sephfire

Special thanks to everyone who has stuck with us this far. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND EIGHTEEN*** Resident Evil Code: Veronica Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 9.4 Under Defeat Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Grev Ltd. Meta Score: (not available) Burnout Revenge Console: Playstation 2, Xbox Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Criterion Games Meta Score: 9.0 Gradius V Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Treasure Meta Score: 8.2 Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Meta Score: 8.6 Beatmania IIDX 12: Happy Sky Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) AirForce Delta Storm Console: Xbox Publisher: Konami Developer: KCE Studios Meta Score: 6.6 Capcom Classics Collection 2 Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Digital Eclipse Meta Score: 7.3 Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: 8.5 Pokemon Diamond/Pearl Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Game Freak Meta Score: 8.5 ****************************************************************************** My votes: Burnout Revenge -- NO It's Burnout, which means it's fun. If you're going to just get one Burnout game though, get Burnout 3. Revenge kinda sucked the fun out of Crash mode, which is the condensed form of everything that is awesome in Burnout. Revenge is good, but not the must-have that Takedown is. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones -- NO It was a decent apology for Warrior Within and a positive note to end the trilogy on. Still, not quite enough to merit Must-Have status. If you loved the first game, pick this up, but be sure to own The Sands of Time at all costs.

Yes, voting. That's what I forgot to do today. Halo 2 -- UNDECIDED I really just can't decide. I don't fawn over it. It has it's flaws. It's overrated. But the multiplayer does have a wide appeal. I give up. Devil May Cry 3 -- YES Best DMC to date. A tad cheap with the difficulty at times, but this is improved in the Special Edition release. If you have a choice, get that version. Okami -- YES I think the thing I love most about Zelda series is that it clearly inspired much of the gameplay in Okami, one of the most beautiful games ever created. In memory of Clover Studios, every serious gamer should own this. If any of you claim you want developers to take risks and be original, Clover should have been your hero. Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes -- borderline YES If only Kojima had directed this remake, it would probably have been perfect. I'm sure delegating the task to the Silicon Knights of Canada was a necessity, given how busy Kojima was with MGS3, but the differences show. Still, despite his absence, this is a fine game, and your only chance to experience "Snakey goodness" on the cube.

Seventeen good times await you. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND SEVENTEEN*** Virtua Fighter 4 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega-AM2 Meta Score: 9.1 Halo 2 Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Bungie Software Meta Score: 9.5 Jump Superstars Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Ganbarion Meta Score: (not available) Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror Console: PSP Publisher: SCEA Developer: Sony Bend Meta Score: 8.7 Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.4 Okami Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Clover Studio Meta Score: 9.3 Rayman Revolution Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Meta Score: 8.5 Zone of Enders: The 2nd Runner Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCEJ Meta Score: 8.2 Beatmania IIDX 11: IIDX Red Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Console: Gamecube Publisher: Konami Developer: Silicon Knights Meta Score: (not available) ****************************************************************************** I'll vote tomorrow.

I like it less and less with every listening. I'll keep going with it, but it definitely has a long way to go.

I think you're right. I don't want to keep those grating sounds going the whole mix. They'll be used in moderation.

This is just me tinkering with samples and trying to find a good sound. It's not even a WIP yet. Do not bother telling me how short and under-developed it is. I'm aware. I've had a nice short break from remixing and now I'm starting back up again. I want to do a Psychonauts mix next and I'm looking for the right sound. This is what I've got after a couple hours of playing around. Not sure where to go with it. http://www.sephfire.com/music/cirque.mp3 What do you guys think? Keep going with this or scrap it and try again?

