubt my feelings will ever falter.
#24. - Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Platform: Super Nintendo
It's easy to expect that Squaresoft cannot easily merge it's ideas with other franchises, but then games like Kingdom Hearts and Super Mario RPG blow away all expectations. This game is historical, and helped bring about the falling out of Squaresoft and Nintendo as partners. Either way, Super Mario RPG is a fresh blend of platforming, and turn based RPG. The game runs incorporates a system for timing button presses with attacks, which was pretty fun. This worked to make the player feel as if they were more involved with the game, and it's one of the more charming elements in the game.
#23. - Tales of Symphonia
Platform: Nintendo Gamecube
Tales of Symphonia Full Review
While I did thoroughly enjoy this game the first time I played through, a recent revisit has made this one rise considerably on my list. Tales of Symphonia pits you into the role of Lloyd Irving as he and his friends desperately struggle in order to save two worlds from having to fight over mana, the energy of all living things. This is the best reincarnation of the classic Tales battle system, and it's also the first one to be in total 3-D. This might just be the best RPG of this current generation.
#22. - Final Fantasy IX
Platform: Sony Playstation
Final Fantasy IX Full Review
Final Fantasy IX marks a return of the classic elements that helped the series become popular in the first place. Not only could your party contain four characters at once, but you'll also find more than your fair share of Moogles, Chocobos, Airships, Castles, and much more. This is easily the best Final Fantasy in recent times, and I fear right now that it is the last good installment in this downhill series.
#21. - Resident Evil 2
Platform: Sony Playstation
Resident Evil 2 Full Review
This is yet another one of the first games to ever give me a nightmare. On this occasion, it was more than one. Resident Evil 2 took the action out of the old infested mansion, and brought it to the streets of Raccoon City. There are many scary moments involving zombies jumping out, but after long play sessions, the fear strikes on a more psychological level. I can't count the amount of times I've tried to avoid the particular hall in the Police Station with the boarded up windows. This is the kind of stuff that makes Resident Evil 2 great, and easily my favorite survival horror title ever.
#20. - Suikoden
Platform: Sony Playstation
Suikoden Full Review
The original Suikoden game is absolutely amazing, with a ton of variety in gameplay, 108 characters, and a very touching story. It's really too bad that the last few sequels have been absolutely terrible. Even as one of the Playstation's first RPGs, Suikoden still stands as one of it's best. This one doesn't get nearly the amount of credit that it deserves, although it doesn't quite match up to it's sequel.
#19. - Grandia
Platform: Sony Playstation
Grandia Full Review
Gamearts is a developer founded on massive amounts of talent, and Grandia proves just that. This game brings you back to a time before all RPG characters were clinically depressed and full of inner strife. Grandia relies almost entirely on the sense of adventure to guide it's story. This is done so masterfully that, well, nothing I can say would do it proper justice. The battle system is also absolutely fantastic, and when you combine it with the story, you've got a near flawless RPG.
#18. - Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean
Platform: Sega Saturn
Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean Full Review
This is one of the best examples I can think of when it comes to entirely underrated RPGs. This one remains mostly overlooked only because it was a 2-D RPG during the revolution known as Final Fantasy VII. Albert Odyssey is a turn based RPG of the best variety, with an excellent story, great graphics, and a fantastic soundtrack. The fantastic storyline is partly to due with Working Design's great translation. Albert Odyssey has a truly magic feeling, one that is completely unique.
#17. - Lunar: The Silver Star
Platform: Sega CD
Lunar: The Silver Star Full Review
You're probably wondering why I opted to include both this game and its remake. The two are so totally different from one another, but I love them both. This is the superior version to be honest because it has a lot more content than that on the Playstation. Adding further to this is the superior soundtrack. I'd also have to say that this version just has more 'magic' to it, and the charm of Alex and Luna's love story falls into place a little better here.
#16. - NiGHTs Into Dreams
Platform: Sega Saturn
The closest the Saturn ever came to having a mascot was the purple jester named Nights. Admittedly, this game didn't look like anything special; you fly the jester character through rings as you grab orbs, but there's much more to it than just this. In all honesty, the major reason I love this game so thoroughly is because it's the most magical experience I've ever had with a game. The soundtrack itself is godly, and the graphics look absolutely marvelous for a 3-D Saturn game. Nights even came packaged with a really cool controller, made specifically for this game.
