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My Favorite Video Games

Here are five of my favorite video games that have been influential forms of entertainment and deserve some commemorative attention.

5. Tony Hawk's Underground - (2003)

Developed by Neversoft

I was a huge fan of the Tony Hawk's series. I picked up every game from THPS1 (1999) to Proving Ground (2007), before they began to use motion control. The gameplay is a lot of fun.... Hitting left-down->bb for a Gamecube 360 flip is very satisfying. I really enjoyed THUG 1 because it was the first game in the series to have a fully developed story. I was a New Jersey skater, looking to make it into skate industry and rip around the world. I remember the dialogue and story very well, and I constantly replayed it on higher difficulties, adding different pros to my "skate video". This is the only Tony Hawk game where I completed all of the gap locations. I also enjoyed re-creating Boarderline Skatepark in the Create-A-Park editor. It was cool to virtually skate my local park. I am disappointed that I deleted the park file from my memory card...

4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - (2015)

Developed by Grezzo

The Nintendo 3DS is my favorite console, specifically the New Nintendo 3DS XL. It is comfortable, sleek and has an enjoyable catalog of modern and old games. A Link Between Worlds was my introduction to the Zelda franchise. I eventually got around to Majora's Mask 3D and I instantly fell in love with the art style. The purples and pinks looked great and the level design was stellar. I loved playing MM3D during the Halloween season. For me, it fit the crisp Fall mood in a meaningful way. It's somber, lonely, spooky, uneasy (those creepy mask transfigurations...). I enjoyed running into the scarecrow at the Astral Observatory, as well as exploring the Ikana Graveyard at dusk. In typical Zelda fashion, the music by Koji Kondo is great (I love the Goron Village theme). As a side note, I had a wonderful time playing through Ocarina of Time 3D. That game is fantastic and very memorable... but I think that I enjoy MM a little more because of the spooky aesthetic, the main plot and the finely-tuned side missions.

3. EarthBound - (1994)

Developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory

Earthbound is another game that I logged a hearty amount of hours into. I was gaining interest in a few classics from the Nintendo eShop (Pokémon Yellow, A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country 2, Castlevania 3). Earthbound's cult status and quirky suburban setting greatly captured my attention. During a summer after college, I would enjoy the early mornings with a fresh cup of black coffee and Earthbound. The glitchy, psychedelic, 16-bit battle sequences paired nicely with the caffeine buzz...the catchy musical themes and the computer chip-like sound effects were just as addicting as the La Colombe coffee! I loved the dialogue, story, characters, levels....everything about this game was incredibly charming, witty, challenging and fun. The grinding in this game was enjoyable and the rolling hitpoints mechanic built up a lot of suspense during the more difficult battles. In homage to my favorite TV show, I changed the characters' names to familiar Twin Peaks names (Coop, Laura, Jcoby, Hawk). I was happy to have all of my characters above level 90 and to obtain the 1/128 Sword of Kings for Hawk/Poo. My favorite ending in a video game comes from Earthbound. The final chain of events are psychologically demanding and truly unforgettable.

2. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut - (2013)

Developed by ToyBox Inc.

I really, really love this game. Deadly Premonition is about as close as I can get to playing a Twin Peaks video game. The Lynchian mood was noticeable throughout my entire playthrough and the clunky gameplay/poorly rendered graphics/subpar sound mixing makes me love the game even more. In the game, you play as Agent Francis York Morgan, who is attempting to solve the murder of Anna Graham in Greenvale, Washington. Deadly Premonition is a bizarre murder mystery, filled with highly developed townsfolk, quirky city police officers, a breathtaking Pacific Northwest setting, terrifying ghouls and the infamous Raincoat Killer. There were a number of instances where the Twin Peaks influence was delightfully apparent. Some examples include the design of the Greenvale Sheriff's Department, A & G Diner, The Pot Lady, the picture of Velvet Falls in York's hotel room. I enjoyed coming across these easter eggs and loved exploring all areas and aspects of the game. I genuinely enjoyed spending time at the hotel, conversing with Polly (the owner of the Great Deer Yard Hotel) and having a cup of coffee (with milk, no sugar). The deeply thoughtful plot, the memorable soundtrack (that "Whistle Theme" and those screeching saxophones..ahh!!) and the open world exploration provided the perfect atmosphere for me to become captivated by the game. Unfortunately, I did not do all of the side missions, as I opted for the endgame cutscene. Maybe one day I will hook up my PS3 and attempt to complete all of the content that I missed (isn't that right, Zach?).

1. Donkey Kong 64 - (1999)

Developed by Rare

On Christmas of 1999, I received a Nintendo 64 and Donkey Kong 64. The N64 was my first home video game console and I was ecstatic. I hooked it up to my older sister's television, popped in the brand new, yellow cartridge and was immediately in awe of what I was seeing. The D.K. Rap was (and still is) amazing and the title screen had me more than ready to play. I specifically remember being enchanted by the sweeping cinematic for the Jungle Japes level. The game blew my mind. I played it nearly every summer from 3rd grade up until 12th grade and explored every single nook and cranny. I collected and completed everything for a 101% game completion status! Grant Kirkhope's soundtrack is truly the best, the sound effects are extremely nostalgic, the characters' personalities are super expressive, the 3D level design is engrossing and the comedic tone of the game had me entertained for hours and hours. I loved this game so much. As a teenager, I wrote my own version of a DK Rap, which included five different dogs that were a part of my close family. What makes this game so special to me is the fact that I had a few friends and family members who also loved the game. Having a camaraderie that surrounded the game made it more enjoyable for me to beat a boss, complete challenging mini-games, watch cutscenes and stumble upon something hilarious. Donkey Kong 64 is an absolute gem and it will always be favorite.