Sorry for another missed day. Here's another double-round to make up for it. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND FIFTEEN*** Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: NIS America Developer: Nippon Ichi Soft. Meta Score: 8.4 Metal Slug Anthology Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SNK Playmore Developer: SNK Playmore Meta Score: 8.2 Beatmania IIDX 9th Style Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) Tekken 5 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.8 Border Down Console: Dreamcast Publisher: G.Rev Developer: G.Rev Meta Score: 6.5 Enclave Console: Xbox Publisher: Conspiracy Entertainment Developer: Starbreeze Meta Score: 6.6 Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance Console: Xbox Publisher: Konami Developer: KCEJ Meta Score: 8.7 Super Smash Bros. Melee Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: HAL Labs Meta Score: 9.2 Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: D3 Developer: 1st Playable Prod. Meta Score: 8.1 Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth Console: PSP Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Tri-Ace Meta Score: 8.0 ***ROUND SIXTEEN*** Marvel vs. Capcom Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.9 Shenmue Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega-AM2 Meta Score: 8.9 Castlevania: Lament of Innocence Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 7.8 Guitar Hero 2 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: RedOctane Developer: Harmonix Music Meta Score: 9.2 Silent Hill 4: The Room Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 7.6 Beatmania IIDX 10th Style Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) Zone of Enders Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCEJ Meta Score: 7.7 Genma Onimusha Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.1 OutRun2 Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Sumo Digital Meta Score: 8.1 Pac-Man vs. Console: Gamecube Publisher: Namco Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 8.0 ****************************************************************************** Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories -- YES Though not much different from the first game, they ironed out the kinks and added even more polish. The story is fun, the gameplay is addicting and the trademark "let's-not-take-ourselves-too-seriously" humor as great as ever. I've clocked way too many hours into this game. Super Smash Bros. Melee -- YES Retains everything great from the original and doubles the content. What's not to like? Puzzle Quest -- YES Well I'll be darned, they found a way to make Bejeweled interesting. It's amazing how much depth RPG elements add to the casual game. The artwork is intermediate at best and the DS version of the game take a big hit in the graphics department, but you don't really need visuals for this thing. Guitar Hero 2 -- YES It may not have the song lineup of the first game, but who really cares? It's still awesome, and now the Hammer-on/Pull-off system actually works. And it's a darn good thing, because the difficulty is definitely up. Great, great game. Silent Hill 4: The Room -- NO Poor voice acting and clumsy controls totally ruin this experience. I don't even know if it actually provided any decent scares. I couldn't stand playing it for longer than a couple hours.

I assume you mean Skies of Arcadia?

You got it.

While I have an extra moment, I could also use some input on a related issue. I've been considering the possibility of a sequel to this thread (once this one is finished, of course), this time covering a new collection of consoles and handhelds. Does this sound good to you guys? I'd love to just open it up to every console this thread didn't cover, but that's a pretty wide range. It could get overwhelming. Here's the collection I'm considering for the next "season" of Must-Have Games: SNES Nintendo 64 Game Boy Advance Playstation Sega Genesis Sega Saturn PC Thoughts?

And with this, we hit the two week mark. An update to the progress report will be made in a moment. Excellent votingsmanship this week, team. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND FOURTEEN*** Forza Motorsport Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Microsoft Game Studios Meta Score: 9.3 (99 reviews) Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Console: Xbox Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Meta Score: 9.4 (88 reviews) Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 9.6 (15 reviews) P.N.03 Console: Gamecube Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 6.4 (61 reviews) Giga Wing 2 Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Takumi Meta Score: 6.5 (15 reviews) Virtual On: Oratorio Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Activision Developer: Sega Meta Score: 7.8 (35 reviews) Shin Megami Tensei III Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Atlus Co. Developer: Atlus Co. Meta Score: (not available) Daxter Console: PSP Publisher: SCEA Developer: Ready at Dawn Meta Score: 8.7 (76 reviews) Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium 2001 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.2 (47 reviews) Gran Turismo 4 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Polyphony Digital Meta Score: 8.9 (103 reviews) ****************************************************************************** I actually haven't played any of these, other than the Wii version of Twilight Princess. I'm sure it's not much different between versions, but I'm sure there are plenty of other people who can cover that game instead.

Not really. I haven't played it since it came out and all I really remember for certain is that I wasn't as impressed with it as the first game. However, since that's all I can recall with certainty, I left it with an UNDECIDED vote. Reminder #2 (which you quoted above) is meant to keep people from saying things like "MP2 doesn't deserve a YES because MP was better." I know it sounds hair-splitting, but there's a difference between NO-ing a sequel because its must-have prequel was marginally better and NO-ing a sequel because you just don't believe it's a must-have. edit: Or to clarify further, if you think both games deserve must-have status, vote YES to both. You don't have to choose between them. However, if you believe one is a must-have, and the other just wasn't good enough to be a must-have, vote accordingly. Sometimes one game is just plain better. I was mostly reminding people of this so they knew they didn't HAVE to choose between sequels and remakes (like Skies of Arcadia and such).

I think most of us are just admitting the fact that Psychonauts borrows a lot of it's gameplay elements from other platformers. The presentation and aesthetic of it all, however, are wholly unique and far more intricate than most. That's what makes it so brilliant.

