Top 24 Games

1. GTA IV

Along with this being the best game I’ve ever play, it’s also the most recent game I’ve ever played. I don’t know whether this fact has any bearing on its position in the list, but I thought it was great. Seeing as I bought an XBOX 360 exclusively for this game and have yet to buy another game for the console, it would want to have been good and it was. You’ll notice from my list that I have a leaning towards the GTA series, so it is fitting that the most recent and developed member of the family is at the head of my list. I can’t fault it.

2. GTA: Vice City

Vice City was a masterpiece in entertainment. The wit of the main character, combined with the fluidity and pace of the storyline makes it far superior to GTA IV in terms of fun. I find the older GTAs difficult to play and take seriously since I played GTA IV to death, but what Vice City lacked in aesthetics, it made up for in banter between the characters, something that seemed a bit forced in its successors.

3. GTA 3

The beginning of the new format and the best of the ideas of the earlier two were improved and included, while the storyline ideas formed which were impossible to materialise before were finally playable. Character was a bit of an ass which is why this isn’t higher than Vice City, but for coolness there is no comparison with any of the other GTA games.

4. GTA: San Andreas

I’d nearly consider putting this game lower, but it’s a GTA so it has to be up here, if that makes sense. This game has an 18s cert, but it seems like it was aimed at a much lower age group. The funnies are childish in comparison to the other GTAs, which took a lot from it. The sex scenes were as contrived as Tao’s attempts to escape from the basement in Gran Torino, while a lot of the dialogue was tough to take seriously. The game was saved by James Woods and the blind triad. It was the best one from the point of view of value for money, if you like to play games once, as it took ages to finish.

5. Championship Manager 99/00

My first experience of the Championship/Football Manager Series and I was never the same again, so I’ll give this such a high place in the list. I felt that this game was simple enough to be played by all ages, whereas the more recent games have gotten a bit bogged down with the nitty gritty. This game sticks in my memory because of the ability of poor players statistically to succeed. I remember giving Stan Collymore his final chance with Aston Villa and him not disappointing by any means. Tommy Jaczsun in defence was impenetrable.

Screenshot by author.

6. Age of Empires II

This game took many of my adolescent weekend evenings. A friend introduced me to the game and it caused numerous arguments between my parents and myself as I played ‘Hitman’ Custom Scenario on Zone.com late into the night. I even invented an online custom game called ‘Question Arena’. It had varied success.

7. Pro Evolution Soccer 3

The first game I ever played on PS2. It was quite a step up from the previous two football games I’ve played (FIFA 1997&2000). It doesn’t compare to the more recent versions of the game, but your first love will always remain long in your memory. Like heroine, before the addiction starts you’ll always remember the brilliance of the first hit.

8. Freedom Fighters

Great storyline to this. Really enjoyed being the main character. A plumber who saves his country from the communists. Can you imagine better?

9. Max Payne 1&2

A unique game and a strong contender for finishing higher in the list, but it lost a couple of points for elements to the game that I could have done without. The second installment of the game was a bit on the short/easy side. Although at the same time, while I haven’t replayed either of the games, its on my to-do list.

10. Half-Life

Half-life was great.

11.The Sims 2
12. The Sims
13. The rest of the Championship/Football Manager Series
14. FIFA 1997
15. FIFA 2000
16. Metal Gear Solid 3
17. Streets of Rage
18. Street Fighter
19. Call of Duty 4
20. Heretic II
21. Goosebumps: Escape from Horrorland
22. Half-Life 2
23. Manhunt
24. Halo 2