38. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993)
Rising one spot from 39, the size of this gameboy game is immense, filled with sidequests in addition to the eight dungeons. The ability to use multiple items at the same time gives the items a wider variety of uses and allows for a completely new set of puzzles by pairing items in creative ways. The most influential item, roc's feather is obtained in the first dungeon and is integral to the gameplay. The combat benefits greatly from the ability to jump and keeps battles moving quickly with otherwise undodgeable attacks. The clever dialog, characters, and easter eggs thrown in add a wonderful feel to the world of Koholint and its foreboding Wind Fish, waiting for you at the end of the game.
Primarily an RPG player but have interest in any game that will make me think.