Round Thirteen! ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND THIRTEEN*** Street Fighter III: Third Strike Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 7.9 (26 reviews) Last Blade 2 Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Agetec Inc. Developer: SNK Meta Score: 7.5 (9 reviews) Metropolis Street Racer Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Bizarre Creations Meta Score: 8.8 (48 reviews) Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Level 5 Meta Score: 9.0 (94 reviews) Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: 8.7 (26 reviews) Beatmania IIDX 8th Style Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Microsoft Game Studios Meta Score: 9.0 (116 reviews) Psychonauts Console: Xbox Publisher: Majesco Games Developer: Double Fine Prod. Meta Score: 9.0 (70 reviews) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Retro Studios Meta Score: 9.2 (89 reviews) Mario Kart DS Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 9.2 (96 reviews) ****************************************************************************** My votes: Psychonauts -- YES It doesn't add much to the genre of platforming, but the presentation is unmatched. Psychic Summer Camp? Awesome. Diving into the minds of mental patients to fight their demons, relive their nightmares and literally sort their emotional baggage? Double awesome. Seussian environment aesthetic with brilliant character design and top-notch voice acting? Triple awesome. Add Tim Schafer's trademark sense of humor and you have one of the greatest platformers of its generation. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes -- UNDECIDED On the one hand, it adds a few cool Metroid trademarks to the formula. Spin attacks and such. But I remember not feeling quite as impressed with this one as with the original. Admittedly, it's been a couple years, so I'm sitting on this decision a while longer while I try to remember.

Just a couple reminders: 1. A game does not have to revolutionize its franchise or genre to count as a must-have. (example: Megaman 2 adds little to the Megaman formula, but is obviously a must-have NES game). 2. A game does not have to be superior to all of its sequels to belong on this list. (example: if you think both MGS2 and MGS3 are must-have games, vote YES for both. The two don't have to compete for the spot). 3. A game does not have to be superior to its remakes to belong on the list. (example: despite the existence of Ninja Gaiden Black, the original Ninja Gaiden is still worthy of must-have status). New round coming soon. And we're up to about 24 or 25 rounds now with the new nominees.

I'll count that as a nomination for the Gamecube version. And with that, we move to round twelve. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND TWELVE*** Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Agetec Inc. Developer: SNK Meta Score: 8.4 (6 reviews) Skies of Arcadia Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Overworks Meta Score: 9.0 (56 reviews) Contra: Shattered Soldier Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 7.6 (79 reviews) Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Rockstar North Meta Score: 9.4 (123 reviews) Shadow of the Colossus Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: SCEI Meta Score: 9.2 (114 reviews) Battle Engine Aquila Console: Xbox Publisher: Atari Developer: Lost Toys Meta Score: 7.5 (49 reviews) Midway Arcade Treasures 1 Console: Xbox Publisher: Midway Developer: Midway Meta Score: 7.5 (43 reviews) Mario Party 5 Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 7.1 (50 reviews) Resident Evil 4 Console: Gamecube Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 9.6 (124 reviews) Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.2 (67 reviews) ****************************************************************************** My votes: Grant Theft Auto: Vice City -- YES Every bit as good as GTA3 and more. In addition to the great GTA gameplay, the 80s setting seals the deal. There is no reason not to own this. Shadow of the Colossus -- YES It's epic, beautiful, and unlike any other game you've played. Also, it's only $20 now. This is an experience that should not be missed. Mario Party 5 -- NO I would call this a must-have, but that's really a sentiment aimed at the franchise in general. I highly recommend Mario Party as a franchise, but I don't imagine this fifth installment is noticably better than the rest of the series. I think everyone should have a Mario Party game, but it doesn't have to be this one. Resident Evil 4 -- YES I'm not going to waste any time explaining why this game is a must-have. All you need to know is that it is one of the greatest games in the entire Gamecube library. Carry on.

