If you could only pick one game to play from here on in, what would it be? None of this one per system or per generation or runner up business here: you can only pick one title.

This was initially a super tough question given my 22+ year gaming career, but after some truly introspective deliberation and revisiting the games I still have in my collection the answer became crystal clear: the Gamecube edition of Resident Evil 4. By this point I think we're all familiar with the game and I don't think I need to go into super detail about my reasoning, but after starting my eighth playthrough recently I've come to terms with, yes, this is my favorite game of all time. It never gets old. You'd think that by now I'd be able to relax a little and just shoot shit since I've done this so many times before, but that's not the case; I just finished the "Cold Sweat" area with an unhealthily high heart rate and sweaty palms. That's great gaming right there.

While the RE5 soundtrack is dope (shameless plug) and is probably the best in the series as far as scope, effectiveness and accessibility is concerned, I still think that Uchiyama's and Senbongi's aural soundscapes from RE4 (shameless plug #2) are up there in the upper echelon of survival horror music. The soundtrack still gives me chills to this day, despite hearing the music looped for hours on end over the past several years. It also helped me appreciate their work on the REMake (shameless plug #3) even more since it had that familiar and claustrophobic feel to it. Just another perfect piece of the puzzle, you know?

As far as my reasoning for picking the GCN version is concerned, I feel that it's the "true" version of the game. I know some people like the Wii's aiming, and that's great for them, but I'm all set with Wii controls; if the game is absolutely perfect to me now, why dilute or change it? Oh, and I heard Separate Ways was cool, but while it seems interesting it doesn't severely change the game; it's just an add-in to give people the incentive to double dip. But I do not double dip! I stay with the games I love on the systems I love and that is that. That's why I have unlocked it all and even spent, like, three days playing Mercenaries so I could get the Handcannon. True video game love. <3

So that's me: GCN RE4 die hard til the day I drop dead. What's your one favorite game of all time?

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus. It's 2D. It has amazing graphics and music. It's the most well-designed fighting game ever (the balance is uncanny, although a good Eddie can look quite overpowered...his learning curve is extremely high though). It controls like a dream. It's cheap. It comes with a soundtrack CD. It adds Kliff and Justice back into the mix. It tosses in story mode, on top of the VS mode (and adds a nifty KOF team mode, which I LOVE, since I use a large number of characters).

Close second would be Rock Band 2, but I tend to favor fighters for their replayability and the community that builds around them. I play Rock Band 2 for fun with people, I can play Accent Core Plus hardcore or for fun. So Accent Core Plus it is!!!

Super Mario Bros. 3. Well, why just one? Super Mario World would contest here!

About Resident Evil 4... it's one of the greatest games I've ever played and on the Cube -- all agreed there. Played the PS2 version, not yet the Wii Ed., and it just didn't feel the same.

I'm not sure I can answer this properly. Two of your questions clash in my mind, they're not necessarily compatible:

and

The first is simple: Silent Hill 1 for the PS1 is my favourite game of all time. However, I wouldn't pick that one if I had to answer the second question (pick only one game to play from here on). SH1 is my all-time fav because it moved me on a deeper level through it's story, music, presentation, and atmosphere, made me feel and think thoughts I found interesting and rewarding. I did not find it my favourite because of it's gameplay (which isn't the best around). The second question seems to refer to the game that you would want to play if you could not play any other game ever again, and that's not necessarily the same as the one that is your favourite. As far as I'm concerned, thanks to the imprint it made on me, SH1 is still my all-time fav even if I never get the urge to play it ever again. The only way that can change if a game comes along that leaves an even greater impression, for me its not about if the gameplay is so irresistible that I just want to play it over and over.

The second question is tricky, since variety is the spice of life. Still, if I'd have to force an answer, I guess it'd be Castlevania - Symphony of the Night for the PS1. I must've played it a hundred times since it's release, and even though I know every secret, every nook and cranny in the game, and can practically play it (as well as hum every track from it) in my sleep, it somehow never gets old. The re-playability on this one is through the roof, its a perfectly designed game as far as I'm concerned. But...! Its not my favourite game of all time.

I'm taking Daniel's approach, as I too believe the two questions aren't necessarily one and the same.

If my total number of playthroughs are any indication, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past seems to be my favorite. I run through that at least twice a year, and it never gets old. There are so many other contenders and I feel like I'm betraying some of them, but I'll stick to the one-only rule. It's really hard not to name drop, though. SOTN. Dammit! Sorry.

Super Mario World.

Also Super Metroid.

Ahem. As for playing just one title for the rest of my life, I'll go with Pokémon Platinum. Depsite Pokémon owning my soul, I can't say it's my favorite game EVER. But unlike my contenders for the top spot, I have to say it has more replayability. I could run through the game again any number of ways focusing on any number of aspects, and I've enjoy it every time.

Super Mario 64.  It's 3D platforming perfection that, in my opinion, has never been topped.  I've never gotten sick of it, and I doubt I ever will.

