Here's the final 14 of my list that I haven't posted here:
14. Final Fantasy IX - PSX (14 last year):
Still my favourite of the PSX Final Fantasy games and among the best RPGs I've ever played. I especially liked the ability system, where abilities were gained from wearing certain armour; the system was later used in FF Tactics Advance. I've always felt this game was overlooked compared to other Final Fantasy games on Sony platforms, which pains me because it is my favourite post-VII FF game.
13. Monster Hunter 3 - Wii (27 last year):
When I bought this game in 2010, I wasn't expected that much. I knew the series was popular in Japan, but I had no idea how much this game would take over my life for over a year. Over 200 hours later, this game is high up this list (and higher than last year). I cannot wait for MH3G to hit Europe and I hope Capcom/Nintendo add online play to it.
12. Mario Kart DS - DS (18 last year):
If Mario Kart 7 was really a little earlier, it would be here instead of this game, but it released when it did so MKDS has to do. I've put an unholy amount of hours into this game and some of my best memories with this game are playing with many of my cousins. I far prefered MKWii's online (I put just short of 200 hours into it) and multiplayer, but the track selection on DS is second only to 7 (Waluigi Pinball and Airship Fortress ftw!).
11. Final Fantasy IV DS - DS (7 last year):
This was the first story based RPG I played and I loved it. I couldn't get enough of the 3D graphics, the voice acting, the limited cut-scenes, the augments, the increased difficulty, the New Game +. I'm still waiting for FFV and more importantly VI to get this treatment.
10. Super Mario Galaxy - Wii (8 last year):
Easily my GOTY 2007 and this would be my favourite platformer if it wasn't for it's sequel. The soundtrack was superb, as was the level design and the graphics, pushing the Wii to it's limits. I am slightly pained by how little this has sold in comparison to NSMBWii.
9. Metal Gear Solid - PSX (New):
I have a confession to make, I think the Metal Gear series is usually way overrated; however MGS and Snake Eater are the exceptions in my opinion. I love absolutely everything about this game, the sound, the visuals, the story, the 4th wall breaking. Even the game's length I would argue is a bonus in many ways, it means that I've replayed it many times, never getting bored.
8. Zelda: A Link to the Past - SNES (9 last year):
The pinnacle of 2d Zelda in my opinion, even more so than my beloved Link's Awakening. Where I think this game doesn't get enough credit is the how fantastic and atmosphere setting the soundtrack is to the game; the two overworld themes clearly illustrate this, along with many others from the game. We've had New Super Mario Bros, now I think it's time for a 'New' Legend of Zelda to revitalise the 2d gameplay of the series.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles - Wii (New):
Even when up again Zelda: Skyward Sword, this is my GOTY 2011. This is easily the greatest RPG of recent years, even of the 21th Century; only two RPG are higher than Xenoblade Chronicles on my list and they are two classics. This game has a superb soundtrack (Mechanical Rhythm and Gaur Plain [day] are my favourites), an epic length (Dragon Quest/Warrior VII is the only RPG I've played with a longer story) and one of the most refreshing battle systems I've experienced. If you have a Wii, you need to get this game. If you don't have a Wii, it's honestly worth buying one for.
6. Super Metroid - SNES (6 last year):
Easily the best Metroid game and a game that I've replayed countless times both on my Uncle's SNES and on my Wii, using the Virtual Console. I think this game is close to perfect, moody music (Lower Norfair is my personal favourite), a beautiful graphical style and most importantly of all perfectly refined 2d gameplay. I want a new 2d Metroid so badly.
5. Super Smash Bros Brawl - Wii (5 last year):
I've sunk almost 250 hours into this game and I still never bore of it. I know it's a bit of an unfair comparison, but I would argue it has the best soundtrack of any game. People complain about the online quality of this game, but I've never experienced any more a little bit of lag every now and then. The wait for the PAL version of this game was long, but I for one was very very happy with the final product.
4. Chrono Trigger DS - DS (4 last year):
For some reason, Europe never got Chrono Trigger on either the SNES or the PSX, so this was the first time it released here. Having played it in early 2009, I saw what all the fuss was about and how truly ahead of it's time this game was when it first released. While I felt the DS additions were not up the quality of the rest of the game, this is the only version of the game I have played and therefore it is the DS port which is on my list/
3. Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii (3 last year):
In my opinion, this is the best platformer around and also the best Wii game. This game took everything that was fantastic about the original and added to and improved it; for example, more of the soundtrack was orcestrated, yoshi featured, more power-ups, greater difficulty, etc. I think that in the future, many will see this as the best game of the 7th generation, I'm certain I will.
2. Final Fantasy VI - SNES (2 last year):
After all these years, I still don't think an RPG has surpassed this game. I think this has one of the best soundtracks, the best story, some of the best party members, the best villian, etc of any game around. Everyone who likes RPGs, needs to play this game.
1. Zelda: Wind Waker - GC (1 last year):
I think this has been my favourite game ever since I played it upon PAL release. I've done everything this game has to offer, including that huge photography side quest that takes at least 2 playthroughs. I was on the verge of tears when my GC memory card broke with that data on there. Prior to release, this game's art style was controversial, but now I fail to see why; I think this game is the beautiful I have played in terms of art style, with only Okami coming close.
Here's my full list as well: http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/post.php?id=4314392
What do you think?
