#46 (incorrect guesses - Golden Axe, Okami, Beyond Oasis, Soul Reaver)
- Challenging, highly regarded old school Zelda-like that was exclusive to one of Nintendo’s rivals.
- Based on previous guesses - it was released during a generation after Golden Axe Warrior, after Beyond Oasis, and before Okami.
- Although this got a sequel, this series never expanded beyond the platform it originally appeared on. This particular game was made available digitally on later platforms from the same console manufacturer though.
- Much like one of Nintendo's game that this is similar to, this also came with a map and tips book.
- The protagonist's name is the title of the game in the NTSC version - the PAL version adds a few words before it.

#43 (incorrect guesses - Super Smash Bros Melee)
- One of several iterations of an iconic game that saw the playable roster double from the number found in the original.
- Only half of that roster increase is playable for the first time here - the other half were playable in another version of the game released between this and the original.
- The roster may have increased, but the game length remains the same. You won't be seeing a third of them on any given playthrough.

#41
- The original heroes continue to fall away, as this time they both have to be saved.

My list so far

Nope.

Yup.

Second set of hints for the two unguessed games:

#40

-Watercolors and ink in motion (Okami)

#39

-A game characterized by a sense of freedom and discovery (Breath of the Wild)

#38

-I guess a shoe can also be a power-up (Super Mario Bros. 3)

#37

-The souls of the dead seeking closure

-Not the most conventional ship in your use

#36

-The destination doesn't really matter in the end

-Although it doesn't matter, it's very clear from the start what it is

#46: Could that be Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos?

That's a really great guess! Not quite. You're on the right track, in that this series was rebooted.

The game does have "II" in it. And the wrong sequel probably inspired Microsoft to make permanent acquisitions, instead of timed exclusivity deals.

Rise of the Tomb Raider?

Scratch that you're looking for the old title and Tomb Raider II has II in the name.

Bingo!

Guessed by @S.Peelman

The first of the 3D Zeldas to show up here, spoiler, they're all on the list. It's been a while since I replayed any of these games, but all of them have been given a new context for me this year, because I watched a first playthrough of each of them - some in person with a friend, and some with a streamer. As we all know, watching someone play through a game for the first time is the closest you can get to that feeling of playing it for the first time, and it was interesting to come into each of these games with a very well-defined opinion, and see how that contrasts with the experience of someone who knows nothing about it.

Suffice it to say, Twilight Princess did not fare well. Unsurprisingly, really. But while mostly all of the other 3D Zeldas surprised me in positive ways, I was shocked at just how uninteresting and ultimately boring this one was in comparison. It's not without its qualities, of course, it's still a great game. It's been on this list every year for a reason (albeit never anywhere near this low on it). More and more as time passes on, I realize how uninspired and soulless Twilight Princess really is, and now it's finally gotten to the point where I no longer feel it has to be on the list. It's still in, clearly, but... Like I said earlier, these lower entries this year are ones I'm caring about less and less.

(And yeah, I am ending this post without having anything positive to say about a game I'm listing among my all-time favorites. Whoops.)

Top 50 >>

I'm not sure too many of you know this next one, so I'll post it early. That said, whether you know it or not, it should be enjoyable for everyone. It's a beautiful song.

Journey.