I Feel Like I Owe You an Explanation
Okay, I know. The blog is called "Cardboard Encounters of the Nerd Kind" and there is NO cardboard involved in video games. While this is true, I am a gamer through and through, whether it be card, board, or video. Besides, the headline on my blog clearly states "And anything else nerdy" which to me, includes VIDEO GAMES.
Besides that, it's my blog, so there. But don't worry, this will not be preempting our regularly scheduled tabletop reviews and news, so continue to stay tuned for those weekly updates as well.
Now, some of the RULES of this list:
1. One Game Per Franchise: Even though the top 20 could very well be made up of Super Mario and Final Fantasy games, it will not be. When I list a game, it is what I feel is the perfect representation of the franchise as a whole, so if you see Mass Effect on this list, don't hold your breath for Mass Effect 2 or 3.
2. Characters Do Not a Franchise Make: The exceptions to the above rule is when a character stars in multiple games WITH DISTINCT GENRE DIFFERENCES, not just gameplay, as gameplay can change and improve with each iteration. Which means that Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. might both appear on this list alongside Super Mario Bros. 3, however, Super Mario RPG would not appear if Paper Mario was already on the list, as both are considered role playing games.
3. Remakes/Remasters/Expansions are OUT: I don't care that God of War 3 Remastered is the definitive version of the game, or if the DLC of Asura's Wrath finishes the story. I'm going to be judging the original iteration of the game. That being said, no arcade games. This is only for consoles, y'all.
Now, without further ado...
100. Warcraft 2 - PC
Warcraft 2 was the perfect game to introduce me to Real Time Strategy. The art is just cute for my mom to let me play it and just brutal enough to keep me interested when I didn't IMMEDIATELY understand it, along with a well developed story (if you actually sat through it), and the gameplay is fair and balanced. I know a lot of people go with Starcraft, but for me, THE Blizzard RTS is Warcraft 2.
99. Rastan - Sega Master System
Hack, meet Slash. One part Conan, one part Jason and the Argonauts, Rastan was the perfect blend of monster slaying, platforming, and time management as your life slowly drained the longer you took on a level. Add to that some GIGANTIC bosses that all had different and unique attack patterns and you have a great little hack and slash game. Plus, there's 8-Bit BLOOD!
98. Shinobi - Sega Master System
Ninjas are the coolest, aren't they? Hands down. While many will see this as simply a reskin of any other action platformer, Shinobi had a variety of different mechanics that set it apart like the ability to use magic and a first person bonus mode where you threw shuriken at an endless horde of incoming ninja along with setting it in a modern time: the 80's! You can finally answer the question of who would win: Ninja Stars or Acid Wash Jeans!
97. Star Fox 64 - Nintendo 64
Implementing such novel ideas as an AIMING RETICLE and introducing a 4 player deathmatch sets Star Fox 64 WELL ahead of it's Super Nintendo predecessor. While the graphics may not hold up to today's standards, its gameplay certainly does. Now, if only Slippy could protect himself... DO A BARREL ROLL!!!
96. Battletoads - NES
This game is a living legend. There's a reason that calling GameStop and asking when the new Battletoads is coming out became a thing. The fact that we haven't had a proper follow up is just a crime. The fast combat, the insane difficulty, the crazy animations (like turning your fist into a giant hammer), and the "Co-Operative" gameplay make Battletoads one of the best games on the NES, and really, just one of the best games of all time. And who can forget that funky pause music?
95. Shadowrun - Genesis
Talk about a hidden gem. In this Cyberpunk themed isometric RPG, you take to the mean streets of Seattle, trying to uncover the mystery behind your brother's death. While the Super Nintendo iteration of this game was good as well, in my opinion, the definitive Shadowrun experience was on the Genesis.
94. Killzone 2 - PS3
Killing Nazis is never not fun. By extension, the same principle can be applied to killing SPACE Nazis. While the original didn't quite live up to it's "Halo Killer" advertisement campaign (but let's be honest, what can?) the second Killzone managed to take the visceral combat from the first game, add in some absolutely AMAZING graphics for it's time, and craft a story that remains the best of the entire franchise.
93. UFC Undisputed 3 - Multi
While the graphics and animations may seem dated by today's standards, UFC Undisputed 3 remains the pinnacle of mixed martial arts simulators because of two words: PRIDE MODE. There's just something so satisfying about stomping on the head of your downed opponent. Add in the best customization suite out of all the games bearing the UFC moniker, along with perfectly calculated chances for flash KO's and the deep(est) career mode in the franchise, and you have the ULTIMATE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPION... Game...
92. Cloud Master - Sega Master System
There are plenty of bullet hell shmups out there, but I've only ever found one where you play as a kid riding a cloud fighting off crazed bowls of ramen noodles! Like all shoot 'em ups, there are power ups galore, each with their individual uses, but a marketplace system, where you essentially "Buy" your power ups keeps it fresh. Not to mention that this game is HARD! If you ever think that you're good at these types of games, I DARE you to try Cloud Master. This game has haunted me for THIRTY YEARS and I've only ever been able to make it to level 3!
91. Haunting: Starring Polterguy - Genesis
This game is unique. I've literally never played anything like it. You play as a ghost, trying to scare people by possessing every day things like the throw rug or garbage disposal in order to turn their dream home into a living nightmare! More a strategy game than survival horror or anything like that, it's a truly one of a kind experience that more than deserves it's place in my top 100.
That's it for today! Check back in about a week for numbers 90 - 81!
this blog is very nice, telling us about the top 100 games , You can also check my blogs which is written on the topic of Video Games News
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