My Top Games of 2015

1. Bloodborne

I wasn't surprised I enjoyed Bloodborne, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Bloodborne. It all starts with the atmosphere, as the streets of Yharnam ooze with filth while a sense of hopelessness grips you from the moment you enter the bleak world. The subtle shift in gameplay, which forced me to rely more on offensive tactics than defensive ones, sets it apart from the Souls games preceding it. Yet all the while, it still maintains the incredible sense of discovery and accomplishment that made the Souls games so great. Despite my immediate love for the game, it wasn't until I went back for the platinum trophy and DLC I realized how well it not only holds up, but in most cases towers above, the other games I played in 2015.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Fantasy has long been one of my favorite genres to explore, both in literature and film, as well as gaming. The Witcher 3 created a sprawling world of which I truly felt a part. My actions impacted the world and the lives of those in it. Not only that, the characters are strong enough that you care about their problems and how they end up at the end. Your choices have weight and they matter. It also helps that the game is drop-dead gorgeous. The one flaw I have with the game is with its controls, specifically, the combat. After playing something like Bloodborne, the combat here feels repetitive and too simplistic. The fact that Witcher is #2 on my list is a testament to just how great the game despite those flaws.

3. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

I'll start by saying I'm not a Metal Gear guy. Having long felt the series was overrated, I almost didn't even try MGSV. The reviews sold me and I gave it a shot and boy am I glad I did. While many of the long-time Metal Gear fans seemed disappointed by the lack of story, I was thrilled. For me, the focus on gameplay was a welcome change. It shocked me how quickly I was pulling off advanced maneuvers and that I actually cared about building up my base, a segment of the game I had planned to skip. I even found myself itching to replay missions in order to try out a different tactic to see how things played out differently. While I've never been a big Metal Gear fan, I've always been a huge fan of stealth and stealth tactics in games. With MGSV, I had more fun with a stealth game than ever before, and that's why it's easily my favorite Metal Gear game of all-time.

4. Destiny: The Taken King

I spent more time with TTK than any other game on this list. I've been a fan since day 1, but TTK improved on many of the problems we had since early in year 1. Bungie has nailed the shooter mechanics from the beginning, but struggled in other areas. TTK addresses many of those shortcomings by providing a better story, varied missions, and an incredible raid. With stronger support following its launch, TTK could've been even higher on my list. 

5. Rocket League

Rocket League sold me from the moment I picked up the controller. It's one of those games where you instantly know what to do in a classic "pick-up-and-play" sense. Yet, the more you play, the more nuanced it becomes. I have no doubt were I still in college, I would have played this game religiously with dorm mates. Rocket League is the one game on my list I regret not being able to play more. I have fun every time I play, but so many other games have pulled me away. That still doesn't prevent me from recognizing Rocket League as a truly great game and one of the best of 2015.

Catching the Blog up with YouTube

Hello people of the internet! Been a while since I've posted here. Busy with life (1-yr old son plus new house) and busy with games (over 700 hours in Destiny!)...but I have been putting a few things out on my YouTube channel lately and wanted to make sure I caught everyone up on what I'm doing there. 

The first video is a tribute video to two of my favorite guys in the gaming industry, Colin Moriarty and Greg Miller. The video speaks for itself:

The second video is something silly I decided to do with one of my Destiny clips. I've been playing the game since launch and among those legitimately love the game. There are tons of Crota solo videos out there, but I decided to add a little flair to this one:

I have more videos to come and will make the effort to ensure they're are posted here. Enjoy!

Top 10 Games of All-Time (Wrapup)

1.) The Last of Us
2.) Metroid Prime
3.) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
4.) Super Smash Bros Melee
5.) Dark Souls
6.) Pokemon Yellow
7.) Journey
8.) Resident Evil 4
9.) Super Metroid
10.) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

- Five Nintendo exclusives (six if you include RE4, which launched as a Gamecube "exclusive" but was later ported to other systems)

- Two Sony exclusives

- Two 3rd party titles (three if you include RE4, which eventually went 3rd party)

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#1, #2, and #3)

1.) The Last of Us

The Last of Us is my favorite game of all time. Many aspects of this list proved difficult (see #2 and #3), but deciding on my top game wasn't one of them. For a title so recent, this may seem premature. How do I know my mind won’t change? Truthfully, I don’t know. But I do know this: I simply can’t think of a single game I’ve ever played that combined gameplay, graphics, and story more beautifully than The Last of Us.

Far too often, gamers confine themselves to very rigid definitions of gameplay, graphics, and story. Rather than focusing on enjoyment, we worry too much with the box or category in which a game fits. If you buy into these strict categories and definitions when evaluating The Last of Us, you're left with a game that isn't the best in terms of basic gameplay. It doesn't have the most technically proficient graphics ever made nor is it the greatest story every told. What you do have, however, is a game that excels in all three categories and results in an experience far greater than the sum of its parts.

All you have to do is look through my top 10 list and you'll see just how rare that is. Smash Bros has phenomenal gameplay, but next to no legitimate story. Journey has very little gameplay at all, but there's a beautiful, emotional story there. Naughty Dog should be commended for even attempting to balance story, graphics, and gameplay. But to excel at all three? They should be revered and admired.

