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Editors Sound Off On Top 200 Games

With our 200th issue, we decided to look back at the history of gaming. Since we’re gluttons for punishment (and meetings), we compiled a list of the Top 200 games of all time. As you can imagine, it’s generated its share of discussions and controversy. Several of our editors have made blog posts that are at least peripherally related to the list, and we thought it would be fun to compile these into one central hub.

If you’re wondering just how we came up with such a massive list, Reiner explains it all. (It’s a bit more involved than coming up with random titles and throwing darts, in case you’re curious.) He's also put up his Top 10 games of all time list for all to see.

Andy Mac has a pair of posts, first outlining his thoughts on the list and then following up with his Top 11 games. (Apparently his picks are so powerful that a mere Top 10 wasn’t adequate.)

Tim, Ben, and Annette took this as an opportunity to write about some of their favorite games that didn’t make the cut for various reasons. Oddly enough, both Tim and Annette have a common denominator in Banjo-Kazooie. (Ben is doing his own thing, as usual.) I took a similar approach, naming four games that I would have put in there, along with the games that they could have replaced. Dan's compiled a list of his favorite games, with the explicit qualifier that these are not "the best." Ever the underachiever, Jeff Marchiafava lists his three favorite games that didn’t make the cut. Also, some guy named Sean has posted a list. He claims he works here. Who knew?

Miller’s interest in downloadable games bled over from his Impulse column. He’s listed his Top 10 downloadable console games. (Believe it or not, Space Giraffe didn’t make the list. Maybe next time.)

If you thought our list didn’t contain enough classic PC titles, you’re not alone. Adam has compiled a list of what he calls the most “egregious snubs” for your reading pleasure. Tell us how you really feel, Adam.

Kato saw the process of compiling Game Informer's Top 200 video games as a walk through the past. In his blog he shares personal memories he had about some of the world's greatest video games. Nick took a similar angle, sharing five of the game’s that he says he’s played the most. Not one to be outdone, Bertz compiles a list of 10 games he's spent the most time with. (Don't let "sucks" throw you off; these are good games.)

Just because a game is great, that doesn't mean it's without flaws. Joe's blog shows off how players can deviously exploit the mechanics built into one of the best RPGs of all time.

Finally, Bryan ruins it all with his baseless claims that Super Mario World is superior to Super Mario Bros. 3. (Be sure to leave comments on his outrageous lies.)

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Comments
  • *gasp* super mario bros 3 is my favorite classic game(and the first video game i ever played). for shame Mr. bryan.....for shame...

  • how is Perfect Dark for n64 not on the top 200 list?

  • Super Mario Bros. 3 without any question! Hello, Racoon Ears... you could spin like crazy, AND it spawned a TV series... er... cartoon, but still! I remember that my first pair of boys underpants that I ever saw (on a boy) were based upon the cartoon of Super Mario Bros. 3... makes it all the better. >;)

  • Well I can't wait to get my issue of the Magazine and I hope the list is pretty good!

  • Mario Bros. 3 owns Super Mario World. End of discussion.

  • Super Mario Bros.3 no question about it.One of my favorite classic games.Number 3 in my favorite all time classic game list.Very good game.

    -FatalityRSP

  • Rob,I just got the mag. today.Its AWSOME!.It gives you and update on the new HAlo Reach too.There lots of other things in it too.Hope I helped you out!

    -FatalityRSP

  • Super Mario Bros. 3 is superior in every way when compared to Super Mario world. It's not opinion: it's fact.

  • Based on your very undeserved lowly review score for my favorite game of the year I don't expect it to make your list, I don't know though, since Issue: 200 hasn't arrived at my house yet. But I do expect that Section 8 didn't make your list.

  • I'm just hope you guys have Beyond Good and Evil on there, nobody ever knows what I'm talking about when I mention it. It's always one of my favorites

  • Can't wait to get this issue in my mail....

  • This list holds no weight in my opinion. First of all I find it incredible that  these supposed seasoned gamers basicallly omitted to systems that were key players during the 16 bit era. I never had a turbo grafix-16 but did own a genesis and clearly remember that sega had a sizable lead early on in the 16 bit wars. All i saw was 2 sonic titles on the list and nothing else. Did these editors not play Strider, Revenge of shinobi, shadow dancer, streets of rage (which was superior to final fight which was on the list.), phantasy star 4, castle of illusion and countless others. I mean how can a system that gave the Snes a run for its money not get it's proper due?

  • The top 200 list was enough for me, but your guys' personal lists are quite welcome. thanks alot, makes the original top 200 list make a bit more sense as well

  • now how might someone who hasnt subscribed to gameinformer see this list?

  • Your list disapointed me.

  • The list was great but I'm a bit disappointed not to see an Ace Combat title in there somewhere.  Am i the only person who played these games?  What could be cooler than flying 1500 mph and dropping laser guided bombs on the enemy?  Better than playing as a fat eyetie plumber wearing racoon ears anyway.  

  • I just got through the list, and read some of the editor's blogs, and I know that you guys put x-wing for pc on the list and on some of your private lists, but for the life of me can't wrap my head around the absence of TIE fighter. (There was a brief mention of it in the article) Beyond taking what x-wing accomplished and improving in every way, it allowed players to do what no game since has really done and that is put you on the Dark Side. Come on! Shooting down X-wings in the name of the Empire, need I say more!

    Also, just gonna put it out there that Crimson Skies for the orginal x-box was an awesome game. I don't think it belongs in the top 200, but I just don't want it to be forgotten. Especially since its characters serve as a precurssor to Nathan Drake in Uncharted 2.

  • Breakdown for me in the 200 but it really could have been a lot better. Breakdown Namco, Google it. Buy a new copy if you can or get it used as long as you play it!!!

  • Super mario bros. 3, for sure.

  • Super Mario Bros. 3 is WAY better than Super Mario World.

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