Can I count The Orange Box as one game? If so then that, but if not then I guess TF2 would be my favorite game since it's the only game that I still play on an almost daily basis even over 3 years after being released. It just never gets old for me.
Honorable mentions go to Portal, Bioshock, and the Metal Gear Solid series. All of those games gave me a superb single player experience that has left a lingering effect on me and I suspect will stay with me for the rest of my life.
This. I know it was just an honourable mention in your post, but I'm choosing it for my personal favourite game ever made.
It was brilliant in all respects - the gameplay was wonderfully innovative and surprisingly intuitive, the vistas are still beautiful to look at today, the story was nice, the art style was great, the music was beautiful... and it was amazingly atmospheric.
Well bare in mind that, by "honorable mentions", I'm placing most of those games pretty damn close (if not equal) to the same level as I hold my favorite.
I was floored by Homeworld. The story within is still one of the finest ever put to a game. Everything about it, as you said, was phenomenal. I still hold it to be the best RTS ever produced. It was nearly flawless. Hell, I still listen to a few songs from it's soundtrack to this day. (something true for many of the games in my list)
Morrowind from Bethesda. it was my first real fantasy RPG and I have yet to play one I enjoy more. The world it thrusts you into is unmatched by that of any other game.
Definately final fantasy 12, it is sooooooo underated, great battle system, gambit system was innovative and user friendly, graphics and story both top notch, and fran's bunny-amour thong. Awesome game.
Super Mario 64. Not only was it the first game i've ever played, but it reinvented the medium. I have Nintendo going far on my bracket, and by going far, I mean beating Valve and Bethesda to become the winner.
Edit: After going back and altering my bracket, I have Nintendo being beaten by Epic in the third round, with Behtesda and Valve going toe-to-toe, with valve eventually winning. Will porbably change it a again though.
I have trouble arguing against that. Fate/Stay Night is still the only game I've reviewed where I had to resort to bringing up other peoples' complaints; <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.223721-TYPE-MOON-Review-anniversary-Fate-Stay-Night>I didn't have any, myself.
If it wasn't for Arcueid's sex scene in Tsukihime, too many sex scenes in A Drug That Makes You Dream, and the near-total afterthought sex scenes in Kanon, they'd laid claim to that, as well.
Incidentally, I rather dislike Kanon and its frustrating desire for warm fuzzies.
I preferred the warm fuzzies, since they were usually a welcome reprieve over the alternative. I still have trouble listening to "<url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O7O5ale-Pc>Plain of Frozen Soil" after playing Makoto's route, which didn't really have any to counterbalance the sadness.
On that note, though, Ever17 is easily my favorite visual novel.
Haven't played it, yet. It's on my list, but I still have to finish Family Project and get to Higurashi, Snow Sakura, Umineko, Clannad, and probably Tokimeki Check-In before that.
Haven't played it, yet. It's on my list, but I still have to finish Family Project and get to Higurashi, Snow Sakura, Umineko, Clannad, and probably Tokimeki Check-In before that.
To put plainly, Ever17 is the kind of game that makes you shit bricks. Over and over again. Until your rectum is reduced to a bloody rectangular chute. I also considered it more poignant than Kanon, though that's just me and I just don't particularly like Kanon (haha). It's one of those not-mature visual novels, which is pretty interesting to see.
The whole porn-with-mind-bending-plot idea never exactly struck gold for me. It limits audiences?severely, it's generally uncomfortable, and it's sometimes turkey-basted in there in a wholly irrelevant plot unfolding. I understand that this is where its roots lie, and that sex is often an essential element of the plot, and realistic human interaction, etc. but it really doesn't have to be outright porn anymore. Especially not when it has adverse effects on stories as good as Fate/Stay Night and Tsukihime, which were followed only by painfully lackluster anime series and a few mainstream video games that you'd have to play the source material to understand. But I guess Visual Novels is a medium that is more or less indie among indie media, so anything goes
And besides, pr0n is good, and stories are good, so why not combine the two?
