So I play video games. A lot. Exhibit A (Through Z).Of course, I don't think of myself as an authority on the matter by any means. That would be arrogant and insane (of which I am both, in moderation). It's just that usually when I've recommended a game to someone it's usually gone down well.
I am aware that most people will have played at least one or even all of the games in this list, there are only five, but if someone who reads this decides to try one of these games then I've done my job.
Anyway, here's the list, in no particular order:
Game #1: The Legend of Zelda (Any non-handheld platform)
As will be obvious from the LINK (get it?) above, I love the Zelda games. I grew up playing Ocarina of Time and then Wind Waker, as well as the myriad of Game Boy titles (Oracle of Ages/Seasons, Link's Awakening etc.). I mention the "any non-handheld" part not because I don't think they're great games, but because the other titles are much more immersive and you get a proper feel of what Hyrule is really like. I've yet to play Skyward Sword, but Twilight Princess was just as fantastic as the others I've mentioned and any of these games should definitely be given a go.
Game #2: Warcraft III (plus Expansion)
Yes. This game marks the first 3D real-time strategy game I ever played, having played Age of Empires and Warcraft II a hell of a lot before that. It may even be one of the first 3D RTS games released. Don't quote me on that. The point is, the game is brilliant. Excellent storyline and a good role-playing aspect from the levelling up of heroes (anyone who knows me knows I basically orgasm at the mention of experience gaining). Also, the online aspect. Heard of, maybe played a game called DotA (Defence of the Ancients)? That started as a custom game on Battle.net. The creativity of the Blizzard community makes the online component of Warcraft III still fresh and crazy fun today. Add to that the hilarious things some of the units say when you click them too many times and we have a fucking fantastic game.
Game #3: Baldur's Gate (ANY OF THEM)
This is one series of games that I ALWAYS, without fail come back to playing for weeks on end. Obviously I love it for the experience, see above. But the story to this is incredibly well told through well written and in depth dialogue. This should come as no surprise since it is based on Dungeons & Dragons. The terminology takes a bit of getting used to, THAC0 and whatnot, but once you've learned it, it really is one of the best games I've ever played. The large variety of classes (and sub-classes) as well as the huge arsenal of spells makes this a very replayable game as no two playthroughs will ever really be identical. And now that the Enhanced Editions have been released (and almost completed by myself and my flatmate), all the minor bugs that were sort of annoying have been fixed and the whole game feels a lot more modern and even more enjoyable.
Game #4: Super Mario (64 onwards)
Noticing a trend here? As with Zelda, the handheld titles are brilliant too, but having a pad and playing it on the big screen is a lot more satisfying to me. The beauty of these games is that they make you want to kill yourself, while still coming back for more. There are some brutal platforming puzzles (Secrets in Super Mario Sunshine, holy shit) and some fun boss fights across them all, along with the classic red coin challenges. Add the pure innocence of simply "bopping" everything into oblivion and the ability to put on different hats and there's something for everyone.
Game #5: Black & White
This is one game that is unlike any I played before and unique in this list. You play a God. You have followers in villages. You gain an amazing creature as your sort of avatar (for want of a better word). Your creature can learn to do pretty much anything you and your followers can do, cast miracles, take care of villages by watering crops and such. You can be good or evil. It's wide open. The thing that impressed me most about this game was that it seemed so long and awesome, but it only has 5 "levels". There's just so much to do on each one that you don't really think of them as "levels" but more, worlds, each with their own missions. The Creature Isle expansion is also amazing and offers so much more creature development. The fact that your creature retains this development in the original is one of my favourite things ever.
That concludes my list of games you should probably definitely play. Hopefully some of you will now have a new game to play on Monday nights. And Tuesday. Also Wednesday. Every day.
Feel free to suggest me some games.
