Collection Cornerstones

[teknophyl]

If you had to pick ONE CIB game from a given system that you feel is an essential to any collection, and price/rarity were not critically important, what would it be?

Since I am a new collector, I'm curious to know what other think are the "gotta haves". I'm not talking necessarily about NES Campus Challenge carts or Radiant Silvergun imports, but games that are considered the hallmarks of the console (and gaming in general).

For example, I'd say:

N64 - Ocarina of Time is a must have
PS1 - Final Fantasy VII
Xbox - Halo
Genesis - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
NES - Super Mario 3

I'm hoping the replies will help me in defining some collection goals for the year. 

[matt]

SMS - Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap

One of the best games on the often overlooked system.

[amauriel]

For  me, for the SNES it's most certainly Earthbound. But my husband would say Final Fantasy III/VI. And those who don't care for RPGs would probably go with Donkey Kong Country or Super Metroid.

Although it's interesting to consider "Cornerstone" games, remember that genre definitely plays a part in it as well.

And although Ocarina of Time is probably the most "Cornerstone" of the N64, I'd suggest Goldeneye there too. And out of every Harvest Moon game, Harvest Moon 64 is far and away my favorite in the series.

[teknophyl]

Although it's interesting to consider "Cornerstone" games, remember that genre definitely plays a part in it as well.

Good point... in the context of my question (hard to relay over forums!), genre isn't that important though. I'm thinking of games that are important because they may have redefined a genre, are seminal to the overall console experience. Your point about Goldeneye is exactly what I was going for - totally forgot about it, yet it is universally considered a standout in the N64 library.

[htimreimer]

the pc has some good modern point and click adventure games and here is list of them

scratches
nancy drew series
the black mirror series
the lost crown a ghost-hunting adventure (one of my favorite games of all time)

they deserve a lot more attention

[blipcs76]

Hmmm.  I'd say I agree with your PS1, NES, and N64 picks

I'd add:

SNES - A Link To The Past
Genesis - Gunstar Heroes
TG16 - Bonk's Adventure
NES - Tie between Mario 3/Contra
Gamecube - Super Smash Bros. Melee

[brettybluevein]

SNES - Super Mario World
NEO-GEO - Metal Slug (any)

[jcalder8]

Sega Genesis: NHL 94
NES: Dragon Warrior IV
SNES: Super Mario Kart
PlayStation: Metal Gear Solid
N64: Perfect Dark
Playstation 2: Ratchet and Clank
Xbox: Halo

[darko]

NES - Batman

While not necessarily overlooked, it is terribly underrated. It's a solid platformer/action game with tight controls and really, really good music. It's also pretty difficult in true NES fashion. It's a game that everyone knows, and most likely has, but never talks about.

SNES - Contra III: The Alien Wars

Also not one that many consider when thinking of must have titles. If you've played Contra or Super C on the NES you know what to expect.

Genesis - Shining Force

An excellent tactical RPG with a solid story. It's pretty easy to get into and it's not super long. Finding a complete copy isn't prohibitively difficult and it's typically reasonably priced.

Nintendo 64 - Star Fox 64

It was recently re-released on the 3DS for good reason...the game is awesome.

PS1 - Metal Gear Solid

If you've never played it or want to play through it I would really suggest picking up the remake on the GC titled Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes. It's still a cornerstone in its original form.

PS2 - Devil May Cry (1 & 3)

The games are really solid and a must have for anyone with a PS2. They really stand out in my mind as the top action games available for the system. DMC 2 was total garbage, but you can get it really cheap if you're worried about having all of them for collecting purposes.

DS - Radiant Histoira

A very well done Turn-Based RPG (with a little twist on the battle system) that was recently re-released by Atlus. Get it while you can! It has a great story that revolves around decision making and time travel.

I could go on and on with these systems but I tried to come up with a few titles that are generally forgotten when anyone asks for suggestions - other than MGS.

[soera]

Cornerstone games are pretty much a different thing for everyone. Here are mine
NES - Mario, Zelda, Mega man, Metroid, Dragon warrior, Final fantasy
SNES - Final fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Zelda LTTP, Super metroid
N64 - Who cares, the system is the worst one ever released
SMS - Alex Kidd, Phantasy star
Genesis - Golden Axe, Phantasy star
Dreamcast - Dont think I could list a single DC game if I tried
Saturn - Magic Knight Rayearth, Albert Odyssey
Sega CD - Lunar 1&2, Vay, Popful Mail
PS1 - Final fantasy series, Chrono Cross, Dragon warrior
PS2 - Baldur's gate
PS3 - God of War!
Xbox - Dungeons and Dragons heroes ... Im sure people would name the Halo type games too but those suck!
Xbox 360 - Refer to Dreamcast
Gameboy(s) - Tetris, Final fantasy adventure/legends, Zelda Oracle games, Dragon warrior monster games
DS - Final fantasy 3, 4 heroes of light, Y's remakes, Radiant historia

[varkias]

Just doing the systems i know very well:

Genesis: Toe Jam & Earl/Shining Force 2
NES: Duck Tales/TMNT 2
Saturn: Guardian Heroes/Saturn Bomberman
N64: Mario Kart 64/Ogre Battle 64
PS1: Twisted Metal 2/FF VII

[varkias]

Dreamcast - Dont think I could list a single DC game if I tried

Bad soera... bad!

[darko]

Dreamcast - Dont think I could list a single DC game if I tried

Bad soera... bad!

Well, according to @soera's logic: N64 < DC & 360 < Jaguar & Virtual Boy

[jobocan]

Dreamcast - Dont think I could list a single DC game if I tried

Bad soera... bad!

I know right? You guys see what I have to deal with?

I say strap him to a chair and force him to play Dreamcast for a couple days, that should fix him up

[teknophyl]

Dreamcast - Dont think I could list a single DC game if I tried

The first time I played SoulCalibur on the DC, I fell in love...