Symphony of the Night. Wow. As long as I've been posting on internet forums, and as long as I've been crafting lists such as these, Symphony of the Night has never falle off of my top five. It's a wonderful title.

Earlier in my series of blogs, I took a little heat about my placement of Super Metroid. You have to realized, I didn't own a SNES. If you're one of those people who loves Super Metroid, consider that it's similar to Symphony of the Night. The latter just came in to my life earlier. Oh, and it's better, too.

SotN was one of the first games I owned for the Playstaion. I got it for Christmas the same year it came out, and I was secen years old. At the time, I was your average kid who liked games. I played Mario, I played Crash. I wasn't really big in to the scene. Then I played SotN. The game changed my life. For the first time, games were more than just games. For the first time, I had a game that was my favorite. I'd get reprimanded on a daily basis for playing to much Castlevania. The game wasn't like anything I had played before. It was all one big level, and I got to map it out, I was exploring this castle, hunting dracula. I was fighting cool monsters. It wasn't like other games that had chunks of gameplay, this was a seamless experience, and I fell in love with it. I drew up a map and took it to school, I read books about dracula, but the one thing that had the biggest impact on me: I fell in love with video games. SotN also opened my mind in the world of games, showing me that any game, 2D or 3D, could be amazing. I am indebted to SotN for this, it's the game that made me who I am today, it showed me how I could be sucked into a game's world, only coming out to eat and sleep.

Now, I don't think the concept of the game is too foreign to anyone. It's a pioneer of the Metroidvania genre, right along with Super Metroid. As a game, it took the Castlevania in an entirely new direction with these exploration elements,and became key in the development of the genre. SotN puts you in the shoes of Dracula's son Alucard, awakened to destroy the threat his father poses when Richter Belmont vanishes. As Alucard, you'll explore Dracula's massive castle. Along the way you'll fight all sorts of demons, explore some quite unusual sectors of the caslte, and build up your strength to fight your father. One of the most important aspects of SotN are the RPG elements. As you explore and defeat enemies, you'll gain experience, level up, and find new equipment. For its time, this was very unique for any game that wasn't 

an RPG. It added depth to the game, and increased the feeling of progress.

The world of SotN is magical. From the gothic cathedral in the caslte, the creepy catacombs, the decrepit hallways of Olrox's quarters, and the traditional Clock Tower full of medus heads, each area is a new experience. The design of the worlds stands tall among games. The artowork for the enemies, characters, and areas is the pinnacle of the series, and will likely remain that way as the newer games go for a more anime inspired look. It would be foolish for me to forget the soundtrack in SotN's case, as it is among the best gaming has to offer. Even at seven years old, I was able to appreciate the musical score in SotN.

Truly, this game is legendary. I'm not the first person to honor it, and nor will I be the last. Symphony of the Night showed us all that the just because we had moved to the third dimension, it didn't mean that two dimensional games couldn't be phenomenal. Everyone needs to play this game.

 

Before you read what I say, you must do something in order to get the full experience for the #4 game. Open this link in a new tab, and give it a minute to load. Put your volume so it's not too loud, just enough so you can read as you listen. Press play, then come back over here, and begin reading. If it ends, start the song over again. This is absolutely necessary.

We're once again travelling to BoG's youth. I've always frequented gaming forums, and this period of my life is no exception. I was an avid reader of EGM, and ended up at gamers.com. At gamers.com, I joined a community of gamers called the "Nintendo Resource and Debate," and I logged in to post on that forum every day. Some time into that experience, I logged on just as any other day. We were approaching E3. I saw a topic title: "Metal Gear Solid 3." I froze. Was I dreaming? I couldn't be. I've always been a huge MGS fan, so a third game was enough to get my young self extremely excited. I downloaded the leaked trailer, and witenessed something awesome. Snake with an alligator hat, shooting people? YES. I had to be in a dream, Snake Eater....

Fast forward to when the game actually came out. I gave it to my dad as a christmas present, as he is also a fan of the series. We took turns playing, but eventually I took over. I couldn't put it down. This was like MGS2, only more fun, and it actually made SENSE. Staples of the series returned, great stealth gameplay, zany and awesome boss fights, and brilliant story telling. I loved every moment. I'll be honest, it's embarassing, but I think I spent that whole year doing that nerdy Ocelot hand thing, because I thought it was so wicked cool. Snake Eater, you're so supreme...

