All Time Favorite Video Games 70-66

Our second installment also features five video games all at once. Amazingly, they again come from five different systems. One of these is so obscure, I suspect only one of you reading will even know what it is. Here we go!

70. Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
I have to admit I was skeptical about this game when I borrowed it. A game with no minions? No little annoying guys that constantly reappear? Instead we are given a vast world with only vague clues about where to find the next colossi. In all every battle is an epic affair that requires the unnamed hero to confront a staggeringly large boss. The face that the game was very moody and told you almost nothing in regard to the plot should have dampened the experience but it didn't. You're trying to awaken some girl, and at the end of the game all these guys on horses show up and seemingly talk about things you've never even heard about. Story aside, this game ruled.

69. Hugo 3: Jungle of Doom (PC)
Wow, where to start. I suspect only Chad has even heard of this game. We're talking about a very old school PC that involved adventure, some action, and lots of creative thinking. There's a rock on the screen, you say? Well, you better look behind it! You're stuck in a case at the witch doctors? Time to use that clay to make a voodoo doll, stick a pin in it and escape when he falls in agony! This was the third of the hilarious Hugo games that we used to play. Sadly, I did not put House of Horrors or Whodunit on the list, but here's my nostalgic nod to my childhood.

68. Harvest Moon (SNES)
Quick, what game currently sells for about 80 dollars loose on ebay, but I managed to convince an old game rental place to sell me for 10 dollars? Harvest Moon. In addition to being one of the best investments ever, this game was genuinely fun. For those of you who have never played one in the series (and I can't speak for the MANY sequels that have come out) you wouldn't think a farming sim would be fun. It is ever. Featuring cute little farm animals that you had to feed and take care of, crops that you had to cultivate, and an active social life that encompassed wooing and winning over a lady of your choice, this game was a blast. It was also unique in that even though it was a sim, the game ended after two and half years. Watch out for holes in your fields, the gnomes might be watching you...

67. Dragon Warrior (NES)
See that map? The castle city on the left is where you start the game. The castle on the right is where you end the game. But you won't get there until many, many, many hours later. Frustrating, right? Dragon Warrior was one of the earliest RPG's for consoles, and featured all the usual stuff that would later define the genre--leveling up, rescuing people, finding cool weapons, using spells, etc. Who could forget the noble slime as he drew near to combat you? Hours of fun at a very early stage in my life.

66. Star Fox 64 (N64)
Star Fox 64 carried on where Star Fox SNES picked up, blasting things and kicking ass. With various routes you could take across the solar system and the new option to use the Landmaster Tank, this game was a huge improvement over the original version. Even the multiplayer wasn't too bad. The constant banter of your co-pilots, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, and Peppy Hare, added to the highly enjoyable experience. Yes, we understand we remind you of our father Peppy. Yes, we understand that you need help Slippy. Sheesh. Good stage design and great bosses to fight. All around a great experience!