Haven't played it, yet. It's on my list, but I still have to finish Family Project and get to Higurashi, Snow Sakura, Umineko, Clannad, and probably Tokimeki Check-In before that.
To put plainly, Ever17 is the kind of game that makes you shit bricks. Over and over again. Until your rectum is reduced to a bloody rectangular chute. I also considered it more poignant than Kanon, though that's just me and I just don't particularly like Kanon (haha). It's one of those not-mature visual novels, which is pretty interesting to see.
Oh, I certainly wouldn't argue for Kanon being poignant, just touching and entertaining (<url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.163769-Neutral-Drow-reviews-Kanon>for me, of course; I can understand that not being universal!). I reserve "poingant" for <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.135672-Neutral-Drow-reviews-A-Drug-That-Makes-You-Dream>other, heavier titles. Kanon's my favorite lighter game, like Da Capo or Princess Waltz, it's not a heavier game like YMK, Family Project, or (I'm guessing) <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.266586-Deskimus-Prime-Dives-into-Cross-Channel>Cross+Channel.
That guy <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263601-Deskimus-Prime-Presents-Ever-17-ything-You-Ever-17-Wanted-To-Know-About-Ever17>agrees with you on Ever17, incidentally. I think I've only seen two overarching opinions on that game; either it's phenomenally good, or it's boring as hell, but with one phenomenally good route. I suspect I'll wind up leaning towards the former.
The whole porn-with-mind-bending-plot idea never exactly struck gold for me. It limits audiences?severely, it's generally uncomfortable, and it's sometimes turkey-basted in there in a wholly irrelevant plot unfolding. I understand that this is where its roots lie, and that sex is often an essential element of the plot, and realistic human interaction, etc. but it really doesn't have to be outright porn anymore.
To be perfectly honest, other than the audience limitation (which is annoying, but not something I usually blame the games themselves for) I've actually argued the exact opposite.
Can't really say I agree. At all.
Less is only more if nothing of substance actually happens during sex scenes. If it's just a line that's crossed in a relationship, there's no significant events, hangups, etc., then fine, I can certainly see offscreen resolution as the best tactic. And I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say, "then, what's the point," because I've seen it done well (for all its faults, at least the Tsukihime anime bucked the VN adaptation trend by not pretending that Shiki and Arcueid didn't have sex).
Outside of that ideal scenario, it's a cop out. If something of significance happens, like Akiha extracting that promise from Shiki, being told afterwards lacks punch. If something revelatory is first shown, like Taka's realization of what attracts him to Yumi, being told afterwards is weak. If there's resolution to be had, like Ryo and Yuka having sex after a certain extraordinarily traumatic day, offscreen resolution simply doesn't hack it. Hell, that's not even taking into account the more subjective judgment of cute scenes coinciding with the sex; I've seen a number where the character interactions are absolutely adorable.
It's an example of a situation where emotions, positive or negative, run high, and while it's not always necessary or appropriate, the mantra of "show, don't tell" applies much of the time. There's a lot more than can be told. No fade to black could do justice to, say...Kaoru's scars not hurting him when he and Aoi finally have sex in Ai Yori Aoshi (especially with what they signify, and them being the reason their first, aborted attempt didn't work out), or Mizuki hedonistically tricking Kouhei into sex with an aphrodisiac <color=aliceblue>placebo in A Drug That Makes You Dream (not to mention the later scene that gives his little sister the worst possible first impression of Mizuki).
I can totally see finding sex scenes too awkward to read (though I have none I'd personally apply that adjective to), or the scenes themselves too poorly written. But implying that any eroge can be improved by essentially removing its sex scenes, regardless of quality is, quite honestly, laughable.
Not directed at you, of course. I'm just too lazy to retype it.
