1. God Of War
I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology so I find it exciting that Santa Monica Studios has taken prominent figures within literature and adapted a story about the gods and heroes with a twist. The main character Kratos may be one-dimensional but the world, game play, weapons, story, and score are diverse, not to mention the graphics are to die for.
I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology so I find it exciting that Santa Monica Studios has taken prominent figures within literature and adapted a story about the gods and heroes with a twist. The main character Kratos may be one-dimensional but the world, game play, weapons, story, and score are diverse, not to mention the graphics are to die for.
2. Mass Effect
This game made me fall in love with RPG's (role playing games). Bioware has to be one of my favorite developers out there: they created a world where every choice matters, the characters are three-dimensional, and the story is rich with themes and a well-developed plot. Most RPG's tend to progress slowly, but since this is a third-person action RPG it moves much faster yet still has 30 plus hours of gameplay BEFORE the DLC (downloadable content). The gameplay is excellent, the score is beautiful and the replay value is extremely high. I love all the classes you can choose from as well as all the armor and weapons. Everything you do in Mass Effect 1 carries over to each continuation of the story.
This game made me fall in love with RPG's (role playing games). Bioware has to be one of my favorite developers out there: they created a world where every choice matters, the characters are three-dimensional, and the story is rich with themes and a well-developed plot. Most RPG's tend to progress slowly, but since this is a third-person action RPG it moves much faster yet still has 30 plus hours of gameplay BEFORE the DLC (downloadable content). The gameplay is excellent, the score is beautiful and the replay value is extremely high. I love all the classes you can choose from as well as all the armor and weapons. Everything you do in Mass Effect 1 carries over to each continuation of the story.
3. Metal Gear Solid
Konami has created an excellent stealth action game. If you are looking for a game with story-- look no further. There are so many twists, turns, and government conspiracies it can be a little overwhelming. What I love about this game besides the game-play, musical score, and weapons is the character development. Throughout the series you watch a group of characters evolve: they are some of the most in-depth characters in a video game series.
Konami has created an excellent stealth action game. If you are looking for a game with story-- look no further. There are so many twists, turns, and government conspiracies it can be a little overwhelming. What I love about this game besides the game-play, musical score, and weapons is the character development. Throughout the series you watch a group of characters evolve: they are some of the most in-depth characters in a video game series.
4. Devil May Cry
It's important to note that this series greatly influenced the God Of War series in terms of game-play and level design. That being said, Capcom developed one of the most over the top, action packed videogame series out there. You play as Dante-- a half human, half demon protagonist-- who fights for humanity. The weapons and abilities are a blast and the overall battles, story, and dialogue are over the top. The third game is my personal favorite, but all the games have an excellent pace from beginning to end.
It's important to note that this series greatly influenced the God Of War series in terms of game-play and level design. That being said, Capcom developed one of the most over the top, action packed videogame series out there. You play as Dante-- a half human, half demon protagonist-- who fights for humanity. The weapons and abilities are a blast and the overall battles, story, and dialogue are over the top. The third game is my personal favorite, but all the games have an excellent pace from beginning to end.
5. Ratchet & Clank
Insomniac has created a series with so much imagination, yet pays tribute to the classic platforming style of game-play (aka the Mario games). Not to mention it's clever and funny. I love the back story of the characters as well as how they have evolved throughout the series. The game play is solid, the weapons are innovative-- i.e the Groovitron that forces your enemies to start dancing against their will while you pelt them with missiles-- and the replay value is high.
Insomniac has created a series with so much imagination, yet pays tribute to the classic platforming style of game-play (aka the Mario games). Not to mention it's clever and funny. I love the back story of the characters as well as how they have evolved throughout the series. The game play is solid, the weapons are innovative-- i.e the Groovitron that forces your enemies to start dancing against their will while you pelt them with missiles-- and the replay value is high.
