In my free time, I am an avid videogamer. I'll play almost any game, but there are certain games that I can play forever and not get bored of. A truly great game will drag you into its plot, and keep you engaged throughout the game. The gameplay will also contribute to the game, as the interface should be easy to use, catchy and also complex enough to keep you discovering new ways to enhance your performance.
Over the years, I've played many games, and I've developed a list of my favorite games.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - In my opinion, the greatest game ever made. The plotline is phenomal, with several plot twists, perfectly developed characters, and beautiful graphics. The Ebon Hawk comes to life, as do all of the player's party members. The romance with Bastila is incredible, you almost feel as though you're experiencing the feelings that Revan is. Each character offers their own personality, from the know-it-all droid T3-M4, to the sarcastic and ever amusing HK-47, to the wise old Jolee Bindo, to the forbidden lover, Bastila. The graphics are beautiful, in places, better than the movies. The game length is also perfect, and the difficulty matches the player's level almost perfectly. Many people complain about the length of Taris, but that only really occurs for new players who are lost and confused. The replayability of the game is also incredible, as each time you play, you discover more about the characters by choosing different dialogue choices or player options. Truly a masterpiece, and a game everyone should play.
2. Need for Speed: Most Wanted - This one almost didn't make my list, because of both the length and the level of annoyance it presented. But after finally beating it after what seemed like eons, it comes in at #2. The cars are both fun to drive, and realistic enough, while still providing a racing feel. The difficulty is impressive, especially when compared to its successor, Need for Speed: Carbon. The races don't seem to ever get old, and there's not much more fun than winning a pink slip from another racer. The graphics are superb, and the plotline is quite solid. The game's ending is incredible, although quite difficult. Overall, this is my favorite installment of the Need for Speed series.
3. TIE Fighter - Time to go old school, I suppose. TIE Fighter is possibly the most addicting game I've ever played. While the graphics leave something to be desired, that can be forgiven due to the game's release in 1995, the gameplay and interface are simple, yet technically advanced for its time. You almost feel the role of the Imperial Pilot, who deals with Rebels, pirates, and defecting Imperials. The craft selection is varied perfectly, and matches the mission goals quite well. The music is also well done, and it is surprisingly catchy. Overall, one of the best games ever release by LucasArts. Unfortunately, they never released a second TIE Fighter, to the dismay of many fans.
4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords - The sequel to the 2003 game of the year, this game mirrors its predecessor in many ways. The plotline is, again, stellar, and the character development is incredible. An amazing game has well developed characters, and this game is the epitome of developed characters. Some of the characters, notably HK-47, T3-M4 and Canderous Ordo, return from the first game, while others are completely new. Regardless, all of the characters have finely tuned sub-plots. Unlike the first game, the sub-plots are less vital to actual completion of the game, making them true sidequests. The graphics are on par with Knights of the Old Republic, and even better in portions. The planetary development is beautiful, and it's easy to get lost in the game's beauty. But the plotline is much better. The only reason it doesn't rank as #1 or #2, is because LucasArts and Obsidian Entertainment were unable to complete all the portions of the game before it was shipped for Christmas sales. The replayability of the game is even better than the first, as the character influence system makes certain plots only appear based on influence levels.
5. Halo: Combat Evolved - This one probably tops many gamer's lists, but perhaps not for the reasons I have it on my list. Halo is incredibly catchy, and fun to play. The game interface is incredibly easy to use, and the difficulty levels are almost perfectly balanced. Also, the characters are decently well developed, enough to make the plotline as interesting as it is. The multiplayer aspect is also incredible, as I recall the endless hours I spent blasting my friends to bits with rocket launchers.
6. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy- Few people remember this game, but those who do remember it fondly. Gauntlet: Dark Legacy is another installment of the legendary Gauntlet series of games, but this one's replayability is unique. There are no real defined characters or personalities, instead, you follow a plotline and "hack-n-slash" your way through various territories. However, as far as multiplayer games go, this one tops the list. Up to 4 players can team up to battle the evil demon Skorne, and the evil wizard Garm, and save the realm from unspeakable evil. Also, the list of items, the variation in player character choices, and the amount of enemies make this game both memorable and lasting fun.
7. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Almost everyone has played this game at some point or another, but few actually appreciated it. Age of Empires was way ahead of its time, as even now it still outclasses most real time strategy (RTS) games. The graphics are excellent, and the gameplay is incredible. This game comes in at #7 because the single player missions leave something to be desired, as the difficulty is imbalanced, and there are also too few differences between the scenarios.
8. Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness - As the list of legendary games continues, Warcraft 2 is another RTS game, quite similar to Age of Empires II, and quite possibly the inspiration for the entire RTS style of game. The gameplay is incredibly addicting, the single player missions are perfectly balanced, and you also get to play the game as both sides. Additionally, the plotline is excellent, with few complaints from reviewers. The balance of land, ocean and air is also quite well done. The only complaints that one could have is the lack of balance in the multiplayer mode.
9. Freelancer - Yes, another old game makes the list. Freelancer, perhaps one of the most innovative and addicting games of its time. The graphics are average, but they hardly detract from the incredibly plotline. The plot leaves you on the edge of your seat for the entire game, and the difficulty is just challenging enough to make you think about changing the settings. Also, the multiplayer is quite fun, and everything from the planets to the navigation is quite innovative. Overall, one of the best games ever made.
10. Star Wars: Rebellion - Surprisingly, many people absolutely loathe this game, while others swear by it. The gameplay is quite difficult to learn at first, and the level of technicality is enough to make any casual gamer think twice. However, the complexity is what makes SW: Rebellion so fun to play, as it provides a long and intense game both against the computer, or against other people online. The Rebellion and Empire are also quite well balanced. There is no plotline, as you are basically creating Star Wars history yourself. My only complaint is the lack of a sequel, or updated version.
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