Gaming off the Beaten Path

The greatest side scroller ever released. Mega Man X took one of the NES's biggest series and brought it into the 16 bit realm. Despite being released early in the system's life cycle, MMX has some of the greatest graphics of its generation. Players control X, a more advanced version of mega man. All of the enemies are now based on animals and each has a unique power and an excellently designed level. The game features some of the best abilities in the series. All of the bosses weapons are extremely useful. The game is challenging, as even with the right ability the bosses are hard. However, it is not mind numbingly impossible like the later MMX games for the PS1. Really, simplicity is key. The game follows such a simple formula...and yet it is so great . Pros: Level Design, challenge, graphics and sound, old school fun cons: may be a little too old school for some

The first Lunar game was great. The second was even better with its more expansive quest and better story line. Although the game is set in the same world of Lunar, just enough changes have been made to make it feel fresh and interesting. While the cast of characters are every bit as quirky as their counterparts from the first game, they are a bit stronger when it comes to more serious moments. Gameplay wise, traditional RPG elements are mixed with strategy to create an interesting battle system. It allows for more strategy than the 1st game and the ability to combine crests to create new magic also helps (PS1 version). The graphics are beautifully done 2d style animation, and the sound is awesome. Oh, and the final boss battle of this game may be the single best of all time. (Note: The PS1 and SCD versions were fairly different, but the same game at their core. All screens from the PS1 version) Pros:Story line, long, epic, awesome extras and epilogue , graphics, unique cha...

No one really knew what to expect when Mario made his first trip into 3d. Sure, we had all seen stills, and they looked awesome, but how would the game control? How would the levels be structured? When Nintendo unveiled the new N64 controllers, people became even more skeptical. A joystick? On a console? When the game finally did come out it was the only one released with the N64 at launch besides the below average Pilotwings 64. Super Mario 64 was an instant classic. It revolutionized gaming and single handedly established the 3d platformer . Its style was borrowed by Crash Bandicoot , Gex , and Rayman , but none of those franchises could quite live up to Super Mario 64. The controls are spot on, the graphics are awesome and the worlds are huge and well designed. This game is truly great. Pros: Great level design, strong controls, expansive, addictive, balanced challenge, unique Cons: Camera can be awkward at times

On this list we have seen some outstanding RPGs and some awesome first person shooters. However, no game blended the two genres like Deus Ex. Set in a bleak American future, you control JC Denton , a half man half machine in the service of the government. What starts out as a campaign against a terrorist organization turns into something much more. The game's graphics were a little dated for their time. However, they don't detract from the game in any way. The drab, depressing environments perfectly convey the atmosphere of the game. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the game is the fact that players can choose the way they play. Sneak around and pick locks, hack computers and manipulate enemies or just blow stuff up. The RPG style level up system allows players to customize JC's abilities to their liking. This game is a true classic, and a must play. Pros: Awesome story, open ended gameplay , great environment, good controls, unique Cons: again, not many. Graphics, coul...

Few games have impacted the social or gaming landscape like Doom. Politicians hated it, calling it a "murder simulator" because of its emphasis on killing and its then-revolutionary graphics. It is almost comical to look at Doom and say that now, but as a game it holds up great. The story casts you as a space marine stuck on a military installation on Phobos (one of Mars's moons, for those who don't know). Your base has been overrun by horrible demons and it is up to you to blast your way out. Your journey will eventually take you to the farthest depths of hell to do battle with horrible creatures. The visuals are flat out disturbing and really make you feel as if you are indeed battling your way through the underworld. The gameplay is simple with either a mouse or keyboard. The game was even ported onto just about every console imaginable, with the PS1 version being the best. Doom was truly a pioneer, and is still a blast to play almost 20 years later. Pros: Simple...