30 Games to Play Before You Die (A Gamer’s Bucket List)
10. Gears of War
Platform: Xbox
Why it makes the list: Chainsaw Bayonet. In all seriousness, Gears of War is probably one of the best third person shooters ever made. Gears features interesting weapons, interesting environments, brutal violence, Marcus Fenix, and buttery smooth controls. Honestly the way cover movement works in Gears of War is reason enough to play the game.
9. Super Mario World
Platform: SNES
Why it makes the list: Obviously everyone’s favorite Italian plumber was bound to make an appearance on this list. My choice for Mario has to be Super Mario World. With such an impressive body of work, it was hard to pinpoint the exact Mario to recommend, but I think this is a good choice. Super Mario World features timeless graphics, fun gameplay, a ton of content to play through, tons of hidden secrets, and other Nintendo goodness. You should play Super Mario World before you die!
8. Mass Effect 2
Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Why it makes the list: Mass Effect 2 took everything bad about Mass Effect and refined it and made the game so much better. There is an incredible amount of content in Mass Effect 2 as well as wide range of characters who populate the story. In terms of simply conversing one on one with an NPC, Mass Effect 2 absolutely nails it. Couple interesting character interactions with solid combat and you have Mass Effect 2 in a nutshell.
7. Saints Row IV
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Why it makes the list: The only way to describe Saints Row IV is like a really heavily modded GTA V. While GTA has a chokehold on pseudo – realistic sandboxes gaming, Saints Row IV embraces the absolutely absurd. Once you become so powerfully you are able to run up a building, jump off the roof and immediately start flying, the game just becomes pure fun. If you’ve ever sat in traffic and wondered what it would be like to get out of your car and fly past the traffic jam, Saints Row IV is the perfect outlet.
6. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Why it makes the list: Superhero video games have a storied history of being hit or miss. Luckily for us Batman Arkham Asylum was a major hit. Taking place inside the famous Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham Asylum allows players to take control of Batman, as he attempts to regain control of the prison. Where Batman: Arkham Asylum really shines is in the game’s hand to hand combat, which feels so buttery smooth. Taking down criminal after criminal feels so satisfying.
5. Diddy Kong Racing
Platform: N64
Why it makes the list: Before Mario Kart really embraced the strange, there was Diddy Kong racing. Unlike Mario Kart, Diddy Kong fully embraced having different types of vehicles, maps, and game modes. I honestly believe that the existence of DKR had a serious impact on the future direction of Mario Kart games. Pick up Diddy Kong Racing to experience one of the greatest kart racing experiences ever.
4. Half – Life 2
Platform: PC
Why it makes the list: This wouldn’t be a credible list without at least some Valve games on it. One of the more well known game’s in the Valve library is Half – Life 2. The sequel brought a new engine, and new world to fans, but maintained the same Half-Life feel that players loved. As a first person shooter, Half – Life 2 brings an interesting story, tight mechanics, and solid pacing to an already solid series. Who doesn’t want to play as a nerd hero?
3. Portal
Platform: PC
Why it makes the list: Having basically conquered the FPS genre with the Half – Life series, Valve turned their attention to innovating the FPS market. Portal came along and delivered a totally new experience that had never been seen before. Instead of killing enemies with guns, players are instead tasked with using a portal gun to solve complex puzzles as they learn more about the story. Honestly the ending of Portal really makes this a must play.
2. Stardew Valley
Platform: PC
Why it makes the list: Stardew Valley is basically a direct copy of Harvest Moon, but is so masterfully crafted that it far exceeds the series it is imitating. Like Terraria, Stardew Valley borrows everything that makes the original series great and puts a new spin on it. Honestly, if I spent the rest of my life stuck with a game, Stardew Valley would be up there in games I would choose.
1. Metal Gear Solid
Platform: Playstation 1
Why it makes the list: Metal Gear Solid is a must play, simply because of how weird the game is. While I fully admit that it has been years since I’ve played Metal Gear Solid, I still have memories of how weird the game is. As an experience, Metal Gear Solid is a must play before you die. If any thing, Metal Gear Solid needs to be played just to experience the Psycho Mantis boss fight.
With so little time here on Earth, you should spend your time playing good games. The 30 games to play before you die listed above are just a few of the many great games available to you. Get out there and start playing games!
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With you putting up Shadow of the Colossus is it worth just waiting for the new PS4 remake? I’ve heard the game is generally supposed to remain the same.
When you put Rockstar on notice, and then the big boss throws three of their games on a 30 games to play before you die list…http://i.imgur.com/XU5G6Jm.gif
Real talk though, I’d rather just play Cool Spot 30 times before I die.
Or maybe Cool Spot 15 times and Radical Rex 15 times.
When are we gonna get a Cool Spot review?
My life is a Cool Spot review.
That’s right. The big boss man here