It's Zero secret that I like Video Games, especially games from the 80's, 90's, and Early 2000's. So on This special edition of Top Whatever, I'm gonna listing My Personal Favorite stuff in Video Games. Whether it be Genres, Franchises, Systems, Characters, and What Have You, they'll all be listed here.
Note: Since this is The Retro Resistance, I'm mostly gonna be covering Retro Gaming (which was from the late 70's to the early 2000's). Thank you.
On With The Countdowns!!!
Top 8 Favorite Genres
My Top 8 Favorite VG Genres.
#8 - JRPGs: I used to love these, before I lost interest. I guess I got tired of the random battles. Still, this genre will always have a special place in my heart. My favorites were Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 7, and Pokemon Gold.
#7 - Racing: Despite me being a fan of Racing Games, I kinda suck at them. Gran Turismo and Mario Kart are my faves.
#6 - Shoot 'em Ups: Shooter are fun. Yeah, I suck at them too. But, I never got tired of them. In fact,My First Video Game was a Shooter - Chopper Command for the Atari 2600.
#5 - Wrestling: As a fan of Wrestling and Video Games, this is a No-Brainer. Gotta love the WWE 2k games.
#4 - 2D Platformers: The most iconic of Video Game Genres. The Most Important Video Game Market was Saved because of these types of games. Sonic, Mario, and Mega Man are my faves from this Genre.
#3 - Puzzle: Puzzle Games are both challenging And fun. My favorite is Tetris.
#2 - Beat 'em Ups: Beat'em Ups are tough, but super fun. Even better if played with a friend. My favorite is Final Fight.
#1 - Fighting Games: I love this Genre So Damn Much that 50% of my Game Collection are made up of Fighting Games. My faves are Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter.
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Top 17 Most Favorite Franchises
#17 - Streets of Rage: Streets of Rage is fun. You beat up thugs To Yuzo Koshiro's awesome soundtrack. Streets of Rage 2 is considered the Best.
#16 - Final Fight: Capcom's first Beat'em-Up. The Franchise has had a few good entries and a garbage one. It's since been integrated into the Street Fighter Franchise. the Original Final Fight is, to me, the best in the Franchise.
#15 - Final Fantasy: Used to be one of my favorite franchises before it crapped up and went to hell. I Hate the newer entries in the franchise. So, the only reason why this Franchise is on this list is because I still love the Old Entries. To me, Final Fantasy Was the Greatest JRPG Series of All Time. Final Fantasy's VI, VII, and VIII are my personal favorites.
#14 - Double Dragon: This Franchise fully introduced me to the Beat'Em-up Genre. Another thing to note is that, Double Dragon has been on again/off again since the late-90's, with new entries releasing sparaticlly. Double Dragon II for the NES will always be the Best in the Franchise.
#13 - Legend of Zelda: One of Nintendo's Top Franchises. Not too big on the 3D Titles, due to me getting lost, but I Love the Traditional Top-Down games.in the Franchise. A Link to the Past is my favorite Zelda Game.
#12 - Dragon Ball Z: I'm a fan of the Anime And a fan of Fighting games, so me liking this franchise a is a no-brainer. I love the The Budokai Trilogy. Xenoverse is decent too.
#11 - Chrono Trigger: The only Franchise on this list with only 3 entries, and I'm only a fan of the 1st game, since the other 2 were severely lacking.
#10 - WWF/WWE: WWF/WWE is my favorite Wrestling Company. I stopped playing after the PS3, but still enjoy watching gameplay footage on Youtube. Favorites include - WWF RAW, WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game, WWF War Zone, WWE '13, and WWF 2k14.
#9 - Donkey Kong: From the Arcade Classics to the Country Series, the Donkey Kong Franchise is great. I love Donkey Cong Countrys 1 and 2.
