While waiting for Brad to recover from his 48hr Film Festival, I thought I would treat my loyal followers to something unique. I have loved video games for as long as I can remember. And I have developed a love for all types of games. The one genre that might be missing here is traditional RPG’s. I am terrible at them so I do not play them often, sorry Final Fantasy fans. This list is not based on any critical love for the games, but rather my love for these games. There are no Madden games because I had better memories with two other ones. You can listen to me talk about video games on my movie podcast, they are under the title “Reel Gamers”. They are with my good buddy Joe, which I have had many video game adventures with. So turn on your Playstation or whatever console you own and let’s play!
100. Tapper (arcade): This is a simple game where you pour customers a beer and collect your tips. Of course you also have to be quick and recover the glasses that they just slide down the bar with no regard if they break or not. I loved this game when I was little and still play it when I see it in arcades.
99. Evil Dead: Hail To The King (Dreamcast): This game is crazy hard. The controls are terrible. And the camera always seems to be on the wrong place. But as a long time Evil Dead fan it was so cool to play as Ash and kill a bunch of Deadites. Also bonus points for Bruce Campbell playing Ash again. I still have a Dreamcast and will still play this game if I want to get annoyed and happy at the same time.
98. Skiing (Intellivision): This game is so fun but really simple. I remember playing this at my cousin Chad’s house when we were little and would try to beat each others time, great time.
97. Mortal Kombat: Deception (PS2): This Mortal Kombat game had a great story and expanded on the already solid fighting 3D engine. It was cool seeing the genesis of the Mortal Kombat story and how all the stories came to be. I love the MK series and you will see many more on this list.
96. Heavy Rain (PS3) : A truly unique game which has to be played to understand. The game follows the story of the Origami Killer and a mans search for his son. There are no redos in this game and every decision you make has an impact on the game. Don’t fuck up!
95. Donkey Kong Country (SNES): The one time geniuses at Rare made this awesome platforming game starring the one time enemy of Mario. What I loved about this game is it wasn’t easy and the graphics were really cool, it looked like a claymation movie.
94. Scribblenauts (DS): A clever puzzle game which is only limited by your imagination. To solve each worlds puzzle you write any word you can think of to achieve your goal. Get a kitty out of the tree, how about a Trex that eats it, kitty is dead, but it’s also out of the tree! Bonus points for creativity!
93. WWF: No Mercy (N64): The standard for all wrestling games. Loads of game modes and tight controls make this a super fun fighting game. I loved the ladder matches.
92. Super Ghouls N Ghosts (SNES): Fuck this game! I don’t know how many times my 10 year old self said it to this game, but I’m pretty sure this game lead to my filthy mouth, it is that hard. It is also fun and cool to be a knight fighting all types of monsters.
91. The Simpsons (arcade): There was a time when 4 player beat’em up games ruled the arcades and this is one of my favorite. Basically a repainted port of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this game still featured great animation and the voice talent from the show. Loads of fun.
90. NFL Football ‘94 (Genesis)
This game was one of the first that I remember playing religiously. Again, my cousin Chad and I played this game for hours a day. We couldn’t believe that a video game had play by play announcing! And we would always laugh when you played it too long because the announcer would say the most ridiculous things, like saying you just kicked a 104 yard field goal, oh what great memories.
89. Mickey Mousecapades (NES): Being able to control Mickey Mouse in a quality game was an early highlight for this Mickey fan. You controlled both Mickey and Minnie in their attempt to stop the evil Peg Legged Pete. Truly innovative at the time.
88. Duck Hunt (NES): Shooting ducks with a bright orange Zapper was one of my first video game experiences. The laughing dog and super fast flying ducks are another.
87. Donkey Kong Jr. (arcade): This game is another seemingly simple premise but super difficult to master. Also one of the only games where Mario is portrayed as a villain.
86. Mega Man (NES): Another series I absolutely adore is Mega Man. The one that started it all is very difficult but really rewarding when you master it. The awesome level design that started with this game would continue throughout the series.
85. Adventures of Batman and Robin (Genesis): Based on the cartoon this game had sweet Batarang power ups and all the villains you love in themed levels. Hell even Robin is cool in this game.
