
Dan's discussion on first video game addiction has been so much fun (and brought back so many memories), I thought it would be enjoyable to move a little further down the road and talk about favorite video game series. The parameters are easy. Whether its an arcade game, PC, or console, it just has to have a sequel ... or more. So think back, there are lots of great games that had even better follow-ups -- or even crossed generations.
Me? While I loved Super Mario 64, explored Liberty City, raised Chocobos, stood under center at the 20, and chased rings with Knuckles, my favorite is Gears of War.
I know that it only has three games and they are all on the same gen system. I know that it is full of cliches and violent enough that I can't play it around my kids. (Your mom is a classy lady.) I know there are technically better games out there, it doesn't matter to me.
Gears of War made me care about the characters. I never skipped a cutscene; I was invested in the story. For heaven's sake, I even read fiction based on the game. I think the shooter had become a bit of a stale genre before Epic took aim and made it their own. And now, Gears is the gold standard by which I judge all others. Best cover system, ever. Reloading can't be beat. And, for me, it's impossible to beat for all out fun. As near as I can recall, the Gears series is the only one I have played on every single difficulty, repeatedly. Further, it's the only game I consistently play multiplayer on. And I am not a multiplayer fan.
It's the best series for me, but it wasn't an easy decision. There are plenty of series out there that are incredibly fantastic. What's your favorite video game series?
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Donahoo on March 26, 2012 at 11:40pm Great call Dave.
The video game discussion had me remembering the D&D Forgotten Realms series starting with Pools of Radiance - that got a great work over on my Commodore 64...many, many hours acrued there.
But really, I've been a long time fan of the Civilisation Series, as it has increased in complexity and nuance. Though, I enjoyed returning to the iPad version whose design aligned more to the games roots. The world building games have it for me....
Permalink Reply by Rich Murray on March 27, 2012 at 9:19am There are so many to consider, I think the series I have consistently liked the most is Metriod. From the original, to the SNES version, and then the rebirth as the Prime series.
Honorable Mentions:
Super Mario Brothers
Legend of Zelda(didn't win because I hated Windwalker)
Mario Kart(Didn't win because I still feel the SNES battle mode was the best iteration)
Final Fantasy
Mass Effect(Haven't played 3 yet)
All Nintendo based, grew up in the Nintendo camp.
Permalink Reply by Jedi Dad on March 27, 2012 at 10:12am Legend of Zelda hands down. Those will be the first video games I introduce my child to.
After that I will see if I can get a copy of 'The Incredible Machine'. Ahh the life skills that game teaches.
- Jedi Dad -
https://twitter.com/#!/RaisingAJedi
Permalink Reply by Alexander on March 27, 2012 at 2:47pm Civilization (I'm particulalry fond of Civ III)
Space Quest I - IV
Permalink Reply by Kevin Clem on March 30, 2012 at 11:15am Yes, Civ. Also Alpha Centari
Permalink Reply by Patrick Poindexter on March 27, 2012 at 10:27pm Myst was always favorite game series
Permalink Reply by Thomas L Bass on March 29, 2012 at 12:02am It has always been Zelda for me. My earliest gaming memories are of that mystical golden cartridge. The thrill is not gone over 20 years later.
Permalink Reply by Adam Lummus on July 10, 2012 at 11:02am As you enjoy the GOW series(which I have played and am not particularly comfortable with), my forte is FPSs. In particular the Battlefield/Bad Company series(although I totally despise the evil empire that has become EA). There is just something about a game that incorporates not only teamwork, but air combat, ground warfare and troop to troop engagements on one massive scale that just plays right into my competitive and cooperative nature at the same time.
Honorable Mentions:
Forza
Red Dead Redemption
Elder Scrolls
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