Coming up with a definitive top ten list for what I feel are the best video games of all time was not an easy task. How much nostalgia do I represent? Should I allow so many newer games on here? What are the rules I should be setting for myself when conjuring such a list? I racked my brain about all these things for days but in the end I felt that the list should be comprised of games that reminded me of why I love this industry.
Below is a list of my top ten favorite video games of all time. You will notice that many games are from the year 2000 and on. I don’t want to make it seem like I didn’t have a fondness for games in the 90s or that nostalgia is completely lost on me. I by no means only enjoy “newer” games. These are just the games that stood out to me in a big way. As the industry grew, so did the ability to weave incredible stories and amazing worlds to occupy. That’s what was important to me when collecting games for this list. I can only choose one game per series but besides that small rule, all bets are off. Let’s get started:
10. Final Fantasy X
I feel this Final Fantasy focuses on what is most important to my game experiences, and that is story. To me this is the best narrative in any Final Fantasy. The idea of Spira and its anti-technology, Sin fearing, magic using, summoning praising, pilgrimage taking, is a world I think about often when I reminisce about JRPGs. This game has my favorite cast of character in the series, and dwells on a touching love story between main character Tidus and Yuna.
The sphere grid was introduced in this game, which does away with the traditional leveling mechanic in turn for this customization heavy grid. You can make any character play any role that you want them to. I also love the ability to trade out characters without sacrificing a turn. Little things like this elevate a very standard turn based fighting system. I will always remember the ending of this game when thinking about best conclusions in video games. It is a powerful experience that has great pacing for this otherwise stuff genre.
9. Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 may be in the lower part of my top ten, but it may have the best writing out of all of these games. You can easily distract yourself form the main quest of finding Ciri, and instead get absorbed into the smaller, but equally emotionally heavy narratives of the side quests. The Bloody Baron is a side quest in this game that has a better story than most games’ main quests.
This experience is cultivated by amazing writing, inspired performances, and so much content that you could spend a lifetime with this game and not see every corner or mission this game has to offer. Walking into larger cities and seeing them alive is awe inspiring, just as much as climbing a large mountain and getting a view of a large island you are occupying. This game is a visual feast and may be one of the best looking and smoothest running open world games in the biz.
8. Grand Theft Auto V
This may be the most lived in world on the list. The wider San Andreas area is mesmerizing as Blane County’s country bumpkin northern parts give way to mountains a bustling downtown metropolis with such seamlessness sometimes I swear they photo-captured it form the real world. The way the natural geography of this map is, is unlike anything else that is out there. It just feels real, so real that you could just stand on a street corner and listen to passing by NPCs as they have full blown almost unrepeated conversations with one another. The heists and gameplay mechanics are great but the real star of this game is how every moving part builds an immersive world where even staring at the trash, drifting I the wind can be an elevating experience.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
No world has ever drawn me in so much as Skyrim has. With its Nordic aesthetic, and strong native people, I found myself getting lost in every corner of this world. I spent nearly 300 hours in this game, and with the newer Special Edition coming out to current generation consoles, I will happily spend another 300. This game is an example of ultimate escapism, as I feel transported to this land and quickly become engrossed in its culture and lore. To me, world building isn’t done any better than how it is handled in the Elder Scrolls series.
6. Persona 4
With all of the JRPGs I have under my belt, I can easily say Persona 4 is the best of them. The series gives us a cast of amazing characters as they trouble their way through classes in high school while fighting demons at night in an alternate dimension. This game is no different, but it just does it right. The voice acting is stellar which is hardly ever the case for western released Japanese Role Playing Games. This story is more of a mystery, as it tells the personal narrative of an entire small town where everybody knows one another. As suspects begin to form, the gang uses their abilities to uncover as much as they can, while also juggling social relationships with one another, as well as taking time out to grab a bite to eat at the local diner. Persona 4 is as zany as they come.
