Hello! Welcome to Current’s Gaming blog. My name’s Philip Kollar, and I’m the online producer for the Gaming channel at Current. I could start out by telling you all about the various jobs and podcasts I’ve been involved with on the editorial side of the gaming industry before coming to Current — in fact, that’s just how this post began — but then I thought, why? Why not skip all that junk and get down to what you’re really here for: VIDEO GAMES.
With that in mind, what better way to get to know me than through my favorite games of all time? Yeah, I’m starting big. Let’s hit it:
Push Pin Mario Art by whitespacecarpet on Current.com
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1990)
I’ll begin with the safe choices and move steadily toward the more precarious stuff. As the final Mario platformer on the original NES, Super Mario Bros. 3 showcased all the lessons Miyamoto and company had learned from a generation of platforming glory. In terms of pure, tight level design full of variety, nothing since comes close to challenging SMB3 except maybe Super Mario Galaxy. Maybe.
Next Half-Life Episode? by JerseyBricklayer on Current.com
Half-Life/Half-Life 2 (PC, 1998 and 2004)
I’m cheating a little here by including two games in one slot on my list, but Half-Life and its sequel both deserve the same credit as Super Mario Bros.3 for their brilliant linear level design. Aside from the regrettable Xen section at the end of the first game, every level from cramped halls of Black Mesa straight through to the large strategic encounter at the end of Episode 2 will leave your heart racing and your mouse finger twitching as you race to the next showdown.
Of course, that impulse to see what’s next is going to be clashing with the desire to slow down and carefully explore each of the beautiful, carefully crafted areas. You don’t normally get a sense of setting like this from a videogame, but City 17 feels like a real world, and a place I want to return to even if it is a dystopian nightmare. And I do return there! The Half-Life games are among the very few that I take time to replay once every year or two.
Final Fantasy VI (SNES, 1994)
For most normal people, Final Fantasy VII on the PlayStation was their introduction to the world of overblown, clumsily translated Japanese RPGs. I got started early, though, borrowing the original NES Final Fantasy from a friend and spending weeks on it leveling up the perfect, unbeatable party, a feat which I doubt I’d have the patience for today. FFVI is where it really clicked for me, though. From the first moment I popped this cartridge in and turned it on to see a snowstorm set to beautiful music for the opening credits, I knew this was something special. I’d close the door to my room and read the dialogue aloud, savoring every second of this complex fairy tale. How much did it affect me? Look at my screenname on Current and most other sites (KefkaTaran) for a clue. The first half of that, Kefka, is the name of this game’s psychotic (and thus, for my 9-year-old self, totally awesome) villain.
Also, this game has a freakin’ opera. Laugh if you must, but that scene moved me… Okay, you can stop laughing. Seriously.
Tech Report: Metal Gear Solid 4
Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2, 2001)
Aha! Controversy! Even for those who are fans of the Metal Gear Solid series, most would put the second installment last in an ordered list of how good the games are. And if you’re not into series creator Hideo Kojima’s cinematic style and controller-twisting mix of stealth and action, then this entry is pretty much completely unapproachable beyond the short Tanker segment that kicks it off. So why the hell do I love it enough to put it on this list? Well…it’s complicated.
Metal Gear Solid 2 has a lot of design choices that turned off certain groups of people. Solid Snake fans were upset by the surprise replacement of the series protagonist in the game’s lengthy second act. I, on the other hand, thought it was a great bizarre twist. Sure, Raiden was a little whiny, but by the end of the game, Snake was given plenty of camera time to compensate. Others hated how the game’s structure mimicked the PlayStation original, but I enjoyed how it fit into the clever meta-narrative Kojima was constructing for the series. And almost everyone bemoaned the super-long cutscenes and dense, seemingly incomprehensible endgame story, but I loved how every time I replayed it, I was able to understand things a little bit better.
Perhaps most importantly, I feel like Metal Gear Solid 2 really nailed the gameplay, offering an improved take on the sneaking from the first game and a lot more variety than either MGS1 or MGS3. One section might have you scouring the entire set of areas open to you for bombs while another equips you with a rocket launcher so you can shoot down a jet. And let’s not forget the epic final encounter, a sword fight with your clone cyborg surrogate father (!!) on top of Federal Hall in New York City. I submit that anyone who can not appreciate the insanity of that last sentence does not have a heart.
BioShock (X360/PC/PS3, 2007 and 2008)
I don’t think too many people will roll their eyes at this choice, but some may think it’s a bit too soon, that BioShock hasn’t been languishing in my mind long enough to make a list of my top games of all time. I respectfully disagree. With nearly two year since I took my first trip to the Randian freakshow of Rapture, I can safely say that this is one experience I’ll be returning to for years to come and pointing at as an example of games transcending pop fun and reaching toward (dare I say it) art.