#15. - Snatcher
Platform: Sega CD
Remember those old games like Myst and Shadowgate? That's pretty much what Snatcher is, only worlds better than anything else belonging to this genre. Snatcher's story resembles that of the classic film Blade Runner. You play as a Junker (basically a detective in the future) who is set loose into a futuristic Neo Kobe to track down and destroy robots posing as humans, or Snatchers as they’re referred to as. Although Snatcher has seen release in Japan on both the Saturn and Playstation, this is the only version that's made it to the US.
#14. - Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Platform: Super Nintendo
Legend of the Mystical Ninja Full Review
This is probably what I would refer to as the sleeper hit of all time. Legend of the Mystical Ninja was the first game in the Goemon series to see release here, and by far it's one of the greatest side scrollers ever conceived. Basically as Goemon (or Kid Ying as he's called) and Ebisumaru (Dr. Yang to you) you and another possible player travel around ancient Japan to save a captured princess. You'll run into an evil circus, a castle of mini-ninjas, and a lot more. This might just be the greatest co-op game of all time.
#13. - Dragon Quest V
Platform: Super Famicom
This is yet another game that I own the physical cartridge for, but can't understand anything in the game because it's only in Japanese. Thankfully I can rely on translations. This was the first Dragon Quest game released for the Super Nintendo. It's a real shame that it hasn't been released in the US, especially considering that it's far and away the best of them all. Taking the classic Dragon Quest battle system, V incorporates a storyline that takes place over several years. The main character even gets married, and has kids, which actually do join your party. This is far and away the best Dragon Quest game so far.
#12. - Super Mario Bros. 3
Platform: Nintendo
Super Mario Bros. 3 Full Review
This is among the best as far as side scrollers go. Who would have thought that such a game would be possible on an 8-bit console. I still remember how amazed I was when I first laid eyes on this beauty, and I couldn't have been happier when I finally got it for Christmas. The new power-ups expanded the Mario universe in ways unimaginable, and without this game, I fear that the series would be completely different than it is today. The vast selection of worlds, power-ups, and tremendous variety amongst the various levels make this one of the greatest games of all time.
#11. - Adventure Island 2
Platform: Nintendo
Hudson managed to 1-up Nintendo with the release of this game, as the gameplay was far more advanced than any side scrollers Nintendo would come up with until Super Mario World. Not only did this game allow you to use different types of throwing weapons and ride a skateboard through prehistoric levels, but you also had the ability to ride atop various dinosaurs. One could swim, another could fly, and the rest had different means of attacking monsters. This is one of my most treasured NES games.
#10. - Super Mario World
Platform: Super Nintendo
Super Mario World Full Review
The moment I stepped into Mario's World was when I first realized that I wouldn't soon be able to stop gaming. This game is easily the best Mario sidescroller of all time, even surpassing the legendary Mario 3. This is also my most played game from childhood, as I didn't quit until I unlocked every secret in the game. That's a pretty big task considering I didn't know the levels marked with red were the ones that had secrets.
#9. - The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time
Platform: Nintendo 64
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time Full Review
Zelda 64 was the most anticipated game of last generation, and at least for me, it lived up to all the hype. The moment I saw the title screen and heard the music for it I realized it was going to be something special. The world feels alive in this game, with a day and night system accenting this long quest. The whole time travel element is one of the greatest ideas for this series ever. I mean really, who wasn't amazed the first time they pulled the master sword from the pedestal? This is one of the defining moments in gaming as far as I'm concerned.
#8. - Super Mario 64
Platform: Nintendo 64
Super Mario 64 DS Full Review
This game alone made the Nintendo 64 console worth owning. When I first played I can remember spending hours just jumping and swimming in the area outside of the castle, not completely over the amazement of seeing Mario's world in 3-D. This one took me quite a while to beat, as I was still fairly young, and since it was my first fully 3-D platformer I wasn't used to exploring so intensively while looking for stars. Super Mario 64 is easily the greatest platformer of all time, at least in my opinion.
