Bob Martens

Go ahead and read my last “Short List” if you want to know what I am working from.

Introduction

It’s time to look at my list again and do some revisions. It has been over six months and I’ve been playing a fair number of games during that time … but first, the ground rules:

1. series can be a single entry if the games are linked in some way (e.g. Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 NOT Final Fantasy 3/6 and Final Fantasy 9
2. must include games I’ve played through completely at least once
3. the list is not in order of preference because I’m terrible at ordering things like this
4. the list is strictly my opinion and I will be changing that opinion over time

Shall we?

Mass Effect series

Did you expect me to change this one? Still one of the best series of all time, and set in space (that’s awesome). With the third installment due in two weeks, I am excited to get back into this game and save Earth. I don’t think this series will be moving any time soon.

Dragon Age series

I’m including Dragon Age 2 here because I enjoyed it … a lot. Yes, it had its flaws (many), and it is nowhere near the game that Dragon Age: Origins was, but the game was ultimately very fun and I enjoyed the story because it was different. I hope that Bioware will gives this series the third installment that it deserves and that it will bring both of the main characters back into the story.

That would be epic.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Mask

This duo is not going anywhere. While it might have fallen from the #1 spot in my heart, there is no stronger tied games that you will find. Majora’s Mask is not just the same thing over again (like many sequels), but an entirely new adventure in an entirely new land with entirely new ways of interacting.

I’m hoping that Nintendo will redo Majora’s Mask like it has Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

I’ve already covered this game extensively, so there really isn’t much to get into. I think it is an amazing look at the Zelda universe and provides such a fun experience that it might be one of the few games that I play completely a second time.

Final Fantasy 3/6

There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said. A huge cast of characters, epic story, truly evil villain, and amazing music all comes together in glorious 16 bits. If you haven’t played it, please go and play it.

Closing

My condolences to those who did not make the cut this time, but if the list gets much longer then the idea of it being short would go out the window. However, this will be ever-changing, so check back to see who makes the cut next time.

Chris Ammerman tweeted about an article last night titled Saving Zelda by Tevis Thompson. I recommend that you read it because it is a good expression of one person’s take on what is wrong with the Zelda franchise since The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. I don’t think I will ever comment directly on the essay.

Tevis and I come from two completely different angles as far as what we look for in a video game and probably where we derive our enjoyment from. I can’t speak for him entirely, I can only speak for myself … and that’s what I am going to do.

I love storybook gaming. If you look at The “Short List” 2011, you’ll find it completely overridden with games that are heavy with story. Most of them are some sort of RPG and even games like Ocarina of Time and Starcraft I tend to play for the story. After I get through the story, then I’m pretty much done with it unless it has a compelling multiplayer component (like the original Starcraft). Otherwise, I’m playing the game for the story because … I like stories.

I think that is why I can play a game like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and find it amazing. It is probably also why I can’t get into games like Skyrim or Grand Theft Auto. I WANT the structure that a story provides and I’m really not bothered by a game that is as prescriptive as Twilight Princess if I find myself engrossed in the story.

I want to be engrossed. I want to care about the characters who I am working with/for (Midna is a great example), and I want the gameplay to get out of the way! I’m not a huge fan of open worlds because I have enough choices to make in my life, I don’t need to be making too many other choices when I’m playing a game.

Mass Effect 1 and 2 were interesting because choices you made could have lasting effects  on the next games and who knows what will happen with Mass Effect 3. I still remember choosing to let Kaidan sacrifice himself in Mass Effect 1. I made darn sure I had all of the upgrades for my ship and make sane squad choices in Mass Effect 2.

Those were the worst parts of those games. They’re still great games, but I want to get back into the action and into the story, not sit by and make choices … to me, that isn’t fun.

Maybe that makes me boring, and I’m okay with that. I’m never going to have time in my life to work on a speed run or replay too many games multiple times to see what nooks and crannies are available for me to explore … that’s just not in the cards for me.

I think we’re talking about differences in how people derive enjoyment and the worst thing that a company can do at that point is try and please everyone. It’s a good thing there is something for everyone.