Going into the game, I had read a few previews and watched the heavily discussed E3 demo, but for the most part, I tried to go in with as little information as possible, especially about the story. It also helped that Naughty Dog was appropriately tight-lipped about many of the story aspects.

The Last of Us' opening scene hooks you instantly. As any avid book reader knows, character is of the utmost importance and the game's first act creates an immediate bond between the player and the main character. Almost instantly, you care for his well-being and want to know what happens next. Stories are certainly subjective, yet I found Joel and Ellie's tale absolutely riveting. From the emotional beginning to the jaw-dropping finale, I didn't want to stop playing. 

Following the opening act, you're introduced to the gameplay elements as story and gameplay meet. You encounter two primary enemy types throughout the game: humans and the infected. Although some fans criticize the AI, I actually found the human behaviors excellent and just what I would expect from a game emphasizing stealth (especially on the game's highest difficulty setting, which is actually what I recommend). Human enemies attempt to flank and and surprise. The infected are more predictable, but a careful approach is still required. 

Having played through multiple times on the various difficulty settings, I saw scenarios play out a number of different ways. Often times, there's no "right" way to accomplish a certain task or to move through a series of enemies. Stealth often proves useful, but direct, aggressive approaches may work just as well. There are even times when fleeing completely may be the best option. The gameplay never feels like a disconnect from the story. They flow perfectly together with each serving the other just as designed. The innovative crafting system combined with the scarce resources truly creates a sense of survival. 

Speaking of aggression and violence, The Last of Us is absolutely brutal; yet in many situations, you actually feel bad about your actions. In this fallen world, finding anything good is a struggle. The violence isn't glorified; if anything, it helps to understand its consequences on a grand scale. The few moments where you do experience peace, good, and quiet are appreciated all-the-more because you know the sacrifices it took to get there.

The Last of Us is not a perfect game. But I can't possibly imagine it being better. My few complaints become irrelevant when I focus on the experience, rather than considering individual elements alone.
On top of the single player experience, Naughty Dog even created a compelling multiplayer mode. I spent far more time with the multiplayer than I ever expected. When taken as as whole, The Last of Us' story, gameplay, and graphics are far greater than any would be alone. The story is a heart-wrenching roller-coaster, the characters are real and memorable, the game mechanics are well designed, and the graphics are beautiful. 

Will I have a new #1 a few months down the road? Years down the road? Perhaps. Though at this moment in time and at this stage of my life, The Last of Us represents the pinnacle of gaming. Any game looking to bump it from the top spot has a monumental task ahead. 

2.) Metroid Prime

Last year, I restarted this blog with a dedicated video-game focus. I started with a post on why Metroid Prime was my favorite game of all-time. As you can see, it has been bumped down the list ever so slightly, but much of what I wrote in that post still stands. If not for The Last of Us, Metroid Prime would still be my favorite game of all-time. For now, it comes in at a very respectable #2.

Metroid Prime released in 2002 from the relatively unknown Retro Studios. Many longtime Nintendo fans were enraged when they learned one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises had been given to an up-and-coming studio, not to mention the longtime 2d series would not only be going 3d, but also 1st person. 

When the game released, critics were blown away. Not only did the game play well as a 1st person shooter/adventure, Retro took Metroid from 2d to 3d flawlessly. The series retained its sense of exploration, isolation, and epic boss battles. 

Prime is all about the polish, in so many ways. From the moment you first power-on your system, Prime sets itself apart. Sleek menus and an eerie, atmospheric tone immediately set the stage for your upcoming voyage.

Prime absolutely nails the atmosphere and sense of isolation, an area where many modern games fail. While there is  plenty of action, you play as a bounty hunter who is very much alone. There's an eerie silence from the first moment you set foot on the Space Pirate frigate Orpheon. 

You'll look through the abandoned space station to discover something went seriously wrong. You'll scan data logs and find a number of dead life forms along the way. The initial ship investigation concludes with an epic boss battle that leaves you knowing you're in for one heck of a ride. 

In terms of boss battles, Prime has plenty of them. You're often faced with seemingly insurmountable odds and pitted against creatures far more powerful than yourself. Like any good boss battle, these creatures have weaknesses you'll need to exploit. I will never forget the sense of awe when battling Meta Ridley, Thardus, and even the Parasite Queen from the game's opening sequence. The music, the sequence of events leading up to it, and the fights themselves are astounding.

Samus visits a wide-range of locations throughout her Prime adventure. Once you land on Tallon IV, the sense of isolation remains, despite the addition of more enemies. You're never bored or left wondering where to go next. From the ice-capped Phendrana Drifts to the underground Magmoor Caverns, you'll always want to push forward and explore even more of the beautiful planet.

I already mentioned Prime's polish and it really shines in the small details. The way Samus' reflection appears in her visor or the way it fogs up when she enters certain rooms all contribute to the overall experience. My personal favorite effect is the visible heat that rises from her arm cannon after you fire off a few bursts in quick succession. 

Prime is filled with these unique touches, extending even to the way the game loads. The load times are almost non-existent as a result of a clever Retro trick where the loading often takes place while you're already performing an action on-screen, such as riding an elevator or moving toward a locked door. You'll never see a single loading screen for the 10-15 hours you spend behind the visor.

If you've never played Metroid Prime, do yourself a favor and find a way to play it. Every Metroid fan has a preference, but the original Prime will always have a special place for me because it did something incredibly unique that had never been done before. Although it released more than a decade ago, Metroid Prime remains one of my favorite games of all-time.

