Time for me to catch up! :P
#44: Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)
Release Date: June 23, 1991
If you know anything about me, then you know that I love Sonic the Hedgehog. I think the franchise holds some incredible titles in its stables. But here's an interesting fact: the original Sonic the Hedgehog was not my first Sonic the Hedgehog. In fact, I played the game much later on than I care to admit. So playing it after its predecessors brought some disadvantages for the game, like missing the Sonic Spin (introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2). Still, the game showed why Sonic had become such a fan favorite, thanks to great platforming, awesome speed, imaginitive level design, and some sweet tunes. Sonic the Hedgehog started something special, and it's easy to see why. Plus, I think it's neat that my first Sonic in this list is the one that started it all.
Favorite Level: Green Hill Zone
Favorite Robotnik: Wrecking Ball Robotnik. Such a classic.
#43: Rock Band 3 (Wii)
Release Date: October 26, 2010
It's been interesting to watch the rise and the fall of the "band" music genre. I finally gave the genre a shot with Guitar Hero III: Warriors of Rock, and I loved every moment of it. It was great to really feel like you were playing some fantastic Rock and Roll music, and the good times kept coming with spin-offs, seques, and even a competitor (Rock Band). There were so many titles releasing that the genre finally imploded on itself... but not before letting loose Rock Band 3. Whether it was creating my own band member (girls who rock... rock!), or jamming with my family and friends (Four siblings, four band members. Perfect match.), the good times were plentiful. Even now the game continues to get support with new songs, and I continue jamming. With Rock Band 3, the genre lived its life like many rockers did, burning out bright rather than fading away.
Favorite Instrument: Bass
Favorite New Song: Fix You (Coldplay)
#42: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (GameBoy Advance)
Release Date: June 10, 2001
I don't know why I wanted to get this game, because at that point in time, I never played (or really heard about) a Castlevania game. But buy it I did, and it led to one of the strangest events I've encountered with video game purchases: When I opened up the box (still shrink wrapped), instead of the cartridge, there were two packets of Taco Bell hot sauce. So after returning the sauces for an actual Circle of the Moon game, I plugged it in and turned on the lights (not because it was scary, but because the original GameBoy Advance screen wasn't back lit). It was a good day, because this game showed me the greatness of the Castlevania series (at least, the Iga-vania style ones). A combination of awesome atmopshere, encouraging of exploration, great action enhanced by RPG-style mechanics, and fantastic music music led to a game that was super fun and very satisfying. Like I said, it was a good day, as I had become a Castlevania fan.
Favorite Side Weapon: Cross-Boomerang (Duh.)
Favorite Boss: Adramelech
