The last eight years has been quite the time to be playing video games. My own tastes have changed as I grew as a person. Here are the top eight games that reflect my time with MonsterVine and the shifting of generations.
Rhythm Heaven Megamix
A pure and simple rhythm game that takes all of the best bits of my favorite Nintendo Franchise and puts them into the perfect, portable package. The rhythm games are incredible, the artwork and design blends charm and humor in a way that speaks to me directly.
Dead Space 2
An incredible blend of action, tension and survivability, Dead Space 2 is the perfect example on how to make a sequel. Survival horror has never been blended with action in a way that has pulled me in more so than Dead Space 2, and it is still a game I play every year around Halloween.
Rayman Origins
Not being a fan of of any of the previous Rayman games, mostly due to the character being designed with floating limbs. Rayman Origins refined the 2D platforming, and had me obsessed with finding every hidden object and racing to 100% the game.
Rock Band 2
The second entry of the Rock Band franchise is what really cemented the game’s place in history. Before households were completely full of plastic instruments, Rock Band 2 had me getting with friends, playing and socializing in the same room in a way that a game hadn’t done since Halo: Combat Evolved LAN parties.
Alan Wake
Developer Remedy made a shift from Max Payne and put all of their effort into an atmospheric narrative driven action game that really pays off. The bizarre world of Alan Wake had me at the edge of my seat the entire time and I am still hoping for Remedy to revisit the concepts and characters in a future game.
Portal 2
An incredible fleshing out of the mechanics and ideas humor that Portal established. The levels are interesting and the puzzles do well at explaining things with plenty of well written humor to keep you company. Once the main story is completed the cooperative puzzles offer a new layer of challenge and one of the best two-player experiences from the last generation.
Bloodborne
Another genre that I don’t normally play, the fast paced twitch combat pulled me into the world in a way that the other souls games have yet to do. The enemies and level are designed in a wonderfully grotesque assortment of gothic/victorian style which give the word a sense of familiarity. If you don’t normally like souls games, give Bloodbourne a try, you might like it.
Spelunky
Initially when I played Spelunky I didn’t like it. I played for 15 minutes and didn’t understand the appeal. Three months later I fell in love. The intricate systems work with each other and against the player in a way that creates a beautiful chaos. I am still working to see the true ending of the game, and improving my skills slowly through daily plays.