Especially not when it has adverse effects on stories as good as Fate/Stay Night and Tsukihime, which were followed only by painfully lackluster anime series and a few mainstream video games that you'd have to play the source material to understand. But I guess Visual Novels is a medium that is more or less indie among indie media, so anything goes
Yeah, I'm probably one of the few people you'd find who'll argue about the "adverse effects" the sex had on the Type-Moon games. The only reason I don't like Arcueid's scene is that it felt justified, but lagged in character behind the other four. Even Akiha's, which made me want to punch Shiki.
Doesn't mean I'm not grateful that Mirror Moon threw in a non-ero patch for Tsukihime, or that I'm not aware that Tsukihime's scenes are pretty badly written. I'm just argumentative, easily immersed, and passionately defensive about Fate/Stay Night.
Also, recommendation: the <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.142352-TYPE-MOON-reviews-Shingetsutan-Tsukihime-anime>Tsukihime anime was bad. <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.145022-TYPE-MOON-reviews-Lunar-Legend-Tsukihime-manga>The manga is fucking awesome.
And besides, pr0n is good, and stories are good, so why not combine the two?
I see no reason! After all, Virgin Night is one of my favorite doujinshi, but it's also an H-doujin...and avoids 99.5% of the crappy pitfalls most other titles fall into.
Might be a little too warm and fuzzy for your tastes, though. ^_^
Would you be interested in joing the <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/Visual-Novels>Visual Novels usergroup, incidentally? Not everyone there is as in love with their own voice as me, if you're worried.
That guy <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.263601-Deskimus-Prime-Presents-Ever-17-ything-You-Ever-17-Wanted-To-Know-About-Ever17>agrees with you on Ever17, incidentally. I think I've only seen two overarching opinions on that game; either it's phenomenally good, or it's boring as hell, but with one phenomenally good route. I suspect I'll wind up leaning towards the former.
Well, it's true that shit really starts to go down on the last and final route. The other routes are reveal little by little and generally lead up to the most eye-popping finale in the history of ever(17), but I actually really enjoy the preceding plots. They build up suspense for the finale and they introduce you to some characters that I still think are pretty damn lovable, even for visual novel standards. But yeah, I understand anyone who says it's boring save for the ending. But no one dares attack the ending. Ever. 17.
NeutralDrow said:
To be perfectly honest, other than the audience limitation (which is annoying, but not something I usually blame the games themselves for) I've actually argued the exact opposite.
Can't really say I agree. At all.
Less is only more if nothing of substance actually happens during sex scenes. If it's just a line that's crossed in a relationship, there's no significant events, hangups, etc., then fine, I can certainly see offscreen resolution as the best tactic. And I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say, "then, what's the point," because I've seen it done well (for all its faults, at least the Tsukihime anime bucked the VN adaptation trend by not pretending that Shiki and Arcueid didn't have sex).
Outside of that ideal scenario, it's a cop out. If something of significance happens, like Akiha extracting that promise from Shiki, being told afterwards lacks punch. If something revelatory is first shown, like Taka's realization of what attracts him to Yumi, being told afterwards is weak. If there's resolution to be had, like Ryo and Yuka having sex after a certain extraordinarily traumatic day, offscreen resolution simply doesn't hack it. Hell, that's not even taking into account the more subjective judgment of cute scenes coinciding with the sex; I've seen a number where the character interactions are absolutely adorable.
It's an example of a situation where emotions, positive or negative, run high, and while it's not always necessary or appropriate, the mantra of "show, don't tell" applies much of the time. There's a lot more than can be told. No fade to black could do justice to, say...Kaoru's scars not hurting him when he and Aoi finally have sex in Ai Yori Aoshi (especially with what they signify, and them being the reason their first, aborted attempt didn't work out), or Mizuki hedonistically tricking Kouhei into sex with an aphrodisiac <color=aliceblue>placebo in A Drug That Makes You Dream (not to mention the later scene that gives his little sister the worst possible first impression of Mizuki).
