20 Games that Changed the World -- Page 2
- April 03, 2006 17:14 PM PST
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Platform: Nintendo 64
Year: 1997
Key features: Legendary multiplayer modes; innovative analog aiming system
Perfect Dark was the superior game, but GoldenEye was vastly more influential. Besides being phenomenally enjoyable in its own right, GoldenEye's chief claim to fame was bringing the PC-favorite FPS genre to the mass-market console audience. By late 1997, several PlayStation games had tried to make the jump already -- Disruptor, anyone? But GoldenEye was more than just a serviceable console shooter; it was technologically wondrous, endlessly replayable, and a perfect party game. What made GoldenEye's monumental success possible was the Nintendo 64's then-novel analog stick -- without it, the game would have been as unplayable as its PlayStation predecessors. GoldenEye also deserves mention for its perfectly implemented four-player, split-screen deathmatch modes.
14. Nintendogs
Platform: Nintendo DS
Year: 2005
Key features: Innovative use of touchscreen and microphone; wide mass-market appeal
Love it or hate it, Nintendogs almost single-handedly propelled the Nintendo DS to the status of the best-selling console in 2005. Some see it as another gaming fad, but there's no denying that the game has expanded the role of video games in society. The DS's integrated touchscreen and microphone provide an unprecedented amount of tactile immersion -- it's no wonder the game has been held up as the marquee DS title. But perhaps more importantly, Nintendogs has been hugely successful in expanding the audience for video games by reaching out to casual gamers and hardcore fans alike. Like the best games, Nintendogs proves that video gaming isn't an activity that's limited to hardcore geeks.
13. Counter-Strike
Platform: PC
Year: 1999
Key features: Realistic squad-based combat; independent development; massive community support
There are arguably better shooters out there, but Counter-Strike's enormous influence and online presence simply can't be ignored. Before Counter-Strike, first-person shooters were chiefly of the run-and-gun sci-fi variety; Counter-Strike broke the mold with its realistic arsenal and lifelike damage models. In Counter-Strike, once you're dead, you're dead. Counter-Strike marked the rise of the squad-based combat genre, but also the beginning of modern independent game development. Fans may forget that Counter-Strike was originally created as a free modification of the open-source Half-Life code, and became one of the few mods to be picked up and licensed as an official game. From there, Counter-Strike quickly became its own subculture: it spawned cutthroat online tournaments, innovative new game modes, and served as a prime catalyst for the now-ubiquitous cyber cafe. Not bad for a fan-made mod, huh?
12. Tetris
Platform: Game Boy
Year: 1989 (Game Boy version)
Key features: Intuitive and addictive puzzles; maddening soundtrack; huge mass-market appeal
Forget World of Warcraft -- Tetris was the original video game addiction. Simple in premise yet surprisingly deep in practice, Tetris showed the world that a puzzle game could be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or interest. Mainstream gamers first got a taste of Tetris on the Game Boy in 1989, though PC players had enjoyed the game for years. After the Game Boy version became the handheld console's first killer app, countless updates and refreshes (Hatris? Wetris? Welltris?) pushed the block stacking puzzler to new heights. Even today, Tetris is still at its crazy tricks with an immensely enjoyable DS installment.
Platform: Sega Genesis
Year: 1991
Key features: Spunky blue hero; super-speedy gameplay
Sega's money-making blue hedgehog remains of the few game mascots to successfully rival Mario. Sonic's claim to fame is his ability to curl into a ball and spin through in-game loops and jumps, a gameplay style that popularized fast-paced side-scrolling platformers. Sonic alone can be credited with Sega's ability to compete console-wise against Nintendo with the Genesis, though Sonic's popularity dwindled as Sega flooded the market with mediocre Sonic Spin-offs. Mario, you win this round!
