Midnight's Quintessential List of Classic Games

Every gamer develops a specific set of favorite games, and since this is my humble homepage, I figured I may as well post a list of my own personal "classics," as well as brief explanations on why I love each one. (Doubtless you'll see a trend). Some of these are old, some are newer, all are good and worth a look. And this list will be revised as I see fit, so check back if you wish!

Nintendo

Super Mario Bros.

The game that launched a million consoles. You can't look at any current Mario game (or platformer) without considering this oldie. It's stood the test of time so well that it still remains the heart of all that is Mario...maybe even all that is Nintendo. It's simple to learn, fun to play, and defined a whole genre. When I'm feeling nostalgic for the '80s, this is the game I play.

Super Mario Bros. 2

The most different of the Mario games for sure. But despite that fact, this is one of my favorites to play and it was the first Mario game I ever beat completely on my own (which is quite an accomplishment for an 11 year-old). Having the Princess as a playable character was cool too. Too bad this about the only time it happens in mainstay Mario.

Super Mario Bros. 3

Who didn't see this one coming? I mean, this is the best-selling game ever, and it's so great that Nintendo even ported it on the GBA almost 15 years after its initial release. Mario flies for the first time, the worlds are absolutely huge, and there are all those cool suits! Arguably the best platformer ever.

The Legend of Zelda

Another game that launched a franchise. Looking at this, it's amazing how much Link and Hyrule have evolved over the years. This game was incredibly simple for an early console adventure/RPG game, and it's still a masterpiece. And a reminder of how hard even basic, stripped-down Zelda can be. ><

Tetris

Best puzzle game ever. Period. My sister and I spent hours playing this one and we get the freakish nightmares about falling blocks even to this day. The original version remains the best.

Kirby's Adventure

Fun game starring a completely different kind of hero. Kirby's trademark swallow and copy ability premiered here, and the game was long, challenging, and full of fun mini-games you could play for extra lives. Catchy music too.

Super Nintendo

Super Mario World

I can almost play this game with my eyes closed. I'm constantly going back and playing this one, blazing through it with the same excitement and voracity I had for it in 1991. Classic Mario, expansive world, fun levels, great ending sequence and YOSHI! ^^

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Probably the hardest game in the series. Huge dungeons, tricky puzzles, nasty enemies and tons of items and tools. Plus the plot just kept getting more and more interesting as the game progressed, sucking me in. This was the first Zelda game I ever played, and definitely one of my favorites.

Donkey Kong Country

This game breathed new life into 16-bit platformers with revolutionary graphics and another mascot for Nintendo. The game itself isn't very hard, but it sure is fun. The only thing that makes me cringe about it was that this game marked the end of the golden age of gameplay and the beginning of the "graphical revolution" that placed greater emphasis on looks.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

A very different Mario game, but a great one nonetheless. Plus it starred Yoshi, and Yoshi is just too cute not to love. Make eggs, throw eggs!

Secret of Mana

A pretty simple action RPG with many Zelda-like qualities, coupled with some unique features and a big world to explore. Plus lots of cool magic spells and the ability to "multi-tap," something that was unheard of in the early '90s. Flying on a dragon is a nice feature too.

Chrono Trigger

I think every RPG nut has played this one several times. Some even hail it as the best console RPG ever, though I think that's a bit much. Huge game, fascinating and complex plot, multiple endings, and Marle--one of the best RPG characters ever.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Mario's first attempt at a serious game outside of his usual genre, and it's practically perfect in every way. Dynamic story chock-full of humor, gigantic world to explore, and the "action command" system that's been in every subsequent Mario RPG since. In a word: awesome.

Gameboy/Gameboy Color

Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins

The definitive Gameboy platformer. A variety of worlds, wacky enemies, and Bunny Mario! Some of the stranger places in the Mario universe exist here, such as the Micro Zone and the Pumpkin Zone. Fun stuff.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

First handheld Zelda and still the best in my book. It had a rather strange plot and a strong LTP feel to it, though it wasn't nearly as long or hard (probably a good thing). Funny too, especially if you managed to steal things from the item shop.

Kirby's Dreamland

The original Kirby, before he was even pink! A short game, but it has a harder extra mode for replay value and it's still great fun. Amazing how a little blob could become one of Nintendo's great heroes...

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons

A very neat idea, having two similar games that interact with each other through linked passwords. They both have the classic Zelda feel while introducing some neat new characters, items and areas. The subterranean world in Seasons is my favorite!

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

Really only a Mario game in name only. Starring Wario, the anti-hero, you seek to steal pirate treasure to buy a castle. Greed is good! Wario's methods of dealing with enemies is different too--he doesn't stomp but plows into them with his shoulder, and he wears special hats to let him fly. Tricky in parts and great to be a good guy/bad guy at the same time.

Nintendo 64

Super Mario 64

The quintessential 3-D platformer. Mind-boggling worlds full of mystery and fun, smart controls, lots of new moves and just a blast to play. Picking this up for the first time was a huge mind trip...and sometimes I still get that feeling of awe when I play it.

Yoshi's Story

Cutest game ever! The last side-scrolling platform ever made unless I'm mistaken, and it has some of the most beautiful textured backgrounds. And Yoshi gets to star in a game without Mario to support him, making it clear that the little dinosaur is popular in his own right. A very fun game.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Um...duh! This game rocks, and anyone who says otherwise is either lying or just stupid. I don't think anymore words are necessary.

Super Smash Bros.

Mascot fighting! So wildly popular that Nintendo had to make a sequel to it or face a very violent riot. There is nothing better than seeing Nintendo's greats duke it out, and smacking Jigglypuff with a baseball bat. ^^

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Possibly the weirdest member of the Zelda franchise. Not just "OoT Redux," it has its own unique and intriguing plot and surprises. The time travel factor is very cool...I still wonder how they managed to pull it off and have it make so much sense.

Paper Mario

Sequel to SMRPG and worthy of that honor. Very different graphical style, but great gameplay and tons of fun! Still high on the humor level too, and a colorful cast of characters. Beautiful presentation too, particularly when you look at the Crystal Castle. Did I mention it's fun? ^^