The Dragon i didn't have too much of an issue with. Worst for me was the Octopus (despite my enjoyment of the hoverboat). Still today i can recall that mocking sound-effect he made...

I think the dragon annoyed me because of that voice of his. But oh man, I totally forgot about the Octopus. YEEEARGH!

Speaking of Diddy Kong...

#35: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Super NES/Wii)
Release Date: November 20, 1995

Diddy's Kong Quest was actually the first Donkey Kong Country game I played (I later played the first on the GameBoy Advance), and it introduced me to the brilliance of the developer studio known as Rare. Incredible graphics (for its time, I was blown away... and they still hold up incredibly well today), wonderful music (I could listen to Stickerbrush Symphony and Snakey Chantey forever), co-op gameplay, and a high difficulty level (which was always fair, which really makes all the difference in tougher games) gave this game its own niche, even when Sonic and Mario ruled the Platformer genre. Many years later, my roommate and I downloaded the game off of the Virtual Console and played the heck out of the game... and we had a blast. Games like this one will stand the test of time... and still be enjoyed by gamers years from now. A true classic.

Ape of Choice: Dixie Kong (Heli-hair all the way)
Toughest Level: Bramble Blast

#34: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)
Release Date: August 27, 2007

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is an important game for a couple of reasons. One, the game is the conclusion to the fantastic Prime saga, and two, the game was one of the first to show that Motion Control could be used in a classic-style game, and used extremely well. This is where fans got their first big taste of Wii's IR controls, and it worked like a charm. Blasting foes was more intuitive than ever, and many (including myself) wondered how they ever got by without this new control scheme (hooray for the Metroid Prime Trilogy!). Corruption was also the most epic of Samus' adventures yet, as her adventure took her to multiple plantets (and only one blew up!), had her fighting some huge and intimidating bosses, and had her encountering some of the most adrenaline boosting events I've seen in the series. The Prime series ended with a bang with Corruption, and the galaxy was once again at peace. I wonder if we'll ever find out who was in that space ship...

Favorite Moment: Samus and Ridley doing their best Gandalf and Balrog impersination.
Favorite Song: Skytown

#33: Bioshock (Xbox 360)
Release Date: August 21, 2007

"I am Andrew Ryan, and I am here to ask you a question. Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow? 'No,' says the man in Washington, 'it belongs to the poor.' 'No,' says the man in the Vatican, 'it belongs to God.' 'No,' says the man in Moscow, 'it belongs to everyone.' I rejected those answers. Instead, I chose something different. I chose the impossible. I chose... Rapture." In what is one of the most jaw-dropping events that I've experienced in video games, the manifestation of Rapture made me rethink what a video game could achieve. Fortunately, Bioshock wouldn't be outdone by its opening, as the game wowed me again and again as I continued to delve into the city that went to hell. The most powerful moment was the revelation of who you were, another standard in video games that Bioshock flipped upside-down. Bioshock is a game that redefines video game traditions, and at the end of it all I was a better gamer for it. This game would be higher on my list, but in an unfortunate ironic twist, the final act is surprisingly straight forward and devoid of the wonder and wow-factor that made the previous hours so incredible. Still, Bioshock is one of this generations most pleasant surprises, and I'm so glad I got to play it.

Little Sister: Save 'em!
Favorite Character: Sander Cohen

33 - Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2)

I actually prefer putting Kingdom Hearts here as a collective (1, 2, birth by sleep) since I like them as a collective rather than individually, but I felt the need to put this here because I preferred Kingdom Hearts 2 over the other games in the series. Not only did it greatly expand the story and characters, but the reaction commands were just amazing, the combat was fluid and fun, and the Little Mermaid level was only a rythm singing game rather than an actual level1 Yayy! Who would have thought a Disney/Final Fantasy Fanfiction crossover would do well? Dammit, when will Kingdom Hearts 3 be released? it better be PS3 exclusive to get the most out of that system.

We'll, After eating turkey and getting pepper sprayed I can finally put more of my list up.

