The best movies/games/etc lists: What do you think?

[saturnfan]

I have actually thought long and hard about what actually makes a "top 10 game" a "top 10 game".

What is the criteria? Does it have to be the pinnacle of entertainment, or can other factors be acceptable. For example, historical significance tends to play a large role. That is why you always see the same games in the top 25 when these "professionals" put out top 100 lists. Has there seriously been no improvement in video games since Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, and Tetris?

Take Doom for example, often cited as the greatest FPS... but why? Because it was unique? Or because it helped shape the FPS genera that hasn't stopped spitting out mediocre clones since 1993?

[MrEco]

I don't mind the lists. I do however mind when somebody holds nostalgia and historical value in higher regard than actual quality. Also it's funny how stupid some people can be getting all pissy because the list of the "top 10 X" or whatever doesn't have all of their favourite entries in it. If you want a list that represents your opinion then write the damn list yourself. Otherwise shut the hell up please.

[AppleQueso]

"the best" type lists can sometimes be useful as a starting point for exploring a fairly narrow genre or something. I'm sure lots of people have gotten something out of Racketboy's lists for various consoles for example.

Not a lot of use for "top ten best games EVER MADE"

[Erik_Twice]

IWhat is the criteria? Does it have to be the pinnacle of entertainment, or can other factors be acceptable. [...]
Take Doom for example, often cited as the greatest FPS... but why

I think that the lack of criteria is not only a problem when it comes to "best of" lists but to reviewing overall. Just think about it, how many review sites have you read that explained why a game got 8.8 instead of 7 or if an "average game" is 5 or 7?

Without any kind of explanation any kind of numerical system is useless!

[AznKhmerBoi]

lol thats easy -