#8 - Sonic the Hedgehog: Been a fan of the Blue Blur since the beginning. Sure the franchise has taken a sharp dive with it's 3D games after Heroes, but despite that, Sonic The Hedgehog will always remain a favorite. Speaking of, Sonic 2 for the Genesis is my favorite Game in the franchise.
#7 - Marvel v. Capcom: The first ever Crossover Fighting Game Franchise is also one of the Best. Capcom's finest duke it out with Marvel's greatest. I like Marvel Super Heroes v. Street Fighter and Marvel v. Capcom 1 best.
#6 - Tetris: It's Tetris, the Puzzle Game of Puzzle Games. Most Gamers Love Tetris. It's fun and easy to learn and master. The Game Boy version is awesome.
#5 - Street Fighter: The Greatest Non-Crossover Fighting Franchise of them All. Street Fighter II was not only my first entry into the Franchise, But my introduction to the Fighting Game Genre. Super Street Fighter II, Street Fighter III: Third Strike, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 are my top 3.
#4 - Super Mario: One word to describe this Franchise And it's Characters - Iconic! Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros.3 are in my top 3.
#3 - Pokemon: The Pokemon Franchise is Nintendo's Cash Cow. My first entry into Pokemon was with Pokemon Blue, though now I'm a huge Gen Two'er (hyper fan of the 2nd generation). This is my Favorite JRPG, with Pokemon Gold and Silver being my favorite entries..
#2 - Super Smash Bros.: The Greatest Crossover Fighting Game of All Time and My Favorite Fighting Game. Pit Video Games most Iconic Characters against Each other on Platforming Stages. Fun and Chaotic. Ultimate and WiiU/3DS are the best in the series.
#1 - Mega Man: My Favorite Gaming Franchise Ever. The Mega Man Franchise has had many different sub-series, each with their own unique gameplay. My favorite of these sub-series are The Classic Series and The X Series.I'm such a huge fan. My top 3 Mega Man Titles are Mega Man 3, Mega Man X4, and Mega Man X.
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Top 8 Favorite Game Systems
#8 - The Nintendo 64: Nintendo's 64-Bit System. Would've dominated if it used CDs instead of Cartridges. Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario 64 are 2 recommended games.
#7 - The Nintendo Game Boy (GB): The Original Game Boy was my first experience with Portable Gaming. Despite it being colorless and un-backlit, I still hold a special place in my heart for this system and it's great library of games.
#6 - The Nintendo Game Boy Color (GBC): I'm a fan of the Original Game Boy, but an even bigger fan of this one. Not Only can you play the OG Game Boy Games In Color, but the Game Boy Color Exclusive Games are great fun.
#5 - The Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA):Nintendo's 16-bit Handheld not only had a great library of games, but was also backwards comparable with both Game Boy and Game Boy Color Games. The Last Retro System.
#4 - The Sega Genesis: My First 16-Bit System and one that would get me into the Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise. The Genesis had a good library of games and even though it wasn't as strong or as smart as the Super NES, it Was faster. Blast Possessing, Baby!!!
#3 - The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): My 2nd Video Game System. The King of 8-Bit Consoles.
#2 - The Sony Playstation (PS1): Sony's most Legendary Console. From 1997 - 2000, The PS1 Was Thee Gaming Console to Own.
#1 - The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): The Super NES was/is Nintendo's most popular system. It's library of games is Legendary. And like with it's predecessor, the NES, The Super Nintendo launched a slew of Famous Franchises.
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Top 5 Favorite Heroes
#5 - Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII): The first Final Fantasy Hero with a deep backstory, which I Won't go into here. All I'm gonna say is that Cloud was the first "Cool" Final Fantasy Hero and was also relatable in some way.
#4 - Ryu (Street Fighter): Unlike Cloud, Ryu doesn't have a deep and complex backstory. He's just a Japanese Fighter wandering the World challenging it's Greatest Warriors. He's disciplined, a great fighter, and an honorable man.
#3 - Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog): The Fastest Thing Alive. Sonic has great speed and an attitude to match. Sonic was created due to Sega needing a Mascot that could go toe-to-toe with Mario.