The environments of BioShock are gorgeous and full of character, almost even more so than Half-Life 2, and the combat is open-ended in a way that’s almost always fun instead of imposing. But what really sticks out to me about BioShock is that Ken Levine and his crew genuinely had a message with this game. There is a thesis to BioShock. Hell, there are a few possible theses. This is a videogame that can rightfully be the subject of forum arguments over what it means without anyone in those arguments coming off as pretentious or reading too much into the game. It’s a small distinction that very few games achieve or even strive for, but it makes all the difference and gives me hope for the future of this medium. Don’t get me wrong, I love blowing away legions of mindless space alien drones as much as the next guy, but from time to time, I like my games to have a point.
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And now it’s your turn! I want to know what you think of my choices, but more importantly, I want to know your choices. How do you contribute? Easy! Submit to our special “Top 5 Video Games” topic on Current. Write up your favorites or record a quick webcam video letting us know which games you love the most. I’ll be featuring my favorite submissions each day as well as featuring the ones you’ve all voted as the best. Check out other people’s lists and vote up your favorite at our Top 5 Video Games topic page. Just be sure to submit the list to Current instead of just leaving a comment here, or you won’t be able to be featured!
Also stay tuned for part 2 of your introduction to the Current Gaming blog, where I’ll explain how the Current Gaming channel works, what this blog will add to it, and how I hope for all of you wonderful gamers out there to work with me.
-Phil
Start it off now by giving me your top games of all time on Current!
May 8th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Yoshis Island, Metroid Series, Earthbound, Resident evil series, Silent Hill series, and Mystical Ninja starring Goemon for the N64.
In no particular order
May 8th, 2009 at 1:13 am
You get much respect from me for giving love to Metal Gear Solid 2, Phil.
May 8th, 2009 at 1:14 am
As requested, here we are, Nintendo-heavy slant incoming.
5. Super Mario 64: I always found it insane that for a game that was more or less the first of its genre, it remained the best in the face of countless evolutions and improvements.
4. Link to the Past: I like how reviewers almost unanimously felt that it was the best game on its system… when it was rereleased for the GBA 12 years after its initial release. Depending on my mood, this can be #4 or #3, switching places with:
3. Ocarina of Time: Certain elements have aged, but riding across Hyrule Field on Epona during sunset is still a feeling I haven’t quite been able to chase.
2. Super Metroid: Yeah. Still unmatched world & level design that would be a shoe-in for #1 if not for:
1. Tetris: The perfect game, so much so that many people consider it ubiquitous to the point of ineligibility. If I have to specify a version, well, that would be Tetris DX (GBC).
May 8th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Super Mario World, Megaman X, Donkey Country, Metal Gear Solid, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
No specific order for me either. Weird that after I actually think of the list, I can’t picture any current gen games that have really been amazing or mind blowing. Anyway, glad to be reading your work again.
May 8th, 2009 at 1:46 am
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Meteos, Dragon Warrior/Quest IV, Final Fantasy IV, Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
May 8th, 2009 at 2:07 am
i like alot of games i cant say i have a favorite 5 right now im playing cod4, halo3, Resident evil 5, and fallout3 but i enjoyed soul calibur 2 when i was like 9 or 10 and i liked my snes. no more heroes was really fun. i like light gun shooters.
May 8th, 2009 at 2:10 am
5. Super Mario World
4. Deus Ex
3. Zelda: OoT
2. Super Metroid
1. Half-Life 2
May 8th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Hey Phil, been following you since the 1UP FM and obviously the big layoffs at Ziff Davis, as well as the Rebel FM days and your Twitter for a while. Glad that you got a job! Wasn’t familiar with this site but it’s pretty interesting. Was hard coming up with a top 5 and the below are in no particular order. I found it hard not to include any of the Metal Gear Solid games on here, but oh well.
My list:
1. Super Mario Brothers 3 – No contest here really. Just a classic game.
2. Shadow of the Colossus – Just a wonderful game, cinematic is the word that comes to my mind for some reason when I remember it.
3. Half Life 2 – Enough said.
4. God of War – Kratos is the ultimate tough guy and while there are better fighting games out there mechanics wise, this is very pick up and play and user friendly, much in the same way to me that Mario is to platformers and Halo is to FPS games.
5. Left 4 Dead – Obviously this is the newest on my list and only time will tell, but I think that it is a superbly crafted game and I jumped in late with this. Just this last weekend, and have already put 19 hours into it. And I have a full time job, kid, and wife and many obligations so it says a lot when I put that much time into a game in such a short period of time.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:11 am
Super Mario Bros 3 – Since the days when i started gaming until now, this game has been a staple in games that i play on a regular basis. By far the best 2D mario platformer out there and one of the few reasons to still bust out my NES.
Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past – If SMB3 is the reason to bust out my NES, LttP is the reason to bust out my SNES. There is just something about LttP that makes it the best in the Zelda series in my opinion. Every time I start the game and see Link’s Uncle about to die I can’t help but get excited for the epic adventure to come.
