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9: The Legend of Zelda
Yes, A Link to the Past refined the formula, and yes, Ocarina of Time introduced us to the majesty of a fully-realised 3D Hyrule. However, one should not underestimate quite how influential Link’s first adventure really was, granting us the absolute freedom to explore the huge 360 degree map at our leisure. We were no longer simply able to move from left to right in order to reach our goal, and at the time this was almost too overwhelming for my young brain to process. This may seem like old hat in these days of open worlds and sandbox games, but back in good ol’ 1986, this title was truly revolutionary and almost every Zelda game since has essentially stuck to the same core structure and mechanics.
GREAT LIST! i totally agree with you, i love all those games, sadly i have never played chronno cross or animal crosing, but the rest of the list sits comfortably on my shelves :)
chronno trigger, my bad
OMG where’s ocarina, i know that it may sound like cliche, but that game redefined 3d games and adventure games. Also it was the introduction of the z-targeting
While I like your list, there’s one problem I have with it. There’s no representation of either the Metroid or Castlevania series. I know that Super Metroid made the honorable mentions, but as for games the truly “changed the industry” the list is lacking without including the founder and refiner of a genre that is still done today.
We’ve been through this list a billion times. You really want to check out the one’s you’ve missed, go to the book store/library and pick up “1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die.” That is the gamer’s bible.
So, don’t get me wrong, I love Ocarina!! I just feel that it is still pretty much the same formula set out in the original title, just with the bells and whistles that came with the jump to 3d.
Metroid and Castlevania have never really been a part of my life for some bizarre reason! I have recently started playing Super Metroid for the first time and I love it, but I was doing the list based on my own experiences. I take your point though-I am aware that these games are so influential they even have us the term ‘Metroidvania’, which must count for something right?
And yes, I know these games aren’t exactly the most controversial of choices. Like I said, they are the games that made ME think I was experiencing something new and exciting. I will check that book out
but I have neither the time or inclination to create a list large enough to keep everyone happy! Any suggestions on the titles you think I have missed would be welcome.