I can totally see finding sex scenes too awkward to read (though I have none I'd personally apply that adjective to), or the scenes themselves too poorly written. But implying that any eroge can be improved by essentially removing its sex scenes, regardless of quality is, quite honestly, laughable.
Not directed at you, of course. I'm just too lazy to retype it.
Hm. Your views pretty interesting, and I find that I, to some extent, agree.
In the world of anime, sex doesn't exist. It just doesn't. It tries really, really hard to differentiate itself from porn, and as a result, they don't even bother implying its existence more often than not. If you see a couple kissing in bed, you're edgy for an anime. I remember watching Gundam SEED, and there was a scene where Kira (the main character) left the bed where a girl was laying naked, and I thought, "Holy shit, did they just have sex?" And then it hit me. This is an industry with more g-strings than the Brazilian volleyball team, and it acts like a 12-year old with no idea as to how sex, exactly, works. The fact that visual novels keep sex scenes even when they tread serious stories is, to me, proof of this hole in the industry. It's exploring a field that most anime (and most western media in general) simply refuse to address: sex, with not a single sight obscured. If you make a film with an uncensored sex scene, it's most definitely never going to reach a mainstream theater. Video games as well. There's only one easily accessible media with uncensored sex, and it's-you guessed it-porn! Idle diversion media whose only purpose is to satiate sexual hunger. So I guess it's unfair to say that it's visual novel's fault that they're giving themselves so much bad press. A lot of it has to do with the gratuitous amount of depraved stimuli we attach to the very concept of depicting sex.
Visual novels are actually pretty brave to tread this dangerous territory, but will it ever work? No matter how artistically valid, when you see such a gratuitous sex scene, it's impossible to fully appreciate its profundity. Chances are, you'll be aroused. It's sex, after all. This arousal may be part of the intended effect, but it's still impossible to appreciate when you're in Bonerville. It's a violent departure from any depiction of sex or nudity we've ever brought to mainstream media, so how do you know that some of this stimuli we've attached because of pornography wasn't always there in the first place? Can we ever take sex as seriously as we can non-sexual media? I think so, but it's an interesting question to raise.
I guess my main beef is more pragmatic than conceptual. I live in what I consider to be a normal, fairly representative suburban community, and in my life I have encountered 3 people that know the existence of visual novels, and only 1 that has actually played them (and from a fair judgment, I'd say the reasons are primarily sexual). When I finished the Heaven's Feel arc in Fate/Stay Night, I was a bit saddened by the fact that no around me will ever know just how awesome this visual novel really is. Even when they made an anime, the animation was stiff and mediocre, the voice acting was bland, and the storyline was a bit of a mess. But part of that, I'd say, is the fault of the visual novels too. The Nasuverse is great and everything, but you just don't enter it for the breathtaking art, or the stunning visuals. Visual novel art is just more often than not inferior to manga or anime art, even for the great ones, and all you have to work with are a few still character templates, a background, and an assload of narration that you couldn't possibly all fit into a single path. Anime certainly isn't unfeasible, but by God is it hard to do well, and by extension almost never done. And that makes me sad.
And while I'm on the topic of visual novels (because I'm milking this thread for all it's worth), here's something that Visual Novels do better than any other form of entertainment I've ever seen in the history of ever: Plot twists. They do it so well because Alternate Continuity is naturally implied. You see one thing, and it doesn't make sense until you see it from a different perspective. How often does the entertainment industry really supply you with so much opportunity for paradigm shifts? Inception doesn't compare.
NeutralDrow said:
Would you be interested in joing the <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/Visual-Novels>Visual Novels usergroup, incidentally? Not everyone there is as in love with their own voice as me, if you're worried.
Absolutely.
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Because it's rather rude to go off on a tangent, here is a discussion about my two favorite games: Portal and Deus Ex (as if you've never heard these two before).
I consider them foils to each other, completely awesome for completely different reasons.
Let's get this across right now: Deus Ex is a mess. The AI is shit, the voice acting is laughable at times, it doesn't age well, and it's ugly and buggy. Deus Ex, you are unattractive. But I still play you.
