18. Super Mario 64 (N64)
Super Mario 64 was only responsible for one thing--making platforming games 3D instead of 2D. Think about that for a second. Instead of moving up and down as games had always done, Nintendo successfully added depth to the equation. This Mario game could have easily failed, but Nintendo did a wonderful job as always and brought the industry into an entirely new age. Imagine series such as Tomb Raider or Metal Gear as a 2D (2 1/2D). They wouldn't work as well, would they? Let us not just admire this masterpiece for breaking new ground, let us also honor it for the wonderful game it was. Previous Mario games allowed you to jump and climb. Mario 64 allowed you climb and jump...and double jump, triple jump, back flip, crouch, crawl, hang, somersault, side flip, vault, slide, and more that I'm probably forgetting. Super Mario 64 will always stand out in my mind because whenever I started a new game I would usually spend about five minutes just playing around in the courtyard outside the castle doing Mario's new moves. The main game itself was awesome with some 15+ worlds, hidden coins, hidden castle stars, memorable Bowser battles, and truly creative scenarios that led to your quest to find 120 stars. If you did find them all a cannon opened up in the courtyard and allowed you to find Yoshi on the roof of the castle. Another subtle but awesome touch. Solid game that hasn't had a worthwhile successor--Mario Galaxy could be it though...17. The Legend of Zelda (NES)
If you were a true Nintendo fan in the day you were either of the camp that A-Mario the superhero-ish type was they way to go, B-Metroid was the sci-fi adventure you always yearned for, or C-the medieval fantasy adventure type. If you were type C, Zelda was your game of choice. Zelda gave us a new perspective on a game, focusing on a 2 1/2D overhead view that falsely made it look like the game had more depth than it did. An expansive overworld and numerous dungeons gave explorers more than enough options. Unlike Mario and Metroid, buying items was a huge factor in Zelda as well. Sometimes you just really needed that blue candle, and were forced to pony up the rupees to pay for it. The game also contained several areas of map that were puzzle like. The lost woods required one to walk through the same piece of map over and over in the correct order to successfully navigate the forest. The plot was a bit of a mystery. At times you'd find a creepy old man or woman in a cave and they would allude to something important, just not important to you. It would be if you knew how it was all supposed to tie together. Still, you knew you were trying to save a princess and that was good enough. The wide variety of items and the intuitive ways they allowed you to explore was highly enjoyable. I do know that this game as aged well also. Pick it up or download it for $5 off the Wii if you somehow haven't played it. You'll thank me later.16. Wii Sports (WII)
When the Gamecube came out, I considered myself getting too old for video games and I initially refused to purchase the system. After it was out a year, I caved in and bought it and haven't missed a step since then. When Nintendo announced the Wii, I counted down days for years before it actually was released. 
I even dressed up as the Wii for Halloween--long before anyone knew what the hell the Wii was. I took the day before launch off of work as did Karen and I stopped at Walmart on my way home from substitute teaching and saw that there were already five people in line. I promptly called Karen who came with our chairs/games/snacks/food and we posted in line. After waiting in that line with 30 other people for OVER 32 HOURS midnight of the next day finally came. We purchases the Wii, Wii Sports, Call of Duty 3, Monkey Ball, Zelda: Twilight Princess, and extra Nunchuk, and an extra Wiimote. Most of the other people in line had their jaw drop when they saw our haul. I forget what it came to, but it was well more than 400 dollars. Any why do I tell this long tale? I was among the first that was able to run home and try Nintendo's new motion technology. Wii Sports is the embodiment of where games are headed. Despite Sony and Microsoft's best graphical efforts Nintendo has proven that the way you interact with video games is the future. Graphics will come with time, but Nintendo is changing the way people perceive and play games. Steering wheel, gun attachments, balance boards, etc., Wii Sports started this whole trend. Tennis, baseball, and golf were solid, boxing was draining, but bowling is where this game really stood out. Wii bowling became so popular that first year that we formed a six team virtual bowling league complete with standings, schedule, records, and handicaps. The league lasted about nine weeks with playoffs, but I will never forget the sense of wonder this game inspired in people. I wish the Wii all the continued success in the world for breaking the mold with Wii Sports and carrying on into the future.UP NEXT: The top Mario platformer and the 2nd highest ranking sports game. We're in the top 15 people! Can you believe it? Not many to go now!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment