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[seanoff]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/technolo...1134086834510.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1


Games have evolved from primitive two-dimensional reflex tests to epic adventures with wondrous photorealistic worlds to explore. For this list, games have been judged on their entertainment value today rather than their impact when released. Many influential games, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Command & Conquer, Elite, Pitfall, Street Fighter, System Shock and Pong are absent.

We have also decided to choose the best instalment in each series unless sequels are significantly different. Remember these?

1. The Sims 2 (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: thesims2.ea.com
Everyone can play this masterpiece differently, the depth and freedom are astonishing. Guiding your endearing digital denizens to health, happiness and fortune can be comical and poignant. Creative flexibility lets you mould entire neighbourhoods, construct dream homes and sculpt characters.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)
Released: 1998.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Shigeru Miyamoto's magnum opus is a spellbinding cocktail of wondrous exploration, ingenious puzzles and combat in a beautiful world. The convincing environment is populated by a raft of colourful characters and there is a huge variety of tasks. An epic to be savoured from the moment Link and his horse first gallop across the screen.

3. Half-Life 2 (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: half-life2.com
An astonishingly realistic and immersive world that envelops the senses, with thrilling cinematic set pieces providing astonishing spectacle. Exciting shoot-'em-up action is blended with excellent storytelling and convincing characters who exhibit emotional depth. A technical triumph.

4. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
Released: 1996.
Website: nintendo.com.au
A decade on, Super Mario 64 remains the finest platform game ever. Players feel giddy as they explore its varied, vibrant and magical worlds, which are filled with countless surprises and taxing challenges.

5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
Released: 2004.
Website: rockstargames.com/sanandreas
An epic adventure in a colossal playground of anarchy. The scale is enormous and freedom intoxicating. Missions include drive-by shootings, thuggery, chauffeur duties, casino and truck heists, rescue missions, thrilling chases, turf wars, stealth raids and daring thefts. Much of the fun comes from experimentation and discovery.

6. Halo 2 (Xbox)
Released: 2004.
Website: bungie.net
A spectacular thrill ride. The gripping solo campaign features intense, tactical battles and many memorable scenes. Driving through a chaotic battle is spine-tingling. But it's the riotous multiplayer modes that offer endless entertainment on brilliantly designed maps.

7. Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)
Released: 2004.
Website: granturismoworld.com
An astonishingly accurate driving simulator to thrill petrol hedonists. Every nuance of a car's movement is faithfully replicated, providing an exhilarating ride. The scale is overwhelming, with more than 700 vehicles, 50 tracks, countless racing challenges and the chance to play photographer or race team manager.

8. GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64)
Released: 1997.
Website: rareware.com
Provides a level of immersion few games can match thanks to a gripping atmosphere, interactive environments and smart opponents. Tasks include bungee jumping from a dam, destroying tanks, defusing bombs, copying keys, photographing items, stealing secret weapons and rescuing hostages. Multiplayer is also a blast.

9. Ico (PS2)
Released: 2001.
Website: icothegame.com
An unforgettable adventure with stunning film-like visuals and haunting ambience. Protecting your vulnerable female companion from harm as you explore a labyrinthine fortress is compelling and heightens your emotional investment. Puzzles are beautifully integrated and extremely satisfying to solve.

10. Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation)
Released: 1998.
Website: metalgearsolid.com
Mesmerising and unforgettable. Few games are as rewarding and surprising. Metal Gear offers a tightly scripted plot and countless imaginative set pieces. Sneaking through areas filled with security cameras, trapdoors, mines and patrolling guards is great fun and the scope to experiment is vast.

11. Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (Xbox, PS2, PC)
Released: 2005.
Website: pes5.net
As complex, deep and entertaining as the real sport, this is a subtle simulation that rewards practice. There are countless ways to score and matches between skilled players are tense and dramatic. The Master League, featuring player trading, team promotion and relegation, is addictive.

12. Resident Evil 4 (GameCube, PS2)
Released: 2005.
Website: capcom.com
A gripping thriller that assaults the senses. The over-the-shoulder view provides more immediacy and tension, and hero Leon can perform acrobatic manoeuvres such as kicking and leaping. Pacing is excellently judged, with puzzles, side quests and item collection complementing the rousing combat.