6. Fable
This series was created by Lionhead studios and initiated my interest in RPG's. There is tons to do in this world, from buying property to working to having a family, and of course the main quest. This game caters to your play style. You can choose from using guns, swords, cross bows, and magic. If you want to use a combination of all of them go ahead. The game play is strong, the score is beautiful, and the replay value is high.
This series was created by Lionhead studios and initiated my interest in RPG's. There is tons to do in this world, from buying property to working to having a family, and of course the main quest. This game caters to your play style. You can choose from using guns, swords, cross bows, and magic. If you want to use a combination of all of them go ahead. The game play is strong, the score is beautiful, and the replay value is high.
7. Sly Cooper
This series was created by Sucker Punch. I am very proud of this studio; the fact they can go from the Sly Cooper series to the Infamous series shows diversity. The bosses and level design are unique and fun. I like that you can play as Sly: a stealthy master thief, Bentley: the brains and the gadget genius, and Murray: the muscle. This is an action/stealth/platforming game series with a fun story, developed characters, and challenging but entertaining game-play.
This series was created by Sucker Punch. I am very proud of this studio; the fact they can go from the Sly Cooper series to the Infamous series shows diversity. The bosses and level design are unique and fun. I like that you can play as Sly: a stealthy master thief, Bentley: the brains and the gadget genius, and Murray: the muscle. This is an action/stealth/platforming game series with a fun story, developed characters, and challenging but entertaining game-play.
The Assassin's Creed series was created by Ubisoft Montreal. The score for these games are amazing. Every game raises the bar higher and higher. Ubisoft listens to their fans and improves upon what the previous game lacked. The story is intense and in-depth with so many twists and turns you are constantly on your toes. There is so much variety in game play and exploration. The characters are solid and the replay value is high. This is one third-person stealth-action game you don't want to miss.
9. Grand Theft Auto
This series was created by Rockstar studios. It continues to push the boundaries for video games. This series is meant for adults; with that said there is always some type of organized crime to be a part of. Rockstar has mastered making their main characters three dimensional. There is so much to do in these games: you can eat, go to clubs, play pool, go bowling, go on dates, buy tons of new weapons and clothes. Every character you meet in these games is unique. The consumer release music is excellent and diverse. The radio stations and TV shows are hilarious. The replay value is high and the game play is rock solid.
10. Uncharted
When Naughty Dog Studios-- the creators of the Jak and Daxter kids series-- released the first of the Uncharted games as an exclusive for the Playstation 3, I don't think they knew what a successful and special series this would become. This modern day tribute to Indiana Jones is complete with love-interests, a quirky sidekick, villains, and even monsters. The story is gripping and entertaining, accented by witty dialogue and a charming lead in Nathan Drake. Besides that, the game-play is challenging: a third-person blended with platforming and puzzles. And a diverse weapons selection always helps. Did I mention the gorgeous graphics?! If you own a PS3 this is a MUST BUY, otherwise you should buy a PS3 just to play this series. Can't for the third one to be released this year!
When Naughty Dog Studios-- the creators of the Jak and Daxter kids series-- released the first of the Uncharted games as an exclusive for the Playstation 3, I don't think they knew what a successful and special series this would become. This modern day tribute to Indiana Jones is complete with love-interests, a quirky sidekick, villains, and even monsters. The story is gripping and entertaining, accented by witty dialogue and a charming lead in Nathan Drake. Besides that, the game-play is challenging: a third-person blended with platforming and puzzles. And a diverse weapons selection always helps. Did I mention the gorgeous graphics?! If you own a PS3 this is a MUST BUY, otherwise you should buy a PS3 just to play this series. Can't for the third one to be released this year!
Honorable Mentions-
Dead Space
Gears Of War
Prince Of Persia
Resident Evil
Jak & Daxter
I would love to see you do a RANKED list... or lists, maybe categorized by genre or "artistic"/"best story"/ best characters. Also, there is a surprising lack of handheld & arcade games and old school titles. :)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love the list-- these all require repeat plays, have interesting stories and characters, and gorgeous graphics. Which Resident Evil is your favorite? What about Arkham Asylum??