5. Uncharted 4: A Thieves End
I’m sure I will get plenty of hate from all those Uncharted 2 loyalist out there. Heck I even thought 3 was better than the second, but I digress…Uncharted 4 is easily my favorite in the franchise. I thought the brotherly story was filled with so many emotional moments as all of the best characters come back for another adventure romp. The set pieces while not as plentiful, are jacked all the way up to 11. Speaking of 11, Chapter 11 may be one of the greatest couple hours of video games to ever exist. The controls have never felt better and it may be the most beautiful game to currently exist. The ending to Uncharted 4 has no right being as good as it is, and ending on such a high note is so hard for a series to do it seems.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
I remember riding my bike up to the local Blockbuster every week, to extend my rental on this game the day it came out. The same man checked out my order every time, and as weeks went by he noticed that I had paid for the game twice over with my rentals. He allowed me to take the game home as the new owner of what I like to think of the best Zelda game there ever was. I was totally lost in this world, and loved every second of the journey. I think the time traveling elements created a great story which leads to some of the better dungeons in the whole series. Plus those boss battles are just unforgettable. This is the first game of this caliber and size that I ever remember beating, and it will stick with me forever.
3. Mass Effect
Everybody loves to beat the drum for 2. The suicide mission was so good, how could it not be 2? Well I enjoyed 3 much more than the masses seemed to and after a while I grew to really love the endings after months of picking it apart. The first Mass effect will always be the strongest for me though. The RPG elements were the strongest in this game, and while the shooting got better, it was never bad in my opinion. I thought the story and world building in this game was so strong, and it carried the weight of setting up the entire universe on its shoulders. The game did this without flinching. It is one of the strongest examples of world building in a game that I can give.
I thought the more personal story of chasing Saren across the galaxy to stop him from causing more chaos than he already has. Of course the reveal of the universe’s big bad, the Reapers, was nothing short of spectacular. Choices mattered in a big way, and carried over into the next installment of the game, and that created a personalize narrative that you could easily be immersed in. Space Operas just don’t get better than this.
2. The Last of Us
Few games carry the emotional weight that The Last of Us does. The opening moments in the game are devastating, and that tone never lets up. In a game where truly no character is safe, I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat as I navigated my way through the Clicker filled halls, and deranged humans who occupy the desolate streets.
The story of Joel and Elly is so powerful and nuanced. Anytime Joel is reminded of his daughter by Elly, he looks at the watch his daughter gave him as a gift. Small moments like this conjure so many feelings within that I dare anybody to play through the end and proclaim they felt nothing. The ending is so satisfying but as always, the journey to get there was unlike anything I have experienced in this medium. This is easily one of the strongest narratives ever told in any form.
1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
It would have been so easy to pick the first Metal Gear Solid here. It was the game that made me realize that amazing stories were possible in this medium. I could also go with Metal Gear Solid 2, as it is the most cerebral of the series and the one that gets the most fuss. Ultimately I had to go with 4 because in the end this game was for the longtime fans of the series. This game was filled to the brim with answers, connections, call backs, and character moments that were all building to this amazing conclusion. I have never in my life been so satisfied with an ending to anything. It was everything I could ever hoped it would be.
Guns of the Patriots is politically and emotionally charged, and the big action moments and boss fights are pinnacles of the series. Games to me just don’t get better than this. The creator, Hideo Kojima, has always been such a huge inspiration to me and while this series may not be for everyone, the people who it is for I seem to have an instant connection with. Metal Gear Solid, bringing people together since 1987.
So there ya have it. This is my very subjective top ten games of all time. This should not be taken as an example of that I do not appreciate older games, instead try thinking of it as how lucky we are to have games currently that really push the envelope forward to create a healthy an innovative industry. I like new games, hell i love them, but I do not forget my roots or where this industry came from. I may not wax nostalgia with this list, but it is an ode to how far we have come in terms of storytelling, interesting characters, and living and breathing worlds. What is your current top ten list? Sound off in the comments below!
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Gamescom 2016 has come to and end and this year’s focus revolved around showcasing some amazing games previously announced at E3. The public convention in Cologne, Germany differs from E3 in that regular attendees can come in and get their hands on the hottest games that are coming out over the next year. For the price of a plane ticket.