84. Ms. Pac Man (arcade): I know this is higher on a lot of “official” lists but this is my personal list so sorry. This game does have clever mazes and is insanely difficult as it progresses. Still loads of fun to play.
83. Beyond Good and Evil (Gamecube): Armed with a camera you must take down evil pigs by taking their picture and wacking them with a stick! Sounds lame but this game rocks.
82. Crash Bandicoot (PSX): Before Jax and Daxter, before Nathan Drake, Naughty Dog made this gem. Crash no longer is an icon but at the time his games were amazing and fun. Try this again I promise you will enjoy it.
81. Rock Band 2 (PS3): The ultimate party game. Tons of songs and tons of options make this one have a lot of replay value. I have had many fun nights with friends playing this game.
80. Luigi’s Mansion (Gamecube): Although the Gamecube launched with no Mario game Luigi’s Mansion great gameplay made up for it. Somewhat forgotten I am super excited that a sequel is on the way.
79. Excitebike (NES): One of my favorite racing games ever. You can even make your own tracks. I can still hum the victory screen misic.
78. God Of War (PS2): Brutal. Amazing. The story of Kratos is both. The pleasure of ripping someone in half is fully realized in this game. Tight controls and crazy combos and epic boss battles make this a truly memorable game.
77. Epic Mickey (Wii): The love for Mickey and all things Disney bursts through every corner of this game. I loved the journey and can’t wait for the sequel.
76. Dig Dug (arcade): Early arcade games were so simple in design, but so much fun to play and so hard to master. Dig Dug is one of my favorites and trying to smash those damn dragons with a rock for more points is as frustrating as it is rewarding.
75. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii): Take the awesome level design of NSMB from the DS and combine it with crazy multiplayer fun and you have one amazing game. I love that Nintendo has embraced 2D Mario games again.
74. The Lion King (Genesis): There was a time when licensed games were good, there are a few on this list. This one was difficult, but it had beautiful graphics and some truly cool “3D” style levels. I loved the level design on this game.
73. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii): Zelda games are always epic and this is one of most epic. Killer graphics and great controls this game not only gave gamers a new Zelda game but got all of us used to the Wii controls.
72. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (PS3): One of the games that truly surprised me it also happens to be my favorite Spidey game. Taking the role of 4 different Spider-Men from different worlds sounds like a disaster but it works really well. Props to having Spidey voiced by actors who have portrayed the web slinger at one time.
71. Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (PS2): Build your own Jurassic Park, ‘nuff said.
70. Skitchin’ (Genesis): My friend Cliff and I played this game like crazy. On rollerblades you hitch rides on the back of cars to win a race and make money to get cooler blades and clothes. Great fun. Anyone still use rollerblades?
69. Resident Evil 3 (PSX): Taking place between Resident Evil and Resident Evil 2 you control Jill Valentine as she tries to escape Raccoon City. What makes this game really intense is you are continually hunted by a giant monster called the Nemesis. You never knew when he would show up.
68. Battletoads (NES): Although you could dismiss this as a TMNT clone the game stood on it’s own and was lots of fun. Another challenging game this had loads of attitude. 90’s style!
67. Pinocchio (Genesis): Another winning Disney game. Great graphics, amazing soundtrack and down right cute as hell.
66. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Genesis): Sonic hit his stride with his second game. Also letting a second player join at the same time was really cool at the time. I loved the bonus stages as well. All around great game.
65. Jak and Daxter (PS2): Really remarkable adventure game from Naughty Dog. Lush graphics cool story and a long quest make this game a must own for any fan of adventure games.
64. Perfect Dark (N64): Do you remember when Nintendo and Rare ruled the first person genre? Well they did and this was their amazing follow up to Goldeneye. I still have hope that Joanna Dark will make a return, come on Rare you can do it! (I am not counting the Xbox game, Rare needs Nintendo).
63. Mortal Kombat: Shoalin Monks (PS2): MK has not had great success in spin off games. This was an exception. Fluid controls and 10 Fatalities per character means there is no let up in terms of brutality in the game.
62. Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (NES): Holy almost unbeatable game! This game was so hard that Nintendo did not release in the USA until Super Mario All-Stars on the Super Nintendo. Try it and you will pull out your hair, but also super rewarding when you advance through levels.
61. Uncharted (PS3): This is the game that sold PS3’s. Nathan Drake is this generations Indiana Jones. Between the epic cut scenes with amazing voice talent, to the crazy all out action sets make this an unforgettable experience.
60. Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64): Oh how great this game is. Between spot on movie parodies to the crude and funny humor this is a truly unique game. Plus there is a huge musical number with a big pile of crap that has corn for teeth, too awesome to make up.
59. Aladdin (Genesis): I know, I know another Disney game, but again amazing graphics and a huge variety in game play make this another stand out game.
58. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii): Another example on how Nintendo is almost untouchable when it comes to game design. Stellar graphics an epic score, tight controls and Mario make this a winner.
57. Mortal Kombat (arcade): Heart rips, thunder gods, and ninjas. What a debut for a video game. The controversy only added to it’s legend and this was the start of a series that has lasted 20 years!
56. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES): Some think this is the greatest Zelda game ever, I’m not one to argue but I like others more. This game is awesome and built on the already legendary series.
55. Mario vs Donkey Kong (GBA): Awesome puzzle game that slipped under the radar but is super fun. If you can track down a copy pick it up, you will not be sorry.
54. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Xbox): The only Xbox game on my list has a special place in my heart. It exposed me to the awesome world of Buffy and Joss Whedon, the game isn’t great but I had fun playing it and was an eye opening moment in my life.
53. Sonic and Knuckles (Genesis): What a cool game. One you get some sweet Sonic,two, you also can connect Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 to it and play the games as Knuckles. Something unheard of at the time of its release.
52. Mega Man 4 (NES): The first Mega Man game I ever beat. I remember playing this all weekend long when I went with my friend Jimmy Bollinger to his family cabin in Steamboat Springs. To answer your question, yes I would much rather beat Mega Man 4 then be outside in Steamboat.
51. Rayman Origins (PS3): A gorgeous update of one of my favorite game series. Beautiful hand drawn graphics with spot on controls make this one of the gems of last year.
50. Life Force (NES): This is a hidden gem of a shooter. Some levels are 2D others are top down views. The monsters are sweet so too are the power ups. This should be available on the Wii shopping channel. Freaking classic game.
49. Mega Man 5 (NES): Another Mega Man with more to come. I love the robot masters in this game. My favorite is Gravity Man. His level would change gravity all the time, making it one trippy adventure.
48. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (arcade): Some of my favorite memories are playing this game at the $1 movie theater in Arvada, CO. And I was still excited to play it just a few weeks ago with Brad. And I experienced something for the first time, all 4 players in on the game, sweetness.
47. Donkey Kong (arcade): Fun, challenging, and classic. Not sure what’s in DK’s barrels that make evil fire balls, but damn they’re scary.
46. Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS): Great entry into the RE series and a truly amazing 3D game. The graphics are almost as good as RE 4’s and the controls are spot on. Buy this now if you own a 3DS.
45. Batman: Arkham Asylum: One of the greatest comic book games ever. Killer graphics, epic battles and a true sense of being Batman is everything a Batfan could ask for, well at least until the sequel came out.
44. Yoshi’s Island (SNES): Some of the most beautiful graphics in the 16-Bit generation and crazy levels with lots of secerts make this one super game.
43. Paper Mario and The Thousand Year Door (Gamecube): The Paper Mario series are action RPG’s that use clever graphics and a really fun story. This game also has Fawful, a truly funny and awesome villain.
42. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3: (arcade): Crazy combos, sleek graphics and of course bigger and badder Fatalities make this one of the coolest games in the MK series.
41. Resident Evil 5 (PS3): Upping the action and adding co-op make this a fun entry in the series. Not quite as good as the ones that came before, nevertheless it still rocks.
40. Parappa The Rapper (PSX): I can still rap most of the songs from this game. It’s funny and clever, plus the songs are damn catchy, hey Sony make another one.
