I grew up in the 80's during which time video games sprung on the scene. I can remember days of going to our small town's local arcade with a few dollars, buying a pack of Now-or-Laters for 10 cents, and using the rest of the money playing Donkey Kong and Pac-man. I remember getting my first Atari 2600 when I was around 6 or 7 and playing games like Combat, Pong, and Pitfall. The memories of heading to the skating rink on Friday night and playing Defender while waiting for a better song to be played. Needless to say I have loved video games from a young age. I think it allows me to both escape and get a sense of accomplishment (yeah...I know, its just a game).
Now at the age of 35 I am still a "gamer." Just got a PS3 about 6 months ago and I love both being alone to unwind with a sports game, or playing something like Guitar Hero with my family. It is good entertainment.
I have complied a list of my top 10 favorite games of all time. Some are not critically acclaimed and a few may be controversial but these are the games I have enjoyed escaping into the most:
10. Donkey Kong- got to love one the original Donkey Kong. I lost more quarters trying to save that princess than I care to admit. A good documentary to check out that will make you feel like a winner in the face of so many loosers is the documentary "King of Kong." Console- Atari
9. Contra - one of the first great two player war games. Console - Nintendo
8. Tiger Woods Golf (on the Wii) - An amazing game that lets you actually swing the golf club in accordance with your onscreen character. Console - Wii
7. Tecmo Bowl - One of the first great football games. Bo Jackson was ridiculously too fast on this game. Console - Nintendo
5. The Sims - Warning! This game is verrryyy addictive. It is amazing the different perspective you get on life when you watch and interact with these little life simulators. Console - PC
4. Final Fantasy VII - you have to like the storyline games genre to enjoy this game and this series of games. I do alot! It was not uncommon for me in my early 20's (before kids) to play this 4 or 5 hours at a time and not even know that the time had passed. Console - PS2
3. Sim City 3000 - I love games in which I am able to manage something. This game gives you the controls of starting, developing, and maintaining a city. It is very educational and very addictive. I still play it today, although there are some later versions available. Console - PC
2. Madden Football series - I love football!! This game has progressivly gotten better ever year it has been released since 1989. I usually buy a new version every two years or so, but have played every years release. The madden series allows you to enjoy playing football against someone else, or enjoy playing the cpu in a franchise mode. Console- nearly every console imaginable.
1. Grand Theft Auto 3 (San Andreas) - First let me say from the outset...Do not let your kids play this game! It is an adult game with adult themes. My wife has asked me on occasion why I like to play this sort of game. My only response is that it is a means of escape to a world that allows you to be a deviant if you choose to be. Console - PS2 and XBox
My fellow gamers, it is OK to take off the mask and admit you are a gamer. What are some of your favorite games?
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