[thisbassslaps]

My Favorite Video Game Levels

Here are five video game levels/areas that are memorable to me. The music, creative design, unique atmosphere and intrinsic value are all decisive factors that led to my ultimate choices.

5. Great Deer Yard Hotel

Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut - (2013)

The Great Deer Yard Hotel is filled with interesting facts about Greenvale and its historical hotel. If you enjoy game aesthetics, you will love Deadly Premonition. All of the main locations (e.g. the Hotel, A&G Diner, Sheriff's Dept, Galaxy of Terror and Muses Gallery) are carefully decorated and should be explored at a slow pace. The Great Hotel was the point in-game where I was wholeheartedly pulled into SWERY's mysterious world. The nods to Lynch and Kubrick in the hotel were pleasing, especially the picture of Snoqualmie Falls in York's hotel room. While inspecting each room, hallway, piece of art and furniture, I enjoyed reading about specific objects and finding a few easter eggs here and there. The meeting with Polly for breakfast is my favorite cutscene. The ridiculously long dining table and the nonchalant behavior/deadpan conversation is hilarious and charming. And...what better way to finish an early morning meal than with a hot, fresh cup of coffee?!

4. Ice Cavern

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - (2011)

Recently, I have noticed that I enjoy the colder seasons a lot more than the warmer ones. For whatever reason, winter levels intrigue and comfort me (Ando Prime in Star Wars Ep. I Racer, Mountain Village in Majora's Mask). The Ice Cavern is my favorite winter level and one of my favorite game areas of all time. The ice cold soundtrack is what really stands out for me. The shimmering keyboard bells and gusts of wind offer the sensation of arctic serenity. Besides getting the Iron Boots, there isn't much of a need to spend too much time in this mini-dungeon, but I really enjoyed the serendipitous atmosphere and the puzzles that were a part of it. I loved the sliding block puzzle and the incorporation of the Blue Fire. I was in awe of the final room, where you meet with Sheik in order to learn the "Serenade of Water". As the serenade plays, the camera angles sweep to show the stars on the ceiling and also reveal the glistening icicles that surround you. I love the sense of peace and beauty that is offered in this area.

3. School II

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 - (2000)

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 was one of the funnest games to play as a kid. Each new game release seemed to get better and better in some way (up until Project 8). I have some fond memories of Tony Hawk's 1-4. I primarily chose School II to take the number three spot due to the overwhelming sense of nostalgia that I feel for the level. Oftentimes, this was my "free skate" level of choice. Its career goals were nicely implemented/spread out and the secret areas were fun to engage with. In free skate, School II was a fun choice because I could spend a solid amount of time at a specific quadrant in the level, perform more "realistic" tricks (maybe a kickflip back-smith or kickflip back-lip), then move somewhere else and have just as good of a time (the Roll Call Rails and planter ledges were always a blast). It was also cool to skate a few famous skate spots within the level. These spots included the Leap of Faith, the Gonz Rail and the Carlsbad Gap. Watch out for that golf cart! Beep beep, "skate or die, dude"!

2. Clock Town

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - (2015)

If I could live in a video game world, I would choose to reside in Clock Town. It is a quaint, vibrant, entertaining and cordial place to live. During my first playthrough, I noticed that there is always some "goings-on" in Clock Town. I had fun walking through each building and engaging with the townsfolk. Everyone has their strict schedule, with certain tasks that Link can observe or investigate. I enjoyed following the Postman and Kafei during their daily routines. In addition to the incredibly personalized NPCs, the attention to color and set design are impressive. The Stock Pot Inn seems like a wonderful place to stay. Granny's (Anju's Grandmother's) room is beautifully decorated and the Mayor's Residence in East Clock Town is filled with endearing character. For me, the curved marketplace in West Clock Town is the most memorable area. I've had vivid dreams that take place in something similar to this bazaar strip. The Astral Observatory is one of my favorite locations as well (if it counts as a landmark in Clock Town). What I love about Clock Town, and Majora's Mask in general, is that it has an incredible fall carnival, harvest season atmosphere. There are many games that pull from traditional Halloween themes. In my opinion, MM has more of a unique autumn, crisp air, comfortably spooky art-style. If I were to be a Clock Town resident, I would prefer to be a pumpkin farmer...or a corn grower...and...I'd sell my crops before the moon drops!

1. Angry Aztec

Donkey Kong 64 - (1999)

There is something special about the developer Rare's game design. Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 and Conker's Bad Fur Day all have distinctive graphics, campy storylines and collectathon-driven gameplay. In regards to DK64's levels, all of them are quite memorable. Fungi Forest's day and night cycles offer an innovative twist, Gloomy Galleon is an entertaining 3D water level, and Jungle Japes is a great beginner level. When compared to Jungle Japes, Angry Aztec slightly increases the difficulty, offering more challenging puzzles, platforming and enemies. Angry Aztec takes the crown because I felt completely engrossed in the game environment. The copious amount of tasks had me on my toes for hours on end. There were two Kongs to unlock—Tiny Kong and Lanky Kong. There was also a giant dragonfly boss to defeat. The act of forward thinking was firing on all cylinders and the childish fear of being defeated was raised at a fairly high level. Diddy Kong was my favorite character, and I thought that his jetpack challenges were the coolest thing ever. The additional temples were also exciting and filled with creative content. The Arabian-inspired "Angry Aztec" music track, composed by Grant Kirkhope, is absolutely phenomenal and one that I think about and listen to in present times. As a kid, I would often daydream about DK64. During recess, I would talk to one or two of my friends about boss battle strategies, or go over ways in which to progress through a certain level. My friends and I loved this game, which makes it very special in retrospect. Thanks to Grant Kirkhope's spectacular soundtrack and Rare's love and care for the Donkey Kong franchise, I have become a lifelong Donkey Kong 64 fan.