NGN FAVORITES: VIDEO GAMES

I was a spoiled kid, but parent didn't focus that on video games. Not complaining, just explaining the shortness on some platforms. Plus, I grew up when video stores were in their prime and the sharing with friends option was always there. I've always gotten a console when I asked for one, so that was pretty good considering I had 3 siblings and I had to share nothing (9+yrs older here). Now as an adult, I have my "must haves" and everything else is a wait for a price drop or go on sale. Here are all the games that I have liked since Mario popped my cherry in the 1980's...

Fav NES Games

• Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
• Super Mario Bros. 2
• Super Mario Bros. 3
• Batman: Return Of The Joker
• Mega Man 3
• RBI Baseball
• The Legend Of Zelda
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
• Mike Tyson's Punch Out

Mario was boss for me in the beginning, as I am sure he was for the majority of the general video game fans back then. Tastes evolve, but you don't forget your first haha Duck Hunt makes it for usage, both being the second game I owned (coming with Super Mario Bros.) and for being the only game I used the gun for haha There were some wrestling games both from WWF (WWE) and NWA (WCW), but they were a bigger part of my later years in terms of time spent. I also had the Power Glove, but could never get the damn thing to work haha

Fav SNES Games

• Super Mario World
• Super Mario All-Stars
• Street Fighter II Turbo
• Super Street Fighter II
• NHL '94
• NBA Jam
• Spider-Man And Venom: Maximum Carnage
• Sim City
• Donkey Kong Country

Mario makes it in again, for the same reasons. Super Mario All-Stars sneaks in for allowing us to play the originals (a lot of NES became hard to use, and didn't know how to clean and that as a kid), and giving the lost levels (which was basically exactly like Super Mario Bros.) was okay if bored. Was slightly obsessed with the Street Fighter games, having a need to see the end stories for all characters (I didn't mind the movie, it was different but loved the game to didn't care too much then haha). NHL '94, on sale at the now defunct Bi-way, and I am Canadian.

Fav N64 Games

• Mario 64
• WWF War Zone
• WWF Wrestlemania 2000
• WWF No Mercy
• Resident Evil 2
• Donkey Kong 64
• The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
• The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• Spider-Man

The Nintendo 64 holds memories, mainly being that played and completed Mario 64 Christmas Eve while I wrapped every present, including the ones for myself (it was a lot too, 4 of us kids and spoiled). With the N64 began the Wrestling obsession. Constantly in creative mode, making multiple variations of myself and wrestlers not featured in the game. I was one of the rare people who didn't actually enjoy 007, I just don't like first person shooters.

Fav X-Box Games

• WWE RAW
• WWE RAW 2
• Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic
• Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
• Batman Begins
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4

I didn't play much on my X-Box. I initially got it because I wanted the feature to add music to it (pre-everything can store music, and everyone has something days). I absolutely loved the two Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic games, and still wish that the franchise would come to the Dark Side that is Playstation consoles.

Fav Playstation Games

• Twisted Metal III
• Gran Turismo
• Crash Bandicoot
• Final Fantasy VII
• Final Fantasy VIII
• Final Fantasy IX
• Legend Of Legaia
• Legend Of Dragoon
• Spyro The Dragon

Most of my initial PSone playing came when I would swap my N64 with my little brother for his Playstation. Memory there was finally getting licenses, saving it of course, and him losing the memory card haha The majority came later when my lady and I had one. There came Final Fantasy. Which I enjoyed before, but owned later and got to play the crap out of them. With those came the games she liked with Dragoon and Legaia.

Fav PS2 Games

• Grand Theft Auto III
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
• Bully
• Spider-Man 2
• WWE Here Comes The Pain
• WWE Shut Your Mouth
• WWE Raw Vs Smackdown!
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
• Dark Cloud

This is when Wrestling games were at an all time high for me, again lost in creative modes. With the PS2 O was introduced to Grand Theft Auto III. Needless to say, basically I play needs to be similar in terms of game play. Free-mode, huge maps, first person mode is non-existent or optional. The follow-ups were even better. Although the amount of commercial time Vice City had might have forced us, at least up here in Canada where the commercial was airing even a few years after (on The Score/Sportsnet360).

