Games That Never Get Old

We all play games first and foremost because its fun and it offers us a way to escape from our hectic routines. For there is nothing more pleasing and enjoyable than immersing yourself in a quality title; what was the last title that you played that you just couldn't put down? No doubt a whole slew of quality titles will come rushing through your mind and you may get all giddy inside thinking about them. With that, here is five games that I just can't get enough of.

 

Resident Evil 4

 

Zombies, gore, limited ammo and enclosed areas, what do all this three elements share? They are all staples to the survival horror genre and when one thinks about its birth, no title features more prominently that the Resident Evil games. With three iterations and countless spinoffs, comes the true sequel to the Resident Evil games that truly turns the series around on its head. Gone are the slow and mindless zombies, replaced with fast thinking and resourceful Los Ganado, who attack in hordes and who won't stop at nothing until you have been beaten to a pulp. Before I delve on into what changes this game brought about, I will give a little insight into this survival horror franchise that truly invented the genre that have scared us to bits.

 

What does Survival Horror mean?

 

Drawing heavily from the influence of horror fiction, the genre often pits characters that are vulnerable and often at times unarmed, which ultimately places the emphasis on evading from enemies and solving various puzzles. Other staples of the genre may also require the player to manage scarce ammunition and also a limited inventory. Not to mention, limited camera movement is also often at times included to up the scare factor, which requires players to think fast and conserve ammo at all times.

 

 

"You were almost a Jill Sandwich!"

 

How is Resident Evil 4 so different?

 

Well, for one the tank-like controls have improved and this has made manoeuvring past enemies much easier and overall more robust. Not to mention, gone are the three way shooting mechanic of old that seem to grow stale after each iteration, to be replaced with an over the shoulder aiming mode. If that wasn't enough, you could shoot an enemy in the arm, legs or its head for that matter and it would instantly stagger away and drop their weapon of choice. Move towards it, and you could perform an uppercut or a roundhouse kick if you are fast enough.

 

After playing through the game, I have to say that Resident Evil 4 is truly a remarkable game that delivers in all fronts and as it builds on the successful formula of its past games, its the definitive instalment that should be played by fans and non-fans alike.

 

Super Mario 64

 

Ask anyone who has ever played a game before, and chances are they have played a Mario title. With mushrooms that makes you bigger in size, flowers that grant you the ability to toss fireballs and enemies that need to be stumped on, the Mario games is truly unique as it is fun. Being the first 3D game in the Mario series, Super Mario 64 introduced players to a fully realized open-ended area, increased movement that allowed players to move and interact with the environment in a whole new way and with a major revamp in its graphics, it was a remarkable game. Many critics have hailed the game as "revolutionary" as it set the benchmark for many other 3D platforming games that implemented its use of a dynamic camera mechanic and its analog controls. If seeing Mushroom Kingdom brought to life on a screen wasn't enough, the DS version lets you play it on the go and its a must-have title.

 

 

"It's a me, Mario!"

 

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

 

Taking the 2D trappings of past Zelda games and improving on the graphics and its gameplay, Ocarina of Time is a game that never gets old as it holds up really well in the midst of many must-have games available today. Set before the first four games, Link sets on journey to stop Ganondorf, King of Gerudo from obtaining the Triforce, a sacred gem that grants its holder any wishes they desire. Throughout the game, Link travels across different timelines and navigates various dungeons to awaken sages who have the power to seal Ganondorf for good. Music also plays an integral role in the game, as Link has to learn to play several songs on an Ocarina, a flute-like instrument that allowed you to progress. While the game felt and played like previous Zelda games, its ingenuity and compelling story was what made the game timeless, and will be forever remembered.

 

 

Tetris

 

Making its way on nearly every game consoles and even on other gadgets such as calculators, mobile phones and even on non-media products such as the oscilloscopes as an Easter Egg, Tetris has certainly influenced many great puzzle games that have tried to best it but to no avail. Originally designed and programmed by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris was created on June 6, 1984 and its simplicity and addictive formula has led to many imitators eager for a slice of its profits. Here's how the game is played out:

 

Gameplay

 

In each game of Tetris, various shapes composed of four blocks each fall down the screen, whereby players had to manoeuvre them sideways or by rotating them and line them up in lines. Whenever a line is created, it disappears and as more lines are cleared, the speed in which each block falls greatly increases. However, once the blocks has been stacked up with no more possible placements, the game ends.

 

25 years later and Tetris is still going strong amongst other current puzzle games that have tried to emulate its addictive formula and while some have came close to matching it, sometimes simplicity is best, and it doesn't get any more simple than Tetris.

 

 

Simplicty at its best

 

Worms Armageddon

 

Worms + Guns = Extreme Mayhem you say?

 

Grannies that explode upon contact, cows who can fly with capes, and prodding worms to meet their untimely demise? Check, check and CHECK!

 

Worms Armageddon truly is a bizarre game that pits teams of worms equipped with all sorts of devastating weapons (yes, you heard that right) against each other to achieve victory at all costs. If that wasn't enough, each worm could speak various accents that ranged from the Russian language to even Chipmunk speech and hearing them taunt one another; well it never gets old. With fully destructible levels and a variety of different modes, Worms Armageddon is truly a game to be enjoyed by all. With that, try all the games in the series and you will be hard pressed not to be drawn into its simple yet challenging nature.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Before you say that this list was missing this title and that, feel free to list down your favorites and state your thoughts on what makes your game of choice so addictive.

 

Peace and have a great week. :)