3.) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Surely you didn't think I would have a top 10 list without a Zelda game making an appearance? For me, Ocarina of Time has always been the gold standard for Zelda. A case can certainly be made for Link to the Past, but Ocarina is undoubtedly the one that stands out for me.

Being an older game, I played Ocarina at a much younger age than I am currently, but I actually played it long after many of those around me. As I mentioned back in my Pokemon entry, I didn't truly become a dedicated gamer until around 1999. Ocarina, of course, launched in 1998. When I finally did make it back to the title a few years later, my lofty expectations were not only met, but exceeded.

Playing this game is fun for me today, even as an adult, but when playing as a child, it's so easy to be swept away into the fantasy world of Hyrule. Link, the protagonist, is a young boy to start the adventure so kid gamers instantly relate.

The first time you step into Hyrule field as the young boy is a vivid gaming memory I'll always treasure. You're just a small child stepping out into a massive world. As you take-in the surrounding sights, you'll soon realize the mountain off in the distance isn't just there for show. It's actually a place you'll visit. In fact, the more places you travel, the more you start to realize what a living, breathing world Hyrule actually is.

Stepping into Hyrule field for the first time isn't the only awe-inspiring moment in Ocarina. In fact, it's filled with those moments, which is one of the primary reasons it holds a special place in the hearts of so many gamers. There's the moment you first draw the master sword. The first time you play your ocarina. The first time you encounter a re-dead. And of course, the boss battles are all memorable in their own special ways.

The level design of Ocarina is familiar to any Zelda fan, which, like the 2d games before it, is centered around dungeons. The dungeon formula has been copied countless times by others, but few have the polish and confidence of Ocarina. When Link first stepped into 3d, it was a water-cooler moment for the entire gaming industry. Nintendo had taken a beloved 2d series and transitioned it perfectly into 3d. Link still ventured through dungeons, fought bosses, and solved puzzles, but he did it completely in 3d. The result was nothing short of amazing.

Like Naughty Dog with The Last of Us, Nintendo also did an excellent job balancing story, graphics, and gameplay with Ocarina. Although there are familiar tropes and expectations with Link and Zelda's story, it's still memorable and one that has a lasting impact. The gameplay, of course, is top-notch. While the graphics may look dated today, they were revolutionary for their time.

Ocarina of Time is now available across many different formats - Wii virtual console, 3DS remake, and even a special edition Gamecube version - there's really no reason not to play it. The game remains a timeless classic to this day and shouldn't be missed.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#4)

4.) Super Smash Brothers Melee

There is not a single game I've spent more time playing than Super Smash Brothers Melee. Having launched early in the life of the Gamecube, it's also one of the few games I've played throughout an entire console generation. It's a game I enjoyed in high school and carried with me to college, but it's not just about the game itself. Smash is about the bonds, friendships, and rivalries that are born from multiplayer matches that fit the definition of "fun" more than any other game I've ever played.

Gamers and even people in general are often drawn to Smash Bros because of the fast-paced action, bright colors, and most importantly, the classic Nintendo characters. On the surface, observers see a fun, party game with wacky items and zany stages. Admittedly, the party-game style and atmosphere is what drew me to the Nintendo 64 original and the subsequent Gamecube sequel.

Over time, I played Melee with many different people. I started with a neighborhood friend and eventually my dad and two sisters even joined-in on the action. Throughout high school, I started playing with friends on a pretty consistent basis. A few of the more dedicated players and myself started playing more frequently and tweaking various options. We would turn certain items on/off, play only on certain stages, shift from timed matches to stock matches, and so on. Eventually, we decided to remove items completely and only play on stages that didn't actively affect players. Basically, we removed the elements of chance to result in a game more based on skill.

Many games would crumble after taking away so many options and stripping the game down to a bare-bones state. But with Melee, the opposite happened. My friends, myself, and gamers around the world discovered there was actually an incredibly deep, intricate fighting game underneath the party-game veil. We started to have more fun - and more competition - by playing in this style.

Turns out, Melee had a whole host of advanced techniques underneath the surface. Many of them were difficult to master, especially against another human player. Crouch-canceling, wave dashing, edge-hogging are just a few of the strategies dedicated players attempted to learn.

Once I went off to college, I made new friends...and new Melee rivals. I quickly discovered there were so many others who also preferred to play Melee as more of a competitive game rather than a party game. We poured countless hours into the game, playing night after night. The crazy thing? It never got old. I can probably count on one hand the number of games I could play repeatedly, for years, and never have them feel old or stale. We were constantly improving and learning new things about the game. It probably helps that many of us were ultra competitive and wanted to be the absolute best we could be.

Whether you prefer party games or competitive games, Melee is great for both and I don't fault anyone for enjoying one over the other. What's incredible is how Nintendo and HAL Laboratory created a game that so effortlessly works in either environment. In fact...I think I'd like to go play right now.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#5)

5.) Dark Souls

If you've spent any time at all on the internet, you know how often games develop an intense, passionate following that may not always translate into mass success. But those fans remain ever vigilant, taking every opportunity to encourage others to play the game they feel so strongly about. Dark Souls is one of those games. And yes...you should play it.

