As a devoted registered user of IGN, I hold their gaming reviews in high regard. Recently, I came across a Facebook thread in The Astonishing School of Gifted Nerds where gamers from around the world participated by sharing their top five video game picks across all platforms.
Let’s dive into some intriguing results!
Firstly, it’s important to note that there is no such thing as a perfect game. Many gamers have their preferences for specific action game series, investing countless hours into their favorite titles.
For instance, some individuals, particularly the older generation, still cherish arcade games despite outdated graphics and clunky controls, as they evoke childhood memories. Pong, one of the oldest computer games, holds a special place in their hearts. On the other hand, contemporary players lean towards role-playing games due to their immersive gameplay.
The online gaming community also possesses its unique allure. Engaging with fellow players in games like Destiny can lead to meeting incredible people and forging lasting friendships.
Participants in the discussion emphasized the importance of gameplay over graphics and ambiance, as evidenced by comments such as “Best Beat ‘Em Up & Game Music.” Game producers often draw inspiration from legends and legacies, resulting in numerous story-based games featuring superheroes or folklore.
Out of the 1,288 responses gathered, here are the aggregated votes for the top ten, top twenty, and top thirty game picks: 368 votes, 558 votes, and 694 votes, respectively. Now, let’s dissect the information to reveal the top five gaming picks.
Final Fantasy 7: Despite the vast array of Final Fantasy choices available across multiple platforms, the 1997 version of FF7 stood out and garnered all the votes. However, it’s worth noting that Final Fantasy Tactics also received notable recognition.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: This choice left me astonished due to the multitude of variations in the game’s entry name, making it challenging to compile the results. Nonetheless, Ocarina of Time prevailed, overshadowing other versions released since its initial launch in 1986. Honorable mentions go to A Link to the Past and Wind Waker.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim: This choice truly captivated the voters, although Oblivion also received votes, Skyrim’s popularity prevailed. It stands as the fourth best-selling Xbox 360 game. Gamers expressed a preference for the original PC version, highlighting the intricate details and decision-making elements, with comments like “Greatest RPG Ever.”
Mass Effect 2: This third-person shooter game secured 35 discrete votes, constituting 13% of the total votes among the top five picks.
Fallout 3: Although GTA V: San Andreas was a close contender, Fallout 3 ultimately emerged victorious with a one-vote difference. While GTA Vice City had some support as well, the votes for each game were combined. Fallout 3 received 31 votes, making it a popular choice among 300 respondents, with 10% considering it one of their top five selections.
Furthermore, here is a list of games that received 10 votes or more, deserving an honorable mention:
- Final Fantasy 7: 95 votes
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: 62 votes
- The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim: 39 votes
- Mass Effect 2: 35 votes
- Fallout 3: 31 votes
- Grand Theft Auto V: 30 votes
- Super Smash Bros (Melee*): 29 votes
- Super Mario World: 24 votes
- Halo: 23 votes
- Mario Kart 64: 23 votes
- Red Dead Redemption 2: 22 votes
- Resident Evil 4: 21 votes
- Pokemon: 20 votes
- Bioshock Infinite: 19 votes
- Dragon Age Origins: 18 votes
- The Witcher 3: 18 votes
- The Last of Us: 17 votes
- Borderlands 2: 16 votes
- Kingdom Hearts: 16 votes
- God of War: 15 votes
- Golden Eye: 15 votes
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: 15 votes
- Street Fighter III: Third Strike: 14 votes
- Uncharted: 14 votes
- Warcraft 3: 14 votes
- Chrono Trigger: 13 votes
- Batman Arkham City: 12 votes
- Capcom (vs Snk/ vs Marvel): 12 votes
- Dark Souls: 12 votes
- Half-Life 2: 11 votes
- Need for Speed Most Wanted: 11 votes
- Tekken: 11 votes
- Spider-Man PS4: 10 votes
These results indicate a preference for games released around the turn of the millennium, resonating with gamers who started playing during that era and have fond memories of those titles. Modded communities also hold great appeal, where players modify gameplay through expansion packs.
Some participants attempted to showcase their unique and lesser-known game choices to sound cool or justify the time they spent on them, inviting raised eyebrows and cynicism. As for my own top five picks, they consist of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, Kingdoms, and Mark of Kri. Surprisingly, Dota 2 and Age of Empires didn’t receive much mention.
I hope you found this cohort analysis enjoyable. If you’re interested in complete data featuring 356 games (including exclusives and series installments), feel free to email me. If you believe there may be mistakes in the conclusions or have any feedback, please don’t hesitate to share.
Please communicate in English for ease of understanding.