#41. Demon's Souls (PS3) - This is one of those games that I think got my attention because of the internetz. I gave it a shot after getting it for like $10 on amazon but once I got it, I think I only played it for 2 hours before I gave up on it the first time. I then gave it another chance over a winter break and man did I really get into it. This is a game that tests you to go that little extra over of what you can achieve. It can be very frustrating at times but man is it worth it.

#40. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (wii) - I love this game, but I think I should say more. If only they had a better online component and I think it would have been a lot better. A fun game to play, esspecially with friends.

#39. Grand Theft Auto III (PS2) - There is so many things I like about this game that I probably should just say one thing on why its awesome. Flame Thrower time trials.

#38. Golden Sun (GBA) - I think I remember seeing a weird commercial on this game and I was like "WTF??" I then saw my friend playing the game and saw how much fun he was having so I bought it at gamestop new but the asshole gave me a used copy while still charging it as used (damn asshole at the register.) I think this game pushed at just how awesome sprites could look on the GBA and if anything it showed that a portable rpg is a great idea. Play this game if you have any interest in rpg's. You owe it to yourself

#37. World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck (genesis) - Nostalgia definetly puts this game on my list. It was one of the first co-op games that I ever played and with mickey mouse and donald duck fighting monsters with magic is just fricken awesome. I just loved playing this game all the way through with my cousin and having a blast getting to next boss. I hope they put this game on the virtual console soon.

#36. The Simpsons Hit & Run (gamecube) - This game is also one of pure fan service. I was little bummed about Road Rage, but man did this game totally redeem itself and is probably the best simpsons game since the arcade game. The entire voice cast gives their talents to the game and it makes the game so much more hilarious. the extra costumes, the landmarks, the amount of customs cars, this game had it all and I'm so glad this game exsists.

#35. WarioWare: Twisted! (GBA) - I wish that more games on the GBA used the gyroscope because man this game showed how awesome those controls are. I love the wario ware series but man, Nintendo totally knew how to make a sequel to the first game and man that game was also awesome (see #50.) I thought that the novelty of the gyroscope would wear off fast, but they always gave you new and funny mini-games to play. Time and time I kept going back just to play those mini games like mewtroid and the homerun derby. Another great game that was one of the swan songs for the GBA.

#34. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (gamecube) - This game got it perfect. First mission is blowing up the death star? Hell Yea, and it just gets better. Going to Vespin and blowing it up. Stealing the transport ship from the empire. Being Darth vader and stoping the rebels. Man this game has it all. Play it if you are a star wars fan. You wont be dissapointed.

#33. Ms.Pac-Man (arcade/genesis) - Playing pacman now really makes me ask myself why this game is fun. I then realize that it's because that eating the 4 ghosts in a row is just so satisfying. going through board through board makes it just more satisfying and enjoyable that you want to piss those ghosts off and eat all those damn pills. Now, it seems like a primative game, but I still need to put it here just for what it put forward for arcade games.

#32. BioShock (PS3) - Buying this game for $20 with my PS3 was something I was glad to do. I never played the system shock games but I heard rave reviews about his game on the PC. I thought this game was awesome from the moment it started and it just kept on getting better and better. The story, setting, guns, and plasmids made this game so much more than what I expected it to be. I also remember wishing it had multiplayer after I finished it, but after seeing the MP in B2, I'm now glad they didn't. I think this game pushed the boudries and I can't wait for Infinate.

#32 Dungeon Keeper played on PC, released 1997

This is what I like to remember Peter Molyneux by, at his best pre B&W. A very inventive and humorous real time strategy game with amazing atmosphere. The gameplay is actually not far of this gens Viva Pinata for the building part of the game. You construct rooms, monsters arrive, some can live together, others will fight eachother.
Figuring out how to get which creatures and get them to co-exist together is a big part of the game and tons of fun. The other part is destroying the heros that come to brave your dungeon and wipe out the competing dungeon keepers. Next to directing imps to dig tunnels and placing equipment you can pick up your creatures and move them arround or slap them to work harder. All the while listening to the sounds of screams, whips, pickaxes and more emanating from your dungeon.
Dungeon keeper 2 was just as addictive with boosted 3D graphics, both were a great joy to play.