#7. - Dragon Force
Platform: Sega Saturn
Dragon Force Full Review
This is the game that made me stop hating the Sega Saturn. Dragon Force was my introduction to Sega's failing console, and I've never played a strategy game as fun nor as unique. Although it's half RPG, Dragon Force is played mostly in real-time. I especially like the battles in the game, featuring up to 200 soldiers running back and forth on the battlefield attacking each other with nothing to lose. The fact that you can play as several different countries is also quite cool.
#6. - Skies of Arcadia Legends
Platform: Nintendo Gamecube
Skies of Arcadia Legends Full Review
This game took away any ounce of regret I had about owning a Dreamcast when it was first released on said console, and the port to Gamecube only did the game good. Skies of Arcadia's story, much like that of Grandia, is motivated completely on the sense of adventure. You'll travel to forgotten lands, pass through impossible obstacles, and even save the world. The innovative Ship Battle system made battling from your airship a ton of fun. Very few can measure up to Skies of Arcadia.
#5. - Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete
Platform: Sony Playstation
Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete Full Review
Although the story of Alex and Luna is a bit more touching, Lunar 2 is the superior game. This quest takes place a thousand years after the first game, and follows the exploits of a young adventurer named Hiro and his flying cat/dragon pet Ruby. After noticing something amiss with an ancient tower near their home, they wander in to find a mysterious and quiet girl named Lucia. From here the quest unfolds into a wonderful, charming, and magical journey. This one easily beats out almost every other RPG.
#4. - Suikoden II
Platform: Sony Playstation
Suikoden II Full Review
Suikoden II is the most touching RPG I've ever played. Now combine that with a fantastic battle system and you can understand why this game scores so well with me. Unlike the original game, Suikoden II's story is much more militaristic based. This game also features three different types of battles; massive scale fights amongst armies, one-on-one duels, and your classic party based combat. There are so many fantastic moments in this game, but describing any would spoil the story. Although it's tremendously rare and expensive, Suikoden II is worth it at almost any price.
#3. - Soul Blazer
Platform: Super Nintendo
Soul Blazer Full Review
Most will probably scoff at my placement of this action RPG from Enix, but in my opinion it's the greatest of it's kind. Soul Blazer puts you in the role of a nameless angel as you travel through areas of the world releasing souls from the grasp of an evil force known as Deathtoll. This game features a fantastic soundtrack which contains my two favorite game songs of all time. There has never been an ending which has stricken me as much as Soul Blazer's, as it's just so emotional. I must admit that it's almost brought me to tears on numerous occasions.
#2. - Final Fantasy VII
Platform: Sony Playstation
Final Fantasy VII Full Review
Here's another game whose placement is sure to bring a few folk up in arms. I'm convinced that Final Fantasy VII is both the most hated and most celebrated game ever. I'm one of the many celebrators. This game alone was the reason I decided to pick up Sony's Playstation console, and I still feel that the price tag was worth it all the way. I loved Final Fantasy VII so thoroughly that I very nearly flunked the seventh grade because of it. Although I wasn't particularly taken by the death of, well you know who, the rest of the story affected me on many emotional levels. The gameplay is absolutely fantastic, but I've got to say that the main driving force for FFVII is the story and world that it takes place in.
#1. - Final Fantasy IV
Platform: Super Nintendo
Final Fantasy IV Full Review
Nothing before Final Fantasy IV could have possibly contained such an intricate storyline as far as RPGs go. This is not the reason why it's my favorite game of all time, but it's definitely one of them. FFIV took up a huge amount of my childhood, but what's odd is the fact that I wouldn't have had it any other way. The graphics, music, story, and battle system combine to make a package so close to perfect that I doubt it will ever be surpassed. The quest is so huge and dramatic that it encompasses not only an entire world, but also the underground, and the story even takes you to the moon. There are so many dynamics to the story that it's not even funny. The best part of the game is the characters, both for their role in the gameplay and story. And there you have it, the greatest game of all time (at least in my opinion).
The End
That's the end of the list, you should expect to see several updates, so please check back often. Comments are appreciated, but remember that everyone has different opinions.
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Member: Jeremy
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Catching Up On Retro Game Reviews In the Near Future.
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