de·fin·i·tive|ver·sion™

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Work in progress, but off the top of my head:

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====== SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS ======

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Shadow of the Colossus: A Timeless Odyssey

Introduction:"Shadow of the Colossus" is not just a game; it's an experience that has etched itself into the annals of video game history. Developed by Team Ico and released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005, it stands as a testament to what video games can achieve in storytelling, atmosphere, and gameplay innovation.

Narrative and Atmosphere:The game's narrative is both simple and profound. You play as Wander, a young man on a quest to revive a girl named Mono by defeating sixteen colossal beings called Colossi. This premise unfolds across a vast, desolate landscape, where the absence of traditional enemies or dialogue creates an eerie solitude. The silence is broken only by the wind, the cries of the Colossi, and the haunting melody of the game's score by Kow Otani. This minimalist approach to storytelling allows players to feel the weight of Wander's mission, making the game's world feel both lonely and beautiful, a stark contrast to the bustling, noisy environments of many other games.

Gameplay Mechanics:What truly sets "Shadow of the Colossus" apart is its gameplay. The Colossi are not just enemies; they are puzzles. Each one requires a unique strategy for defeat, blending combat with exploration and puzzle-solving. Climbing these massive creatures, looking for weak points while managing stamina, turns each battle into an epic, cinematic encounter. The sense of scale is unprecedented, making you feel both insignificant and heroic as you traverse, stab, and ultimately bring down these living monoliths. 

Artistic Direction and Visuals:Even with the limitations of the PlayStation 2 hardware, "Shadow of the Colossus" managed to convey a sense of grandeur and beauty through its art. The landscapes are vast, with the game's world feeling like a character in itself - mysterious, foreboding, yet incredibly inviting. The art style, with its muted colors and use of light and shadow, enhances the game's melancholic tone. The remastered versions, particularly the 2018 PS4 release, have only amplified this visual storytelling, making it even more breathtaking.

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Emotional Impact and Legacy:The game's ending and the journey it takes you on leave a lasting impression. It's not just about defeating the Colossi; it's about the cost of that victory, the transformation of Wander, and the moral questions it poses. This has inspired countless discussions, fan theories, and has influenced numerous games that followed. Its legacy is seen in titles that prioritize atmosphere, narrative depth, and innovative gameplay over traditional game mechanics.

Why It's Memorable:  
Emotional Depth: The game makes you feel for the silent protagonist and the magnificent beasts you must slay.
Innovative Boss Design: Each Colossus feels like a unique world to explore.
Atmospheric Storytelling: The environment tells as much of the story as the actions you take.
Philosophical Undertones: It challenges players to think about the nature of sacrifice, power, and redemption.

Conclusion:"Shadow of the Colossus" is more than just a game; it's an exploration of solitude, duty, and the human condition set within a world that feels both alien and familiar. Its impact on gaming culture, its artistic achievements, and its storytelling through gameplay make it not just memorable but a cornerstone of what video games can aspire to be. If you've never played it or even if you have, "Shadow of the Colossus" is a journey worth taking or revisiting for its unique place in the pantheon of great video games. 

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Outer Wilds + Echoes of The Eye DLC [NOT The Outer Worlds]\\
Suikoden 1 [NOT 2, but 2 is really good]\\
Return of The Obra Dinn\\
Windjammers\\
Power Stone\\
X-Men vs Street Fighter\\
Final Fantasy VII\\
Maniac Mansion\\
Bioshock\\

I'm almost positive not a single person other than myself will ever see this, but I think it's best to expand lists like this to a top 25 at this point. There are tens of thousands of games spanning a growing list of genres. There are too many great games competing for X slot so I'll be adding to this list soon.