After watching nearly 100 hours of gameplay demos and stage presentations, here are our Top Ten favorite showcases from Gamescom 2016. I will break down why I chose each entry in hopes to install some hype directly into your brain. Take a journey with me and let me know your favorites in the comments below!
10. Recore
I have not been overly impressed with Recore when I see it. Its vague trailers and extremely short gameplay videos never gave the game room to breathe and show us what it really is. That was all fixed at this year’s Gamescom. The game looks to be a mixture of Mega Man like combat and Metroid inspired world traversal. Team members from the Metroid Prime games are working on this game. So expect the game to be semi open world where getting to new areas are blocked off until you get the appropriate equipment to move forward. Plan to do plenty of backtracking!
Finally we see how the combat works, and the gameplay also seems to be littered with environmental puzzles which will give many of opportunity for exploring the beautiful areas in this game. You have 5 separate core machines each of which can help with combat and puzzle solving. I have been waiting for this game to wow me, and it finally has. Be sure to keep ReCore on your radar when it releases September 13,2016 on Xbox One and PC.
9. Final Fantasy XV
Sure the delay of Final Fantasy XV has taken some wind out of my sails, but ya know what, more time in the oven is always a good thing. Plus when you get a large 1 hour demo of the hotly anticipated experience…that helps as well. This video just reminded me why I have been so excited for this game, and I don’t think anything is killing this hype until launch.
The rumors swirling around the internet about this game being “in trouble,” seems like rampant speculation to me. I have read so many hands on impressions by so many trusted industry types that I am deciding to just be optimistic about it, instead of adding to the worry and negativity that seems to be minimal yet vocal about the development of this game. I’ve played both demos that were wide released and had an excellent time with Final Fantasy XV. The demo seems to show some stuff from the beginning of the game, and finally reveals the voice cast which to me, sound great. We get to see the characters exploring, hanging out in diners, chilling in the car, as well as get some exploration and combat on. Seeing such a large chunk of this game has assured me that this delay, while crappy to hear, is for the best. The new release date for this epic is, November 29, 2016 on the PS4 and Xbox One.
8. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves may just be the jolliest game that is on the horizon. There was a lot of whiskey drinking, tavern occupying, instrument playing, and open sea sailing in the 10 minute gameplay video. The idea of gathering a crew, getting some instruments and then playing ‘Ride of the Valkyries” as you head towards a ship, the music growing louder and louder to them as they realize they are about to be attacked and boarded…it is the stuff dreams are made of. Cannonballs rip through the hull of the ships and begun to flood the lower cabins as you and your crew must run down there and board up the holes so the ship doesn’t capsize…you just aren’t finding an experience like this anywhere else. be sure to check it out next year in 2017 on the Xbox One and PC.
7. Get Even
Get Even is one of the newer games presented at the convention. I had known nothing about this game but now…welcome to the list of hype Get Even. The trailer sets a very weird and freaky tone, but doesn’t tell you much about the gameplay. However, I did follow up with some people who got the hands on treatment. What they described sounds unlike anything to have come out before. The themes are supposed to blend the idea of reality and virtual reality where you don’t know where one ends, and the other begins. It is far from a grounded game, but instead aims for a surreal experience that is just enriched by the awesome atmosphere the game creates. I cannot wait to learn and know more about this one. There is no official release date yet, but the developers have said to expect it sometimes next year, in 2017 on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
6. Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares is another recently revealed game. The trailer was very bizarre looking on its own, but all the gameplay I have seen just adds more to that tone. The character you play is always on the run from what seems to be very hungry monsters, and it plays like a Little Big Planet of a 2.5D style side-scroller. The environments are spooky and the traversal puzzles seem straight forward. Playing as a child in the game, expect for childhood fears to play a big role in what drives the scares and atmosphere. I don’t wait to say too much more because the hands on gameplay videos do a great job at really showcasing the moment to moment gameplay. This will be another 2017 release with no official release date at this time. It will be coming to the PC, PS4, and Xbox One!