13. Super Mario Bros 3 (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Released: 1988.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Remains a pleasure to play 17 years later thanks to elegant design. Controls are perfect and each stage meticulously constructed. Players run and jump on enemies through eight enormous, secret-filled worlds, and utilise dozens of amusing power-ups.

14. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation)
Released: 1997.
Website: square-enix.com
A spellbinding role-playing epic with real emotional depth thanks to its brilliant characters and plot. Possibly the first game to make players cry after the death of Aeris.

15. SimCity 2000 (PC)
Released: 1993.
Website: maxis.com
An infinitely engaging city simulator letting players design a huge metropolis from scratch. Later sequels added clutter, but 2000 offered a wealth of choices to explore without overwhelming users.

16. Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green (Game Boy Advance)
Released: 2004.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Each Pokemon game is ridiculously similar, but they are all grounded in an irresistible template. The battle system is easy to learn yet complex and collecting the wonderfully sculpted critters is addictive.

17. Civilization II (PC)
Released: 1996.
Website: firaxis.com
A hugely engaging strategy classic with terrific depth. Building the most successful civilisation starting from the dawn of time requires juggling competing priorities such as bolstering city economies, defence, technology research and smiting opponents.

18. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2)
Released: 2002.
Website: rockstargames.com/vicecity
Fun-loving criminals are transported back to the '80s. A massive, hedonistic city is brimming with terrific characters. Wickedly entertaining whether completing the diverse challenges or simply cruising the streets.

19. Super Mario Kart (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
Released: 1992.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Hugely enjoyable, lighthearted racer with appealing characters, cleverly designed tracks and amusing weapons that ensure battles are tight and exciting.

20. Metroid Prime (GameCube)
Released: 2002.
Website: metroid.com/prime
Exploring superbly designed worlds in this tense adventure is absolutely gripping, whether scanning for clues, blasting enemies or transforming into the fabulous morph ball.

21. Burnout Revenge (PS2, Xbox)
Released: 2005.
Website: burnoutrevenge.ea.com
Astonishingly fast and thrilling racing action with spectacular crashes.

22. Age of Empires II (PC)
Released: 1999.
Website: ensemblestudios.com
Marvellously deep and engrossing historical strategy epic that is perfectly balanced.

23. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (GameCube)
Released : 2002.
Website: zelda.com/gcn
Enchanting adventure with fascinating locations, delightful characters and rewarding challenges.

24. Project Gotham Racing 2 (Xbox)
Released: 2003.
Website: xbox.com.au
Cleverly designed high-speed racer that rewards stylish and daring manoeuvres.

25. Tekken 5 (PS2)
Released: 2005.
Website: tekken5.namco.com
A highly theatrical fighting game with great characters and surprising depth.

26. Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (PC, Xbox, PS2, GC)
Released: 2005.
Website: splintercell.com
Visually spectacular and rewarding stealth adventure featuring smart opponents and empowering freedom.

27. Super Monkey Ball 2 (GC, PS2, Xbox)
Released: 2002/2005.
Website: sega.com
Tricky and addictive puzzler with hilarious bonus multiplayer party games.

28.World of Warcraft (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: worldofwarcraft.com
An astonishing, massively multiplayer world that proves engaging for beginners and role-playing veterans alike.

29. Sam and Max Hit the Road (PC)
Released: 1993.
Website: lucasarts.com
A hilarious old-school adventure starring a canine detective and a psychopathic rabbit.

30. Rez (PS2, Dreamcast)
Released: 2001.
Website: sega.com
A gloriously innovative and entrancing musical shooting game.

31. V8 Supercars 2 (PS2, Xbox, PSP)
Released: 2004.
Website: codemasters.com
This surprisingly varied and thrilling racing title is deep yet approachable.

32. Doom 2 (PC)
Released: 1994.
Website: idsoftware.com
The grand-daddy of shoot-'em-ups, still incredibly fun and intense.

33. Wipeout 2097 (PlayStation)
Released: 1996.
Website: playstation.com.au
Impeccably crafted futuristic racer that helped define the PlayStation generation.