Believe me, I know how easy it can be to ignore my pleas. After all, I ignored Demon's Souls and Dark Souls for years. The games were described to me as insanely difficult, ruthlessly unforgiving, and incredibly deep. With such a description, the excuses came easy.

In fact, I started Demon's Souls on three different occasions. After playing for just a few moments the first time, I promptly deleted it from my system, shaking my head at all those who felt so strongly about it. Then I tried it again a few months later and liked it slightly better, but still not enough to play it to completion. And finally, on the third time, everything clicked. I beat the game and jumped straight into Dark Souls with a full understanding of what I was getting into. Yes, it's insanely difficult, ruthlessly unforgiving, and incredibly deep; it's also fun, rewarding, and unlike anything you've played before, save for Demon's Souls.

At its core, Dark Souls is a third-person, action-adventure-RPG. You'll upgrade stats, collect weapons, loot, armor, and yes...souls. Souls act as your currency throughout the game. Anything you want to purchase will require souls, which are obtained by defeating enemies. Oh and if you die...you lose all the souls you've collected. You'll have one shot to return and reclaim the lost souls, but if you perish before you reach them, they're lost forever.

The system is indeed unforgiving, but it's also addictive and oh-so-rewarding. One major difference from Demon's is in the level design and layout. Dark Souls is one massive, inter-connecting world, of which you find yourself throw right in the middle. For a while, you'll feel like you're wandering aimlessly until suddenly you'll emerge in a memorable location. This happens time and time again as you play the game and it never gets old. By the end of the game, you'll have a complete picture of the world in your head, and how everything connects together.

I said Dark Souls is unlike anything you've ever played and part of my reasoning stems from its combat, which all happens in real-time. Standard enemies are more akin to bosses in most other games. If you try and tackle even the most basic enemies without proper movement and preparation, you'll be destroyed rather quickly.

What's incredible about Dark Souls is the freedom it offers you in how to fight your enemies. This is largely tied to your character build and the stats you choose to boost. A ranged sorcerer or pyromancer? A strong, shield-carrying warrior or knight? Or maybe a lithe, quick-striking hunter? The amazing result is you can succeed with almost any choice. It's all about perfecting your style of play, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and playing to your strengths with every enemy encounter...including bosses.

You'll fail time and time again as you make your way between bonfires (the only safe havens in Dark Souls), and when you actually do have success, you'll be rewarded with a boss encounter. Dark Souls has a collection of the most challenging, intricate bosses I've ever experienced in gaming. They're varied in a wide-range of aspects such as size, attack pattern, quickness, weapons, and defenses. There will be times when you truly think they're unbeatable and it's easy to throw in the towel, but my personality is the opposite. When presented with an insurmountable challenge, my pursuit only intensifies. In fact, this is one of the core reasons I connect so strongly with the game. The ultimate sense of accomplishment is totally worth the rigorous journey to get there.

One reason the repeated failures are easy to accept is because of Dark Souls' fairness. I'm not sure I ever had a situation where I didn't come to fully understand exactly what I did wrong to result in my death. That's not saying there won't be times of confusion. But once you learn the system and the enemies, you'll understand the why. Every death is a learning experience. Once you're able to grasp that, then Dark Souls becomes a far more enjoyable experience.

For years, I ignored the pleas and cries of so many passionate fans who said: Play. This. Game. If you've ignored Dark Souls for this long and consider yourself a hard-core gamer who loves a challenge, it's time to cut the excuses. Forget the rest of your backlog. Heck, forget Watch_Dogs, Mario Kart, and even Destiny if you' haven't played Dark Souls yet. "Prepare to die" goes without saying...but I think it more apt to say: "Prepare for one the best games of all-time."

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#6)

6.) Pokemon Yellow

To those who know me personally, I would guess this selection comes as a surprise. It's true, Pokemon Yellow probably wouldn't have the type of impact today that it had on me nearly 15 years ago. However, it marks the point in my life where I officially became a gamer. In fact, Pokemon Yellow is almost solely responsible for me becoming as passionate about games as I am today.

Sure, I'd owned an original NES, as well as a Genesis, but I'd never stayed up late into the night playing hour after hour. Don't get me wrong, I loved Mario and Sonic, but as a really young child, I lacked the patience to play either game to its full completion. I'd never poured over every single detail and explored every single area of a game...until Pokemon.

I'm not exactly sure how the game managed to completely hook me, other than maybe it's just the Nintendo magic. It manages to be approachable, yet challenging. There's plenty to do in the game, but you'll also be rewarded for your efforts. I picked up on this pretty quickly so I wanted to know everything I could about the game.

I read through the instruction manual. I read about it online. Talked about it with friends. In game, I spoke to every character I came across. I learned about HP, antidotes, the difference between a master ball and an ultra ball, repels, and how to target and exploit enemy weak points. So many features that are RPG staples today, I learned from Pokemon.

I think part of the reason I even had the opportunity to fully experience Pokemon is because it was portable. I took my Gameboy Color everywhere; on car trips, vacations, heck - even the bathroom. I wanted to catch them all, evolve them all, and assemble the best team possible. I can still remember my favorite party, the unstoppable combination of Blastoise, Charizard, Venusaur, Gyarados, Zapdos, and - the prize of my collection - Mewtwo.

I also played through Red and Blue (I told you...I did everything), but I chose Yellow as #6 on my list for two reasons: 1) It's the superior game because you can obtain all three starter Pokemon from Red and Blue without having to trade and 2) It was the first Pokemon game I played.

