@CthulhuFhtagn Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn't find one of 'em, not one stinkin' “bleep” body.
@Kidfried This is gonna be awesome; huge thanks for bringing this back and I agree, five years feels about right for a refresh. But what to nominate?
I'm not gonna double-dip on games that've already been nominated, so that rules out Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2) which honestly, would've been my top choice (rest assured it'll be getting all possible points from me further down the line).
So, after careful consideration, that leaves me with the following list.
Dragon Age II (PS3) Hitman: World of Assassination (PS5) The Last Guardian (PS4) Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5) Mass Effect 3 (PS3) The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe (PS4)
Presented alphabetically, because there's no way in heck I can rank 'em.
It's a very different list from five years ago. Mass Effect 3 is the only holdout, and that's largely thanks to the recent Legendary Edition reminding me of its greatness. I hesitated about nominating two BioWare RPGs but when I think back to the impact Dragon Age II had on me, and how I never expected to fall so hard for a fantasy game...? It'd be an injustice to overlook it.
Hitman: World of Assassination is the re-branded release of the most recent Hitman trilogy which compiles all three games into a single, complete package. If anybody sees its inclusion as a cheeky technicality, then I'd totally understand, and swap it out accordingly.
"We want different things, Crosshair. That doesn't mean that we have to be enemies."
Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix (PS1)
The BEST Classic DDR games from Arcade & PS1. A lot of great licensed songs from DanceMania series, iconic KONAMI original songs AFRONOVA that being overplayed by DDR fans, the first DDR that became Booming trend. DDR 3rd Mix is my mentor for building DDR skill before I get advanced for more difficult songs on next DDR games.
Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME (PS2 Japan)
It has a lot of songs from previous DDR, more BEMANI crossovers such as Dance ManiaX, Beatmania, Beatmania IIDX, Guitar Freaks & DrumMania, Para Para Paradise, Mambo A Gogo, etc.
The Sims Bustin' Out (PS2)
The BEST The Sims 1 game on console with 3D model despite it still limited by hardware capability. DJ Booth is the best The Sims product that I love to play. The mixes result it depend on my Sims character Creativity skills, it started from quirky DJ skill (level 0) until master DJ skill (level 10).
Yokai Watch 3 (3DS)
The BEST Yokai Watch games of all.
The 3 x 3 square grid system actually pretty good and strategic during Battle time than previous Yokai Watch games.
I played the Tempura version as I couldn't find the English version with decent price so I played the Japanese version instead.
Slugger is my Best Yokai Watch 3 creature I love to use it. Actually I have falling in love with Slugger with handsome muscular baseball player ghost creature looking.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 (PS4)
I don't like Minecraft games at all due to blocky textures, but Dragon Quest Builders 2 is the opposite.
I LOVE this Minecraft style game with Minecraft style environments but in better 3D models and building my own buildings + furnish them with a lot of furnitures, it feels way much better than The Sims games, added with Chibi looking characters, I can play this game all day long.
1 - the witcher 3. WOW quite simply the greatest game I've ever played.
2 - final fantasy 7. The end of disc one blew my mind, really wasn't emotionally ready for that
3 - mass effect 2. The first game was epic and too be able to top it and create a sense of genuinely caring about every character you recruit is unpassed
4 -Halo 2, when the theme cuts in at the end is a hairs on the back of your neck moment
5 - half life 2,
6 - The last of us
Thanks for the replies so far, my dear forum buds!
@Anti-Matter Thanks for mentioning Sims Busting' Out. I agree that it might be the best in the series!
@RogerRoger I will try and give games that got multiple nominations some kind of head start in a way (if it's not too much admin). I don't know if that changes your choices!
This short list has changed a few times, partly as some I would have included have already been mentioned, but I'll put these down before I change my mind again;
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Mega Drive)
Until recently I would absolutely have said Sonic 3 was the best game of the original trio but playing Origins recently made me realise that the levels in S2 are just more fun and play up to Sonic's speed. The bonus levels are great fun and the music for those will now be stuck in my head for another week. Bonus nostalgia points for this being one of the first games I had and one I would have played loads with my little sister too.
Metal Gear Solid (PS1)
MGS3 is the best game, MGS2 has the batsh*t crazy story which was way ahead of it's time, MGS5 had the awesome gameplay, and MGS4 exists but this is just iconic (and you're all cowards and won't actually nominate yourselves).