34. Animal Crossing (GameCube)
Released: 2001.
Website: animal-crossing.com
A unique, living town full of amusing characters and fun activities.

35. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PS2, Xbox, GC, PC)
Released: 2003.
Website: princeofpersiagame.com
Offers invigorating freedom to explore stunning environments with spectacular gymnastics.

36. PaRappa the Rapper (PlayStation)
Released: 1996.
Website: us.playstation.com/games.aspx?id=SCUS-94183
Delightfully bizarre, enjoyable and influential Simon-says music game.

37. Battlefield 2 (PC)
Released: 2005.
Website: battlefield.ea.com
Exhilarating team-based multiplayer warfare.

38. Grim Fandango (PC)
Released: 1998.
Website: lucasarts.com/products/grim
A creative and atmospheric adventure with enchanting characters and engrossing plot.

39. Fable (Xbox, PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: fable.lionhead.com
Lets players make moral decisions that mould their character and affect their social standing.

40. Tetris (Game Boy)
Released: 1989.
Website: nintendo.com.au
Simple yet addictive puzzle game often imitated but never bettered.

41. WarioWare Touched (Nintendo DS)
Released: 2005.
Website: warioware.biz/touched
A collection of fabulously frantic and creative mini-games.

42. Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (Xbox)
Released: 2005.
Website: oddworld.com
Fresh and entertaining outlaw romp that cleverly combines exploration and combat.

43. Tomb Raider (PlayStation, Saturn, PC)
Released: 1996.
Website: tombraider.com
Lara's first outing remains her most satisfying thanks to clever puzzles and brilliant level design.

44. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Megadrive)
Released: 1993.
Website: sega.com
Breathtakingly fast and meticulously designed platform leaping action.

45. TIE Fighter (PC)
Released: 1994.
Website: lucasarts.com
Star Wars space combat game with dramatic battles and terrific missions.

46. Deus Ex (PC)
Released: 2000.
Website: deusex.com
An ambitious blend of genres in a world of unparalleled interactivity and intrigue.

47. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation)
Released: 2000.
Website: activision.com/games/th2
Terrific skateboarding simulation providing endless challenges.

48. Rome: Total War (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: totalwar.com
Addictive and astonishingly epic warfare with spectacular, highly tactical battles.

49. Pikmin 2 (GameCube)
Released: 2004.
Website: pikmin.com
Blooming marvellous puzzler with players commanding hundreds of delightful plant-like critters.

50. Counter-Strike (PC)
Released: 2000.
Website: counter-strike.net
Rewarding and tactical team-based online shooter.

 

[bud]

So...where's MGS3?

 

[Solid]

So...where's MGS3?

I call that and raise with God of War.

 

[Gruco]

Like any list, I have some gripes about it, but hey, anything that ranks a Pokemon game that highly has my seal of approval.

 

[Borys]

In before console fans whining...

So...where's MGS3?

...too late!

Like any list, I have some gripes about it, but hey, anything that ranks a Pokemon game that highly is simply full of shit.

Overall some good choices and some misses, like every goddamn list before!

------------------------------------------

Deus Ex @ 46th? Fuck that noise.

 

[GoutPatrol]

31. V8 Supercars 2 (PS2, Xbox, PSP)
Released: 2004.
Website: codemasters.com
This surprisingly varied and thrilling racing title is deep yet approachable.

...what?

 

[CurlySaysX]

33. Wipeout 2097 (PlayStation)
Released: 1996.
Website: playstation.com.au
Impeccably crafted futuristic racer that helped define the PlayStation generation.

Fzero am cry???

 

[CajoleJuice]

Not a horrible list... I guess.

The hardcore gamer in me wants to kill someone for The Sims being #1 though. And no Super Metroid?

 

[ram]

san andreas and vice city? sure, they these are great games, but the gameplay is the same. the only difference is, that san andreas is bigger.

 

[Remedy]

tekken 5 and no virtua fighter says it all really....

 

[Xrenity]

1. The Sims 2 (PC)
Released: 2004.
Website: thesims2.ea.com
Everyone can play this masterpiece differently, the depth and freedom are astonishing. Guiding your endearing digital denizens to health, happiness and fortune can be comical and poignant. Creative flexibility lets you mould entire neighbourhoods, construct dream homes and sculpt characters.