You can probably sense my passion coming through just talking about the game. The incredibly strong feelings I have toward the other 9 games on this list owe it all to Pokemon Yellow. 

I'm certain I will play better games and enjoy other games more, but no game will ever have the kind of impact on me that Pokemon did. It showed me just how deep, immersive, challenging, and fun a game could be.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#7)

7.) Journey

Games have long toyed with our emotions, constantly seeking to engross players in new, thoughtful, and meaningful ways. Video game creators have traditionally accomplished this through age-old techniques centered on story and character. Journey certainly places the utmost importance on story and character, only... spoken words are never uttered.

In fact, Journey lacks many of the conventional elements we've come to expect from video games. There are no maps or waypoints to tell you where to go. There's no final boss. No cumbersome HUD with a health bar and magic meter. In essence, the character and story are yours, and yours alone.

Journey draws you in with a combination of gorgeous visuals and a perfect musical score that accompanies every key moment throughout the game. Back when I reviewed Journey, I couldn't think of a single change I would make. That remains true today.

The pacing and sense of discovery are fantastic, and should have no problem holding up years into the future. In fact, I can't wait for the day my son is old enough to experience this tale and to have an appreciation for what it's telling him about himself.

I hesitate to mention too much about what you'll see and do because it's best experienced first-hand. What I'm completely comfortable saying is Journey will take you on an emotional adventure. You'll be happy, sad, curious, afraid, proud, joyful...and so much more.

Whereas most games have been content to only impact players emotionally, Journey takes it a step further by impacting you, dare I say, spiritually. Frankly, it's quite difficult to put into words and most certainly depends on your own beliefs about life. It's not a game you can walk away from and easily forget. I would even say it's likely to evoke a questions about your own beliefs. Plenty of games have impacted me emotionally, but I'm not sure any have ever impacted me in a spiritual way, save for Journey. 

Make sure you turn down the lights. Throw on a pair of headphones. And play through the full 2-hour adventure undisturbed, in one sitting. Listen carefully and see what type of story Journey has for you. You won't forget it.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#8)

8.) Resident Evil 4

So many of our gaming experiences are defined by where we are in our lives. What we're dealing with personally or even where we're at physically often affect how we experience a game. Resident Evil 4, or RE4 for short, launched while I was in college. For those who didn't live in a student dorm or maybe aren't in college yet, let me explain how a typical guys dorm works. You go to class. You watch movies. You watch sports. And you play video games. If you live in a dorm, the movie watching, sports, and games all turn into communal activities. Needless to say, my room saw a significant increase in visitors with the launch of RE4.

The room was even more packed because so few on my floor owned a Gamecube. In a surprise to seemingly everyone, RE4 debuted and launched as a Gamecube exclusive. The envious PS2 and Xbox owners "ooh'd" and "ahh'd" at the mature, realistic graphics the tiny "purple lunchbox" was capable of pumping out. And while the graphics are what lured them inside, it's gameplay that made them stay.

Like the #9 title (Super Metroid) on my list, RE4 has excellent pacing throughout. Even better, the experience never grows repetitive as you're almost always finding a new item, upgrading a weapon, exploring a new location, or tackling an unfamiliar enemy.

You'll face-off against an enormous underwater creature armed with only a harpoon; you'll learn to dread the roar of the infamous chainsaw and the man covered with a burlap sack; you'll even have to ride across an old ski-lift with knives and axes hurtling toward your head. These small examples only attempt to scratch the surface of the variety across RE4.

The item-management and weapon upgrades help to keep the game fresh. Far too many games allow you to earn and unlock everything by simply playing through the entire game. Not RE4. You'll have to make sacrifices and careful selections about the items you want to keep and the weapons you want to upgrade. The weakest part of the game is likely its story, but frankly, you're having too much fun to care all that much.

The once-Gamecube exclusive is now available on many different platforms so no one has an excuse to miss this title. There hasn't been a better Resident Evil game to come along since RE4. Not even close. Truth-be-told, there aren't many games better than RE4, period.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#9)

9.) Super Metroid

Super Metroid is yet another game I missed the "first time around." It released back in 1994. More than a decade had passed by the time I finally tried it out. The fact that Super Metroid stands the test of time is part of what it makes it so great. Not only was it a great game by 1994's standards, it's a great game by 2014's standards and one I highly recommend to anyone.

The graphics of the 16-bit era have aged better than the 8-bit era before it, and some would even say they aged better than the 32 and 64-bit eras that followed. Unsurprisingly, Super Metroid is downright gorgeous. The art style truly sets it apart; evident as you explore the harsh, diverse landscapes of the planet Zebes.

Aside from the visuals, the pacing and difficulty are nearly perfect. I'm not a developer, but I would wager to guess there is no magic formula to nail the pacing of a game. You just know it when you play it. And Super Metroid has it. You're almost immediately met with a sense of desolation, a Metroid staple, but also the freedom of exploration. What you'll quickly discover - and discovery is oh-so-important in Metroid - is certain paths are blocked off at the beginning. Only by upgrading a certain item or ability will you be able to pass. If it sounds familiar, it's likely because you've played a game in recent years with this mechanic. Chances are the inspiration came from Metroid.

Who could forget battling Kraid?

