The Idea
So you're
about to die. The one item left on your bucket list, play your first video
game. If this sounds like you, then this is your list.
This is not a
best games of all time list. In fact some of these games actually have many
issues. This is in fact a list of the best most pure experiences available
in gaming today. No two of these games will be the similar. Each will be the
absolute best gaming can offer, with no duplicates or wasted time.
In order to uphold
this quality, every game on the list will be required to stand up, and still be
good, based on today's standards.
I will announce the
games in order, and deliver them every day this week. Five games will be
announced every day, continuing now with Part 2.
Games
to Play Before You Die
#20-16
#20. Halo –
Xbox/Xbox360/PC
Millions
of people worldwide can name a John Williams composition from only a
few notes, he is that good. The same cannot be said for any video
games, save for one.
Martin
O'Donnell, the genius lead audio composer for Bungie, hand built the
original score for the Halo Series along with Michael Salvatori. In
doing so they created what is without a doubt the best, and now one
of the most recognizable orchestral themes in the world.
Put
this music alongside a science fiction epic so grand as to rival
James Cameron's best, be it Aliens or even Avatar, and you have gold.
For
a little perspective, total series sales are currently over 64
million copies, Xbox 360 system sales are just now over 67 million.
People like Halo, and chances are you should probably play it.
What You're
Missing: Besides
Mass Effect, the most detailed space opera to ever hit gaming. An
amazing orchestral score continually leads you onward, always
focusing on story over the action pieces so many other series are
stuck on (Call of Duty).
Honorable
Mention:
Mass Effect [Editors Note: Mass Effect as a series is worthy of a Top
5 spot on this list, however it must be experienced by playing all 3
games, which disqualifies it]
#19.
Assassins Creed II – PS3, PC, Xbox360
Have
you ever wanted to visit Venice, but never found the time nor the
financial means? Then you must take a trip to the Renaissance Venice
of Assassins Creed II. Sure you will need to find the time to end the
life of a few political dignitaries while you're there, but you'll
also be able to visit dozens of stunningly detailed and historically
accurate architectural wonders.
You
can visit St. Mark's Square to see the Bascilia, gaze upon the St.
Mark Clock tower, and more. The entire city was painstakingly
recreated for authenticity.
Just
then, when you think you're short travel back in time is over, you
are sent to an equally as detailed Rome. Three times larger than any
prior Assassins creed city, nearly every major monument was
represented.
Ubisoft gives players both a time capsule and a mirror
with which to view life hundreds of years ago. It's only a bonus that
the game play and story are as equally amazing.
What You're
Missing: Walking
up to two total strangers, and raising your hand in a show of
greeting. Only this greeting has blades hidden on it's wrists, and
they would like to say hello to your face.
Honorable
Mention:
Batman Arkham City
#18. God of
War 3 - PS3
Why
God of War needs to be seen can be summed up in a single point. In
Zelda, Link lights his way with a lamp which he found in a treasure
chest. In God of War, Kratos lights his way with the flaming head of
Helios which he ripped from his screaming body. It's ok though,
because Helios deserved it.
Kratos
is an angry man. Understandably so, as he was brainwashed by the Gods
into murdering his own wife and child. As anyone with knowledge of
Greek Mythology is aware, that isn't the only bad thing the God's
have done. They've had it coming, and Kratos is here to deliver. Fans
of mythology, this is for you. Squeamish fans though, you should
probably look elsewhere.
This
game is, without a doubt, the most violent game that exists today.
For that reason alone, this is a must play. Those who can stomach it
are in for one of the wildest rides in gaming.
What You're
Missing: Know
those feathery shoes Hermes wears? Would you like a pair? Good
because Kratos just chopped his legs off, just so you could have
them. Lucky you.
Honorable
Mention: Castlevania:
Symphony of the Night
#17. Kingdom
Hearts - PS2
Kingdom
Hearts by all reason should not exist. How this idea even came up in
conversation is something only the heads of Disney and Director
Tetsuya Nomura will ever know. But it's good to know that Disney
isn't afraid to put their franchise history on the line for a chance
at something great. Which is what we have here.
Meshing
together characters from two decades of Square Enix games, with
dozens of Disney characters spanning 75 years of animation history,
Kingdom Hearts is both the strangest and frankly one of the greatest
games ever made.
This
game is a 100% must play for any
fan of Disney regardless of age or gender. By bringing the wonder of
the Disney Worlds into your living room, and tying them together with
the ingenious writers at Square Enix, you just get magic.
What You're
Missing: Mickey
Mouse in a matrix cloak flipping around like Yoda wielding a golden
key as a sword slaughtering everything.
Yes that was serious, and no it never gets old.
Honorable
Mention:
Final Fantasy X
#16. World
of Warcraft – PC/Mac
World
of Warcraft needs to be experienced to be believed. Yet most
non-players always shrug it off, as if it were a mere fad. 12 million
active players is not a fad. In fact 12 million players is twice
the entire population of Israel. Even with WoW's more recent decline,
as it nears it's 8th
birthday, it has barely fallen to 9 million to match the population
of Sweden. The fact is, a lot of people like Warcraft.
Regardless
if someone thinks they may not enjoy World of Warcraft, it is a must
try. Everyone should experience what a 'real' living breathing
fantasy world can offer. From the constantly fluctuating economy, to
a community that can spark in a sporadic dungeon crawl with a
stranger, WoW is meant to be seen.
With
subscriptions now being completely free up till lvl 20, there's no
reason why you can't hop in and take a look. Grab a griffon and fly
the continents from top to bottom, it will take you nearly an hour,
but the view will be worth it.
What You're
Missing: Wandering
the countryside for miles just to take in the view, only to
unwittingly end up in an epic fight with a few complete strangers.
Who then become your friends.
Honorable
Mention:
Diablo 2
To
Be Continued:
#20-16
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