39. Contra (NES): Up,up,down,down,left,right,left,right,B,A select, start, 2 players, 30 lives.
38. Ducktales (NES): Cool side scroller based on a cool cartoon. Scrooge hunts for treasures while using his cane as a pogo stick. I still remember that damn Yeti.
37. Super Mario Land 3D (3DS): If there was ever a game that was a showcase about how cool 3D gaming is, it would be Super Mario Land 3D. The 3D effect is stunning and has to be seen to be believed. The game also rocks, so win win.
36. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii): Another stand out title for the series that seems to never take a step back. Yes there are better games but they are all great. Plus the Wii motion plus gives you some of the most accurate motion controls ever.
35. Mega Man 9 (PSN): Bringing back the classic feel of Mega Man was a great move by Capcom and it paid off. This is one of the Blue Bombers best games.
34. Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception (PS3) Drakes latest continues his winning ways with an amazing game. The action gets bigger and the character moments stay strong, the wait for new Uncharted games keeps getting longer.
33. Mickey Mania (Genesis): This game captures the greatness of Mickey by making you a part of his most famous cartoons. This side scrolling adventure has amazing graphics and tight controls so far Mickey’s crowing achievement in video games.
32. Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!! (NES): The best boxing game ever is over 25 years old and still fun to play. All the boxers are colorful if not a little politically incorrect, which adds to it’s awesomeness. Hey here’s a hint on how to last the first round against Tyson, he throws an uppercut every 6 seconds for the first 1:30, hang in there Mac, Join the Nintendo Fan Club!
31. Super Tecmo Bowl (Genesis) Simple controls, only 8 plays but damn fun. I love that you can run backwards to avoid a sack and throw the ball 99 yards for a TD.
30. Soul Reaver 2 (PS2): The original Soul Reaver was an amazing bit of storytelling. Raziel’s fall from grace is heartbreaking, but it makes his revenge that much more sweet. I love the characters of Kain and Raziel and their story is told through great cut scenes. My dream is for an HD collection of this series but I will not hold my breath…
29. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PSX): Alucard is Dracula’s son and you play as him in this side scrolling adventure. Amazing 2D sprites, great controls, and an epic score make this a game that has few equals, I wish Konami would make another one just like it instead of the 3D crap they have been pushing out.
28. The Legend of Zelda (NES): The original Zelda game set the standard for many action RPG’s to come. Links journey is full of secrets and dungeons. And hands down one of the greatest theme songs ever, in fact I can think of only one better.
27. Super Mario Bros 2. (NES): Vegetable picking at its best. When the original Super Mario Bros 2 was deemed to hard (see no. 62) Nintendo added Mario characters to Doki, Doki, Panic! and sent it over to us not as talented US gamers. SMB2 however is awesome and a weird entry into the legendary series.
26. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (arcade): Tons of fighters and crazy combos make this one hell of a fighter. Bright and big 2D sprites and tight controls just add to the awesomeness. And hey who doesn’t want to have Spidey and Dr. Doom team up to take down E. Honda and Ryu.
25. Mass Effect 2 (PS3):I was late to the Mass Effect party but I’m glad I finally arrived. From the opening moments to the intense gun battles this game is truly remarkable. Voice acting, graphics, music,and controls are all top notch.
24. Mario Kart: Double Dash: (Gamecube): This is my favorite Mario Kart game. I love the strategy of what teammates to use and the tracks are all cool. My favorite team, Toad and Bowser Jr.
23. Resident Evil (remake) (Gamecube): Taking a great game and making it 10x better is something that is special. This is the rare occasion that the remake is superior in every way. Better controls, unbelievable graphics and much better voice acting make this a game not worth missing.
22. Super Street Fighter II: Turbo (Genesis): More hours at my cousins house playing this classic. My cousin is the only person I know that uses Guile to extreme effectiveness.
21. Goldeneye (N64): A sweet game made better by awesome multiplayer that had a ton of game modes. I played this with friends for hours. If I could I would hook up my N64 and have a Goldeneye party. That sounds like a great idea!
