These are my all time favorite video games and possibly the finest the history of video game has to offer you. This list is absolutely fat-free, a collection of critically acclaimed interactive digital entertainment of all time.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim A new emperor arises to the throne. The closest thing a CRPG can be to the analog RPG experience.
Oblivion 5th Anniversary Edition Believe the hype. Oblivion revolutionizes the strength of the traditional RPG rooted from the classic 'Ultima' and 'Wizardry' series, and innovates its own rich legacy of 'The Elder Scrolls' series. RPG gamers' dream comes true, that is until the next iteration. It's a must-have on PC just for a superb total conversion called 'Nehrim' and it's free. (http://www.nehrim.de/dataEV.html)
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Game of the Year Edition Although quite dated now in terms of graphic and combat mechanics, the sheer depth and possibility of the gameplay in this game surpasses even 'Oblivion'. Another winner from Bethesda Softworks. You can enjoy the current gen graphics with this unbelievable mod. (http://morrowindoverhaul.net/blog/)
Fallout 3: Game of The Year Edition (PC) Bethesda's another masterpiece beside the renowned TES series is a sequel to the seminal classic 2D CRPG Fallout 1 and 2. Number of choices and contents are overwhelming. True non-linear, open-ended CRPG that lives up to the tradition of 'Fallout' series.
Total War: Shogun 2 This innovative combination between TBS like 'Civilization' and RTT like 'World in Conflict' is by far the best Real-Time Tactics game in the history of video game. Although the Turn-based Strategy part is more than adequete, meats and potatoes of the game are breathtakingly intense ancient military actions that put you in the chair of the some of the most renowned generals-like positions in the history. The game A.I. is based on Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Once you experience this truly amazing battles of the history, you will never go back to other TBS / RTT. Don't forget the other entries of the classic series Empire - Gold Edition, Medieval II Gold Pack (Total War, Total War Kingdoms) and Total War Eras.
God of War: Collection / God of War III / God of War: Origins Collection Quite possibly the best adult 3D action game so far. Insanely brutal, violent and adult-theme-oriented game combines addictive action with mind-bending puzzles and platforming gameplay. Greek mythology reinvented and pumped up to the stratospheric level with breathtaking adrenaline rush. The two sequels expands the storyline and scope with more combat movements, more puzzles, and new platforming manuevers, then complete the full circle. The absolute must-have.
Jak & Daxter Collection The best 3D platform action-adventure game filled with tons of arcade-like mini games-like non-stop actions. The second one expands on the original core gaming mechanism and is injected with 'GTA' like free-roaming adventure. The third one's narrative flow is well fine-tuned to close out the trilogy with a bang. If you like Jak Trilogy, don't forget equally outstanding The Sly Collection; it plays more like Saturday morning cartoon serials of yesteryears and bring back your childhood memories.
Metroid Prime Trilogy Collector's Edition Another hugely successful franchise that rivals 'The Legend of Zelda' series in quality is not just another run of the mill FPS but 'First Person Adventure' that emphasizes exploration and puzzle solving. This exciting action-packed shooter renovates the classic side-scrolling adventure from the NES day into the 21st century and spawns two more sequels. Don't forget to try Metroid Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission on Gameboy Advance.
Metal Gear Solid / Metal Gear Solid HD Collection / Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots This is the one that started the entire 'Stealth Action' genre. Funny how this game was created by Japanese game auteur Hideo Kojima out of the technological limitation of the 2D sprite era; He wanted to create an exciting all-out, shoot'em-up action game, but the technology at the time prevented him. Out of desperation, he took the totally opposite direction. The rest is history. The series are inarguably the most cinematic video game of all time.
Gothic Universe Gothic Trilogy is outstanding CRPG collection that offers open-ended RPG experience with multiple endings. Rough around the edge in terms of production value but 3 games, 300 hours gameplay, are hard to resist if you are a CRPG fan.
The Witcher Enhanced / The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition One of few video games that were intended solely for CRPG-specific mature audience. With story-focused progression, semi-open world and lots of decision-making that will directly impact your gameworld, there are so much to sink your teeth into.
Final Fantasy X / Final Fantasy X-2 Final Fantasy was supposed to be the swan song for a struggling small game developer named 'Squaresoft', one final effort to go out with a bang. Instead of the final entry of the company, it became the record-breaking behemoth of the event game. The highest production value and art direction, memorable characters and haunting scores are some of the watermarks of the series. Don't forget all other installments.
Unreal Anthology / Unreal Tournament III Collector's Edition The best multiplayer FPS experience for single-player and equally inventive and exciting multiplayer gameplay. There's no filler in this FPS, and this is the most frantic, pure action-oriented FPS. Both UT 2004 and UT 3 offer the toolsets used by the developers and you can create mod and excellent in-depth video tutorial to guide you through the modding process.
Far Cry / Crysis Maximum Edition The new breeds of FPS pumped some serious dose of fresh and exciting changes into the stale genre. Open-ended gameplay design within the confinement of linear level progression set in open-world-esque environment with some vehicular action thrown in the mix. We need more of these and please, without any aliens / monsters toward the second half.
Batman: Arkham City Action Video Game - PC Game / inFAMOUS Two excellent comic-book superhero action adventure games that take place in large open-world environment with absorbing story-telling and plenty of side distractions outside the main quests.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy The first one reinvented itself, second one perfected the formula, and the third one blossomed into the formidable franchise that has created the whole 'open-world' gameplay' frenzy that hasn't been equaled since.
ESPN NFL 2K5 The best football video game of the history was every which way superior to 'Madden' franchise. From presentation that rivals the actual live footage from ESPN NFL Countdown, running in-game commentary that is light-year ahead of anything Madden said during the entire franchise run, vast amount of options and extra, to excellent graphic that still looks great, this one belongs to 'The Hall of Fame' of football video game. Too bad 'EA Sports' sabotaged Sega's Championship effort by purchasing the exclusivity of NFL logo and right, and ended its short-lived glory.
