Favorite of the decade

Judging and reviewing past video games is difficult because of the technological advances that can transpire. This inseparable coupling with technology is the follly of video games. With film, the technological discrepancies are minute, and no where near as impactful; a film in 1944 could pass for a film made in 2004. However, two years in video gaming can serve as a hundred year span in film.

So, how does one judge something like the original halo or metal gear solid when comared to their sequels? I've tried to take a historical approach to this by juduging certain games primarily against their peers in the year they were released as well as against everything that came afterwards. This is challenging because not all fo the games on my list are games I played in their original release. Moreover, certain games, much like certain movies, are engrained in my youth and self identity, and as a result, can be overshadowed by nostalgia. For example, many people will claim Super Mario Bros 3 as the best in the series, but considering the size and scope of Super Mario World, how can that be a justified position? It can't, really.

One series is particulary difficult to examine, and that is The Sims. The original game made a huge impact in the industry and economically. Much has been written about the game, but what is interesting is that it is often cited as the best in the series. However, The Sims 2 in every way is more detailed, interesting, and open. However, The Sims 2 is just one game in The Sims 2 franchise. Numerous expansions to the game were released over the years that added new content and features. So, when examining The Sims 2, should the extra content be counted, and if it is counted, does the greatly increased financial cost deserve consideration as well? Finally, there's The Sims 3 which again improved upon its previosu installment, yet some found too complex and closed.

I should note that the technical limitations at the time of Shadow of the Colossus prevented me frrom enjoying it. I know some perople felt the same way about Mass Effect. With Mass Effect, people complained about the poor driving controls of the exploratory vehicle, and the technical issues of the Unreal Engine that runs the game. While I think the control issues are more based on preference than any technical merit, I would concede that the graphical flaws in the game are aggrivating, but not distracting to remove the impressive nature of the game as a whole.

Then, there's Halo, which is an oddity for me as I discussed previously. I don't want to come across as a snob that does not enjoy big action games and prefers indie ones, but the series does not motivate me in any way to become engrossed in its universe. Again, comparison to Mass Effect is deserved, because I was interested in that make believe world and read the books based on it because of their detail and rich setting. I just don't give a damn about the Spartans and a fake military fetishistic history of space marines.

This should give you just a little insight into the decision process that went into comprising my list. Again, it is a personal list and not necessarily a list that should be considered a "best" list.

Beyond Good and Evil

Bioshock

Half-Life 2

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Mass Effect

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Phoenix Wright: Justice for All

The Sims 2

Super Mario Galaxy