Fav PS3 Games

• Batman: Arham Asylum
• Batman: Arkham City
• Batman: Arkham Origins
• Grand Theft Auto IV
• DC Universe Online
• Lego Batman: The Video Game
• Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
• Spider-Man 3

Remember what I said about Grand Theft Auto? Well, Grand Theft Auto IV started my wishing I had a Batman game like that. Envisioning Gotham as I cruised the city. I eventually got that with the Arkham series. I was not disappointed either, given that franchise is now ahead of Grand Theft Auto. PS3 also gave me my first online experience with DC Universe Online. Which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and hoped they gave a new version on PS4. And like many other immature adults, or those with kids to use an excuse, I enjoy the Lego games. Of course, Batman takes the cake there.

Fav PS4 Games

• Batman: Arkham Knight
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
• Assassin's Creed: Syndicate
• Deadpool
• Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
• Lego Marvel Superheroes
• DC Universe Online

Batman: Arkham Knight left me hoping that it isn't the end. Regardless, it is why I wanted to upgrade from a PS3. And although I hadn't played previous installments, which may be why, I really like the Assassin's Creed franchise. That happened through Black Flag and Syndicate, which goes against the grain from what I hear. Deadpool was originally a PS3 game, but I only have it on PS4 so it makes this list. Although not a direct movie rip-off, but an upgrade would be nice for the Merc With A Mouth. Still not a whole lot of PS4 games just yet, and hopefully there will be a ton more, given rumors that PS5 will be purely digital.

THINGS I KIND OF MISS IN GTA

Now before I begin, I should point out that I haven't even cracked the surface of Grand Theft Auto V. One of the last things I did in the game before joining The Darkside of GTAOnline was reintroduce Trevor to Michael haha My original intention was to play and complete the main game, and then, pop my cherry in the online world of Grand Theft Auto. Things changed, I got hooked, and am now planning on returning to regular game mode when I let my Playstation Plus membership run out and take a break from it. I mention this as perhaps some of the things I am about to mention are in the regular game and I just haven't "unlocked" them yet. All I know for sure is that they are absent from at least the online world.

Taxi Cabs

With the online version I kind of get the absence, people could simply target the yellow cabs and people would stop using them . It would be funny to see them replace the taxi's of old with uber drivers and cars. It would poke fun of the "war" between the two, as well as eliminate the targeting mentioned above. I'm lazy at times, I do tend to play solo, and would make doing some daily objectives easier to do in terms of distance traveled for say the Flight School stuff.

Restaurants

I do like how we can go into more places now and do more things. Clothing stores, Ammunation, etc. But, the restaurants should have stuck around in my opinion. Both to recharge/heal our characters, but also more places to rob. The stores simply weren't enough, and it sucks that we can't rob other places. Could have perhaps made them as options when planning jobs. Can visualize the trophy/achievement for one of each in one go as police involvement increases with each passing hold-up.

Working Out

I liked this aspect from GTA: San Andreas. I also like how we have to build up skills and qualities, and build each up in a variety of ways (swimming, running, shooting, etc). I also like how there are a variety of activities like golf, tennis, shooting range, etc. I just miss the ability to bulk and de-bulk our characters. Yes, I like aspects similar to The Sims. I see GTA Online as The Sims for the cooler people haha

Grand Theft Auto III

Weird thing to say, but it is the only game in the franchise that I haven't really noticed. GTA: San Andreas is obviously there (you can even drive up to your old home...pack heat though...not a warm welcome at times haha) given the location of the game. There are some parts that reminded me of GTA: Vice City, there was one area (which of course I can't find again) that reminded me of the area around your initial hideout in the that game. Whether that was intentional or not, I am not sure. GTA IV may not have locations, but I do know that the main character is at least seen on the "internet" within the game. But nothing about GTA III from what I have seen. I know it took place in Liberty City, but still. It was the game that truly launched this franchise. Homage should be paid....again, unless I missed it haha