Super Smash Bros Melee – Now this is a game that i have put hundreds of hours into and have a shit ton of memories with. I mean…accidentally wave-dashing off the ledge in a 1v1 match playing against one of my buddies and then watching my gamecube jump a foot up in the air after i stomp on it in anger(dont ask me how but the cube survived and didnt even restart or anything). but yeah. good times.
Resident Evil 4 – I just recently (2 months ago) played this game for the first time and holy shit. I was blown away. It was the first time that i finished a game in a very long ass time where i was compelled to instantly play through it again but the second time with pistols only. The survival horror aspect that i grew accustomed to with the original RE was not there but the excellent pacing, storytelling and combat just kept me wanting more.
No More Heroes – Just thinking about NME makes my brain hurt. There were so many times throughout this game that just completely left me mindfucked. The focus on unique boss encounters and bizarre plot that breaks the 4th wall numerous times leaves me in awe Suda 51’s work. Can’t wait for the sequel.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:50 am
Grand Theft Auto Series, Halo, Resident Evil 4, Command and Conquer Series, Final Fantasy X
May 8th, 2009 at 4:06 am
1. Zone of the Enders 2.
2. Yoshi’s Island.
3. Starfox 64.
4. Grand Theft Auto III.
5. Metal Gear Solid 2.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:46 am
I honestly don’t think I can put these in any particular order… but I know what 5 I’d choose.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) – Honestly, I still have yet to find a platformer that lives up to the standard set by this one. New Super Mario Bros. on the DS came kind of close, but in the end 3 still reigns supreme.
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (N64) – Many came before, and many have come after, but TOoT is still by far my favorite.
Shadowrun (Genesis) – I couldn’t get into the newer iteration because of how much I loved the older one.
Hot Shots Golf [Series] (PS1/2/3/PSP) – It’s that one game that I can play when I just want to shut my mind off, but still have a lot of fun at the same time. And the one for the PS3 is beautiful.
Tetris [Series] (Everything damn thing under the sun.) – I’d be lying to myself if Tetris weren’t on my list somewhere. Honestly, it’s the one game series I’ve probably logged the most hours on out of everything.
May 8th, 2009 at 5:38 am
5. Final Fantasy Tactics(PS1)- Im talking the original. Great plot ( translations a bit off ) great overall game play high replay.
4. Halo 1 (xbox) – Very popular for a reason. Multiplay was the best around
3. Knights of the old republic. (xbox)- AMazing star wars game. Good story and a real pleaser to the star wars fan base
2. Battle Field 2 (pc) – Greatest online multiplayer. Full on armies head to head great battles.
1. Rome Total War. (PC)- greatest Pc game ever and my favorite ever. Nothin like armies of a couple thousand chargeing head on.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:27 am
In no particular order.
Diablo 2- Awesome fast paced online play.
Halo 2- The most innovating game to hit the online console community. Revolutionized everything about xboxlive with features that were only ingame at the time. The first few months of this game was unlike any other console experience for me. Amazingly fun, much more so than Halo 3 and much more innovative.
Ultima Online- The first MMO. True sandbox style, without grinding and godly items. One of a kind because there were NO QUESTS; you made a character and had to figure out what you wanted to do! Used “skill points” instead of levels, and all items for combat could be made by someone who has crafting skills.
Starcraft- Come on, best RTS hands down. The custom maps always had me coming back.
*honorable mention: Warcraft 3. Similar to Starcraft, but Warcraft also has DOTA, a highly popular and competitive custom map.
Counterstrike- Best PC online shooter. Spent countless hours on this game. Huge for competitive gamers.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:06 am
1. Uncharted (PS3)
2. Super Mario (N64)
3. Chrono Trigger (Nintendo)
4. Wild Arms (PS)
5. Suikoden (PS)
May 8th, 2009 at 11:24 am
(In no particular order, they are all equal for different reasons)
My Top 5:
1. Secret of Mana (SNES)
2. Marvel vs. Capcom (Arcade)
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
4. Final Fantasy X (PS2)
5. Harvest Moon (guilty pleasure…lol) (N64)
May 8th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
1. Grand Theft Auto III (the perfect game)
2. Mario Kart 64.
3. GTA San Andreas
4. Super Mario Bros 3 (sentimental value)
5. Tekken 2 or 3
May 8th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Some really great lists and comments here, guys. But if you want to get them featured, you actually need to submit them to Current instead of just listing them out in a comment here! Click the big green “Add Something” button at the bottom of the post to submit your list to Current!
May 8th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
1. Mike Tyson’s Punchout! (NES)
2. Asteroids (Atari)
3. GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64)
4. Ninja Gaiden (SNES)
5. Gears of War (Xbox 360)
May 8th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
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