The most precious game to me, the one that defined my tastes as a gamer and made me love the medium on a new level altogether?

Megaman 2.

Not a stunner, I know.

EDIT - pared down per Zane's wishes.

So maybe I could have titled the topic better. Whichever way you look at it or interpret the question(s), please only pick one game since that was one of the main reasons why I made the thread.

Oh lord, why don't you ask for a kidney then?

That's like asking a mother which of their children is their favorite.

Well, I could say DOOM, but I'd have a hard time picking between DOOM and DOOM II: Hell on Earth. Even with it being a typical sequel (same engine, one new weapon, new enemies) there is a type of magic that is simular to the first game yet togther different.

I was sad to see this didn't even have a prayer in the GameFAQs competition - I guess everything bows to Mario.

And seriously, when is this guy going to shut up about DOOM?

Maybe I should change my screen name to Doomguy?

Could we break this down into genre's maybe?

If he asks another question I'm gonna kill him.

Zane, you're such an ass. I'd have to choose between several titles that constantly shift like the undergarments of a whore.

Right now? At this exact moment? Super Metroid. I love the unique, claustrophobic feel of the game, and everything about it is great in my opinion. Fighting, jumping, just straight up moving is a wonderful feeling. The soundtrack was wholly unique, melodic and compostionally mechanical (forgive me for not being quite articulate there. Hard to find the words), yet feeling very, very organic. Like it was it's own separate entity, with a pulse and everything.

Ask me in an hour? It'll have changed.

Brotherman, this is simply an unfair question.

Edit: One thing for folks to keep in mind: One's favorite game might actually be different from what they perceive to be the "best" game. For instance, Xenogears runs high on my list of favorites, but I also know the game was a goddamn mess.

Ultima VI (SNES).

No doubt. I have often seen people talking about how even better VII was, but that wasn't localized well here.

King's Field II (PS2) and Tactics Ogre (SNES) are also my favs.

THANK YOU! This is the kind of stuff I like the read - I mean hear. Thumbs up for truthful objectiveness! I have to admit while I found/find the game a chore to play through I still have to give it props for what it mostly accomplished.

I love the Ultima series! I always thought the SNES versions were watered-down greatly compared to the PC versions. Ultima VII stands as one of the greatest games ever made in my opinion (and I'm not alone)! Much better than Ultima VI (in my opinion). At least that holds for the PC, which again in my opinion is the true version (yeah, I'm an Ultima snub VII is also fairly gory, and you can do things you could never do in an NES game (or most games). You could go around and wipe out a whole village if you wanted to (women and children included)! What's interesting too, is if you start becoming "evil" your party members will become disgusted and leave you. Anyway, tons of details and depth to that game! If you get a chance, I highly recommend you play it if you don't mind outdated graphics.

Anyway, I'm afraid I can't answer the post (either part), because no one single game comes to mind. It's like asking, if you had to eat the same meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? I'm a guy that likes new experiences and can't settle on the same thing over and over and over.... I realize some of you can do that, and more power to you! Also, in terms of my all-time fav... again, no one title falls to mind.

cheers,

-avatar!

Whoops.  Freudian slip?

My favorite game of all time?  I've got an answer prepared, and it honestly came ridiculously easy to me.  Anyone care to wager a guess?  It made my 2007 Game of the Year listing, but here's a hint: it actually isn't my 2007 GOTY.

For games that have a Story & Ending (which is a lot) once I've beaten it I don't really go back and do multiple playthroughs later, no matter how much I loved the experience.  So if I had to choose one from that category to replay, then my gaming days would have long been over years ago, because I'd have already beaten it.

The only games I still play repeatedly after "conquering / mastering" them are puzzle ones with no ending, such as Tetris or Lumines, where you are effectively competing against yourself and the built-in limits of the system. 

Those I could probably continue to play year after year, so I guess I'd pick TETRIS. 

The goal of this tread would be picking my most PLAYABLE game of all time though, not most FAVORITE game.

I'm not sure what you're getting at here... but I'll guess your favorite game of all time is Contra 4.

That's the point, dudes! With all these top 10, top 20, top 50 lists I figured it would be interesting to see how it would be for a top 1 list. You know I'm just doing it out of love, Brandy.

Wow, it's amazing just how many games I could consider, but when you try to boil it down to just one game, it's nigh impossible.

I'm going to just try to pick my favorite game because to pick one to play for the rest of time, there's too much to take into consideration.  For example, I love, and I mean really love The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse on the SNES.  It's a great little platformer with a wonderful soundtrack to boot.  Playthroughs are never boring but to do it forever would probably ruin it for me.

...enough talking, I'll go with my gut and saySuper Metroid.

My favorite game of all time is Chrono Trigger (SNES).  If I could only play one game from here on out, it would be GoldenEye 007 (N64).  Sorry Zane, they are two separate questions.

