The next set of hints after the write-up again.
#23
Kingdom Hearts 2
Previous Year: #19
The best game in the series thus far, Kingdom Hearts 2 improved upon the original's gameplay in significant way, making it more fluid and fast-paces. This was also before the series storyline got way too convoluted for its own good. There were already signs of this present in this game as well, but for the most part the plot still stayed mostly coherent. The third game is finally coming out sometime in the next year or two, but I have to admit that my excitement for it has diminshed quite a lot due to the long wait. Still, the second game remains among my favourite games of all time.
#22
Command & Conquer
Previous Year: #17
This is the game that made me a fan of the RTS genre over 20 years ago. In comparison to many later games in the series the first C&C may be somewhat simple in comparison, but it's style and atmosphere is still my favourite in the franchise. Nostalgia naturally plays a role here as well, but I genuinely love the game's old-school gameplay that doesn't try to needlessly overcomplicate things. To me, this is the second best RTS ever made.
#21
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
Previous Year: #20
Persona 4 contains some of the best characters ever created for a video game in my opinion. Practically every character in the game is exceptionally well written, likable and relatable. The story is also great, the music wonderful and unique for the genre, and the gameplay for the most part enjoyable. The only real fault in the game is that some of the dungeons are far too long and become a chore.
Only two hints now as we're getting closer to the top:
#20: A JRPG originally released on the Sega Saturn. Later made the jump to the PS1 as well. First in the series. Also known for its rather poor voice acting.
#19: A game that for many signaled the beginning of the PS1's dominance over its competition. This series had previously been a fixture of Nintendo's consoles, but with this game made the jump to Sony's console.
