Guessed by @mZuzek 

How do you like that silver?

The Witcher 3 was ahead of its time. Even after after a decade with multiple years of grand epic fantasy games winning GotY it still feels like they're playing catch up to this title, it still feels like this set a AAA standard that hasn't been beat, perhaps at best matched. As someone who already loved the first two games and had to buy a new PC specifically for this title it's incredible how much above and beyond they went this time. The world, the story, the characters, the gameplay, the dialogue, the card game, they just nailed everything, only minor stuff like a slightly akward difficulty curve could have been better. And they actually managed to do some killer DLC in an age where that's a rarity. And yeah the game does (or at least did) have a few bugs, but it's the kind that make you laugh and become a meme rather than ones that annoy, the first game had thrice as many and I kinda loved that. Hey maybe Skyrim's horses can climb straight walls but Roach can go literally anywhere with a casual expression. On any other parameter than favoritism The Witcher III would probably be second only to my #1 and even that is a close call, I almost wish I'd given it silver just for the thematic match, but either way the record still stands: One of the best games I've ever played.

#22

The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword

Motion controls might have pretty much died outside of VR. But at one time this was my personal poster child for the gameplay mechanic. The best first play through of any game. Placed this low for the simple reason that I have not replayed it to confirm its status as one of my favourites. And I'm sort of afraid to so since it might tarnish my memory of it.

If your favourite aspects of Zelda is the dungeons or you want to venture into the world of motion controls I think this is your best option.

#21

Resident Evil 2 Remake

My highest rated newcomer. It took some years before I tried this game out. What I found was the peak of survival horror with less focus on action. It can be a bit slow, but once the large fellow start going after you it is a constant lingering fear that is unmatched.

Recommended for anyone interested in survival horror. 

#20

Kingdom Hearts

Action RPG is probably a weak point of mine. Disney nostalgia is another. I prefer this game over any of the sequels. There was an element of discovery and wonder present here that I think was lost in later instalments.

Like Disneys animated movies and games? You will probably like this game then.

#19

ICO

It is almost like a broken record at this point but ICO is art in gaming form. You might not get much in game help on what to do or how to control the character, instead you will be the help. Venture into a world you won't forget with a companion you cannot understand.

Anyone looking for a lasting impression and do not mind sacrificing some excitement should pick up ICO.

#18

Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Gameplay is not everything. Sometimes story is enough to make a game worth your time and sometimes, like the case with Hotel Dusk, pure style can win one over. The story in Hotel Dusk is good but it is the look of the game with hand drawn character animations that makes it stand out.

If you like story driven games or visual novels and don’t mind playing as a sort of jerk, check in at room 215.

#17

Uncharted 2 Among Thieves

A game where one sequence is so god damn adrenaline pumping great that they needed to repeat it. This is adventure.

You like Indiana jones or Tomb Raider? Play this game.

#16

Advance Wars Dual Strike

Okey, I know the advance wars community shits a bit on this game, the abilities make a few maps a joke, especially the tag team ones where one get an extra round. But there is just so much to do. So many modes, COs, maps. Turn based strategy on the go is never more fun. This game is pretty much glued into my DS cart slot.

If you want to revisit the DS and only gonna get one game, get this one.

#15

The Legend of Zelda a Links Awakening

It took me a few years and play throughs to really appreciate the greatness of this game. Each time I revisit it there is joy to be found. The pacing is perfect. The charm is at a series all time high. The best 2D game in the series.

For anyone curios of the series but intimidated by the large 3D games.

#14

Super Mario Bros 3

Look. This might be the game I gun to my head will pick as the best ever made because 35 years later it still holds up. Shorter harder levels. Secrets, style and tight controls.

Why is it not higher? I recommend this game, absolutely but I recognise that it being one of the first game I remember playing I might be a bit biased. Still the greatest 2D plattformer ever.