System: NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Game: Duck Hunt
If you have ever owned a NES and have never played Duck Hunt then all I can say is "Get the Hell off your ass and go play it!" Duck Hunt came with a gun-pephiral for the NES that allowed you to aim and shoot flying ducks and UFOs flying over a field. It was an extremely addicting and memorable title and definitely a "Must-Play" for the NES.
System: SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
Game: Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is one of those games that if you've never played it, you've likely never heard of it before. It was released near the end of the SNES life-span and was an extremely successful RPG. It is currently ranked as IGN's #2 RPG of All-Time and rightfully so as it is a jam-packed, longass adventure spanning time and space with some great gameplay, an outstanding story and some of the most memorable characters in video game history. If you can, pick up this game. It is currently available on the PS Store for $10 or you can get the enhanced remake on DS if you're lucky enough to find a copy.
System: GBC (Gameboy Color)
Game: Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
Oracle of Ages was my first 2D Zelda title and it is ultimately the game that really got me into Zelda. This game has some of the best dungeon layouts and bosses in all of the 2D Zeldas and also has some neat features such as animal friends. Even if you aren't a fan of the Zelda franchise, this game is pretty good on it's own, introducing a very unique time-travel mechanic and is one of the better games on the GBC. If you ever find a copy, pick it up!!
System: N64 (Nintendo 64)
Game: Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie is a game made by the company behind the Donkey Kong Country series from the SNES era. If you are a fan of platformers, then this is a definite-play, for anyone else, I still highly recommend it. Banjo-Kazooie is fit with various different worlds with TONS to do and the game also has some pretty good humor to it. There are some unique gameplay mechanics within the game and it also isn't too hard for beginners. Anyone with an N64 should definitely try to get their hands on this gemstone or download the HD remaster on the Xbox Marketplace.
System: PSOne (Playstation)
Game: Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage
While all the Spyro games on PSOne are very good, Spyro 2 seems to stick out the most. Spyro 2 introduced most of the memorable characters in the series like Bianca, Hunter and Ripto and also refined the gameplay from the first Spyro into something better. This game has tons to collect and can keep someone entertained for hours and I highly recommend it to anyone who owns a PSOne or PS3 (as it can be downloaded from the PS Store for $7!)
System: GBA (Gameboy Advance)
Game: Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Now there are tons of great games on Gameboy Advance, but one that sticks out from all the rest for me is Yoshi's Island. It is actually an enhanced port of the title from SNES, but this is probably the better version. Yoshi's Island is Yoshi's first (and best) solo adventure. Not only is the gameplay extremely unique, but the art style is something unlike anything else, the music is surprisingly amazing, and the story is a nice prequel to the Super Mario universe. Definitely a must-play.
System: GCN (Nintendo Gamecube)
Game: Animal Crossing
Probably one of the most memorable games from the Gamecube (as well as my first game) is Animal Crossing. When I first got them game, I had no idea what it was or how to play. A year later, I picked it up and got hooked. Animal Crossing is a game where you live in a town, work off your debt, interact with your neighbors and well...just live life! It is a fantastic game and actually envokes a sense of accomplishment. This game requires patience, hardwork, and devotion: all great qualities to apply to your own life.
System: PS2 (Playstation 2)
Game: Kingdom Hearts II
If you own a PS2 and have not played this game then shame on you. This game is easily one of the best games on the system. Kingdom Hearts is the surprising and unlikely combination of Disney and Final Fantasy and it is actually an amazing combo. In the game, you play as Sora who's adventures take him to various different Disney worlds, including worlds based on Aladdin, Nightmare Before Christmas, Lion King and even Pirates of the Caribbean. The story is also fantastic and has tons of twists and turns and will inspire something innocent and bring out your inner child. Pick up this game...NOW!
System: DS (Nintendo DS)
Game: Mario & Luigi: Partner's in Time
Probably one of the most obscure Mario titles, Partner's In Time wasn't the most successful game. Despite not selling that well, this title is easily the high point of the series. In it, you go on a grand adventure across time when the Mushroom Kingdom is threatened by the evil Shroobs, and Mario & Luigi are forced to pair up with their younger selves in order to stop the threat in both the past and the present. This is an RPG, but it is a very well-done one. It may be hard to find, but if you come across it, definitely pick it up!
System: PSP (Playstation Portable)
Game: Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Dissidia was originally imagined as a Kingdom Hearts title, but when Disney didn't want their characters fighting, it was turned into a Final Fantasy brawler. Each Final Fantasy game has two representatives: one hero and one villain. Across the vast story, these heroes and villains clash in an epic battle that will decide the fate of their world. Dissidia plays like no other fighting game out there and is completely unique. It definitely showcases what the PSP is made of. It's sequel, Dissidia 012 actually includes the first game in it, so picking up that one would be good too. Both Dissidias are currently available on the PS Store for $20.
System: Wii (Nintendo Wii)
Game: Super Paper Mario
Super Paper Mario is a title on Wii that is extremely overlooked by many. This is easily one of the best titles on the system. It is a Mario 2D platformer with RPG elements. In the game, you get to play as not only Mario, but Luigi, Peach and Bowser as well as they all team up to stop the end of all worlds. This epic adventure has a surprisingly well-written story and some amazing characters and charm. It is currently only $30 on Wii and is definitely worth it!
System: Xbox 360
Game: Mass Effect
If you are a fan of shooters, a fan of RPGs, or a fan of Star Wars, pick this game up. There is SO much I can say about Mass Effect, but to keep it short, the gameplay is unreal, the story is innovative and interesting, the universe is gigantic with tons to do and the emphasis on choice really makes it feel like the game is in your hands. This game is a must-play for anyone out there and it is available on Xbox 360, PC and PS3 so there is NO excuse for anyone too pass up on it!
System: PS3 (Playstation 3)
Game: inFamous
Infamous is a really unique game developed by Sucker Punch for the PS3. Inspired by modern comic books, inFamous is the story of underachiever Cole MacGrath who suddenly finds himself with the power over electricity. This game really let's you feel like a superhero (or supervillain if you so choose). There are unique gameplay elements that can't be found in any other game and there is also an interesting plot that drives the gameplay forward. This is a must-play for any owner of the PS3.
System: 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)
Game: Fire Emblem: Awakening
If you have never played a Fire Emblem game, this is the PERFECT place to start. Awakening takes complete advantage of the 3DS's 3D capabilities. It is also easy for beginners to get into and can serve as a great challenge for anyone who enjoys a hard game. Fire Emblem is a tactical RPG, which means it is slow paced but requires alot of planning and sometimes risky moves. The most unique thing about a Fire Emblem game is "permadeath." When a character in Fire Emblem dies, they die permanently, even in the story. Although if you are a beginner to the series and wish to take it easy, this feature can be turned off at the beginning of the game if you want. Awakening is pretty hard to find in stores right now, as it is fairly new and there are low stocks almost everywhere, but it is available for download from the eShop anytime you wanna play it. Definitely give this one a try if you have a 3DS.
That concludes this article! I encourage you all to try at least one game I have suggested here! It won't be a mistake!
Thank you for reading.
-Giuliano V.