WHAT!?
The Sims would be understandable in some kind of way. BUT THE SIMS 2? I THOUGHT NOT.

 

[Jer]

Tekken 5 and no Virtua Fighter doesn't say anything.

But there's way too little pre-1995 stuff.

 

[Keyser Soze]

1. The Sims 2 (PC)

Quit reading RIGHT THERE!!

 

[Anyanka]

The Tekken 5 choice is the best thing about this list.

 

[Zweisy1]

I respect what Will Wright did with Sims but I can't enjoy the game at all..

All these top 10/50/100 lists are useless.

Having a Final Fantasy game in a list like this always kills any credibility anyway. That's like naming the Matrix among the best movies ever..

 

[VariableTerry]

at least civ 2 was on there

 

[Orin GA]

1. The Sims 2 (PC)

Thats when I stopped reading.

 

[tracky_dacks]

31. V8 Supercars 2 (PS2, Xbox, PSP)
Released: 2004.
Website: codemasters.com
This surprisingly varied and thrilling racing title is deep yet approachable.

...what?

V8 Supercars is to Australia what Nascar is to the US. The game uses the TOCA license for the Europe -- and I think, the US -- market.

 

[flsh]

No Shadow of the Colossus?

 

[Sjoerd]

Now that is a stupid list.

 

[Remedy]

i guess we're all in agreement, this being the universal shit list....

 

[ronito]

The Sims? Maybe in the minority in this but after having kids I don't need a freaking computer game to complain about having to go potty at me.

 

[tt_deeb]

That's a really shitty list as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Pellham]

"Where's MGS3?" "No Super Metroid?" "Shadow of Collossus?"

Did it occur to you guys that whoever made this list probably hasn't played those games? Every top 10/50/100 list is going to be biased because of things like that.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Capcom...

Where's Capcom?

You can't have a top 50 games list with no Capcom games. You just can't. Can. Not.

No no no no no.

No.

 

[Late Stage Marxist]

3. Half-Life 2 (PC)

What?

 

[Red Blaster]

Gameplay wise, HL2 shouldn't be on any Top 50 list.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

This is one of those people that started gaming when they picked up an Xbox because they heard Halo was cool. The list is way too full of recent releases and too lacking of older classics.

No top 50 list can be credible unless Star Control II is in there somewhere.





That is a fact, not opinion.

 

[ghibli99]

I'm actually surprised to see Ico in the Top 10... most gamers know about it, but on a list like this, I had to do a double-take.

As for Aeris dying in FF7 and making gamers cry, whatever... I was more shocked and pissed off that I never got to see her advanced Limit Breaks until my second playthrough years later.

Spoiler

Phantasy Star 2

did this long before FF7 did on consoles

Spoiler

by killing off Nei before the game was over

, and I hate that it never gets credit for making such a bold move.

Tetris is also really low on the list, with Wario Ware Touched right below it? And they picked Touched as the "best of the series" as their disclaimer says at the top. Anyway...

 

[Tarazet]

This is one of those people that started gaming when they picked up an Xbox because they heard Halo was cool. The list is way too full of recent releases and too lacking of older classics.

No top 50 list can be credible unless Star Control II is in there somewhere.





That is a fact, not opinion.

Really... they might as well have done a poll at GameFAQs.com.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Fable? Animal Crossing? Super Monkey Ball 2? HUH?

 

[worldrunover]

They're making 2004 sound like a much better gaming year than it actually was.

 

[PhoenixDark]

You gotta be joking.

 

[123rl]

Well that was a waste of time...like some of you I didn't bother reading after seeing the first game. I pressed ctrl+f and looked for Virtua Fighter. It's not there so this list sucks

 

[PhoenixDark]

I can't believe Halo 2 is in the top ten. Once I saw that I ignored the rest. And Sims as #1? You've gotta be kidding me. Are you sure this isn't G4's Top 50 games?

 

[Raiden]

What the fuck is that piece of shit standing in front of Ocarina of Time.