5. Blackwood Crossing
Blackwood Crossing was constantly on the verge of game of the show for me. It seems you play as a young boy who is being taken care of your older sister. That is about the only thing I can grab narratively from the trailer. It went on to show a very Alice in Wonderland looking adventure where the young boy either via his imagination or through grief (they have dead parents) go on a grand adventure between realities. It seems super narratively focused like many other recent first person experience like games. The real takeaway are the visuals, but what has me continuing to think of this game is the chance for a great story to be told. As somebody who has an older sister, I feel this one will land very heavily with me. The wait to 2017 for this game will be a long one. You will be able to nab it on PC, PS4, or Xbox One.
4. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
The amount of mystery behind Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, is a good example of how you market a game. We are being told it will be a lot like the originals. Yet every time we see the game it looks to be a first person experience closer to games like Amnesia or Outlast. Yet the director assures us that there will be combat, weapons, limited ammo, and everything that used to make a Resident Evil game a Resident Evil game. I thought the little cat and mouse gameplay we saw from Gamescom was filled with dread though. The idea that something is hunting you (Nemesis style) really brings a tone that I can’t wait to live in. Keep the mystery strong Capcom, because for me it is totally working. I find myself more interested in the game every time somebody shows off something new. The wait wont be suffered too much longer, as RE7 releases January 27, 2017 on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
3. Space Hulk: Death Wing
Space Hulk Death Wing is the Warhammer 40k video game I have been waiting my entire life fore. As somebody who played the tactical table top game religiously for years, my ears always perk up when I hear about a new Warhammer entry. Space Hulks are the war ships in the lore of the game. The idea in this experience is that you and your team of Space Marines enter a series of derelict ships. Inside said vessels they will battle the hive minded alien race known as the Tyranids. This is an epic dungeon crawler style first person shooter. The gameplay I have seen looks intense, and the gore is off the charts. Trust me when I say that this is not your average Sci-Fi shooter. This game is still slated for 2016, but don’t be surprised if it gets pushed back into next year. either way you can grab it on, PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
2. Vampyr
A Don’t Nod is making a new game? Who is that? The people who did last year’s Game of the Year nominee, Life is Strange? Let’s talk about how all in we are for this.
Vampyr is another choice based adventure by the people who can out TellTale even TellTale. The plot is centered around a doctor turned vampire who is slowly submitting what he has turned into.
How does one stick to his own Hippocratic Oath when killing and feeding on the innocent comes first nature to the creature he has become? You choose when, if at all, to kill. You can choose whom you kill and how you do it. Beware though, as everybody in the town you occupy has relationships. Killing off one person could alert a friend of the deceased into something otherworldly taking place. Choose whom you kill wisely. Know that even if they seem like a bad person on the outside, perhaps they have a sick son whom he works day and night for to keep alive. This game delivers those moral quandaries around every turn and I for one cannot be more excited for this game. The wait to 2017 will be a long one, but your PC, PS4, and Xbox One will thank you for picking it up.
1. Prey
The Mimic Creatures of Prey
Prey had one of the best reveals at E3 in terms of great trailers. Sure it was all CG, but there was something every artistic about the narrative the trailer was telling. Skip forward to Gamescom and now we have full gameplay. With combat and aesthetics that dances between games like Dishonored and Bioshock, Prey really proved that this was a must for me. I loved these aliens that the trailer introduces. They look like a blob of black goop that can morph into different shapes and sizes. It seems your character gets new weapons and abilities to fight off aliens while a Sci-Fi heavy storyline unfolds.
While it won’t be completely open world, it will insist on exploration in the larger areas, much like the original Bioshock did. I am not a huge fan of either of the games this experience is being compared to. However, I respect the hell out of both of those franchises and eagerly away for the end product of Prey. It is a day one purchase for me next year in 2017 when it releases on the PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
That’s it! That is Gamescom all wrapped up in a nice Top Ten list. This list is just gauging my personal hype levels for the presentations I deemed the “coolest” at Gamescom 2016. Write out your top ten list in the comments below and let’s discuss all things you are hyped for!
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