#170 – Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (PS2)
A-Spec is my favorite GT game and also one of my favorite racing games. GT3 smoothed out the gameplay so much from the previous entry and looks so much better as well (obviously). The arcade-y feel is still there which adds to the driving aspect. There’s not much I can analyze about this game other than the fact that I still play this game and it still gives me a kick like it always used to which speaks volumes for itself.
#169 – Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (NES)
As Little Mac you have to make your way up the ranks beating world class boxers and ultimately have a bout with the invincible Mike Tyson. There wasn’t a single decent boxing game at that time. And Punch-Out 1 was like a genius invention. The best element in the game is the charismatic and funny opponents you meet throughout the game. Figuring out how to beat them is also half the fun and with patience you can see right through your opponents except Mr. Tyson who is just a cold blooded killer. The gameplay mechanics are very simple and quite simple to master as well which adds so much to the entertainment value. Punch-Out definitely takes the award for best sporting game of its generation.
#168 – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA)
Superstar Saga is my one and only experience with the Mario & Luigi series unfortunately. This game is an RPG, not many places where you can say that about a Mario game but it was much to my delight. I was expecting cliché-isque gameplay and story instead I was treated to a hilarious experience and just an overall very “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day” vibe from this game. This game isn’t similar to the either Super Mario RPG or Paper Mario and I’m glad it isn’t. The GBA has a great collection of RPGs and classic RPG remakes. This game transcends the norm and is just a great game.
#167 – Super Mario Bros (NES)
I’m pretty sure many were expecting this later than sooner and I’m also pretty sure EVERYONE’s already familiar enough with this game for me to not write an explanation of how this game is. Instead I’ll give my take on it. Classic. Played it to death. Impressive as always but many other games outdid it.
#166 – WWF No Mercy (N64)
No Mercy is hailed by MANY as the best wrestling game and for good reason. However I’ll spoil the ranking list a little by saying there’s one above this. Some of No Mercy’s best feature lies with the match options and the fabled CaW. The sheer depth of that feature and at that time was more than any WWE/F fan could have ever imagined. Career Mode also kicks major ass because the game was developed in the post-Attitude Era where many Superstars from the Era was at their prime.
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Rock n' Roll and Glam Metal... It never died