For the sake of variety, my list will only be including one game per series. I'd rather not have a whole list filled with installments from the same franchise. Also, I consider this list incomplete. I haven't played every game out there:
10. Spec Ops: The Line
This game, it changes you. I haven't been able to look at games the same way since. It's not the most fun game out there. In fact, it's not fun at all. It's a true drama, one that leaves a harrowing experience.
9. Fallout 3
More lively than Skyrim, less glitchy than New Vegas. It's held its spot as my favourite Bethesda experience and will continue to do so. Love its 50's-inspired atmosphere.
8. Alan Wake
This game helped "cure" my writer's block. Whenever I need inspiration, I just put the game in and walk a few hours in Alan's shoes.
7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Maybe it's because it was my first game in the series, but to me, Echoes just nailed the Metroid atmosphere, wrapped it up, put a bow on it, and handed it to me on a silver platter.
6. Journey
A beautiful piece of art. Quite possibly the finest two hours I've ever had the pleasure of playing, and it makes me shed a tear every time without it having to utter a single word.
5. Shadow of The Colossus
A masterpiece, really. I don't want to say too much, because it's one of those games that speaks for itself. You can't just say why it's awesome, you have to experience it for yourself.
4. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is, to me, the balancing act of the trilogy. It got the most right in my book, and introduced a unique cast to add to the role-playing experience. Doing those side quests for the squad mates felt like they actually meant something, not just a bit of grinding to do or a way to get some special loot.
3. The Last of Us
It feels kinda premature to put this so high on this list, but I feel like the game truly deserves it. It won me over from the get go, and it continued to tighten its grip with its characters, intense gameplay, and powerful themes.
2. Metal Gear Solid
The pinnacle of game design, in my opinion. It's the textbook example, like how teachers would use Jaws to teach the fundamentals of the blockbuster to film students.
1. Super Mario 64
As attached as I am to characters such as Snake, Ellie or the rest that fill my favourites list, Mario has a special place in my heart. You see, Super Mario 64 was not only the first game I ever completed, it was also the first game where I was aware that I could complete it, that I strove to complete it. I have dyspraxia, and it's affected my motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination from an early age. I always sucked at games, drawing, typing, or even basic physical tasks. SM64 was a game that became a personal challenge for me, my own mountain to climb, to show myself that I could overcome my disability. And for that, it holds the number one spot for me, no exceptions. Well, except Super Mario Galaxy.
