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Mandatory Play by All Gamers - Pt.2

Last time, I detailed a few of the games that must be played by gamers of all ages. Seeing as how there were too many games to list (and because I was really tired), I decided to split it into 2 parts. So...here's the second part. Enjoy!

Half-Life 2 - PC, PS3, 360, Xbox (only if you don't live in the next-generation of consoles)

It took about 6 years to finish, but when it finally came out people were proclaiming it as the greatest thing since Mario. What can arguably be called the first game to really make the most out of physics, Half-Life 2 used the hell out of those realistic physics with a little doozy called the Zero-Point Energy Field Manipulator, or Gravity Gun for short. Chucking things at your enemies has never been so fun. While the use of physics is what many people point this game out for, it also has realistic behaviors in its characters, memorable levels (anyone remember Ravenholm?), and gunplay that actually requires strategic thought, as these enemies will tear you apart if you don't play right. HL2 is also normally considered the greatest PC game ever and won the most GotY awards in 2004.

Chrono Trigger - SNES, PSX, DS

It has a battle mechanic that allows you to fuse two or more character's special attacks to form one super attack, which is awesome. If that isn't reason enough to play this game, perhaps the collaboration between famed artists Akira Toriyama and Yuuji Horii, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu is reason enough. Still not? Maybe the multiple endings and fantastic time travelling story will be. Still no? Well then you can't enjoy anything cool. This is one of the defining RPG games in the biz, and if you love (or even remotely enjoy) RPGs, then you have to play Chrono Trigger.

God of War - PS2, PS3

The king of action games, even though it was never the first. If a game is so great that it is the centerpiece of a genre that has existed long before it released, don't you owe it to yourself to experience it? Devil May Cry (PS2) came out about 4 years before it, and it isn't even held in as much reverence as GoW. With an epic story set in Greek mythology, the most *** character since Solid Snake, and combat that raised the bar to nigh unreachable heights, GoW was and remains the king of action games, and by the looks of GoWIII, will continue to reign.

Comments
  • I liked this list a lot. Grand Theft Auto and Half Life are awesome. I really want to play Chrono Trigger. Maybe some day...

    Here are some of the games that would be on my must play list that weren't on yours.

    Pokemon Blue/Red version

    Ratchet and Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal

    Pac Man

    and

    The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, or Fallout 3, Bethesda's epic open world RPGs.

  • I can agree with all of those except for Chrono Tiger. Yet again a good list :)

  • Nice.  The only one I didn't play yet is Chrono Tiger.

  • Chrono Trigger is on my list of future must-plays. I have heard a LOT about it.

    And about Tetris: Has anyone tried Tetris Friends on Facebook? Man, I thought it was addicting without 5 game modes and friend leaderboards...

  • Now I might try that. I love tetris. Love it with a pasion.

  • I bought God of War parts 1 and 2 and have yet to play them.  I know, shame on me.

  • Must..buy...Half Life 2 Episodes 1 and 2!

  • Tetris should be in the next installment of the Madatory Play by All Gamers Pt. III. Anywho, I still love your list and keep up the good work.

  • im going to have to agree with everything EXCEPT it needs half life, other than that great list

  • That was a great List!

  • I think everyone should also play Modern Warfare.

  • If you ever make a third part, you should consider adding Pokemon Red