'NTSC-UK Classics'

[Brad]

I'll write these down fast in an attempt to only list actual classics from my own perspective i.e. These games are examples that excelled in their day and no one has moved the genre on sufficiently to eclipse them since:

Super Mario Kart
Quake
Resident Evil 4
MGS series (I can't choose just one)
Zelda OOT
Mario 64
Portal
Street Fighter 2
Return Fire
Ultima VII : The Black Gate

[Escape-To-88]

I think my own (perhaps more succint) idea of a 'classic' game or otherwise, is something that is usualy either relevant or enjoyable (or both) when removed from it's original context, and remains so in relation to the changing face of its medium.
That said I'll go with:

Final Fight (original)
Katamari Damacy
Okami
Pacman
REZ
Super Mario World
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Kart
Street Fighter II (and variations)
Sega Rally '95

['Press Start']

Classic to me are games I can play over and over again. Here is a few of mine:-

Super Mario world
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Chrono Trigger
Halo 1
Mario 64
Manic Miner
The Secret of Monkey Island
Okami (I lost myself in this game, a classic to me)
Sonic 1
Super Metriod
Halo 3 (Multiplayer)
Bubble Bobble

[Kit]

Duke Nukem 3D (PC)
Red Alert (PC)
Max Payne (PC)

Contra III: Alien Wars (SNES)

ISS Pro Evolution (PSX)
Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 (PSX)
Final Fantasy VII (PSX)

Prince of Persia (GC)
Silent Hill 2 (PS2)

Shenmue (DC) - Only a 9/10 on ntsc-uk! Bah.

[dataDave]

This is turning into any other "List your favorite games of all time" thread.

I really can't see why Halo is thought of as a classic when there's Quake... It shouldn't really matter if one is on a console or not, FFVII when there's FFVI (and thus FFV even?)... I suppose a group of people with a vast knowledge of turn-based RPGs should be left to that decision, Red Alert and Age of Empires when there's Starcraft (My personal favourite RTS being Total Annihilation) etc etc... The irks go on.

Starcraft II is probably the only instant classic I can think of. It's quite clearly genre defining, won't be bettered until Starcraft III, and will be played by casual and hardcore fans until then.

[Darwock]

Exactly why I didn't bother replying, as soon as somebody makes a post with 20 or so games in it everybody starts doing the same. My eyes just glaze over looking at them all.

[spagmasterswift]

I expect that is my fault, as I requested which titles NTSC-UK members would offer up which is inviting a boring list thread right from the off.

My original intention was for each to offer up a title for consideration with reasons why that could be discussed and expanded upon.

I was going to set the example myself but needed a poo.

[speedlolita]

This is turning into any other "List your favorite games of all time" thread.

What's the difference between that and NTSC-uk Classics? The name implies the members here's fav games. Go figure.

[Skull Commander]

This thread was doomed from the off. A classic to one is a turd to someone else, and I don't think the 'Hive Mind' mentallity is a good thing.

[paul]

Has Pong event mentioned in here?

[dataDave]

What's the difference between that and NTSC-uk Classics? The name implies the members here's fav games. Go figure.

Not really, that was never the point I don't think. Of course that's how the title reads but the meaning behind the thread was intended to be a whole lot deeper.

Perhaps it would have been easier approaching each genre individually, and comparing the best of the best of the best all on their individual merits and weighing things up between everyone's opinions and views. Not into turn based RPGs? Don't read the thread! Not into console FPS games? Don't read the thread!

I could make a list of 'classics' including many games I've never even played (I just know they're ****-hot from what I've seen and heard others gush over), or I could go with my own personal favourites which would have been biased and somewhat naive in many cases as I've not played enough of a particular genre to form a fair opinion. If we can discuss titles rather than list them it'd be better.

[JSR]

Time to recreate this thread? Somebody copy-paste wools's reply and everybody else start fresh. I think if it will be communicated that this is not about personal preference, rather what games people will look back at in many, many years to come, this thread has a decent chance. And how about a max 3 titles per person, and that they need to include arguments? Lists are so 2002.

[spagmasterswift]

At least 100 words on each of your 3 suggested 'classics' - let's hear some opinions for a change!

[Ady]

Apropos of Spag's request, the following games aren't necessarily personal favourites per se, but games I feel to be worthy of the 'classic' tag.

Outrun : Defined what the arcade racer could be, and save its beautiful sequel, hasn't been topped since. Sun kissed Americana as seen through a Japanese lens, some of the most memorable video game music of all time and that iconic Testarossa all married to taut mechanics perfect for arcade play. Arguably the best driving game ever made.

Lemmings : The premise is simple (and you all know what that is) and the gameplay immediate and compelling. What's more, like all quintessential classics, Lemmings has been ported to virtually every known platform (except, with some irony due to IP, a handheld it was practically made for).

Ghouls 'N Ghosts : The original Japanese name, when literally translated into English, says more about how this game plays than the western name. When played properly, you'll find fewer games tougher, but it always feels achievable; and mastery is a beautiful thing.

Street Fighter II : Without a doubt, the game that is to beat 'em ups what Mario is to platformers. Over the last two decades, Capcom have polished, refined and (in some less than memorable iterations even over-egged) what is probably one of the most milked franchises in the history of video games, but still, a finer beat 'em up series to this day has not been made.

I'll post more as and when.

[spagmasterswift]

Hard to argue against those choices Ady!

How about a more recent game...

Shadow Of The Colossus : Viewed simply as a series of boss battles with a mild puzzle element is to miss the point. The key to whether this game should be afforded the lofty honour of being termed a 'classic' lies in its emotional impact and the moral question your quest poses. How you feel upon discovering and ultimately slaying these giant majestic creatures manages to speak to the player's heart. The thrill of the hunt followed by the loss felt in the game's wonderfully realised world, somehow becoming even more empty, ancient and lonely after each kill.