19. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Wii (2011) Nintendo (new)

This game was not perfect, but it fulfilled a lot of promises and heralded great positive change for its franchise, which allows it to make its premier at this lofty spot. Combat as a franchise focal point is back in spades with this game, ramping up the need to really survive between basic enemies who will really hit you if you're not looking and limited heart pickups. The plot and characters are charming with typical Zelda grace, and the worlds (aside from the overworld, ironically) feel much more dangerous and lived-in. Hopefully this helps develop a new model for console Zelda moving forward.

#19: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Last Year: 18

First of all, there is little out there as amazing as this game's reveal back during E3 2004. Truly epic stuff right there. But fast forward to November 19, 2006 when the game launched (as well as the Wii!) and once again, Nintendo had created something special. Twilight Princess surpassed all previous Zeldas when it came to that feeling of being an epic adventure, as the game's size, scale, and art direction pointed towards something more grand and majestic. The dungeons were solid, the combat (due to WiiMote controls) were simple yet engaging and fun, Midna was (and still is) Link's best partner, and the final climax of the game is amazing (Note: Ganondorf's appearance in this game is simply awesome). There's a few minor hiccups in the game, such as the tears of light fetchquests, somewhat forgettable music,  and easy bosses, but other than those few quibbles, this game matched the hype put on the game. Twilight Princess was a game that delivered on all fronts. Also, Link can snowboard!

18. Initial speculation about the game had it being subtitled "Dojo."

I hope you get around to getting all the stars. I think getting 100 coins in Tick Tock Clock is the hardest star of them all (since it's so easy to die in that level). That or catching that damn rabbit!

Brawl?

Hint for game #18:

And by the way... it only looks like I'm staring at your melons!

Some games are harder to make vague clues for...

It helps that I was one of the fanboys who visited Smash Dojo daily to get the latest tidbit of information on the game.

#19

Perfect Dark

Although it has absolutely nothing to do with James Bond or MI6, Perfect Dark is considered a spiritual sequel to GoldenEye 007, in large part because both were developed by Rare and both use the same engine. Like GoldenEye, Perfect Dark is a mission-based first-person shooter with an in-depth one-player campaign and an addictive multiplayer mode. Perfect Dark sets itself apart from its spiritual predecessor, however, with a terrific sci-fi narrative, graphical enhancements (with the help of the expansion pack), and a multiplayer mode that features increased customization and “simulants,” computer-controlled bots that can fight against or with a human player. Perfect Dark was followed five years later by a prequel, Perfect Dark Zero.

Hint #2: You earn points for feeding animals and growing trees.