Finally, one would be remiss to not mention the boss battles. They're a collection of the most memorable bosses in gaming, complete with an unforgettable final boss - and even a story twist - that help solidify Super Metroid's place as one of the greatest. You'll need to utilize all your weapons and abilities to conquer all the game has to offer. Oh and don't skip out on energy tanks. Find as many as you can because you'll need them.

Super Metroid represents one of Nintendo's finest games ever made. Gorgeous art and visuals combine with rock-solid gameplay that makes for a truly memorable experience. Even the story is somewhat intriguing, which isn't often said for Nintendo titles. More than anything, it's a game that still plays well 20 years after its release. And my expectation is gamers will continue to enjoy it 20 years into the future...and beyond.

Top 10 Games of All-Time (#10)

10.) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

I had never played an Elder Scrolls game until Skyrim. Needless to say, I was completely awed and floored by the massive scale. An enormous map is open to the player right from the start, featuring a variety of landscapes that would make Tolkien proud. It's the sense of choice, freedom, and character building that make Skyrim one of my favorite games of all-time.

You'll encounter a number of intriguing characters along the way, some of whom will offer you quests to complete. You'll often be rewarded with money, weapons, armor, or even food. The quests rarely get repetitive or boring as you'll find yourself exploring vastly different locales and pursuing different objectives. You may need to steal an item from a villager's home if you want to join the Thief's Guild; assassinate key targets if you're interested in the Dark Brotherhood; or you could just head straight to the College of Winterhold (my choice) where you'll learn all sorts of spells and enchantments.

The downside of Skyrim lies largely with the actual gameplay, which is a turnoff to many. It's not necessarily bad, but it can get repetitive at times as you often repeat tactics to build up your character. The combat is rather basic, particularly if you're a melee character. Being a mage adds a little more variety. There is a main storyline as well, but I found the side-quests to be far more interesting.

Skyrim excels at creating a living, breathing world of which you truly feel like you're a part. If Bethesda could improve the actual combat in future iterations, while maintaining the immersion of Skyrim, it would almost certainly earn a spot on my all-time list.

Jonboy's Top 10 Games of All-Time (Honorable Mentions)

I’ve wanted to compile a comprehensive list of my favorite games for years. Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges in attempting such an endeavor, some of which have prevented me from ever completing a list. Until now, that is.  IGN editors’ recent series on their top games of all-time inspired me to finally develop such a list. And oh, how rewarding it has been.

First, I needed to establish a working framework. Are these the best, most well-made games of all time? The most influential? Do I number the list? These list are personal; thus, I’m focusing on my personal favorite games of all-time.  More specifically, what are the 25 games that sold me on gaming in the first place? What are the games that have made this lifetime hobby worth a lifetime of dedication? Those are the questions I set out to answer with this list.

I also decided on a numbered list. I can’t lie; it’s absolutely agonizing to try and nitpick one game over another. To search for minor flaws in my favorite games ever goes against the very nature of a “top 25” list in the first place. But I continued to return to my purpose and the framework I’ve established. In some alternate universe where I’ve never played a single video game, which 25 would I pick for myself to play? Which five would I pick? Which one would I pick?

It wasn’t easy, but I finally managed to complete the list. Rather than making this one enormous blog post, I’ve elected to split it into separate entries. To get started, I’ve elected to list my 15 honorable mention, which round out my top 25. These are games I truly adore, but they just missed the cut of being in my top 10. They are not in any particular order. Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Memorable characters, excellent battle system, and an intriguing story. 

Near perfection in gameplay and excellence in level-design

A roller-coaster epic with top-notch storytelling.

Fantastic world to explore with a truly believable western tale.

My favorite rhythm game ever made, hands-down. Deserves a sequel.

So easy to get lost in the world and its characters. 

The best Batman game ever made. You truly feel like the caped-crusader.

Just plain fun. Pure gameplay in every sense of the word. 

One of the greatest plot twists in all of video games. 

Ground breaking and unlike any game I'd ever played. Emotional and impactful.

One of my favorite multiplayer games ever made. Poured countless hours into this one.

Incredible powers and intriguing story. 

The PS2's swan song was a gorgeous, action-packed epic.

Car combat at its finest. My friends and I had a blast with this one.

 Fantastic puzzles and an unexpectedly funny, well-told story.

I was Featured in a PlayStation Video

Well this is pretty cool. It's not every day you get to appear in a PlayStation video (well, your online user name anyway). I can confirm the rumors are true. I have been featured in one of PlayStation's videos, which focuses on the share functionality of Sony's latest system.

I'm a frequent poster over the popular NeoGAF forum and I came across a new thread. The title had more to do with the new InFamous footage than the sharing videos. I pulled out my phone during my lunch break to check out the video. As it started playing, I didn't even notice the the name. It was my shared video that caught my eye. Take a look below and see if you can spot it. 

NBA 2k14. Mike Conley of the Grizzlies drains a 3 to beat the Clippers. I thought to myself, that looked really familiar. I think I've seen this before. So I immediately re-watched the first part of the video. My jaw dropped when I saw my PSN ID appear across the screen: jonboy_jlf_2004. So cool!