This game and FF7 were the ones that made me realise just what games could be in the PS1 era. I played the generously long demo that came with the epic edition of the Official Playstation Magazine to death as it was just unlike anything that had come before. The crazy character, mad plot, and then the pure Kojima moments including the cardboard box, Praying Mantis' mind reading, and the codex number on the back of the box. Amazing.
Spider-Man 2 (PS2)
Back in the Toby Maguire days, this game came out to be the pinnacle of Spidey relating gaming for years afterwards. A great open world that followed the story of the film but with plenty of original material in there too. Traversal was fantastic and the combat system excellent fun. The original voice actors all took up their roles and, weirdly, Bruce Campbell narrated the game too. Loads of mechanics in this game are standard fare now but were pretty revolutionary at the time.
Bioshock Infinite (PS3)
This was actually the first Bioshock game I played thanks to it being a PS+ freebie back in the day. The combat mechanics were a little clunky but the setting and story for the game were top tier. Columbia was an amazing place to explore and the opening sequence as you explore the city was incredible. The whole story was just amazing but the ending is just mind bending and one of those moments that sticks with you for a while afterwards.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4)
Hats off to Rockstar for creating this masterpiece. It isn't for everyone as the pace of the game is somewhat jarring compared to most blockbuster games these days but that was part of what the game so unique. The game is set in one of the best open world created with so much to do that you can spend literal days exploring the world and not even engaging in side content, let alone the main story.
Meanwhile, that main story is masterfully done with Arthur being one of the best lead characters, and certainly best anti-heroes, in gaming history. The game builds on everything the first game had but made it into a compelling experience with one of the best rosters of characters going.
The Last of Us 2 (PS4)
A masterpiece. Some very brave decisions from a story perspective but ones that I thought absolutely paid off. A game that subverts expectations of story telling in games and daring to not just take the easy and obvious routes for the story.
But beyond that the game feels great to play with the mechanics built on from the original game, making combat even more fun. Everything about this game is done to the highest level and the game ekes everything out of the PS4 graphically too.
Theme Hospital (PC) for being one of those games that just about everyone from a certain generation has played. It can be difficult for games to do humour well but this game has it spot on whilst being a fun but challenging game, although one that rarely feels unfair if you do mess things up.
Civilization 5 (PC) is possibly the peak of an iconic series that is always the one games of a similar ilk have to compare to. Civ 6 does some things better but I think 5 would be the one I'd recommend to people.
SOCOM (PS2) for being a genuinely innovative piece of gaming media. It was hard as nails with no checkpointing whatsoever and some dodge ally AI which made for a frustrating experience at times but being able to issue the "flash, breach, clear" command and see your team pull it off was amazing.
Super Paper Mario (Wii) a game rarely mentioned in the history of Mario games but this was another cleverly innovative game that allowed you to flip the game between 2D and 3D for some clever platforming and puzzle gameplay. It had lots of RPG elements, a neat story, and just felt fun to play. Plus, the bonus dungeons at the end were properly challenging but highly enjoyable.
Hollow Knight (PS4) is the game that came closest to my list (only missing out as I already have two more obvious PS4 games in there) but I adored everything about it from the artwork, the combat, the platforming, the music etc. It's been a long time since I've had such excitement from exploring a world/game and it was one I avoided any spoilers or help for which added to it. It had some really tough moments but is certainly one of my favourite games of that gen, if not altogether.
Hey @get2sammyb the legend. Lil old @kidfried here is running a best game of all time thread. He's quite simply a boss forum member who beat me once on tricky towers ps4 (that one hurt man).
Any chance you could run a super quick article? Sorry to intervene in your evening, probably as excited for eurovision as I.
PS3 Megathread 2019: The Last of Us
Multiplat 2018: Horizon Zero Dawn
Nintendo 2017: Super Mario Bros 3
Playstation 2016: Uncharted 2
Multiplat 2015: Final Fantasy 7
I've always had a soft spot for stealth games, and since I won't be able to include Dishonored in here I figured it only fitting to add another one that I greatly enjoyed. For some reason the newest Hitman entries never quite connected with me in the same way as this one. It was just the perfect blend of silly and serious with some very memorable levels. I still remember the total messes the opera level would turn into here very fondly!