20. Jet Grind Radio (Dreamcast): A gem from a system that didn’t last that long. I love the cell shaded graphics and the music. Also the cool way you tagged walls was fun. There was a sequel but this one blew me away when I played it, it’s now on PSN and I am going to get it when I am done writing this blog.
19. God of War 2 (PS2): Taking what was great about God of War and making it better was no small feat but Sony did it. The opening battle between Kratos and the Colossus is worth the a play alone, but it gets better from there as well.
18. NHL ‘94 (Genesis): Classic sports games are always dated. This one however seems to still be engaging and fun. I loved the lowly Senators before there was an Avalanche. I would trade for Wayne Gretzky and pair him with Alexi Yashin, we were unstoppable!
17. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (Gamecube): Yes this is one of my favorite Zelda games. With jaw dropping graphics and an adventure that is so fun I’m not sure why everyone is down on this game. Play it again or for the first time I think you will be shocked on how great it is.
16. Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube): Ditching zombies and “tank controls” Capcom scored again with an impressive Resident Evil game. Not an easy sell form longtime RE fans once you started playing you wouldn’t stop.
15. Super Mario 64 (N64): One of the most innovative games ever, this game introduced us to analog controls, true 3D worlds and again fun level design make this a winner.
14. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA): Mario and Luigi games are funny and really fun. I think this is the best one. You will laugh out loud at some parts and smile the whole time you are playing.
13. Super Mario World (SNES): Mario’s last adventure on the NES was Super Mario Bros 3, and Nintendo launched the SNES with a new Mario game that followed the same formula. Lots of levels in themed worlds added to the fun of this Mario game.
12. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64): Clever story, following Link from boy to hero is classic. All the dungeons are designed so well and the side quests are engaging, this is the best Zelda game, hands down.
11. Rayman 2 (Dreamcast): Great 3D platformer. So much fun and the levels have so much personality. Rayman the armless hero is easy to control, with super slick graphics. You may have missed this but you can get it on PSN, so you totally should.
10. Batman: Arkham City (PS3): Bigger, better, and damn awesome, Batman: AC is like Arkham Asylum but at level 10. Everything that was great about Arkham Asylum was added upon for this game. Graphics, controls, story, voice acting, are all top notch. If you haven’t play this game now.
9. Paper Mario (N64): If you couldn’t tell by my list I love these games. The first one set the standard for everyone that followed and they haven’t strayed too far from its winning formula. Unique graphics, tight controls, and a funny story makes this one great game.
8. Mortal Kombat II (arcade): This was my favorite MK game for 19 years. I still play it once a week and I still love it. It introduced my favorite character Kung Lao and made everything I loved about MK better. Fun Fact I won a MK II tournament when I was 11 at an old mall where I lived. Not bragging but I went 16-0 with Kung Lao, I know I am great.
7. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES): What a great game. Sweet graphics. Same old reliable controls, but with a inventory of power ups and huge worlds SMB 3 is one of the best Nintendo games ever. I begged my dad for this game when it came out and I got it one night after football practice and have been playing it ever since.
6. Mega Man 2 (NES): I love this game. I will still play it start to finish when I need a Mega Man fix. I’m not sure why I rented this game for my annual video game sleepover party that my mom would throw for me and Jimmy. I would be allowed two games pizza and soda. One birthday I choose Mega Man 2, and I’ve loved it ever since.
5. Mortal Kombat 2011 (PS3) Yes I have a new favorite Mortal Kombat. This game is crazy good and awesome. From brutal Fatalities to great replay value this is the MK that all others will be judged.
4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3): The crowing achievement for not only Naughty Dog but also the Playstation brand. Everything in this game is great. Story, control, action, graphics. I love this game and if you own a Playstation and don’t have it, shame on you.
2. Resident Evil 2 (PSX): I have beaten this game I think more then any other one. I have tried to beat my best time so many times I lost count. My friend Adam Smith and I would have contests on who could beat it faster and with only a handgun, I can’t remember who won but those were great battles.
1. Super Mario Bros (NES): The first video game I played is still my favorite. I always will play this game the level design is second to none. I recently discovered that the arcade version levels are different at some parts. Yet another reason to play the greatest game of all time.