History Gush / VideoGamesQToZ

* [[{{Tropemaster849}} I'm]] sorry, but I cannot bare to look at this any longer without any mention of VideoGame/{{Shantae}}! A super fun platformer with an adorable half-genie girl as ''your title character?!'' SOLD! With great gameplay, a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, but isn't completely stupid, a colorful cast of characters, this is one indie game that shouldn't be overlooked.
* What? No VideoGame/ShovelKnight? Aside from the simplistic-yet-enjoyable story and jokes, the classic-style art work is incredibly detailed, the jumping's precise, and all the bosses are unique in patterns and appearance. The best part is how no matter how hard it gets, no matter how many times you lose, you'll never get mad and you'll just jump back in! Enough practice and even newbies can become platform experts!

** [[Tropers/{{Prinzenick}} I]] think the original Rayman was already a fantastic side-scroller, but ''VideoGame/{{Rayman 2}}: The Great Escape'' not only completely defied {{Sequelitis}}, but improved on the original in many ways without rehashing it, and it resulted in one of the finest linear 3-D platformers of the late 90's. It does everything right--the difficulty, the pacing, the level layouts, the characters, the presentation, the boss fights, the gimmicks, the music, it is a masterpiece of 3-D platforming. I loved it so much as a kid, when my N64 save battery broke, I played through the entire game in one sitting, up until the wee hours of the morning, just so I could beat the game for the first time!

* ''VideoGame/RobotUnicornAttack'' (and its many mutations). Anyone who disagrees that this is one of the best games of all time is clearly not in [[EarWorm HARMONY HARMONY OH LOVE]].

** Agreed. Its only crippling flaw (apart from that one thing that [[InternetBackdraft we don't talk about]]) is that it could have been better.

* Proud to complete the triad of Sony mascots (the others being VideoGame/JakAndDaxter and VideoGame/RatchetAndClank), the ''Franchise/SlyCooper'' games are amazing. The characterization is deep and complex, the heists are a joy to pull off, and I love the the intro and outro scenes for every level. Add it all up and you get my most favorite game series. The only problem is the fact that development on ''Sly 4'' is indefinitely postponed.

* Screw the segue about being disappointed that ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'' isn’t here, yet—I’m glad to have the honor of adding it myself! The early games were awesome in their own rights, but the Future trilogy never fails to bring out the squealing fangirl in me. Tools of Destruction was an absolute joy when it first came out and hasn’t gotten old, yet. Quest for Booty was short, but it carried the fans over until A Crack In Time, which would have been worth the wait, even without QFB. It’s hard to decide what the best part is: characters or story. Tachyon, Sigmund, Orvus and Alister were all ''great'' characters, but if [=ACiT=] is, indeed, the last Ratchet and Clank game we’re going to get (barring spinoffs and crossovers) the series ended on a [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming perfect note]].

* ''VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption''. Rockstar did it. They made a game genre that was rapidly dying out and made an amazing, wonderful game out of it. The story, the characters, the dialogue, the gameplay, it's all been perfectly implemented into simply the best Western game ever made. It can be, in turns, [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome awesome,]] [[CrowningMomentOfFunny hilarious,]] [[NightmareFuel terrifying,]] [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming heartwarming]] and [[TearJerker incredibly sad.]] The dialogue is always witty and frequently poignant, and the music is unparalleled. Whether riding through Mexico listening to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IkvAb6THQY Far Away]] and feeling like king of the Goddamn world or watching the end credits while [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkAvVqjbUG8 Deadman's Gun]] plays in the background and actually ''feeling'' for the main character, which so few games manage to do, what with silent protagonists and all. The gameplay is as smooth and elegant as activating Dead Eye, lining up a bunch of headshots and watching the fireworks, and to top it all off, [[spoiler: the most wonderful, beautiful DownerEnding you could ever have hoped for.]]

