The Gaming Canon

It is a really scary thought, but many of today's gamers have no memory of the classic games some of us older gamers were raised on.  I find it hard to believe, but yes, some of the kids destroying you in Modern Warfare probably couldn't find their way out of a Pac-man maze. 
 
This list, however, is not a place to bash on those young 'uns and their lack of respect, or wax nostalgic about days gone by.  No, instead this list will be a place to help educate the newest gaming generation in the classics that made gaming what it is today.  This list is a place for newer gamers to come and finally learn what people are talking about when they say "Konami Code" or "Kill Screen" or "Warp Whistle."  To further help, I will include information about the easiest way to experience these games today, such as PSN, Game Room, or Wii downloads, or modern "collections" releases.
 
The games included are: 
1) A part of gaming history: A truly subjective standard, but one that should be easily established 
2) Part of a historical meme or other gaming legend 
3) Showcase a major turning point in gaming development 
4) Classics that are still highly playable today 
5) Games that were considered "perfect" when released 
 
Feel free to add comments with suggestions.  List is still under construction.  Sorted, at this time, by date.

List items

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  1. Q*Bert

  Although listed for the 2600, Q*Bert was primarily a game found in arcades. Q*Bert was an early game that was, in many communities, somewhat mainstream. High schoolers would take dates to local arcades to showoff high score tables with their initials. Q*Bert is also a great example of games that had simple, repetitive gameplay due to limitations of the technology. Q*Bert is also insanely difficult. Today, Q*Bert is probably best enjoyed with a Google search, but truly should be played with an joy stick. *Bonus points: Q*Bert is an early example of unconventional punctuation in a game name, something that appears too frequently today.

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  2. Tetris

  Tetris is a great example of an early puzzle game, and possibly the first "system seller" when it was made available with the original Gameboy. Tetris is often created as the most widely played game ever, even over Mario. The music is easily recognized. Tetris also set many puzzle game standards, such as mathematical based matching (match 3, blocks of 4, etc) and the two game modes design. Tetris also is a great early example of a game with real high score potential. Tetris is available all over the internet, the best way to play the original is probably a used Gameboy cart, as they are quite numerous, and can be played on a Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, and Gameboy color.

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  3. Super Mario Bros.

  This game hardly needs any introduction. It is often credited with reviving the gaming industry after the history '89 crash. Super Mario Bros. is also a classic side-scrolling platformer, and set the standard for years to come. Additionally, gaming staples, such as "1-Ups" and other powerups, first appeared here. World 1-1 has been recreated in countless games, covered in live action stage productions, played along to with a violin, and appeared in countless other forms. To top it all off, this game is still very playable today. Available as a download on WiiWare, as well as PC emulations all over the internet. *Bonus points: Play the Mario/Duck Hunt combo that came with American NES systems.

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  4. Super Mario 64

  Super Mario 64 is often created with being the first "fully 3D game." Although other 3D games appeared before it, this is the first time it was implemented in a way that really made it work. As an N64 launch title, most critics scored this game as "perfect." At the time, it surely was, as it set a new standard. Today, the effects are still felt in any 3D game with a re-adjustable camera, something Super Mario 64 pioneered. Available as a WiiWare download.

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  5. Halo: Combat Evolved

  Halo: Combat Evolved, is the first game in the now ubiquitous franchise. Amazingly, many of today's gamers who spend hours shooting away on Xbox Live have never played the original! After all, the original lacked online multiplayer. So why should everyone play it? First of all, Halo:CE is one of the first dual stick shooters. Prior to Halo, most FPS games were PC games first, with mouse and keyboard control. Halo:CE is also one of the first FPS games to use largely outdoor environments. Previously, FPS games involved running down corridor after corridor. Halo: CE also offered revolutionary multiplayer action, although it required LAN connections to do so. Halo: CE also offered The Library, quite possibly one of the worst levels ever designed.