2012s List of Greatest Games I Have Played Ever, #s 50-41

2012 is winding down, and I thought I would reflect on the hobby of gaming and where it has come in my 24 some years of existence. To commemorate the hobby, I have a list of the top 50 games I have ever played. There are a few things to remember with this list.

1) This is my opinion of what I recall playing and have reviewed.
2) You may want to smack me if you feel a game should score higher or lower.
3) I take recommendations for games I should play and add to the list.
4) I have not played every single game ever.

Without further ado, let's get to it:

#50: Armored Core: Project Phantasma
Armored Core defined a new genre of video game. With thousands of ways to customize your robot, you ripped through missions, collected money for additional customizations, fought in arenas, and more. Project Phantasma was the sequel to the original Armored Core on the PS1, and fixed an issue where you would get face value back for parts you were selling that you bought not that long ago. The gameplay is very similar to the first game, but more structured. It's a must play.

#49: Fallout 3
Originally when I bought this game used, I didn't think much of it and couldn't get into it after an hour of play. Months later, I decided to try my first Bethesda game- and I was hooked from there. Set in post-apocalyptic Washington DC, Fallout 3 is a surival-shooter-rpg that takes you on a journey to find your father in the wasteland. With a variety of weapons and the incredibly satisfying VATS system, players complete quests and interact with NPCs along the journey. Worth picking up.

 #48: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003
I'll be honest- I am not a big fan of sports games. Tiger Woods 2003 found an amazing formula and turned me, a gamer into someone more knowledgeable about golf. There are tons of courses to choose from with good controls. Pick it up if you find it cheap.

 #47: Super Smash Bros
I remember the commercial for this game- and wanted it instantly. The original smash 'em up, Super Smash Bros brought together our favorite Nintendo characters into the fray where friends could duke it out on interactive stages. With its party like setting, Smash Bros provided us with hours of entertainment.

#46: Excitebike
This game is older than me, and the first time I ever played it was in college. Excitebike is fun, and was revolutionary for it's time- 1985. You can even design your own track! Many kids that grew up in the 80s played this game, and the opening theme song is unforgettable.

#45: Twilight Princess
For many fans of Zelda, Twilight Princess was a welcome return to a graphics style that was more realistic. Despite the one major complaint with the game- with everyone cites is the fact that it feels too stuck in the past, for major fans this was a welcome opportunity to enjoy what made Zelda great. With puzzles, a new ensemble of characters and more life to the world, Twilight Princess is definitely a game to pick up if you find it cheap.

#44 Yoshi's Story
Originally I wasn't interested in this game. I can't quite remember how I got it, but once I got into the game, it was a hit with me. It may seem like a childish game at first, but it features excellent side-scrolling action with controls and actions that take a little getting used to.

 













#43: Left 4 Dead 2
L4D2 does zombie killing right. It's a fun FPS that you can pick up real cheap now-a-days. The innovative thing with the game, besides the different modes you can play, is the fact that the director, i.e. "the game", will make the level harder if you are breezing through it, and punish you for not sticking together with teammates.

#42: Desert Strike Return to the Gulf
Desert Strike, for its time defined badass. Kind of unique in its genre, the helicopter shoot em' ups began with this game. There are only four levels to speak of, but they are hard as balls. A challenging game that is also available on the Genesis. For controls, I would say the Genesis version wins out.

#41: Armored Core 4
When we originally saw the trailer for this game, it was a smack in the nards. The CGI for this game was gorgeous, but there was some apprehension when we learned that Sega was taking the helm. They did a fantastic job. The game redefined the armored core series, keeping the winning combo of customization and mission grabs. At times they game felt too easy, and the story was 3/4 assed, but it is still a good game if you are into the series.