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (XBOX)
I didn't play this game until quite recently (if a few years ago counts as that), but it's one of the better gaming experiences I've had in that time. I went back to it because I wanted to try out Dreamfall Chapters on the PS4 and quickly realised I would not understand a thing if I didn't go back for the previous game in this story and I was pleasantly surprised. It definitely showed its age in terms of gameplay, but the storytelling and characters are so well-done I was highly engrossed the entire time. This whole saga is one of my favourite stories in gaming and I've been hoping to find something as good as this ever since.
BioShock Infinite (PS3)
Glad to see there was already some representation for BioShock Infinite within this thread. I believe it's easily the best of the games. I played them all in fairly quick succession a few years ago, and this one just had the most beautiful setting with a fantastic story and the most gorgeous visuals of the franchise. People are quick to think about Rapture with this series, but for me it's defined by the beauty of Columbia. Combat I also thought was way more fun in this game with the inclusion of the tears and the general feel. Elizabeth also remains one of the GOAT video game characters (though I was very disappointed when I found out what she actually meant gameplay-wise). Not to mention Burial at Sea which was an incredible addition to having this trilogy come full circle.
Mass Effect 3 (PS3)
I almost wouldn't have chosen Mass Effect 3 here because I saw other people were putting their weight behind 2 and I just wanted to support whatever gives Mass Effect the highest chances of winning! But luckily Roger has more balls than me and threw 3 in the ring already, which I completely agree is the best of the trilogy. This trilogy easily consists of my favourite video games, but I actually think Mass Effect 2 is the weakest link no matter how much I enjoy the characters it introduces. This final entry is an explosive and highly emotional resolution to the epic that really didn't disappoint in any way outside of a somewhat unsatisfying ending, which was already improved by the time I got to it. I'm afraid we're never getting another video game narrative on the level of this. The gameplay is also the series at its best.
Life is Strange 2 (PS4)
This is probably a deeply personal choice that won't be shared by many here, but I have no choice to include it due to the sheer impact it left on me when I played it. I've put my thoughts on it here before within the review thread, so I won't repeat myself on that front. This game remains very meaningful to me.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4)
This game is still the only example I've seen of an open world being made fun. Generally speaking I detest open world games, because I just cannot deal with all the busywork and uninspired gameplay that usually comes with them. This game had none of those issues and made exploring this world a delight. No big map with lots of markers to distract you, no simply going from A to B to C with a waypoint, no annoying copy/paste enemies showing up every two meters. It actually felt like a world made to live in instead of one to suffer your way through to get to the good stuff. The random events were so well-executed and the locales so beautifully varied with lots of interesting things to discover around every corner. Not to mention the world developed over time and you could see the impact you had on it in places. Add to that an incredibly well told story that has the occasional pacing issues but never becomes unfun and you have what I call the "perfect" open world game. I haven't seen it be matched since and I'm afraid it's gonna be a long while before it ever might be.
Super Mario 64 - took gaming to a whole new Dimension and its impact changed gaming. (N64)
Halo MCC - Halo set the template for the FPS and Online MP on Console and this bundles a LOT of the best Halo's into one package - now in a decent state after a poor launch.
Witcher 3 Complete Edition - whatever platform, the greatest game of the decade and Expansion DLC better than many games full price offer
Mass Effect Trilogy - certain parts in certain games are not the 'best', but the journey through these is amazing
Dead Space (remake) - the original was worthy of being here, the remake is the way it 'should' have released if technology allowed and only 'better' for it...
There are a number of others I could from the years before N64/PS era that were 'important' - from Space Invaders & Pac Man to Tetris and Street Fighter 2 (not that I personally enjoy fighting games but SR2 is an 'important' game in the history of Gaming and often still regarded as the best in genre) that maybe should be included but perhaps too 'old' to be relevant as a 'best game of all time' today list.
I struggled to reach 5 - not because there isn't great games, but because there are so many great games. 3 of the games I picked are 'exceptional' because of the complete package so worthy of being on anyones List of 'best' games and perhaps 'better' than a single part.
I just couldn't decide between a few options right now for my Number 6
A pessimist is just an optimist with experience!
Why can't life be like gaming? Why can't I restart from an earlier checkpoint??
Feel free to add me but please send a message so I know where you know me from...
