Summer Game Challenge 2013 - Begin when ready!

[BogusMeatFactory]

Oh I could make a case on the Myst games and fight for their place as a classic (especially Myst, Riven, Myst V and URU...but that is another story all together), but for the sake of peace and to continue in the spirit of the challenge here is my revised list.

Kirby's Adventure- NES
Super Metroid - SNES
Pikmin - Gamecube
Braid - PC
Wing Commander II - PC
Abe's Odysee - PS1
MDK - PS1
ICO - PS2
Monkey Island 2: Lechuck's Revenge - PC
Jurassic Park - Sega CD

[prfsnl_gmr]

-Target Earth (not a very high regarded shmup iirc)

I only take issue with this one. Target Earth is the first game in the highly-regarded Assault Suits series, and it spawned four sequels. Moreover, it was an "editor's pick" for the greatest games of all time in EGM 150. (That is, it did not make the list, but at least one of EGM's editors thought that it should have...other games in this category include Earthbound, Bonk's Adventure, and several other games that many of us would consider classics.) Finally, it is a lot of fun and relatively easy to complete. Accordingly, I think that it is a great pick for the Summer Game Challenge.

[foxhound1022]

Kirby 64 ------ Kirby's Dream Land 3 (SFC)
Ax Battler ------ Mega Man (GG)
Crossed Swords ------ King of Dragons (SNES)
Tenchi wo Kurau ll ------ Akumajou Dracula X (SAT)
Mission: Impossible ------ Gradius (NES)

This may be subject to change.

[alienjesus]

Yeah, I won't be changing Loco Roco. I think it warrants a place.

I also don't believe that a game doesn't count as a classic just because it's a hidden gem or a cult classic. We're a forum that collects retro games, this stuff is our bread and butter. I also don't believe that you should ditch a game that is considered one of the best or defining games for a system just because that system is obscure - if you collect NGPC, Jaguar or Lynx games, then it is a bad thing that you haven't played some of the most obvious choices for the system, just as much as not playing FFVII if you collect PS1 games imo.

Definitely ditch Mission Impossible and Ax Battler though Foxhound. For your sanity more than anything, those games are terrible. I beat Ax Battler last year and I wouldn't bother doing it again.

[mjmjr25]

Kirby 64 ------ Kirby's Dream Land 3 (SFC)
Ax Battler ------ Mega Man (GG)
Crossed Swords ------ King of Dragons (SNES)
Tenchi wo Kurau ll ------ Akumajou Dracula X (SAT)
Mission: Impossible ------ Gradius (NES)

This may be subject to change.

I quite liked, lo, loved Kirby 64 and is my favorite in the series behind Kirby's Adventure and Kirby's Dreamland 3. It looks stunning for early 3D in s-video - excellent pick imo.

Tenchi wo Kurau II = KEEP! Maybe dsh confused it w/the RPG of the same name, i'm not sure, but it is absolutely a classic. The arcade version was a massive arcade hit on the CPS1 hardware (Warriors of Fate) and the engine for dozens of classic beat 'em ups on SNES/SFC/PGM and beyond. The SAT port is excellent - please play it.

[AppleQueso]

Kirby 64 is a game I really should give another shot someday. I played it when it first came out, but found it kinda slow and boring. Really disappointing for me at the time because I loved Adventure and Super Star.

[Blu]

Here We Go:

Skies of Arcadia Legends (GCN)
Phantasy Star II (GEN)
Phantasy Star IV (GEN)
Final Fantasy (Various) - I'm up for suggestions if there's a particular title I should experience for any game before VII; please let me know which number we're talking about US-wise, since I know the numbering is different.
Jet Grind Radio (DC)
Outrun 2 (oXbox)
Pikmin (GCN) - Added for kicks and grins to play with BogusMeatFactory.
Sonic the Hedgehog - Get all Chaos Emeralds. (GEN)

Top tier list?

[dsheinem]

Tenchi wo Kurau II = KEEP! Maybe dsh confused it w/the RPG of the same name, i'm not sure, but it is absolutely a classic.

Ah, he's playing Tenchi o Kurau II (technically "Tenchi o Kurau 2: Sekiheki no Tatakai" aka "Warriors of Fate")? That would be fine.

I stand by the Kirby 64 critique, though.

[dsheinem]

Also, I don't know if I am more amused by those of you arguing about my definition of a classic/games that don't fit or by those of you changing your lists to match it. Perhaps I should instead be equally honored and perturbed, but mostly I am just amused.

Besides, there's one entry in that list that clearly suggests a lack of dogmatism...

[AppleQueso]

Final Fantasy (Various) - I'm up for suggestions if there's a particular title I should experience for any game before VII; please let me know which number we're talking about US-wise, since I know the numbering is different.

Most people will say VI(III in the original US SNES release) or IV(II in the original US SNES release.)

If you play VI/IIIus, if possible, try and shoot for the SNES cart. The GBA version is infamous for wonky audio, and the Playstation port is infamous for its slowdown and long load times.

If you're playing IV/IIus, try and avoid the SNES cart. The original release of II in the US is dumbed down and has a really poor translation. Most of the other versions will probably be fine (save for the divisive DS remake), I'm sure op.woc could tell you a bit more there. Personally, I'd reccomend the Playstation port, as it's pretty good and dirt cheap. It has a completely redone translation and doesn't have any of the slowdown or load time issues that the Playstation ports of V and VI do.