I counted. It looks like our current list of nominations will give us 22 total rounds of voting (the last one being a few games longer). That means we're at the half-way mark. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND ELEVEN*** Killer 7 Console: Gamecube Publisher: Capcom Developer: Grasshopper Meta Score: 7.7 (77 reviews) Jet Grind Radio Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Smilebit Meta Score: 9.1 (64 reviews) Devil May Cry 2 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 7.2 (87 reviews) Herdy Gerdy Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Eidos Interactive Developer: Core Design Ltd. Meta Score: 7.1 (48 reviews) Kingdom Hearts Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Squaresoft Developer: Squaresoft Meta Score: 8.6 (114 reviews) Soul Calibur II Console: Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 9.2 (82 reviews) Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.6 (72 reviews) Beatmania IIDX 7th Style Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: (not available) Capcom Classics Collection Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Digital Eclipse Meta Score: 8.1 (33 reviews) Ninja Gaiden Black Console: Xbox Publisher: Tecmo Developer: Team Ninja Meta Score: 9.4 (48 reviews) ****************************************************************************** My votes: Killer 7 -- NO My main gripe is the controls. The uniqueness of the game is a strength, but also a weakness. It's so deep into the realm of what-the-hell that it becomes inaccessable to a large audience. Unique aesthetics should never be deal-breaker, but the controls seal it. Kingdom Hearts -- YES If you don't like Final Fantasy or Disney, this may not be for you. At all. Otherwise, it's memory lane, and quite fun. I never had major gripes with the camera controls, though I hear many people did. Between the graphics, simple-but-fun gameplay, awesome vocal cast and interesting original characters and plot, this is a must-have for anyone who isn't a Disney/Square hater to begin with. Soul Calibur II --YES I can suck at fighting games and still enjoy it. Between the character variety, weapon collecting and solid fighting, it's hard to not enjoy this game. Onimusha 3: Demon Siege -- NO The Japan/France time-travel angle is cheesy, but forgivable since Jean Reno is involved. Disappointing that he only voiced the few French lines his character had. Onimusha keeps getting better with every game, but I wouldn't recommend any of the games as a must-have until Dawn of Dreams. Ninja Gaiden Black -- YES Huge YES. The original was awesome and this darn-near perfected it. This has to be the closest as hack-and-slash adventure has come to having the polished battle gameplay of a fighting game. Ryu handles like a dream. And this game doesn't mess around with you when it comes to difficulty. If you don't step up, Ryu is dead. And unlike cheap fighting games, it will be all your fault.

This batch makes 100 games we've covered so far. Pat yourselves on the back. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND TEN*** Elite Beat Agents Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Inis Meta Score: 8.7 (48 reviews) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Console: PSP Publisher: Konami Developer: Kojima Productions Meta Score: 8.7 (52 reviews) Super Mario Sunshine Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 9.2 (102 reviews) Phantom Dust Console: Xbox Publisher: Majesco Games Developer: MS Studios Japan Meta Score: 8.3 (49 reviews) Gradius III & IV Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 5.7 (34 reviews) Final Fantasy XII Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix Meta Score: 9.2 (73 reviews) Jak II Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Naughty Dog Meta Score: 8.8 (103 reviews) Silent Hill 3 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCET Meta Score: 8.4 (90 reviews) ChuChu Rocket! Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Sonic Team Meta Score: 8.5 (45 reviews) Test Drive Le Mans Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Atari Developer: Atari Meta Score: 8.8 (38 reviews) ****************************************************************************** My votes: Super Mario Sunshine -- YES It may not be Mario 64, but it 's easily a must. The resort environment is relaxing, the water-pack adds a new twist and the Bowser-Peach relationship gets four times weirder. Oh, and it's fun. Phantom Dust -- YES Very cool aesthetic and very cool card-esque gameplay to match it. I wish I'd found out about this game in its hayday. I'd actually stand a chance online now. Didn't one of the key Panzer Dragoon Orta staff members design this game? Either way, big YES. Final Fantasy XII -- YES This is one of the finest Final Fantasy games there is, and that is saying something. Absolutely gorgeous and the battle system is fantastic. Also, Square finally got some decent workers in their localization department, because the script translation and VA direction is greatly improved over past FF titles. If you like RPGs at all, this game is absolutely a must.

Sure, why not. I'll try to add that info tonight.

Never. Vote added.

