#21 Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

One of the biggest positive surprises I had during the previous console generation was discovering Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. The game received positive reviews upon release, but never really caught on as well as I think it deserved. The game genuinely features what are in my opinion some of the best ever performanced by actors in any video game to date, with Andy Serkis and Lindsey Shaw putting on exceptional performances as Monkey and Trip respectively. The story is well told and interesting, the characters are among my favourites of all time in video games, and the gameplay is satisfying and for the most part fun. Still, what really makes the game great in my opinion are the characters, especially Monkey and Trip, and their developing relationship throughout the game. The only real negative I can think of about the game is that it ended on a cliffhanger that's likely never going to be resolved, which is very unfortunate.

Here's a hint for the for the first game in my top 20:

A game about high school and relationship building... with some demon slaying on the side as well.

#24: The second PS2 game in this spin-off of a very hard 2D platformer series.

Hint 2 - Capcom


#22: The remaster of a PS2 game that released this year.

Hint 2 - Gwendolyn


#20. Bop-Louie, Freeon-Leon, Shades and Gil.

Hint 2 - A NES game that never made it to America

Ufouria the Saga, great game :D

Indeed

Call of Duty as guessed by Ka-pi96

The genre and this series in general usually gets a lot of flack from gamers, but 'Call of Duty' is a real classic, shaping the modern first-person shooter for generations to come. Meant to be just an ordinary military shooter, it unexpectedly (or maybe it was just the terrific gameplay design) rose far beyond that, and still has a very much active online community.

Even though this is one of the few games I actually played online extensively, the game shines bright in it's single-player mode. The story follows the diary entries of three Allied soldiers during World War II, an Englishman, an American and a Soviet Russian, each soldier in their own chapter of the story, ending with the Soviet soldier and the final battle to take the Reichstag in Berlin. These soldiers, their experiences and the missions are semi-based on real-life accounts. The expansion 'United Offensive' added even more missions, among them some that are taking place during the horrifying Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes.

Taking place during World War II meant the game already has a massive advantage to me compared to most other shooters, but it also is just absolutely great in terms of solid gameplay and good, engaging level-design. In reality though, one might swap this game in this list for the second installment, which is actually just as good and is a clean continuation of the foundation set here, but only loses on account of the novelty factor of the original.

Next one's always fun. Even if only just to do what I'm describing in this hint. Top 20, nearing the end already;

#20: In every mode except the main one, when you ride all the way to the edge you'll encounter tall cliffs all around. Riding right into them at full speed and under a certain angle will get you up there, but soon it'll send you flying to tremendous heights!

I forgot to leave hints...

#26: The sequel to the first 3D installment to this loved Nintendo series. Not on N64.
#25: A classic spin-off from a classic series. This installment is the first time you can customize a character's _____
#24: A very loved, but empty game.
#23: Another spin-off. This one a turn based RPG, but later on the series loses its love...

Is SMG the first 3D Mario?

Yes.

22. Smash 4?

21. Megaman X? Something with "X", I'm sure

20. Super Mario 64

Platformers time

#27 Castlevania Rondo of Blood

Easily my favorite Castlevania, specifically the VC release of the Turbografx 16 version, featuring improved controls over the NES games, branching paths, glorious soundtrack and having the most badass character in the series, Maria Renard, that can summon Jojo like nobody's business, is all just a blast.

#26 Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

Just like Rondo of Blood, Tropical Freeze is my favorite in the series, with a great variety of levels, secrets and a good challange, some of the best bosses in the franchise and of course, one of the greatest soundtracks I have had the pleasure to listen to, it makes for what is my favorite 2D platformer in the system and of course, one of my favorites of all time.

#25 Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Just like the last two, this is my favorite title in the Kirby series, a game that marked the return of Kirby to home consoles and did so with one of its best adventures, featuring great new power ups, solid level design and bosses, fun multiplayer and one hell of a finale with one of my favorite final boss fight themes, this is a game that I love to death.