Well, anyways, MGS 3 took the series gameplay I loved, added elements of survival, and through it into the outdoors. The jungle added a whole new level of depth to the already great stealth series. Now, staying hidden was a whole different ballgame. Changing Snake's camo was great fun. The blend of both indoor and outdoor sneaking was a great way to keep things fresh the entire way through, and only made it that much more fun. The survival elements did their fare share of fun-adding too. You had to tend to snake bites, broken bones, and gunshots. Now, how Snake can break the same bone twice in a matter of minutes and heal it up fine is a mystery to me, but still totally cool. You have to eat, to keep Snake's stamina up. Some day, you'll feed on a tree frog...

In a series known for its memorable moments, MGS 3 has some of the most memorable. It told one of the most fantastic stories I've ever experienced. If you liked the motorcycle ride with Eva in 4, well you should try your hand at it in 3 while the the maniacal Volgin chases you down in a massive nuclear tank. Volgin in general is an unforgettable character himself, and once he feels your crotch, he won't forget you, either. All of the bosses were memorable in the game, from The Pain and his bees, to the Fury and his obsession with arson. 3 is also home to the best of the epic sniper battles of the series when you bring and ancient old man to his end (CWUTIDIDTHER?). Finally, and most importantly, Metal Gear Solid not only has the greatest final boss battle in the series, but one of the best final boss battles in video game history. She literally is THE Boss. I'll never forget that last showdown in that field of white flowers... and the shocking revelations about that fascinating character that followed. In my time, there'll be no one else...

I don't really know how to sum this up. Metal Gear Solid 3 is just so awesome. You know what? The more I think about it, the more awful the 4th game becomes. It simply can't hold a candle to what may be Kojima's finest hour. What a thrill...

Oh gosh. Oh my gosh. My love for Shadow of the Colossus is ineffable. It's one of the most brilliant games I've ever played. Years back, already a fan of ICO, I didn't hesitate to reserve SotC. I awaited the game eagerly, as the concept was just so awesome: no dungeons, no petty enemies, just collosi. The idea fascinated me. I wated impatiently, and when the day finally came, I once again didn't hesitate to get my copy. I set aside a lot of time just so I could play this game.

I started my quest took down the first colossi, and moved to the second. Surprisingly, I was disappointed. I don't know what I wanted, but I just wasn't feeling the game at the second colossi. I actually told my self at this point the game wasn't any good. If I wasn't being entertained by now, I never would. I beat the colossus, and decided I'd press on anyways. 

I don't know where all that pessimism came from, but it vanished quickly. From the third colossus on, I was just sucked into this game. The masterfully composed score perfectly compliments each and every epic battle with you colossal foes. The sense of scale as you view your enemy, the shaking of the camera as one takes a step, all rendered in the graphics I still can't believe the PS2 can handle. It's just so great. Every colossi I fought I declared the greatest thing ever, and I was confident that the next one would fail to it justice. Each one, though, was better than the last. 

When the time came to face the final foe, I just KNEW it would be underwhelming. Those of you who have played the game know that it is absolutely amazing. The game sets it up perfectly, first sending you into building that is colossal in itself. As you ascend the stairs, it only becomes more foreboading. Then, Agro falls. All hope is lost. You go up, step into the rain, and see the most monstrous thing you've ever witnessed. Half the battle is just approaching this beast. If you ever get to him, you're but an 

insect on his hairy appendages. Of course, the game only gets better in its closing moments.

I can't stress enough how memorable each battle is. First of all, each one is unique in how you must take on the boss. One thing I love about the game is how you're given tools that oyu have through the enitre game, no Zelda style new wepaons, no upgrades. You must figure out how to use what you have. Anyways, each boss is taken down a different way. One must be flipped over by leading him over powerful geysers. Another you must hide from so you can coax him to look down so you can grab on to his beard. One of the greatest feels like an old west train robbery, where you have to ride Agro alongside the beast's relaxed wings as it flies by, and jump off of the moving horse just in time to grab on. Once again, the brilliant musical score only amplifies the experience.