Here are rounds eight and nine. Sorry I forgot to post eight yesterday. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND EIGHT*** Alien Front Online Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega Meta Score: (not available) Mars Matrix Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Takumi Meta Score: 7.8 (25 reviews) Tekken Tag Tournament Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.6 (71 reviews) Burnout 3: Takedown Console: Playstation 2, Xbox Publisher: EA Games Developer: Criterion Games Meta Score: 9.3 (70 reviews) God of War Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: SCEA Meta Score: 9.3 (120 reviews) R-Type Final Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Eidos Interactive Developer: Irem Meta Score: 8.0 (76 reviews) Capcom vs SNK 2 EO Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.1 (52 reviews) MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game studios Developer: Day 1 Studios Meta Score: (not available) Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 9.5 (134 reviews) Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Party Game$ Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: 7.7 (60 reviews) ***ROUND NINE*** Grandia II Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Game Arts Meta Score: 8.8 (46 reviews) Red Dog Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Crave Developer: Argonaut Games Meta Score: 7.6 (17 reviews) Soul Calibur Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 9.6 (38 reviews) Amplitude Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Harmonix Music Meta Score: 8.5 (90 reviews) Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Tecmo Developer: Tecmo Meta Score: 8.2 (65 reviews) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: KCEJ Meta Score: 9.5 (98 reviews) Silpheed: The Lost Planet Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Working Design Developer: Treasure Meta Score: 6.2 (39 reviews) Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath Console: Xbox Publisher: EA Games Developer: Oddworld Meta Score: 8.7 (84 reviews) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Console: Xbox Publisher: LucasArts Developer: BioWare Meta Score: 9.4 (136 reviews) Steel Batallion Console: Xbox Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: 8.4 (36 reviews) ****************************************************************************** My votes: Burnout 3: Takedown -- YES You don't have to enjoy racing games to enjoy this. The thrill of crushing your opponent's car against a wall is awesome. And the Crash mode where you intentionally wreck to see who can cause the most damage is worth buying the game by itself. My entire family sat around playing that for hours. Definite must-buy. God of War -- YES Another no-brainer. Great combat, puzzles, graphics, story, and everything inbetween. It's almost a perfect game. It makes you wonder why more games don't tap into mythology. Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker -- NO It may be fun and easy on the eyes, but the irritating triforce shard hunt at the end just leaves a stain on the whole experience (some would say the same thing about the tedious ocean travel). Then again, it had one of the finest endings of any Zelda game to date. But there are better Zelda games you could be playing. Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Party Game$ -- YES The Wii sequel may outshine it with motion-detection and such, but the original was still a surprisingly fun game. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly -- YES The finest installment in the series. Ghosts and horrific experiences are so much more intimidating when you aren't controlling an adult with a shotgun. This might just be the creepiest game I've played. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty -- YES The ending may unravel into excessive complexity, but this is still a great game. And if nothing else, Raiden makes Snake look that much cooler. If you like cinematic gaming experiences, it's hard to beat the Metal Gear Solid series. Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath -- YES Beautiful, challenging and very unique. Indeed, it is hard to go wrong with Oddworld. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic -- NO I like a lot of things about this game. It explores a completely different era in the Star Wars universe. The characters are interesting and diverse. And someone FINALLY made a Star Wars game with an original soundtrack! Finally! Beyond that, however, the pacing is pretty rough. The game just feels very, very slow. It's a good game, to be sure, but the formula could still use a bit more polish. I have high hopes for the third installment (whenever they get around to making it).

This week's voting results are tallied and listed in the title post. I'll update the tally weekly.

This wraps up week one. I'll probably update the main post weekly with results. Check for that later today, I guess. ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND SEVEN*** AirForce Delta Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Konami Developer: KCE Studios Meta Score: 6.6 (16 reviews) Release: Sep 8, 1999 Powerstone 2 Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Meta Score: (not available) Release: Aug 23, 2000 Ace Combat 4 Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Meta Score: 8.5 (51 reviews) Release: Nov 1, 2001 Ghost in a Shell: Stand Alone Complex Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Bandai Developer: Cavia Inc. Meta Score: 6.6 (33 reviews) Release: Nov 8, 2004 Shadow of Destiny Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: 7.9 (58 reviews) Release: Mar 5, 2001 Doom 3 Console: Xbox Publisher: Activision Developer: Vicarious Visions Meta Score: 8.8 (114 reviews) Release: Apr 3, 2005 Panzer Dragoon Orta Console: Xbox Publisher: Sega Developer: Smilebit Meta Score: 9.0 (112 reviews) Release: Jan 12, 2003 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Silicon Knights Meta Score: 9.0 (115 reviews) Release: Jun 25, 2002 Viewtiful Joe Console: Gamecube, Playstation 2 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Clover Studio Meta Score: 9.2 (91 reviews) Release: Oct 7, 2003 Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Console: Nintendo DS Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: 9.0 (84 reviews) Release: Oct 4, 2005 ****************************************************************************** My votes: Doom 3 -- NO There are far better shooters to be played. Despite the hype, I found nothing particularly special about this game. The lighting effects and graphics were a step in the Next-Gen direction, but now that they've been dated, Doom 3 doesn't have much left to it but dumb AI and "closet monsters." Panzer Dragoon Orta -- YES May not appeal to everyone, but it's a solid rail-shooter. The subtle beauty of the world and environments gives some great atmosphere. I was a bit torn deciding whether or not this qualified as a MUST. Perhaps some of you may disagree with this vote. Eternal Darkness -- NO Okay. I've heard people calling this game great for years. I've tried getting into it on two occasions, and both times I was left wondering if I was playing the same game as the fans. The atmosphere is interesting enough, but the controls just felt clumsy. And the character animations made me shudder. I haven't seen anything in this game that deserves as much praise as it gets. Did they hide all of the good stuff in the second half? Perhaps. I couldn't stand playing it long enough to find out. Viewtiful Joe -- YES Man, I miss Clover. Classic, side-scrolling beat-em-up with goofy style and tight controls. It's basic, but it's fun.