Because what Deus Ex lacks in the fundamentals, it makes up for in accomplishing so much. It gives Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs a stern "Fuck you" before leaping to the point of self-actualization while still lacking food, shelter, and AI's that don't walk into walls. Deus Ex gives you an augmentation system with RPG elements. Deus Ex gives you a wide, expansive environment with a sea of locks begging to be picked (or multitooled). Deus Ex has you make gameplay-altering decisions when all you expected to do was strike up pointless banter with unimportant NPCs. Deus Ex has you arguing science fiction ethics in deep thought while gunning down members of tinfoil hat conspiracies. The neon glow of cyberpunk, the background flavor dialogue that is genuinely clever and unexpected, the true moral ambiguity...Deus Ex is an angry drunk hobo that pisses in your swimming pool, and then wins a Nobel Prize in astrophysics. You weren't expecting anything good to come of him, much less a revelation as startling as the one he's given.
Which begs the question: Is the game playable by today's standards? It depends. I'd play it, but I don't know if it's because it's fun. I don't even know if I had fun the first time I played it, which was at least five years after it was made. It exists to me as a proof of concept. It amazes me what it does for a game made eleven years ago that is more morally ambiguous, full of choice, and all around ambitious than any game that comes to mind today. What do you say about a president that fails miserably to repair the economy, but cures cancer and AIDS during his administration? Nothing, that's what. Or "Holy shit." Either way, Deus Ex is that president. He's not the hero we need, but he's the hero we deserve.
Portal is completely opposite. I've never seen a game more skillfully made. The aesthetics, the humor, the gameplay mechanics, the voice acting...It all coexists as a single entity that is Portal. It is not the most beautiful game in the world. It is as beautiful as it needs to be. Any more beauty would distract you from the black humor and the gameplay. Any more humor would distract you from the music and the character design. Any more difficulty would distract you from the beauty and the humor. Everything is part of a single synchronized 3-hour symphony, all wrapped tightly in its minimalist design. It attempts to be Portal, nothing more, and nothing less. I can't think of anything to add to it. I can't think of anything to take away from it. It's short, and it's easy, but you don't care because you couldn't even imagine how you could make it longer or harder *giggidy*. Is it perfection? No. But it's the closest thing I've ever seen. And unlike Deus Ex, I can play it again and again and have fun. But where's the experimentation? Where's the ambition? I see a game that was thoroughly calculated to dazzle us for precisely as long as need be. A game that knew from the start exactly how we were going to feel about it, and everything was just sliding toward that inevitability. There was no risk. There was no violent curiosity. There was just minimalism, and Portal.
Obviously, I'm exaggerating, but that's the impression I get from Portal: A game in pill form. An Apple to Deus Ex's PC.
So which is better: Deus Ex or Portal? I don't know. They attempt completely different things, and do wonderfully at their respective jobs. Which one can I rely on to be good? Probably Portal. We've all seen Invisible War. It wasn't that good. I can expect Portal 2 to be Valve quality, which at worst is still above average. Human Revolution? A bit bigger a leap of faith.
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Wanna fight off a Baalrog, but pitifully suck at magic? Introducing: Gigantic Wall of Text! Using patented people-boring technology, you can rest assured that your arbitrary discussion will drive anything away without a problem!
Being that games are always coming out, I'm always playing new games, and my tastes change over the years, I'd say I really don't have a general "all time favorite".
Though games that I can probably say I enjoyed the most are Halo 2, Warcraft 3 and Mass Effect 2.
What is your favorite game of all time, why is it your favorite game, and is the developer in March Mayhem?
Mine is the original Spyro. It was the first game I ever owned and I played the shit out of it, even though most of the extended game play was from my 8 year old hand eye coordination. I picked it up a few months ago and it was still a blast, I will always hold that game close.
Insomniac is in March mayhem, I currently have them losing to Blizzard in round two
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