Again, I simply missed this stuff in the main game having only just begun. In case this is all correct, then I stand by my word haha Perhaps I am just greedy, being a typical hater of change (well, more loss), or a combination of them all. That doesn't matter haha With what we pay to simply play (cost of game, cost of PS Plus, DLC's to stop from getting bored) we deserve it all haha And if the future is a purely digital video game world, I will be demanding the absolute best!....I'll likely just settle and accept things, but I will blog about it dammit! haha

FRANCHISES THAT SHOULD SIGN WITH ROCKSTEADY

If not Rocksteady/Rockstar, then at the very least a "Grand Theft Auto" or "Batman: Arkham..." style/concept with another gaming company. Most notably "free-roaming" as this became a personal must have after playing "Grand Theft Auto III" on PS2 back in 2002, and the GTA games that followed. And after daydreaming of "GTA IV" being "Batman-ized" it became reality with "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and company.
Now some of the may have possibly have had a video game with the same idea, not a "hardcore gamer" but personally haven't played them. But, if  they have appeared before, then let us simply add them to the "remake, and release on the almost baron PS4 platform" list. And sorry to the X-Box peeps, but this is basically Playstation focused. But, hey most if not all would be available to you as well. (yes, well aware of Spidey. But, Batman "won" this battle thus far...well a matter of opinion for sure).....

Ghostbusters

This may have happened on an earlier platform, but with the new remake coming out, why not revisit and improve on the video game side of things? Either a customizable "noobie" joining the squad, or if they have to use movie characters as the playables, then make it a mixture of the original and the new.

Green Arrow

Pretty much every DC Comics and Marvel Comics character could fit here, and they do, but loving the CW television series "Arrow" so we're going with Ollie. Batman has shown it can work, some would need something extra to make it work for them (Superman, etc), but needs to happen.

Mega Man

Haven't played these since the late 80's and early 90's on the original NES, but thought it would have been cool to see Mega Man at least in a manner similar to Mario in Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64. And yes, have mentioned Nintendo twice but am still pushing for a PS4 platform. But, this would be a cross between N64 3-D style meets Grand Theft Auto realism. Still "cartoonish" though.

Street Fighter

Has there been a style done like this before? I know that there has always been a "story" to it all, but it was generally a head to head fighting game. What if the fighters traveled the globe training, developing their trademark abilities, and of course fighting. Except the fights will be part of the story. For example, say Ryu has to fight and defeat the disiples of the master who taught him the Hadouken. All this leads up to the "Street Fighter Tournament". Each player has a different path, but develop at the players own pace and direction. Just an idea.

Star Wars

No. Not a racing game. No. Not a movie adaptation. No. Not "The Force Unleashed". But, something that would be the beautiful offspring of GTA and Knights Of The Old Republic (X-Box). Free roaming. Decision based, to head towards the lightside or darkside of The Force. Most importantly, on a Playstation console.

Underworld

Not as Selina or any other main player in the movies, but as a freshly turned Vampire or Lycan. Looking to climb the ranks of any faction, perhaps a neutral "third party" as well. Grand Theft Auto style for sure, with random citizens actually being members the opposing "team", who turn and start to fight you. Perhaps the ability to "turn" others would become an option as you progress and develop your characters. Cross-over DLC's would include versions of Van Helsing and Bufy. Who of course are playable in game, but are hunters.

Sons Of Anarchy

Sure, we basically seen this with "GTA IV: Lost And Damned", but it would be different in the way the it would be loosely based on the television series, not directly. And it would be about progressing and developing your character, climbing the ranks from earning your "cut" until you are President of the club. Perhaps somewhat decision based in regards to path to the top as well direction of the MC.

There are plenty more of course, almost anything one likes in entertainment could apply here. Almost. And of course a matter of personal preference. Perhaps another day, more will be listed. Until then.....stay Nerdy!