Same for everyone I think Joel, some real gems that I was gutted to have to leave out. I've done/am working a couple of personal top 100s, and this could very well be one I'll do in the future.
But I'll walk anyone who gives a shit through mine...
10. SimCity 2000 PC, 1995
Feeding the same control freak part of my personality that my number one does, this was a must have for the PC in the mid to late 90s. Absolute classic.
9. WWF No Mercy N64, 2000
There HAD to be a wrestling game on the list, and this is still the king. Graphically rubbish by today's standards, but still feels more like wrestling than any modern game. Please AKI, make a HD wrestling game.
8. Donkey Kong Country SNES, 1994
Better than any of the 2D mario games. There, I said it. Just when the SNES was about to be booted out by the 32 bit stuff, this showed the old grey box could still compete. The first time I completed was the greatest joy I've ever felt.
7. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Megadrive, 1992
The standout best of the Sonic games, imo. Some lovely levels, crisper, faster gameplay and a FUCKING EVIL final boss.
6. Pro Evolution Soccer 6 PC, 2006
This is a PES fansite for Christ's sake. If PES doesn't appear on your list, GTFO. Most people will agree that 6 was, and still is with a decent OF, the dog's. Winning the treble on Master League made me cry.
5. Super Mario 64 N64, 1997
To consider it was a launch title for the 64, it was absolutely bang on. Looked breathtaking for the time, nice sounds, stunning gameplay and some really good level design. Throwing the baby penguin to it's death never gets old. One for the ages.
4. Grand Theft Auto III PS2, 2001
Had to represent the series, and this got my vote because it was the most innovative. The jump from 2D to 3D is a risky one for any series, and this took it beautifully. Rememer spending whole weekends with the boys rinsing single player, everyone bright eyed around the telly, and you were genuinely excited when it was your turn.
3. The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past SNES, 1992
This was the moment at which Jonno orgasmed while reading my message. I got it as a double pack with Final Fantasy Mistic Quest, which was also a great game, but it's no shame to say it was shadowed by this. I remember being a 9 or 10 year old kid having heart in the mouth moments a plenty with this game, and it's one I can happily play again any time now on an emulator. Genius.
2. Goldeneye 007 N64, 1997
Unless you were a total nerd, this essentially invented multiplayer gaming. MOH, COD, whatever. They owe it all to this. The single player campaign is awesome too. Anyone who hasn't played it, I can't decide if I feel pity or hatred for you.
1. Sid Meier's Civilization PC, 1991
To this day, and I do mean literally, I still play this. Yes, the series has matured, improved and expanded but it all comes back to this. If you took out the hours I've spent playing this and put them back on me, I'd probably only be about 18. There's nothing quite like it, from the epic opening theme (best enjoyed with IBM sounds) to the moment where you've just won that colossal war. Open ended games were always more fun for me, and this is the ultimate in that. I'ma let you finish, but this is the best video game of all time!
Of all time!