Being in Marketing/Communications myself, the concept of the share button instantly made sense to me back when Sony announced it. Every single time a user hits "share," it's nearly 100% free advertising for Sony. Videos streaming from their system across Facebook and Twitch (hopefully YouTube is added soon enough), plus the screenshot sharing feature through Twitter, are incredibly efficient ways to market a system and a brand. Not only do the videos and screenshots look great, they're almost always events that are going to come across as pure fun (like a game-winning 3-point shot). Others online see the videos and then they too want in. It's brilliant.

I have no idea if this video will be used as a television commercial or if it's just an online video to promote the share button on the dualshock 4. Even though I realize it's all part of the marketing of the sytem, as a huge fan of Sony and the PS4, I think it's pretty awesome. 

Nintendo Should Revive the Gamecube Controller with Smash Bros Wii U

Super Smash Bros Wii U and Mario Kart 8 are the two premier titles Nintendo is set to launch on the Wii U later this year. In case you haven't heard, the Wii U isn't exactly selling all that well. Nintendo was forced to cut their sales estimates by more than 6 million for the system.

Many have written articles with recommendations for "saving Nintendo" and "turning around the Wii U," but I'd like to take a moment to pose another idea. No, this won't save Nintendo or reverse the fortunes of the Wii U. It would, however, serve as a small gesture of goodwill to long-time Nintendo fans who've supported the company through difficult times: the should release a collector's edition of Super Smash Bros Wii U and bundle it with a redesigned, Gamecube-esque pro controller.

Collector's editions are somewhat rare, although not totally uncommon, for Nintendo. Most recently, we've seen special editions with Zelda titles. They went all-out on Skyward Sword for the Wii, releasing a special edition bundle including the game, 25th anniversary soundtrack (also with the standard version), and a Zelda-themed Wii Remote Plus.

For Wind Waker HD, they packaged the game with a custom Ganondorf figurine.

They also bundled a standard Wii controller with Wii Play and released the Metroid Prime Collection with a steel case and an art book. So it wouldn't be totally outside the realm of possibility for it to happen with Smash, yet it would be a first for the Smash series.

Perhaps I'm just being selfish regarding the controller choice, considering the Gamecube controller is probably my favorite of all-time. Additionally, I've only known Smash with a Cube controller. Of course I played the N64 original, but Super Smash Bros Melee is when the series really took off. The game worked to perfection with the controller, feeling as if every detail had been designed with the controller in mind. Nintendo must have agreed as they elected to enable a number of controller options for the next iteration: Super Smash Bros Brawl.

Unfortunately, the Wii U dropped the Gamecube compatibility of its predecessor and thus, the Gamecube controller ports. Therefore, Nintendo would have to create a complete new controller design to work wirelessly with the Wii U. To be honest, it saddens me that Nintendo went away from the Cube controller design in the first place. With a few tweaks to the triggers and the d-pad, they would have found a classic design with staying power, similar to what we've seen with Sony and Microsoft's controller. Instead, they chose a new design with their Wii Classic Controller and now the Wii U Pro Controller, and in the case of the latter, a design strikingly similar to that of their competitors.

In terms of design, I would use the same body as the Wavebird controller. The coloring would be all black with a subtle Smash Bros Wii U logo at the bottom center. I would also make the d-pad slightly larger, re-design the top z-button and add another to the left, and tweak the triggers ever so slightly to give them less travel distance and slightly more responsiveness when you press them down, but leaving that satisfying "click" at the end. Of course the center would need to be redesigned with a plus/minus button and also the home button. This would be me my ideal design, but there's now way I'd complain even if they just released the exact same controller. 

Let's be clear, the Wii U Gamepad and the Wii U Pro controller will be fine options for Super Smash Bros Wii U, but I'm not sure it will feel perfect on either of those. There are also attachments sold online (like the one here) that allow players to use the Gamecube controller on the Wii U, essentially turning it into a Wii Classic Controller - but not a Wii U Pro Controller. And the difference is significant being that some games do not support the old Wii Classic Controller as an option (ex. Mario 3D World does, Wind Waker HD does not). Given their history of supporting every input imaginable, one would think that Smash Bros Wii U will support the classic, but there's no way to be certain. So even if Nintendo doesn't make an updated Cube controller as I'm hoping, it's still possible the die-hard Smash fans will still be able to use our old Cube controllers. 

A move like this certainly isn't going to reverse Nintendo's fortunes with the Wii U, but I do think it would go a long way toward enticing fans of the Gamecube classic to return and play the latest edition of Nintendo's brawler...just how they remember it. Oh and if they really wanted to send the fans into a frenzy, they could finally announce the launch of a Gamecube Virtual Console to coincide with the controller's release.

2013 Game of the Year

2013 Game of the Year Awards

Although 2013 saw the release of two powerful new consoles in the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, the majority of my favorite games of the year came on the hardware we've grown familiar with over the past generation. 

I've compiled my top 10 games of the year and have listed them below, starting with my 10th favorite game and working up to number 1. There's also a brief explanation for each title. If you've missed any on this list, I highly encourage you to give these a shot.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD (Wii U)

Loved the original, but didn't remember it being this good. The art style and cel shading is unmatched even to this day.

9. Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

While I didn't find 3D World to be as revolutionary as Mario 64 or Mario Galaxy, it's still an excellent entry to Nintendo's historic franchise.

8. Rayman Legends (PS Vita)

Just pure fun. Gorgeous art, near-perfect controls, and fantastic music. I could have done without the Murphy levels.

