10. Fable 2
Although only released recently, Fable 2 had improved one the original Fable (which would of been my number 10 pick if Fable 2 had not been released) so greatly while still remaining its own experience that I couldn't help but include it onto the list. Fable 2 stays memorable with its massive world in which you always have something to do.Unlike most open-world games, which i find boring and uninspired, Fable 2 constantly had me entertained and wanting something to do. Along with all this, I believe the real fun in Fable 2 can only be found to those who try to find it. By making each character I created there own entity, it almost felt as if each hero had there own journy to be on. All in All, Fable 2 is an excellent game and a great way to begin my top 10 countdown list.
9. Pokemon : Red & Blue Editions
While this game may not of held up as well as some of the other older games on my list, Pokemo had such a large effect on my childhood, it would be impossible for me not to include it. As for why the game was so awesome, it was addicting and pure fun. The incentive to find each and every one of these 150 unique creatures was the only thing on the mind of every kid on the street, so along with being a fun game it was a really a social thing with friend linking up with link cables to trade and battle these creatures.
8. Psychonauts
I have always been a huge fan of the 3D platformer genre, but it really takes something special in that genre to really win me over. Psychonauts is that game. truely unique experience, Psychonauts made me fall in love with it through its sheer personality, bizarre story and characters, and equally bizarre levels. Level Design is always one of the most important elements of any game and the sheer originality and creativity found in Psychonauts made the experience memorable and lovable, making it one of my favorite games of all time.
7. God Of War 2
Much like Fable 2 earlier on this list, God of War 2 made the cut by taking everything that was great about the original and making it bigger, funner and more memorable. The real driving force behind God of War was power, and that feeling was taken to the top notch in God of War 2, you truely did feel like a total blade swinging bada$s. But what really made this game stick with me, beyond how addictivly fun it was, was the absolutely epic moments found in this game. You find yourself doing such incredibly extraoridinary thing that it actually blows your mind. Almost no other game can pull that off as well as God of War 2.
6. Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time Trilogy
In 2003, Ubisoft released Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time, a game that I fell in love with. The game boasted beautiful graphics, memorables areas that you explored, a charming story and lovable characters. But not all was well in this ****c, teh combat was clunky and frusterating, makin sections of the game unessecarily frusterating. This did not take much from the experience too much, but it is a large gripe I have with taht game to this day. In 2004, its sequel Warrior Within was released and hoped to elevate the series into godly status. Unfortunatley, it didnt quite work. I loved that game as well, the combat was vastly imrpoved, the puzzles and platforming were as fun as ever, and i didnt mind the tacked on "dark/angsty" setting, it just lacked teh memorability and flow of the original. The level design just wasnt there, and it was what made the original so fantastic. In 2005, the trilogy came to a close with the release of "The Two Thrones", which was also an amazing game. It had the same setting, charm and memorable environments of Sands of Time, the refined combat of Warrior Within, the staple platforming and puzzle and added all new elements such as chariot races but still something was holding it back. It was the addition of the "dark prince", which i found distracting and not as fun to play as. As critical as this analysis is, I do love the Sands of Time trilogy and it was one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time.
5. Banjo Kazooie / Banjo Tooie
I hold many a fond memory with the original two Banjo games on the N64, and very few games have to this day surpassed them in my mind. What made these games so spectacular was how interesting and creative they were. You played on, not for the sense of achievement, but of the wonder of what exotic locale you would be at next, what interesting challenges awaited you. Sure the sound effects and story are childish and at time very annoying, but to this day very few games have gave me quite the experience the Banjo games did.
4. Prince of Persia
Easily the most recent additiong to my list, the Xbox 360 verison of the Prince of Persia blew my mind in ways I had not felt since I was 14. The game is absoltuly beautiful, everything about it from the water colour grphics to the smooth, fresh movements of the Prince. Along with this the level design is top notch, and you go to some truely amazing and memorable areas. I really struggled with the placement of this one, since i did enjoy this game to such and immense extent, and I almost have trouble putting it into words how great this game is, but due to how only time can tell if it will stick with me as heavily as the other games on this list, but overall this took everything great from the Sands of Time and made it a beautiful, unique and memorable experience.
3. Beyond Good and Evil
When Beyond Good & Evil was released in 2003, it really did not do to well. But one day out of curiousity, I decided to pick up a copy and see why the gaming media seemed to loved it so much.I instently fell in love, and this game consumed my life for months on end. I really had not experienced anything like this before. A game so unique adn mature that disgues its self so well. The story was grand and epic and has, honestly, gone on to be one of my biggest inspirations as a writer. I found myself playing on to see what happens next, and found myself feelings genuinely sad or happy at what happens to the characters in the game. It truely is a revolution in stroy telling in games. I explored every corner of Hillis, and did everything I could to enhance my experience with it. In short, I love this game.
2. Shadow of the Colossus
When Shadow of the Colossus was released, I was going through a tough point in my life, but I remember this game fondly despite the period of time that surronded it. I remeber anxiously waiting at school to get home and play it, and for good reason to. This game is breathtaking and the best example of games as art. The feelings of desolation and lonliness in this game can only be duplicated by a proper Doom Metal album. Your roam the land searching for these giant monsters to slay as to bring back a deceased love one. The battles with these giant beasts are absolutly amazing and unlike anything you will experience in any other game.You find your self almost feeling bad, as you watch the sheer majesty of these beasts fall to your sword, that is after putting up a blood pumping challenge. With that said, the ending and stroy to this game is one of the most amazing in any medium ever. period. My description cannot due this game justice for it is a work of art, and a game that I hold near and dear to my heart.