I could talk about Shadow of the Colossus for hours. I really could. I haven't scratched the surface here. There is so much to love about this game that I haven't even mentioned. I've even missed some of the essentials, like the brilliant minimalist story. All I can say is that you need to play, no, you need to experience Shadow of the Colossus for yourself. This one will go down in gaming legend.

My entire life, I've been a Metroid fan. The first console my family owned was a NES, and my dad's favorite game on the system was Metroid. I used to watch him play, then play my self. When I got a gameboy, I had Metroid 2 for the system. I had even less of an idea what I was doing in this game, but I still loved it. I've mentioned it before, but I missed Super Metroid because of my lack of a SNES. I always wanted to play it, though, as EGM had named it the greatest game of all time. I went on playing the only two Metroid games I knew, however. 

When I saw that a Metroid game was coming for the Gamecube, I was very excited. I loved my cube, I loved Metroid, it really couldn't get any better. All the complaints about a first person perspective, all the doubts, all of it seemed to go one ear and out the other. Nothing could spoil this for me, it had been so long since a new Metroid came into my life. I anticipated it, and when release approached, it was on the top of my christmas list. Honestly, though, I was admittedly more excited for Metroid Fusion. Perhaps the whining did have an effect on me, because I thought Fusion would be better. I got both for christmas, and there was a clear winner when Fusion got comfortable in an unpowered Game Boy.

Metroid Prime is brilliant. Some unknown, unproven company from Texas did the unthinkable and made an absolutely fantastic game with Metroid Prime. They went against the established norm in the realm of controls, crafting an unorthodox FPS control scheme that after a little getting used to was a dream to use. They successfully recreated the weapons and gadgets of the old game, making them fun to use in combat in Metroid Prime. 
Speaking of the combat, it's awesome. You've got your variety of weapons to take into all kinds of combat situations. The native lifeforms of Tallon IV will come at you in many different way. Of course, nothing beats taking on fleets of space pirates, the game's only true intelligent opponents. Oh, and there are the awesome fights against the chozo ghosts. Those still give me the chills. To top it all off, Metroid Prime is full of some of gaming's greatest boss fights, finishing off with and epic battle against the Metroid Prime. 
Another success is how well the exploration gameplay was translated into three dimensions. Without a doubt, the elements that made its predecessors unique and fun are preserved in Metroid Prime. There are a variety of beautiful worlds to explore, secrets to uncover, and enhancements to gain so you can explore even further.

All of it came together for me to do something no game had ever done to me before. I wasn't just playing a game, I really was exploring Tallon IV. I was a space bounty hunter looking to end space pirate presence on te planet, I was studying its plant and animal life, I was uncovering the secrets of the chozo, and I was experiencing this world. No game has sucked me in like Metroid Prime. I got lost exploring the maze, I got lost as I encountered a new area with some new things to scan, I was lost as I delved deeper into the space pirate facilities. Each of the games many environments created within me an awe that hasn't been lost over time. The eeriness of the crashed frigate, the lush plantlife of the overworld, and the grand tundra that is Phendrana. I can't think of one moment that pushed me out of the world. I was helplessly sucked in. I just can't express to you enough how this game was more than just a game for me, I was truly on an epic journey.

Metroid Prime is a masterpiece. I've said it about other games on the list, and I'll say it again. No game succeeds so well at making you feel like you're really exploring a world and discovering the areas of this uncharted planet. Each aspect of the game only aids in deepening the experience. Today, Metroid Prime still stands out with it's gameplay, its visuals, in every aspect. Metroid Prime is without a doubt prime.

Gallery

YES.

THIS IS IT.

OMG sephiroth is so cool and Tifa has boobz and I love cloud BUSTA SWORDZ and "one winged angel" and barret is like mega man wit a chaingun lol. o ya red 13 is a liek a wolf cat lol. FINAL FANTASY VII IS THE BEST GAME EVAR.

Ok, just kidding.

For realz now:

No, this isn't another joke, and yes, there are two MGS games in my top 5. I love Metal Gear Solid.