List

32. Gears of War 3 (X360)

A great game, without a doubt. And actually better than Gears 1 and 2.

32. Tomb Raider (PS1)

What if Indiana Jones was a ridiculously proportioned woman? The answer comes in the form of Lara Croft, who was hailed for changing the way we see female characters in games and also as being an incredibly sexist depiction at the same time. Either way, it was a great game that was the template for many that followed, not just in that era but in the modern era as well. Would Uncharted be what it is today without the influence of this game, for example?

32 - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GCN)

It's funny, The Zelda series hasn't really changed significantly since its inception on the NES back in the 80's, and when it does change (The Adventures of Link, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker) from the established structure, people complain. On the flipside, when it stays the same (Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess), people complain about stagnancy. Funny, I loved this game! Basically, it took everything that the series was trying to do a decade before with Ocarina of Time, but did it right. The game looked better, played better, and was more epic in every way, not to mention I actually thoroughly enjoyed the Wolf Link/Midna relationship. What a way to take the best elements from Ocarina and Link to the Past into what could easily be seen as one of the best games this generation has to offer. Now I wanna play skyward Sword! I am sad!

#32: Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (GameCube)
Release Date: November 12, 2004

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is one of my favorite RPGs. It takes everything from the original N64 game and tweaks everything to perfection. The graphics are crisp, clear, and beautiful, the battle system is unique, engaging, and fun, the characters are lovable, and the script is sharp, witty, and always funny. There's so many great moments in this game... from smashing classic Super Mario Bros. levels as Bowser to fighting in the Glitz Pit against Rawk Hawk (in which you're named The Great Gonzales!), there's so much to do and see in this crazy paper world. Paper Mario is such a joy to play through, as it rewards you in various ways through its story, gameplay, and overall unique feel. You wanna hate me, but you can't help but love the RAAAAAAAWWWWK!

Favorite Partner: Vivian (So adorable... and yes, I know about the Japanese version... >_>)
Favorite Boss: Doopliss (He turns people into pigs. Awesome.)

@Runa

It's funny, The Zelda series hasn't really changed significantly since its inception on the NES back in the 80's, and when it does change (The Adventures of Link, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker) from the established structure, people complain. On the flipside, when it stays the same (Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess), people complain about stagnancy.

It's actually funny, when this is totally apparent with the Skyward Sword reviews that are coming out. We're getting everything from 10/10 "Truly revolutionary" to 7.5/10 "Still the same game". It's quite interesting to see different people's take on the franchise. But you're right in that Twilight Princess was an incredible game. Nice choice. ^_^

#32. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES, VC)

The real one, not the Xbox 360 game. Back in the NES days, Ninja Gaiden was as close as you'd get to a cinematic game. Between each level you were treated to cutscenes advancing the story featuring images that were quite impressive for an 8bit console. I still think they look damn good today.

Of course Ninja Gaiden wasn't all about the story, the game is a sidescroller where you play as Ruy Hayabuza fighting off demons to rescue his girlfriend Irene from the evil Ashtar. Along your way you collect power ups like throwing stars, the fire wheel or the big orange ball that shoots downward (might not be the official name). These items requires energy to use but are very useful against enemies and bosses. Then there's the coolest part of the game, the ability to get up to two clones following you and repeating your every move. When used wisely these clones can make quick work of bosses and will save your ass on multiple occassions.

Ninja Gaiden II is a very hard game where you're asked to do very precise jumps while fighting off very very evil birds (I hate them). Luckily the game doesn't limit the number of times you can continue after losing all your lives which is why I've managed to finish the game a couple of times but be advised that it requires patience and skill to get to the end without losing your mind.