* ''VideoGame/RuneScape ''is easily my favorite game. Yes, really. It has the best quests of any MMORPG, and they are my favorite part of the game. The quests are funny, awesome, heartwarming, (often in rapid succession), and the team making them obviously ''cares'' about them. No quest is just a half-assed thing thrown together in 10 minutes, requiring you to kill a bunch of monsters or collect a bunch of items. Even the quests explicitly about killing monsters in their names (Dragon Slayer, Vampire Slayer, Demon Slayer) have a story, and the content of them isn't just 'go kill the dragon/demon/vampire'. And these are just the low level starter quests. Some of the tougher quests can get to the degree of immersion that you react and feel as your character does. For example after the [[BloodKnight War God]] that the cave goblins used to follow announces that he will destroy them utterly, I felt a real sense of urgency as I went around their city, collecting things to put in a time capsule so that some remnant of their civilization survives. The entire time, the music playing sounds so urgent (and it's called Demise of the Dorgeshuun (the name of the cave goblin people), no less), really adding to the atmosphere. When I was done with that, I teamed up with Zanik, the [[ChosenOne Chosen Commander]] of the War God to [[ScrewDestiny fight against him]]. In the throne room of the Big High War God, he gave her, (and by extension the entire Dorgeshuun people,) one last chance to join him or die. She denied him, and then the obligatory boss fight started. We slowly whittled down his health, and just as she was about to fire the crossbow that would disrupt his divine energy flow (effectively banishing him), he broke it with his mace, and as she tried to gather up the pieces, the [[UpToEleven statues themselves]] came to life and attacked us. I kept fighting the War God, hoping she would be able to fend off the statues and reassemble the crossbow. [[OhCrap Then her health bar hit zero and she keeled over.]] Despairing, I killed the rest of the statues, picked up the pieces of the crossbow and remade it, got the War God's health back down to zero, and as he gloated about how easily he had defeated the Chosen Commander, and I stood no chance, I fired the crossbow at him, banishing him. Easily the most intense (in-universe) boss fight I've ever had. And Zanik was still on the floor. [[OhCrap I tried talking to her, but she gave no response.]] I selected the 'wait' option in the dialogue options box, and eventually she woke up. I told her we had won, and she destroyed the pendant that gave him power on our plane. We left the Throne Room though the portal, back to the goblin city, and were hailed as heroes as the TriumphantReprise / CrowningMusicOfAwesome played. An amazing end to an amazing quest series.
* ''VideoGame/SailorMoonAnotherStory'' is, in an era where licensed games were [[Main/TheProblemWithLicensedGames not exactly very good]], a very addicting, compelling RPG with its own story that doesn't try to hijack old plots, but still manages to include old favorite characters. In addition, it also manages to mesh the continuity from both manga ''and'' the anime without utterly wrecking both.

*** The thing I find most impressive about it? It's one of the most irreverent, darkly-humored, hilarious, not-a-moment-of-it-too-serious-for-its-own-good games ever... and it manages to pull off one of the most genuinely moving and [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming heartwarming]] game endings I've ever seen. It beautifully subverts one of the [[DeadHorseTrope more overused]] plots (and itself!), and does so in a way that perfectly fits both Raz's character and doesn't break the tone of the game. It's kind of funny that it's not a kid's game, because its [[AnAesop aesop]] wouldn't be out of place in one. [[spoiler: Y'know, even when your parents punish you and "stop you having fun," and even if they make mistakes, they still love you to death. They're probably ''not'' evil.]]

* ''VideoGame/ShadowOfTheColossus''. Where to start. Epic Boss Battles, Epic [[CrowningMusicOfAwesome Soundtrack]], insanely well done [[SceneryPorn Scenery]] that one could get lost in, a very well developed world, a hero given a sword at the beginning and, for once ''isn't'' an InstantExpert with it upon acquiring it, well done bosses that make her quiver in both being in the shadow of pure awesome, and seeing a creature so massive, that it could possibly knock over the [[HubLevel starting shrine]] with ease, 'victory' music that makes the players think 'Dear God what have I done?', a plot that runs deeper than the game itself... [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking Oh, and a loyal horse]].

* ''VideoGame/{{StarControl}} 2''. Just ... an epic, sweeping plot, super snappy writing, voice acting bouncing between hilarious and terrifying, and the very real feeling of racing against time to bolt together an alliance against ultimate evil while at the same time working desperately on archaeological mysteries. Lots of games can make you feel like you're Captain Kirk; this is the only one I've ever played that made me feel like Captain ''Picard''.

* ''VideoGame/StarTrekStarfleetCommand'' is a brilliant game that makes SpaceIsAnOcean ''awesome''. There's an absolutely [[CrowningMusicOfAwesome teriffic soundtrack]], too.

* The ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' series. Sure, it's not as graphically flashy as the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, and when its bad it tends to ''really'' suck, but when it's good, it's like Creator/WilliamShakespeare. Rarely is there a game that let's you invest so much into your characters or which lets you feel just how high the stakes are when you're fighting a war. This game does ''not'' pull its [[PlayerPunch Player Punches...]]

** And then, of course, there is the main series. Each game is an expertly crafted MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with well done FixFic pieces. Good shows are cherished, bad shows are RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap, and obscure shows get that much needed ColbertBump. Simply put, every ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' game is a CrowningMomentOfAwesome.

* Why in [[OhMyGods Bionis's name]] hasn't someone else brought up ''VideoGame/{{Xenoblade}}'' on this page?! It has breathtaking SceneryPorn (especially for a Wii game), very interesting characters, [[CrowningMusicofAwesome kickass music]], and, simply put, is one of the best [=RPGs=] in recent memory.

* Proud to complete the triad of Sony mascots (the others being VideoGame/JakAndDaxter and VideoGame/RatchettAndClank), the ''Franchise/SlyCooper'' games are amazing. The characterization is deep and complex, the heists are a joy to pull off, and I love the the intro and outro scenes for every level. Add it all up and you get my most favorite game series. The only problem is the fact that development on ''Sly 4'' is indefinitely postponed.

* ''VideoGame/VirtuesLastReward''. Even for a partially spoiled player, ''all'' of its emotional beats worked. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I was terrified, I was tense, I was ecstatic, I was contemplating all kinds of ridiculous puzzles (a few of which were [[GuideDangIt bullshit,]] but whatever, it's the story that matters here and ''most'' of the puzzles were pretty good) and I was doing all that over and over, again and again. So many twists, so much tension, so much ''feeling.'' I don't care if there were plot holes, all I know is that this game grabbed me from the start and never let go. Its prequel, ''9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'' was amazing, so I approached VLR with a bit of caution... and it did not disappoint. What. A. Tale.

* ''{{Wild ARMs}}''. A Japanese RPG series set in TheWildWest. And although there are typical fantasy-style tropes involved as well, it was probably the fact that the protagonists are more likely to wield guns than swords that drew me to the series in the first place. I can't even describe what it is about the games that I love so much, as they are, for the most part, rather typical Japanese [=RPG=]s. It's likely because the story draws me in every time, and the characters are some of the most memorable in history - every single party member undergoes a huge amount of CharacterDevelopment. If nothing else, the series invests a huge effort into making the player love the characters, ''and by god do I ever.'' The fact that [[TheGunslinger most of them use guns]] and [[BadassLongcoat several more have cowboy motifs]] is icing on the cake.

* ''SugarWiki/RobotUnicornAttack'' (and its many mutations). Anyone who disagrees that this is one of the best games of all time is clearly not in [[EarWorm HARMONY HARMONY OH LOVE]].

* [[{{@/Cherry}} I]] am completely obsessed with ''RaidouKuzunohaVsTheSoullessArmy''. It's not perfect, but then again, who wants perfect? I found most of its imperfections to be quite charming. The main character is a silent protagonist with at least three character interpretations for each action (The fourth bullet in the random thoughts section on my contributor's page has the implied interpretation as well as being possibly his brand of humor - sort of a "I wonder how she'll react" form of amusement.), thus giving him character while leaving it open for the player at the same time. The [=NPCs=] are far, ''far'' from the WelcomeToCorneria types, having full-blown character development while at the same time providing information, and sometimes-painful LampshadeHanging (The Daidouji butler, Nakamura, says at one point that he "must have fainted from overwork" and he "would be ashamed to face the spirits of the Daidouji ancestors", which jars rather lightheartedly yet painfully with the conditions of game over.) There isn't a character in the game I dislike (even those I don't ''like'' I feel would detract from the game if absent), and each location has its own charm. I seem to find something new every time I pick up the game. On top of all that, the 20's-style localization is very charming - I would take it over Atlus' normal honorific use any day. ...Sorry, did I gush a bit too much? My page has more, even...

* ''TheWitcher''. It was one of the few games when I really had to think about my decisions as the main character. I literally spent 5 minutes thinking about who might be right at the end of the first arc, leading to a very satisfying scene when I learned that the decision was right (but others can find the other choice to be equally satisfying...). Also the BigBad had the most convincing arguments I've ever heard in a video game.

* ''VideoGame/SonicPocketAdventure'' was my personal reason for buying a [[NeoGeoPocket Neo Geo Pocket Color]]: 'twas a delightful miniaturized version of ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'' that replicated Sonic's gameplay more accurately than the handheld Sonic games before it.

* ''Rock Band'' advanced my interest in and understanding of music a hundredfold. It showed me how the different instruments fit together, and it made me ''want'' to learn how music works. That, and it's the perfect stress reliever: it being a music-playing-simulator-thing (with music I'm actually ''familiar'' with, an attribute that most rhythm games cannot claim) makes it more engaging than any fun-but-insubstantial casual game, so it actually holds my interest, but quickplay mode requires no commitment to a larger goal, so there's no pressure. [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking Also it has a nifty character creator.]]