I hear a lot these days how great Metal Gear Solid  4 is. I've seen a lot of people list it on their own top __ lists, and I know a lot of people who think it is "so awesome." Now, I guess I'm supposed to say they're entitled to their opinion, but as a massive fan of all the games in the series... I think they go it wrong. The gameplay is overly complex in 4, and it broke my heart that my dad has been unable to grasp the controls, as he is a big fan of the series. There's too much action, and too little stealth. The story is like if you took all the drugs Kojima was taking while writing the second games and quadrupling them. And, at the end of the day, it just can't hold a candle to the rest of the series. In 4, Snake and Otacon travel to Shadow Moses Island. At oen point, you find yourself in Snake's dream, running around on Shadow Moses in the original game. This was the best part of the entire game.

Metal Gear Solid. I just can't think of an intro that will do this game justice. I could talk about history, but it's the same story as ICO, my dad buying me a game I didn't want.  When I received it, I just fell in love. A year after I had fallen in love with Castlevania:Symphony of the Night, Metal Gear Solid entered my life. Ask anyone who has played it, you won't soon forget the rollercoaster ride that is MGS. 

I guess I'll begin with the story. In the series, the story may not be as creative or well written as that of the thrid game, but it's no slump, either. The twisting tale of Solid 

Snake and his team on the other side of the codec is marvellous. The characters are memorable, the pacing is spot on, and the themes and overall premise are original.

The gameplay is considered by many to be outdated, but I still love it. I replayed the game not long ago, and I didn't ever have a problem with it. In fact, I think the game plays better than the remake, Twin Snakes. Sneaking around is a blast, and Snake has a plethore of options for hiding due to the awesome level design. The menu system was very new for the time, and has stuck around in the series, and remains intuitive. The variety of weapons and items make combat a whole lot of fun, and you don't need the FPV. 

The musical score is one of my favorites. The encounter theme is one that I will never forget. The composition of the Metal Gear theme song is brilliant. The basic "sneaking" ambience is awesome. Psycho Mantis' theme haunting and memorable.

Speaking of Mantis, it's a sin to not mention the game's boss fights. Psycho Mantis is legendary among boss fights. He reads your mind. When he told me I liked Castlevania, I was shocked. HE MADE MY CONTROLLER MOVE. Even the last time I played the game, he surprised me. I'd only saved maybe twice, AND HE KNEW IT. He told me I was wreckless! One of my personal favorites is the second battle with Vulcan Raven. The dude walks around with this huge chain gun in a desolate freezer. When I went for my rationss, only to see they were frozen... holy crap. Battling the Cyborg Ninja is another memorable one, using only the basis of all combat, hand to 

hand. The second best sniper battle in the game takes place against Sniper Wolf, in that same snow field you fight Crying Wolf. I appreciate Sniper Wolf even more after MGS4, because that Crying Wolf battle wasn't really a sniper battle at all. Finally, a fist fight with Liquid atop the wreckage of Metal Gear Rex is a fight I'll never forget.

Kojima did so much unexpected in this game, from Mantis' mind reading, to using the box to progress the game, and making you do all of Liquid's Dirty work. This game really got my imagination going as a child. It was a difficult task to pull the young me away from Symphony of the Night, but Metal Gear did it. If SotN made me a gamer, MGS sealed the deal. MGS paved the way to me playing the later games in the series, which I've throughly enjoyed. MGS made me appreciate the finer things in games, the characters, the story, and the symbolism. Going back, yes, the writing hasn't aged particularly well, but for its time is was a feat. Today, the charm it once had still remains, regardless of how cheesy Vulcan Raven sounds.

Snake's first adventure was his greatest. I loved every moment of MGS, and any tiem I go back to pound a Hind D with some rockets or break the Ninja's jaw, I feel like a child again. Metal Gear Solid is my favorite game of all time.

Ghouls n Ghosts is ridiculously challenging, but oh so addicting. It's loaded with personality, and provides intense satisfaction whenever you advance to a new area of a level. An arcade classic.

So, there you have it. My top 30, and my favorite game of all time. I have to say, these five games are very special to me. I love all the games in my top 10, but once you hit #5, you enter a new realm. These games are burned into my mind. I love them all so very much.

Go on, discuss, and criticize! 

The series: