I made a list of my 100 favorite games of all time about 5 years ago. I wonder if I can find it to see if it differs. I remember KotOR was number 3 before Fallout 3 came out. Except for Dragon Quest 5, I've put hundreds of hours into each of these games. Easily thousands when it comes to Civilization.
Tied for first place:
Secret of Mana (SNES) - For many years, this was my absolute favorite game of all time. I remember my brother's friend brought it over when it was just released and I fell in love. So much so, that I hid it so the guy couldn't take it home. He was one of those rich kids that never noticed he didn't have it for a week. Come on, it's a three player RPG with vibrant graphics and a cliche driven story. What isn't there to love?
Suikoden 2 (PSX) - Then Suikoden 2 was released... I loved the first one, still do, but Suikoden 2 was a game that I played through seven times in a row. I picked it up when you could still get it new in stores, I believe it was $25. Captain Hindsight says I should have picked up all eight copies that day... Seriously, a direct sequel to an amazing RPG, 108 characters and a majority of them are actually worthwhile, a truly evil villain (to begin with), and plenty of replay value. As close to perfection as you can get.
Fallout 3 (360) - I remember the feeling I got when I first left Vault 101. The sense of awe, wonder, and excitement I felt is something I doubt any other game will ever give me. The Fallout universe is probably the best fleshed out universe that has connecting stories (neck and neck with Suikoden). My favorite part is that as a WRPG, I can play the same game over and over so many different ways that I'll never get bored.
4. River City Ransom (NES) - Whenever my brother, or my friend Keegan and I get together, RCR is a likely choice. If we've got a couple of hours to kill, there is no better way to do it than by beating up the Generic Dudes, Squids, or Internationals. I'll play this game any day of the week.
5. Dragon Quest 5 (DS) - While on my quest to complete all the Dragon Quest games, I fell in love with DQ5. The story and the characters sucked me in. The end of Act 2 will forever be engrained in my memory. I'm at the point of starting DQ8 now, but so far 5 is the best.
6. Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 (N64) - Everyone who knows me is aware that besides being an avid gamer, I'm also a professional wrestler. This is the best professional wrestling game ever made. Fire Pro is great, too, but VPW2 is everything I've ever wanted from a wrestling game.
7. Sid Meier's Civilization (SNES) (and Civilization Revolution on both 360 and DS) - As a kid, I remember seeing an ad for Civilization in EGM. I had to have it. When it appeared as a present from my mom, I rejoiced. I spent countless nights playing Civilization and listening to Metallica and Pantera. Great memories. As an aside, I really enjoy Civ Rev. I know a lot of hardcore Civ fans don't care for it, but I think it's fun to be able to go through a game in 3 hours. And when I'm on the go, the DS version is almost as good as the 360 version. Don't hate, play the game.
8. E.V.O. Search for Eden (SNES) - I remember renting E.V.O. for the first time from Panorama Video. I didn't know what I was in for, but Enix had never let me down in the past, so I went for it. Survival of the Fittest is so true. Creating some weird combinations with all the different body parts was great fun. I especially liked finding the special crystal that would morph you into an elephant. I trampled so many bad guys in that form.
9. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (XBOX) - KotOR has fallen from grace in my eyes, as I've tried playing it recently and it didn't hold up to the memories I had. It used to be a top 3 game (before Fallout 3), but that was half a decade or more in the past. The story was a fine addition to the Expanded Universe and the characters (HK-47, I'm looking at you) were great (Carth wasn't terrible). However, I must leave the game where it is best revered, in my memories.
10. Harvest Moon 64 (N64) - It was tough to choose which Harvest Moon should go on the list. I remember searching for two years after the release of the SNES version before I found it. I had trouble with the N64 version as well, but one fine day at Software Etc. (Managed by our fearless leader) I happened across this copy. The more I think about it, the more I feel that the N64 version is the ultimate Harvest Moon game. Magical Melody and Tree of Tranquility are great in their own ways, as are the GBA games, but I liked the N64 the best.
There are my top ten. Some games that are on the fringe are Pokemon (I got Blue at release), Final Fantasy 3/6 (Best Final Fantasy), Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Monster Rancher 2, Dead Rising, Earthbound and Sim City.
