If you consider sequels one gaming experience as it continues and improves the first one, then it should only count as one. Other than SMB3, none of these are in order. Also we had a Video Game Hall of Fame thread a while back similar to this but f*ck it, might as well update.
Super Mario Bros 3-Mario started my gaming career as I got the dualpack SMB and Duck Hunt. SMB1 was fantastic. SMB2 was weird but still solid. SMB3 took games to another level for me.
Borderlands 2-My most recent addition to this list. I hate shooters..but this one has gripped me by the balls, heart, and brain and not let go. Its so addictive, fun, and over the top that I've played through the story mode 5 times and I still love every second.
Portal/Portal 2
Best written games ever. Not to mention awesome gameplay mechanics and original setting/ambiance
Bioshock
took a tired genre and made it interesting again, with the best and most deliciously twisted world creation I've seen in a long time and possibly ever.
GTA San Andreas
All GTAs could be on here but SA is my personal favorite of the bunch.
Madden/NCAA
Football, what else? Bitch all you want about the problems with EA's games, but even if they havent changed much lately, they are quality if you just like to pick up and play with your favorite players
Worms series
Blow up all the things! Holy Hand Grenade
Capcom fighters (street Fighter, Marvel Vs Capcom)
I'm putting these together because they're basically the same engine. 2nd favorite fighters of all time
WoW
My soul was sold to it for 2.5 years ,and i enjoyed it. Cant really be negative about it.
Conkers Bad Fur Day
Vulgarity, fun, and imaginative with loads of allusions: I want more games like this
2k Sports series
NBA or NFL..2k knows what they're doing with sports games
Soul Calibur Fighting series
Been playing these since Soul Edge in the arcade and it was probably my 2nd most played game on Dreamcast. There's really not much better than this series for me when it comes to fighters. It looks great, the characters are interesting, the engine is easy to pick up, hard to master. Perfect storm for fighters to just be fun as hell. Nothing better than having a few friends and just cycling through characters and seeing what happens
Sonic 2
The game that took the speed of sonic and made it an institution. Almost solely responsible for my desire for a Sega Genesis
TMNT 2
My first beat-em up, Nostalgia heavy yes but my god nothing was better than this as a kid.
Double Dragon 2
My 2nd beat-em up, CYCLONE KICK TIME BITCHES
Shenmue
This middle ground between Japanese Anime and life simulator fascinated me with its sheer amount of detail. While many games have done it since, this one was the first I had seen and I loved it for it.
Legend of Zelda (original)
A friend of my sister's drew me a map of the entire game on graph paper. It was insanely accurate. And the only way I ever beat it.
Perfect Dark
My favorite multiplayer kill each other shooter. I dont know why this one was so much fun to me but it was. Moreso than Goldeneye, COD, Halo,or the bevy of others
Streets of Rage/Golden Axe
Genesis-era beat em ups with a special place in my heart
Donkey Kong Country
Gave DK a revival and brought platformers to new levels of difficulty, and graphical beauty
Wii Sports
Say what you will about waggling controllers, but wii sports is one of the best things to happen to awkward parties ever. Ive spent wayy to much time bowling.
Guitar Hero/Rock Band
Having no musical talent, these rhythm games trick my brain into thinking I'm a rock star. Yes please. Too bad my guitar is broken. Got any to spare Jao?
Tony Hawk Pro Skater
It fell off after the PS series but the original 4 Tony Hawks were pure gold for hardcore and casual skate fans alike. Humor, music, and awesome, challenging but not impossible, gameplay makes this series pure money.
Fallout 3/New Vegas
No game absorbs me like this one and hence why I dont play it often. I spend 40 hours over the course of three days and feel like I barely played.
Saints Row The Third
One of few sandbox games i've gone back too, its just fun as hell. Nothing more can be said
Plants vs Zombies
The best tower defense I've ever played period. Hundreds of hours logged, none of which counted by steam because I'd play offline at my ex's house. Suffice it to say I'm pissed PvZ2 is starting iOS only
Batman Arkham Series
You are f*cking batman and it feels right. The first game is a little clunky compared to City, but it laid the groundwork for one of my best gaming experiences lately. If you like comics at all and havent played this, stop jerking off to Jubilee, go to the store, buy these games, and play them now.