#2 - Mario (Super Mario): Mario is the most Iconic Video Game Icon ever and the Everyman of Video Games.
#1 - X (Mega Man X): Dr. Light's final creation. A reluctant Maverick Hunter with infinite potential. X is my Favorite Mega Man character.
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Top 5 Favorite Villains
#5 - Sigma (Mega Man X): The King of the Mavericks. Sigma is the Mega Man version of a Fascist and a Racist, who wants to either enslave or eradicate the Human Race, depending on his mood.
#4 - Ganon/Ganondorf (Legend of Zelda): The reincarnation of the Demon Lord, Demise, and Holder of the Triforce of Power is Link's greatest foe and Hyrule's biggest threat.
#3 - M. Bison (Street Fighter): The Psycho Powered M.Bison was Street Fighters first Super Villain and it's most Iconic.
#2 - Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII): An elite warrior turned psycho. Not gonna dive into any backstories here, but let's just say that Sephiroth's coolness is what makes him one of the most iconic bad guys in gaming.
#1 - Bowser Koopa (Super Mario): The Koopa King and Princess Kidnapper Extraordinaire is, without question, the most iconic Video Game Villain.
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Top 8 Favorite Gameplay Features
#8 - The Job Swapping/Custom Class System (Final Fantasy I, III, and V): This System allows the player characters to take on the rolls of various Job Classes. In III and V, these Jobs could be switched on the fly. A great way to extend replay value.
#7 - The Materia System (Final Fantasy VII): Sticking with Final Fantasy. The Materia System allows the player to customize Battle Options, Increase Stats, and More. There are 5 types of Materia - Magic, Support, Summon, Command, and Independent. Mixing and Matching Materia is a great way to play FFVII.
#6 - Stage Selection (Various Games): Popularized by The Mega Man Franchise. A Stage Selection is self explanatory, so not much to say about this useful feature.
#5 - Weapon Get System aka The Variable Weapons System (Mega Man Series): Speaking of the Mega Man Franchise, the Main Feature (besides the stage select) is the Weapon Get System, where You defeat a Boss and get His Weapon. Then, you can use that Weapon at anytime during the Stage. I love this feature.
#4 - Monster Catching (Pokemon Series): Originally a Dragon Quest feature, popularized by Pokemon. Catch Monsters, Battle With Monsters.
#3 - Multiple Playable Characters (Various Games): A great way to increase replay value and fun of a game is to have Multiple Characters, especially with different gameplay styles, to play as.
#2 - Auxiliary Items (Various Games): Popularized by Super Mario Bros. 3 Auxiliary Items are a great way to help a struggling player.
#1 - Character Customization (Various Games): Customizing a player character or even creating your own is Thee Best Gameplay Feature.
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Top 3 Gaming Magazines
#3 - Electronic Gaming Monthly: I stopped reading Gaming Mags in the Late 90's and EGM was one of those mags.
#2 - GamePro Magazine: I liked this Mag better than EGM, due to it being more fun to read thanks to their cast of fictional reviewers (which, in reality, were cartoon avatars for the actual writers). I liked their rating system and their April Fool's gag, LamePro.
#1 - Nintendo Power: My first Gaming Magazine experience was with NP. I have a whole Nostalgia post planned about this Magazine, so stay tuned for that in the Future.
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Top 5 Video Game Themed TV Shows
#3 - Video Power (1990 - 1992): Hosted by Johnny Arcade. Season 1 previewed and reviewed games, as well as featured The Power Team,a cartoon show about Acclaim Video Game Heroes fighting in the Real World. Season 2 was all Game Show, though Johnny still offered tips for games.
#2 - Nick Arcade (1992): A Game Show where the Highlight was Playing Video Games. And on toppa that, The Winners got to participate in The Video Zone, a "Video Game" where the contestants must finish 3 stages in a limited time by collecting items. They pulled this off using camera tricks and green screen. I'll talk more about this show another time.