7. Guacamelee (PS Vita)

Drinkbox Studios nailed it yet again. Guacamelee was one of the games from 2013 to provide a significant challenge, requiring a familiarity with each of the game's many mechanics.

6. Grand Theft Auto V (PS3)

GTA didn't really reinvent the wheel (pardon the terrible pun), but Rockstar didn't need to. GTA V is pure fun from start to finish. There's a ton to see and do, but the story left me wanting more. The heist missions were great. In fact, I wish there had been more of them.

5. Tearaway (PS Vita)

Wow...not sure I've ever played a game more charming. I smiled more during my playthrough of Tearaway than probably any other game on this list. The art style and graphics are truly unmatched. Love how they used the Vita in so many different ways that never felt forced or inconvenient.

4. Bioshock Infinite (PS3)

The story ended up a in strange place that I didn't expect...but I could not stop playing Infinite. There was a constant urge to see what twist awaited behind the next corner. I found the gameplay somewhat repetitive at times, but never bad. The plot was enough to keep me going and, oh what a story it told.

3. Tomb Raider (PS3)

No doubt that Crystal Dynamics borrowed a number of mechanics from other recent high-profile titles, but Tomb Raider stands as on its own as an amazing title that breathes new life into an age-old franchise. They did a fantastic job making me care about Lara again.

2. Resogun (PS4)

This one took me by surprise and I certainly never expected it to be Game of the Year material. Gorgeous and addicting, I'll likely be playing Resogun throughout the PS4's life cycle.

1. The Last of Us (PS3)

Naughty Dog's latest masterpiece took everything I love about gaming and brought it together in a single, cohesive package. Jaw-dropping graphics, sublime acting, incredible story, fully immersive atmosphere, top-notch stealth gameplay (despite what some may tell you)...The Last of Us has it all. I knew immediately after finishing that I had experienced something very special. At the end of the day, there's really no higher recommendation I can give than to say that every adult who considers him/herself a gamer should play this game. It's uncomfortable and even hard to play at times. You'll laugh. You'll smile. You may even shed a tear. One thing, however, is certain: you will never forget playing The Last of Us.

Resogun Level 1

There are still a ton of folks out there better than me, but this is probably my best run yet on Level 1 (experienced difficulty). Unfortunately, I screwed up my chance at a high score on the following level. I was ranked in the top 100 for a while, but I'm around 125 now. 

Greatness Has Arrived; Next-gen is Here

It's hard to believe the PlayStation 4 is now available in North America. It feels like only yesterday I was blogging about the PlayStation meeting (back in February), yet here we are in November. PS4 is out and the Xbox One is right around the corner. Somehow...the PS4 managed to shatter my lofty expectations in my first weekend with the system. I had a great time with a number of different launch titles and was often reminded just why I love this hobby so much.

Here are my impressions after one weekend with the console and a handful of launch games.

Resogun

The visuals are downright stunning.

Resogun is truly the gem of the launch lineup. Upon starting the game, you'll probably be confused and overwhelmed at all that's happening on screen. Enemies attack from all sides, a voice keeps telling you to save humans, and a number of those said humans are "lost" with little explanation. Don't be deterred by the initial confusion. Stick with it and you'll quickly learn the nuance of the game, how you save those humans, and how to dispatch the countless enemies thrown your way. I enjoyed the time I spent with previous Housemarque titles, Super Stardust HD and Superstardust Delta, but neither drew me in as completely as Resogun has in my first weekend with the title. It's an old-school "shoot-em-up" at heart, yet there is enough innovation here to make the whole experience feel fresh. Oh...and there's also the graphics, which are completely mind-blowing.

Killzone: Shadow Fall

Yet another visual showcase.

This is the game where I'm most confused by the lower review scores, although I've admittedly spent almost all my time in the multiplayer mode. The graphics are gorgeous (noticing a trend here?), the control are perfect on the new DualShock 4, and I've had an absolute blast with the multiplayer. The early parts of the single player where markedly different from previous Killzone games and I found it entertaining thus far. I've actually never finished a Killzone game so I'm anxious to see if Shadow Fall holds my interest through to the conclusion. I can already say I'm enjoying the multiplayer far more than previous Killzone titles.

NBA 2K14

At times, you'll think it's the real thing.

The NBA 2K series has been the king of basketball games for years so it comes as no surprise they have made the jump to next-gen with ease. The majority of the upgrades come in the graphical department. At times, the game looks more true to life than any video game to come before it. Unfortunately, there are still graphical glitches and technical shortfalls that definitely remind you...yes, you're still playing a video game. Luckily, they aren't enough to break the experience. I came away very impressed by the crowd animations, which finally seem to be unique and diverse enough where you won't find the "tall guy in a blue hat" every other row. The gameplay is as rock solid as ever, but it actually plays slightly different from previous iterations. 2K wasn't bluffing when they hyped their eco-motion engine.

Knack

Looks to be a great "beat-em-up" for the family.

Knack is the title I spent the least amount of time with, although I did watch my young cousin play through the first couple of hours of the game. It controls well and the story seems better than I was expecting. Definitely the weakest in terms of graphics of the game's I've mentioned, but there are certain effects that have the "wow" factor. I'll reserve my full judgment until I've played more, but chances are if you're interested in these types of games, you'll probably like it. If not, it's certainly not going to win you over.