If someone feels that a game that appeared on more than one console was a must-have on one console in particular, they can say so. I can't think of many cases where this would be an issue. Perhaps if a successful game were ported to another console and the port suffered numerous bugs or something.

We're almost a week in and going strong. Many thanks to our regular contributers! ****************************************************************************** ***ROUND SIX*** Alien Hominid Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: O3 Entertainment Developer: The Behemoth Meta Score: 8.1 (65 reviews) Release: Nov 21, 2004 Grand Theft Auto III Console: Playstation 2 Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Rockstar North Meta Score: (not available) Release: Oct 22, 2001 Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Console: Playstation 2, Xbox Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Meta Score: 9.2 (96 reviews) Release: Nov 6, 2003 Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Console: Xbox Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Meta Score: 7.2 (29 reviews) Release: Nov 1, 2005 Halo Console: Xbox Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios Developer: Bungie Software Meta Score: 9.6 (115 reviews) Release: Nov 14, 2001 Metal Slug 3 Console: Xbox Publisher: SNK Developer: SNK Meta Score: 7.6 (85 reviews) Release: May 26, 2004 XIII Console: Xbox Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Meta Score: 7.6 (65 reviews) Release: Nov 24, 2003 Animal Crossing Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Meta Score: (not available) Release: Sep 15, 2002 Star Fox Adventures Console: Gamecube Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Rare Ltd. Meta Score: (not available) Release: Sep 22, 2002 Daytona USA Console: Dreamcast Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega Meta Score: 8.3 (47 reviews) Release: Mar 12, 2001 ****************************************************************************** Remember, we're not pitting these games against each other in competition. These are just ten randomly selected games from our nomination list. We will now discuss the merits of each of these games to decide whether or not each game belongs on the final list. Try to stick with games you've personally played for at least 20 minutes (preferably, more). BE SURE TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SENTENCES OF DISCUSSION AND REASONS FOR YOUR VOTE OR YOUR VOTE WILL *NOT* BE COUNTED. My votes: Grand Theft Auto III -- YES Fantastic game. If you haven't played it, don't be fooled by the game's anti-hype. The open world, the tongue-in-cheek humor ... there's tons to enjoy here. This is an absolute must-have for any gamer. Just make sure you have your parent's permission, 'k? Prince of Persia: Sands of Time -- YES The first and finest of the trilogy. Though the combat was a tad shallow in this first installment, the atmosphere is far superior to either of the sequels. Gorgeous music and beautiful environments from beginning to end. And the acrobatic puzzle-solving? Bliss. Halo -- YES Not my personal favorite, but well worthy of a place on this list. I really shouldn't have to explain why. There's a reason this game is the phenomenon it has become. XIII -- NO Cel-shading has been done and shooters have been done, and both have been done far better than this. It had potential, but fell far short, sadly. Animal Crossing -- YES Like ICO, this won't appeal to everyone, but it's amazing how fun this game is. You'd think working off virtual mortgage would repulse you, but my wife and I were both addicts of this game for months. I don't know why it's fun, but clearly Nintendo discovered something in it's audience that we never knew about and tapped it. There are many things that could be improved about it, but I think it's just worthy enough of a YES here.