 

[Trasher]

Well it says it picks the best installment, but then again there was Ocarina and Windwaker both on there, and Super Metroid is very much different from Prime. Who knows. Also, where in the hell is Ninja Gaiden? This list blows.

 

[Reilly]

No Guitar Hero

 

[Mr Jared]

ICO in the top 10 made me laugh my way to the bottom to hit the reply button.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

This list doesn't pay enough homage to the older classics. Some solid games on there, but too many of them were put out in the last 5 years.

 

[Raw64life]

This list doesn't pay enough homage to the older classics. Some solid games on there, but too many of them were put out in the last 5 years.

Yea. Seems like the guy who made this list started playing video-games in 1998.

 

[shpankey]

No Myth: The Fallen Lords on the list makes it a stupid popularity contest.

Also missing...

Out of this World
Need for Speed (3D0)
Road Rash
Quake 2
Rainbow Six
High Heat Baseball
Moto Racer
Diablo
Diablo 2
Myth 2: Soulblighter
Shadowrun
Shadowgate
Devil May Cry
Madden Football (how the fuck could they leave this off?)
Pilotwings 64
Rock-N-Roll Racing
and many more I can think of that top all those.

 

[MIMIC]

No Sonic Adventure? No Resident Evil II? No Halo? no MGS2?

That list sucks.

 

[Oblivion]

Super Mario World is no where to be found and the Sims at no. 1?

Worthessness of list: CONFIRMED!

P.S. Halo 2 and GTA are too damn high up there as well.

 

[Yoshi]

There are numerous reasons, this list is crap. Number one no doubt is, that Yoshis Island is missing. Number two is, that Sims 2 is on top (it doesn't have the right to be on that list at all ^^) and the third is, that there is GTA SA AND GTA VC, although they say, they take the best of the series, as long as the games don't differ too much. Hey, those games are identical :ugly:

 

[:Motorbass]

Also, although I didn't play it that much, StarCraft should be in as well, maybe even in Top Ten. But who cares :]

 

[Pakkidis]

games have been judged on their entertainment value today rather than their impact when released

a

 

[Amir0x]

Guys, here is my top 50. It also doesn't give a fuck about historic value, only about what is actually good and stands the test of time (back at the time I updated this list, like a half a year ago!)

1. Earthbound
2. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
3. Yoshi's Island
4. Zelda: Link to the Past
5. Chrono Trigger
6. Final Fantasy VI
7. Resident Evil 4
8. Planescape Torment
9. F-Zero GX
9. Gran Turismo 4
11. Zelda: Majora's Mask
12. Pikmin 2
13. Metal Gear Solid 3:Snake Eater
14. Metroid Prime
15. Grim Fandango
16. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
17. Disgaea
17. Phantom Brave
19. Fire Emblem
20. Super Mario Bros. 3
21. Virtua Fighter 4:Evo
22. Tetris Attack (or Tetris)
22. Devil May Cry 1
24. Super Metroid
25. Zelda: Ocarina of Time
26. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
27. Super Mario RPG
28. ICO
29. Paper Mario
30. Einhänder
31. Deus Ex
32. Winning Eleven 7
33. Street Fighter Alpha 3
34. Devil May Cry 3
35. Return to Castle Wolfenstein
36. Ninja Gaiden
37. Panzer Dragoon Saga
38. Marble Madness
39. Halo 2
40. Half-Life 2
41. Tomb Raider 1
42. Katamari Damacy
43. Secret of Mana
44. Wario Ware
45. Age of Empires II
45. Pong
47. God of War
48. Rise of Nations
49. Beyond Good and Evil
49. Viewtiful Joe
50. Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door

 

[Syb]

Oh this list? Finally printed in the Sydney Morning Herald? It already featured in The Age's Green Guide (Or the Herald Sun, but I dont think it was the HS) like 2 Months ago.

OoT is high, thus good list.

 

[Johnas]

Guys, here is my top 50. It also doesn't give a fuck about historic value, only about what is actually good and stands the test of time (back at the time I updated this list, like a half a year ago!)

Large list

Where is NES The Legend of Zelda? *weeps and gnashes teeth*

j/k, great list, although I haven't completed a lot of those.