#22: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis)
Release Date: January 23, 1994
Last Year: #12
It took me years to beat this game. Years. Before the age of the internet, we gamers had to get by through playground video game gossip... and no one had a solution for my issue in this game. You see, I couldn't get past those darn cylinders in Carnival Night Zone. I jumped and jumped and jumped... but the thing just wouldn't budge enough to get through... and I always ended up hitting the 10 minute mark and dying. Years later, I learned that it wasn't jumping that made the demoic device go up and down... it was just the directional pad (insert facepalm here). I booted up my old Sega Genesis right away and mintues later... I finally passed the level and went on to beat the game. While the final level and boss were a letdown (because it's really only half of a game...), Sonic 3 introduced some awesome features like Elemental Shields (the Electric Shield is my favorite, I love me that double jump!), the ability to save, and a new bonus level that was all 3Dish. Most importantly, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would introduce the most awesomest video game character ever: Knuckles the Echidna. A star was born!
Favorite Music Track: Hydrocity Zone (Act 1)
Coolest Moment: Sonic skiiing in Ice Cap Zone
#21: New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
Release Date: November 15, 2009
Last Year: #24
If I had it my way, when you looked up "fun" in the dictionary, you'd find New Super Mario Bros. Wii under it. The game is a blast, no matter how you play. Great level design, pitch perfect controls, smart use of motion controls (seriously, I absent-mindedly shook my 3DS in Super Mario 3D Land thinking it would get me a more seconds of air... it didn't work.) and classic Super Mario Bros. elements make this game a moden classic... but it's the ability to play with three other friends that push this game over the edge when it comes to fun. Sure, adding players makes the difficulty spike exponentially... but nothing beats four friends sitting on a couch, yelling and screaming (get in the bubble!) and laughing. There's already so many fond memories with this game... and I still play it with friends and family to this day. Oh... and that final Bowser fight? Brilliant!
Favorite New Power-up: Penguin Suit (adorable)
You Know a Game is Great When: Even the Credits are fun