* In a world where most first-person shooters are realistic and tactical, ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'' (emphasis on ''Unreal'') stands counterpoint. My personal favorite in the series is ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament2004'', but the others are certainly worth a look. Lightning-fast action, ridiculously awesome weapons, humongous battlefields, full bot support, a metric ton of excellent ''and free'' user-made content, and several wildly diverse game modes make this a truly [[JustForPun Epic]] [[EpicGames game]].

* My first game was the original ''SpyroTheDragon'', and after all these years it's still fun. That has to count for something.

** This troper understands some of the reservations people might have about this game, especially with the [[FanDumb]] it's infamous for. But they feel that this and the {{VideoGame/MOTHER}} series are their favorite games of all time. Undertale has given them the confidence they needed to come out as non-binary and rehash their own identity. This game also helped shape their philosophy as well and helped push them to try to give everyone a second chance. Overall, Undertale is a fantastic game with a few small flaws that fail to detract from the positive messages of being yourself, having confidence, and being kind.

* {{X-Com}} UFO Defense (or Enemy Unknown, depending on where you're from) is one of the greatest games of all time. It was released in 1993, and it is still regarded as one of the best PC games ever. Everything about it is ahead of its time: fully destructible terrain, complex stats for your soldiers, awesome base building, etc. Also the research system is impressive and it is very fun to see what cool new weapon or device your scientists have unlocked now. The best part is that X-Com delivers an incredibly enjoyable challenge, and is very difficult at times, but it manages to be fun enough to prevent you from smashing your computer in frustration, and instead to keep trying different tactics until you win. It's a shame that there have been no remakes of this game that fully capture its glory.

* ''VampireTheMasqueradeBloodlines'' is another gem, one of very few games where you can take a role of the Vampire, drink blood, lurk in the dark and kill other vampires. It has amazing story too. I wish there were more games about vampires.
* ''VirtuesLastReward''. Even for a partially spoiled player, ''all'' of its emotional beats worked. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I was terrified, I was tense, I was ecstatic, I was contemplating all kinds of ridiculous puzzles (a few of which were [[GuideDangIt bullshit,]] but whatever, it's the story that matters here and ''most'' of the puzzles were pretty good) and I was doing all that over and over, again and again. So many twists, so much tension, so much ''feeling.'' I don't care if there were plot holes, all I know is that this game grabbed me from the start and never let go. Its prequel, ''9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'' was amazing, so I approached VLR with a bit of caution... and it did not disappoint. What. A. Tale.

* ''VirtuesLastReward''. Even for a partially spoiled player, ''all'' of its emotional beats worked. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I was terrified, I was tense, I was ecstatic, I was contemplating all kinds of ridiculous puzzles (a few of which were [[GuideDangIt bullshit,]] but whatever, it's the story that matters here and ''most'' of the puzzles were pretty good) and I was doing all that over and over many times over. So many twists, so much tension, so much ''feeling.'' I don't care if there were plot holes, all I know is that this game grabbed me from the start and never let go. Its prequel, ''9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'' was amazing, so I approached VLR with a bit of caution... and it did not disappoint. What. A. Tale.

* ''Virtue's Last Reward.'' Even for a partially spoiled player, _all_ of its emotional beats worked. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I was terrified, I was tense, I was ecstatic, I was contemplating all kinds of ridiculous puzzles (a few of which were [[GuideDangIt bullshit,]] but whatever, it's the story that matters here) and I was doing all that over and over many times over. So many twists, so much tension, so much _feeling._ I don't care if there were plot holes, all I know is that this game grabbed me from the start and never let go. Its prequel, ''9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'' was amazing, so I approached VLR with a bit of caution... and it did not disappoint. What. A. Tale.

* The ''{{Suikoden}}'' series. Sure, it's not as graphically flashy as the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, and when its bad it tends to ''really'' suck, but when it's good, it's like Creator/WilliamShakespeare. Rarely is there a game that let's you invest so much into your characters or which lets you feel just how high the stakes are when you're fighting a war. This game does ''not'' pull its [[PlayerPunch Player Punches...]]

* ''SteambotChronicles'' is ''VideoGame/ArmoredCore'' in an AlternateHistory SteamPunk setting with a metric crap ton of things to do: raid dungeons, play music as part of a band, bet on robot battles, participate in robot battles, play the part of a bus driver in a mech, transport goods, buy an apartment, modernize an isolated village...wait, NowWhereWasIGoingAgain??

* RidgeRacer. Just RidgeRacer. It's my favorite game series of all time: amazing scenery, addictive gameplay, exciting races, fabulous cars, catchy music... And cars based on the Devil and the Angel. You just can't get any awesomer than that.