Must be Ouendan 2.

That's the safe bet. Angela's a very dedicated rhythmite. Dark horse vote goes to either Contra 4 or RE4 Wii.

That said, isn't it interesting how a high a game stands on such lists can change after relatively little time? I wager that's what Zane's getting at with his restriction.

These ARE two separate questions.

My favorite game of all time remains Ocarina of Time, despite repeatedly hoping that new games would overtake it.  As far as a game that I could play for all eternity, would it be cheating to go with Animal Crossing for the Gamecube since it has a bunch of NES classics in it too?  There are very few games that would hold my interest if I could never play anything else again.

Zane, I totally understand what you're saying about RE4, but you should probably be aware that the Wii version pretty much IS the Gamecube version, but with enhancements.  I played through the entire game with a Gamecube controller and it's identical, but I liked having 16:9 and the option of playing Separate Ways.  I was actually kind of impressed that Capcom added new areas to that rather than just reusing all assets from the original game.  I'd encourage you to check it out sometime if you have access to a Wii.

My biggest problem with VII was, well, there was no JP version available (a different game was called VII and released for SNES instead) There must be a fan translation patch though. Ultima VII and Ultima online are two of the games I wanted to play to death during my school days but ended up not beind able to.

While it would be sorely tempting to choose Contra 4 on the basis that it's essentially a package that contains not just one, but THREE of my all-time favorite games..... yes, attacking aggressively will need to take a backseat to burning, hot-blooded rhythm action.  I've been re-acquainting myself to the pure, unbridled joy that are the Ouendan games (as well as Elite Beat Agents), even going so far as to deleting all of my "S" rank perfect high-scores and starting over.  Replaying them has made me realize just how polished, challenging, fun, and absurdly awesome these games truly are.

All three are fabulous, but Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Tamashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 ends up being the dominant fave.  All the increments in improved features are evident, along with stellar song choices (they've become some of my favorites in the series) and brilliantly constructed flow charts make this the pinnacle of the series thus far.  As a whole, the staple gameplay is still so articulate and intuitive that I can surely see me playing this for the rest of my life -- that is, unless Ouendan 3 or Elite Beat Agents 2 really does become a reality. :)

As far as Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, I second Joe's notion.  The 16:9 and higher resolution is a definite step up from the Gamecube version, and with the option to use both control schemes, even quicker load times, the carried over bonus features, and the fact that the game ships on just one disc instead of two (no file rouletting/disc swapping!), it's hard to imagine anyone still choosing the GC version over the Wii if given the choice.  If ever there was justification for double-dipping on a video game, RE4 would be it for me.

A tie between Tetris DX for GameBoy Color,

and

Panel de Pon for Super FamilyCom.

Too many hours, me friends, too many hours..

But isn't the wii version censored like RE5 was?

That's enough reason for me to sell it away..

It's not censored in the least.  Not the North American release, anyway.

That's the only game I've been multiplaying a lot (as Tetris Attack), besides the Mario Kart games. No doubt which is the better one. I miss the nights with the whole family glued to the TV and SNES for hours.

I think my favorite game is Vagrant Story. It has so much style, and its blocky graphics work much better than they do in FFXII. Same goes for the music and the sound effects. I also like enemy design and story (and HOW it is presented). The gameplay isn't perfect, but I find it much better than most people do. And in the end, everything works so well together. I think I would've enjoyed ICO and Wanda too, due to their emphasis on impressions and art. Haven't played them yet, but have seen some youtube's of Wanda which impressed me a lot.

Surprised no one said Galaxy. I can barely criticize that one.

My favourite games are:

1) counter strike 1.4
2) Halo 3 odst
3) GTA vice city IV
4) Call of duty
5) super Mario bro

That's odd, none of those games are in your top 10 of the decade...

Shadow of the Colossus is one of my favorites, but it wasn't in mine, either.

So freaking hard to choose just one game, but, if I could only play one game it would have to be Dragon Quest III.  Close runners up are Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest VIII, and Final Fantasy IX.   I loved Xenosaga (all three games) and am probably going to replay Xenogears in the next 6 months, just waiting until I can stomach the horrible horrible voice acting.....

David

You can always install the Xenogears 2.0 patch. It changes the voice acting to the original Japanese. The credits list "Alcahest" as one of the members who worked on it, I wonder if it's the same one that occasionally posts here?

The patch doesn't correct the wonky in-game translation, I wonder if there exists a translation patch that would work with this one?

Thanks for the location of the patch.  Unfortunately it won't help unless it will work on my ps2 which I'll be playing my game from.

David

You know, my pick at the beginning of this entry was Super Metroid. I swore it'd change, but it really hasn't. I still have the soundtrack in heavy rotation on my iPod.

This is probably my favorite track in the game. I love that haunting, threatening bassline so much. The music of Super Metroid contributed so much to my love for it.

Isn't that, like, EVERYONE's favorite?