#1 - GamePro TV (1991 - 1999): Initially hosted by J.D. Roth, GamePro TV was the #1 Video Game Review and Preview Show. They not only did Software reviews, but Hardware reviews too. As time went on, Roth was out and the show took on a new format. Admittedly, I only watched during the Roth years every Saturday Mornings, though I have caught the Post-Roth Seasons on YouTube.
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Top 62 Recommended Retro Games (from MY Personal Experience!).
#62 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: A 1989/1990 Beat 'em Up for the Arcade
#61 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II - THe Arcade Game: A 1990 Beat 'em Up for the NES.
#60 - Castlevania III - Dracula's Curse: A 1990 Action Platformer for the NES.
#59 - Ninja Guiden II - The Dark Sword of Chaos: A 1990 Action Platformer for the NES.
#58 - Castlevania Bloodlines: A 1994 Action Platformer for the Sega Genesis
#57 - Super Castlevania IV: A 1991 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#56 - Gradius III: A 1991 Shoot 'em Up for the Super NES.
#55 - Mega Man 2: A 1988/1989 Action Platformer for the NES
#54 - Donkey Kong: A 1981 Platformer for the Arcade and NES.
#53 - Donkey Kong Jr.: A 1982 Platformer for the Arcade and NES.
#52 - Golden Axe: A 1989 Beat 'em Up for the Arcade and Sega Genesis.
#51 - Gunstar Heroes: A 1994 Action Game for the Sega Genesis.
#50 - Revenge of Shinobi: A 1989 Action Platformer for the Sega Genesis
#49 - Sonic Spinball: A 1993 Pinball Game for the Sega Genesis.
#48 - .WCW Mayham: A 1999 Wrestling Game for the Sony Playstation and N64.
#47 - Armored Core: A 1997 3D Action Game for the Sony Playstation
#46 - Spiro the Dragon: A 1998 Action Platformer for the Sony Playsyation.
#45 - Jackie Chan's Action Kung-Fu: A 1990 Action Platformer for the Turbo Grafix 16 and NES.
#44 - Mega Man Battle & Chase: A 1997 Racing Game for the Sony Playstation.
#43 - Punch-Out: A 1987 Sports Game for the NES.
#42 - Final Fantasy VI: A 1994 Traditional RPG for the Super NES.
#41 - WWF WrestleMania - The Arcade Game: A 1995 Fighting Game for The Arcade, Sega Genesis, and Sony Playstation.
#40 - Mortal Kombat II: A 1994/1995 Fighting Game for The Arcade and Super Nintendo.
#39 - Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time: A 1998 3D Action RPG for the Nintendo 64.
#38 - Star Fox 64: A Shoot 'em Up for the Nintendo 64.
#37 - Streets of Rage 2: A 1992 Beat 'em Up Game for the Sega Genesis.
#36 - Super Metroid: An 1994 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#35 - Super Mario RPG: A 1996 Traditional RPG for the Super NES.
#34 - Kirby's Super Star: A 1996 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#33 - Kirby's Adventure: A 1993 Action Platformer for the NES.
#32 - Sim City: A 1991 Simulation Game for the Super NES.
#31 - Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins: A 1992 Action Platformer for the Game Boy.
#30 - Super Mario World: A 1990/1991 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#29 - Marvel v. Capcom: A 1998 Fighting Game for the Arcade and Sony Playstation.
#28 - Mega Man - The Power Fighters: A 1998 Action Game for the Arcade.
#27 - Super Street Fighter II: A 1993/1994 Fighting Game for the Arcade, Super NES, and Sony Playstation.
#26 - Pokemon Stadium 2: A 2001 Simulation Game for the Nintendo 64.
#25 - Super Smash Bros: A 1999 Fighting Game for the Nintendo 64.
#24 - Donkey Kong Country 2 - Diddy's Kong Quest: An 1995 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#23 - Legend of Zelda - Link's Awakening DX: An Action RPG for the Game Boy Color.
