1. Chrono Trigger (SNES - RPG)
Why: The reason this is at the top of my list is simply because it got me involved with RPGs and helped me appreciate them. In a genre typically populated by Final Fantasy clones or text based online MUDs, this game came out to a console and rocked my world. It had a deep story line that spanned across different time periods, all following an evil being trying to end everything as we knew it. The combat was intuitive and interactive - and it had a wide variety of party members to bring along. Having different party members active in your team at a given moment also gave you more devastating abilities to utilize which accessed different aspects of each team member's combat style. Take that into account with my first encounter with a "New Game+" feature, which let you continue playing through after finishing the game, but keeping your previous equipment and statistics - and it was a completionists dream. Multiple endings depending on party members didn't hurt either.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (XBox 360 - FPS)
Why: One of the most realistic FPS I have ever played. With fast paced action, a story line that spans across the globe and involves current events, and scenes that play out like a John Woo movie right before your eyes. The series defined the genre, and this installment proved to be nothing short of amazing.
3. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind (Xbox 360 - RPG)
Why: Probably the first game I ever played that took the open world concept and let you run with it. The character archetypes were dynamic, the scenery was interesting enough to remind you that you weren't in Kansas anymore and the people surrounding you had personalities that you encounter every day in real life. The quests were interesting and dynamic. The only issue were a few launch bugs that were resolved.
4. Maniac Mansion (NES - Puzzle (I guess?))
Why: Honestly, this game just intrigued me. I don't particularly know why, but I still have a fond place for it in my heart alongside classics like Star Tropics, Contra, and the Mega Man series. This was the first real point and click puzzle game that I got involved with during my younger years, and I still enjoy it to this day.
5. Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360 - Action)
Why: Im a sucker for Westerns. Movies, books, TV shows - anything! This game really took the gritty feel of the West and coupled it with great playability, decent reply value, and characters just as badass as the scenery you ride by. Achievements unlocking new features, looks, and weapons adds to the value for a completionist. Aside from a few bugs, I still play this game regularly.
-Z
Why: The reason this is at the top of my list is simply because it got me involved with RPGs and helped me appreciate them. In a genre typically populated by Final Fantasy clones or text based online MUDs, this game came out to a console and rocked my world. It had a deep story line that spanned across different time periods, all following an evil being trying to end everything as we knew it. The combat was intuitive and interactive - and it had a wide variety of party members to bring along. Having different party members active in your team at a given moment also gave you more devastating abilities to utilize which accessed different aspects of each team member's combat style. Take that into account with my first encounter with a "New Game+" feature, which let you continue playing through after finishing the game, but keeping your previous equipment and statistics - and it was a completionists dream. Multiple endings depending on party members didn't hurt either.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (XBox 360 - FPS)
Why: One of the most realistic FPS I have ever played. With fast paced action, a story line that spans across the globe and involves current events, and scenes that play out like a John Woo movie right before your eyes. The series defined the genre, and this installment proved to be nothing short of amazing.
3. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind (Xbox 360 - RPG)
Why: Probably the first game I ever played that took the open world concept and let you run with it. The character archetypes were dynamic, the scenery was interesting enough to remind you that you weren't in Kansas anymore and the people surrounding you had personalities that you encounter every day in real life. The quests were interesting and dynamic. The only issue were a few launch bugs that were resolved.
4. Maniac Mansion (NES - Puzzle (I guess?))
Why: Honestly, this game just intrigued me. I don't particularly know why, but I still have a fond place for it in my heart alongside classics like Star Tropics, Contra, and the Mega Man series. This was the first real point and click puzzle game that I got involved with during my younger years, and I still enjoy it to this day.
5. Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360 - Action)
Why: Im a sucker for Westerns. Movies, books, TV shows - anything! This game really took the gritty feel of the West and coupled it with great playability, decent reply value, and characters just as badass as the scenery you ride by. Achievements unlocking new features, looks, and weapons adds to the value for a completionist. Aside from a few bugs, I still play this game regularly.
-Z
Proud Co-Founder of the Widely Accepted and Raider™ Approved "FIPIA Strategy"
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