SUPER MARIO WORLD (SNES): My friend and I must have poured hours into this. It showed me the power of gaming; our friendship was built on this, and stands to this day.
SONIC 2 (Megadrive): My kids may beat me at Fortnite but they will never be quicker than me at completing this.
SUIKODEN II (PS1): Probably my favourite game ever, although I'm looking forward to playing the upcoming remasters to see if that's still the case.
FALLOUT 3 (PS3): I don't want to set the world on fire. I just want to start a flame in your heart.
RED DEAD REDEMPTION II (PS4): Unforgettable world, great characters, unparalleled story and god damn it felt good to be treated like an adult for a change.
ELDEN RING (PS5): Look it just is, all right? I thought long and hard about whether this was recency bias, but I'm on my second run through proper after a long break and I love everything about this game.
Thanks @Kidfried for taking this on! I’ve been thinking it was time to get a Megapoll going. I’m often busy, but if you need help running this then let me know and I can try to assist, if need be.
One surprising thing so far I’ve noticed is the winner from 5 years ago hasn’t even been nominated yet. 😅 No doubt there’s a weird combination of recency bias and rose-tinted nostalgia which creates such an unusual set of circumstances when we vote on these things. Not saying Horizon Zero Dawn was undeserving, but just strange no one has brought it up yet.
It might be a reasonable consideration to automatically include the top 10 or top 20 from the previous 2018 poll (here), but that’s up to you.
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For my nominations, I’ll go with the following:
Shadow of the Colossus (PS2, PS3, PS4) Red Dead Redemption (PS3) Final Fantasy 7 (PS1) Uncharted 2 (PS3) Nier Automata (PS4) Death Stranding (PS4)
Each of these has its own personal story and reason for inclusion behind it. I won’t bore everyone with details, but what they all share in common was that when I played each of these respective titles I was 100% immersed beginning to end and blown away with the journey. Each of these games invaded my daily thoughts during the time that I played them.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - PS3
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - PS3
Mass Effect 2 - PS4
Assassin's Creed Odyssey - PS4
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - PS5
Halo 2 - Xbox
@Th3solution I understand there has to be rules, but the reason why I didn't include Horizon Zero Dawn is because I could only include 2 from the PS4 and one spot got taken up by having to put Mass Effect 2 on the PS4. It is what it is though and at least it won once before my time here.
@KilloWertz Remakes and remasters are going to be tough to categorize. My first entry, SotC, has been on 3 consoles. It’s a PS2 game but it was remastered to PS3 then remade by Bluepoint on PS4, which is the best and definitive version. But to me it’s basically a PS2 game at its core, so I felt it was okay to submit two other PS4 games.
It’s a small stretch to say ME2 is a PS4 game when it’s tied to the Legendary Edition set on that console. I guess one could say the same for UC2 through the Nathan Drake Collection. The PS4 version is the best version, but historically it’s a PS3 game.
I also considered submitting UC Legacy of Thieves Collection because in my mind Lost Legacy is a chapter of UC4 and they could easily be considered one game. But I haven’t actually played the PS5 Legacy of Thieves version yet so I didn’t feel I could genuinely submit that.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@Th3solution I agree, but at the same time I wasn't going to not include my actual top 2 favorite games of all time (MGS4 and Uncharted 2), which took up that whole generation then. A game such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which I experienced on the Xbox 360 and would never be excluded from a list of mine, had to be excluded then. I wasn't going to do that for yet another one of my top games, so there had to be some loophole usage. Technically Final Fantasy VII Remake is a PS4 game as well, but that was a domino effect from having to make Mass Effect 2 a PS4 game.
Even though I've been gaming since the Atari and Commodore 64, a lot of my most memorable gaming experiences started during the Xbox 360/PS3 era, so it kind of made a list a bit difficult to make in the first place. If I have to, I can redo my list.
@Kidfried Might be worth giving Horizon Zero Dawn a ‘bye’ into the tournament as the defending champion😅. Aloy should have a chance at defending her crown.
For those curious the top 10 from 5 years ago were:
1 Horizon Zero Dawn
2 Persona 5
3 Uncharted 2
4 The Last Of Us
5 Shadow of the Colossus
6 Persona 4 Golden
7 Super Mario World
8 Bloodborne
9 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
10 Mass Effect 2
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Topic: Another Definitive Best Game of All Time Forum Megapoll (Round 1)
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