#22 - Mega Man Xtreme 2: A 2001 Action Platformer for the Game Boy Color.
#21 - Mario Kart 64: A 1997 Racing Game for the Nintendo 64.
#20 - Pac-Man: A 1980 Legendary Game for the Arcade and the NES.
#19 - Sonic CD: A 1993 Action Platformer for the Sega CD.
#18 - Final Fight: A 1989 Beat 'em Up for the Arcade, Super NES, and Sega CD.
#17 - Mega Man X4: A 1997 Action Platformer for the Sony Playstation.
#16 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Turtles in Time: A 1992 Beat 'em Up for the Super NES
#15 - Final Fantasy VIII: A 1999 Traditional RPG for the Sony Playstation.
#14 - Double Dragon II - The Revenge: A 1989 Beat 'em Up for the NES.
#13 - Sonic Adventure 2 - A 2000 3D Action Platformer for the Sega Dreamcast.
#12 - Super Mario 64 - A 1996 3D Action Platformer for the Nintendo 64.
#11 - Chrono Trigger: A 1995 Traditional RPG for the Super NES. .
#10 - Gran Turismo - A 1998 Racing Game for the Sony Playstation.
#9 - Legend of Zelda - A Link to the Past: A 1991/1992 Action RPG for the Super NES.
#8 - Mega Man 3: A 1990 Action Platformer for the NES.
#7 - Pokemon Gold and Silver: A 1999/2000 Traditional RPG for the Game Boy Color.
#6 - Tetris: A 1989 Puzzle Game for The Game Boy. (though tetris is fun on all platforms)
#5 - Street Fighter Alpha 3: A 1998 Fighting Game for the Arcades and The Sony Playstation.
#4 - Final Fantasy VII: A 1997 Traditional RPG for the Sony Playstation.
#3 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2: A 1992 Action Platformer for the Sega Genesis.
#2 - Mega Man X: A 1993/1994 Action Platformer for the Super NES.
#1 - Super Mario Bros. 3: A 1988/1990 Action Platformer For the NES.
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Top 8 Retro Games that Made Their Console's Super Popular (aka the "Killer App" Games).
#8 - Virtua Fighter (the Sega Saturn in 1994/1995): Sega's answer to Street Fighter. Helped the Saturn gain a short success streak in Japan.
#7 - Super Mario 64 (the N64 in 1996): Mario's first 3D adventure. Truley showed off most of what the N64 could do.
#6 - Pokemon Gold and Silver (The Game Boy Color in 1999/2000): Not a launch title, but demonstrated the full potential of the Game Boy Color's capabilities, especially with the Shiny Pokemon.
#5 - Super Mario World (The Super NES in 1990/1991): A Launch title in Japan and a Pack-In one for the U.S. SMW doubled as a Tech Demo, giving players a sneak preview of what the SNES was capable of.
#4 - Tetris (The Game Boy in 1989): Tetris was becoming popular in the late-80's. Came as a Pack-In Game for the Game Boy, which greatly helped moved sales and eventually crush the competition.
#3 - Sonic The Hedgehog (The Sega Genesis in 1991): Like with Super Mario World, Sonic 1 was both a Pack-In Game (in the u.s.) And a Tech Demo. This game effectively demonstrated the Speed of the Sega Genesis.
#2 - Final Fantasy VII (The PS1 in 1997): Like with Pokemon G/S, Final Fantasy VII was not a launch title, but it did show the public what the Sony Playstation could Really do.
#1 - Super Mario Bros. (The NES in 1985): The Game that healed The American Game Industry after the Video Game Crash. Many bought an NES Just to play this game.
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Top Retro Video Game Soundtracks
Saved For it's Own Post.
Well, I hope everyone enjoyed this. Any of Your favorite Retro Games on this list? Anyway, Until next time,Punch Nazis, Kick Commies, Resist Modern Attitudes, and Stay Gold!