As we close out this year I wanted to write a special piece. Some of my favorite pieces to write include people from the gaming community. I am thrilled to have so many great people take part in this. We have a wide variety of people including the legendary “Wizard of Xbox” Jason Ronald. Not only him, but we have the legendary English voice actor for Kazuma Kiryu, Yong Yea as well. I’m thankful to have so many people who want to talk about their love of gaming. So let’s talk about our favorite video games of all time!
The Last of Us Part 2
Iron Lords Podcast Member, King David
First to kick us off is someone who doesn’t need any introduction. We have King David one of the “Four Horsemen of Gaming” and a member of the Iron Lords Podcast. You might have seen him holding the line regarding the Activision/Blizzard/King deal. Or maybe you have seen him advancing the line with his new YouTube channel Xbox Frontline. Regardless he is a great community member. King has always had my back and had this to say about his favorite game of all time.
My favorite video game of all time is The Last of Us 2. I’ve played countless amounts of video games in my life. Honestly, I think Neil Druckmann’s take on The Last of Us 2 is his Magnum Opus. I feel that Neil decided to go into areas where people were afraid to go. He did things that were vastly unpopular to people, like killing characters and just telling the story that he wanted to tell. It’s the only video game that I can say affected me emotionally to the point where I’m crying while holding the controller. And I didn’t want to decide because I truly feared the outcome. That my friend is you connecting with your targeted audience. Because you were able to deliver the message to the individuals you thought wanted to hear it. Some people who know me are shocked by this and some aren’t. I truly believe this game is leaps and bounds better than the first one.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Legendary English Voice Actor for Kazuma Kiryu From The Yakuza Franchise, Yong Yea
Next up we have the absolute legend Yong Yea. I didn’t even know where to start to talk about him. I recently started interacting with him and I have learned a lot. You might know him from his YouTube channel. If not his channel then maybe as the Engish voice actor of the Dragon from the Yakuza franchise Kazuma Kiryu. Not only him but also Mamoru Hayase from the upcoming Persona 3 Reload. His resume is way more in-depth than just those. Yong Yea has been a voice actor for at least a whopping 45 voice credits in multiple franchises. Some of these include Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, Spider-Man 2, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless, Sword Art Online the Movie Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night, God of War: Ragnarok, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and the list goes on. I was in awe at some of his work I didn’t know about. Yong Yea is an absolute legend and this is what he said about his favorite video game of all time.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was life-changing for me. There was simply nothing like it at the time. It was the first time I felt a genuine sense of wonder and adventure that brought upon the realization that video games are much more than about “playing.” They are about losing yourself in a uniquely immersive experience that no other medium could offer. I remember my friend bringing over his N64 and booting up this game, loading his save file, and the Temple of Time and its hymn immediately drawing me into the ominous atmosphere.
I saw a young elf-like warrior in a red tunic step out into a ravaged town square infested with terrifying zombie-like entities before exiting the gates of Hyrule Castle and bathing in the morning sun of Hyrule Field. My imagination was running wild with the possibilities of exploration and discovery. When I finally came to own and beat the game for myself, I felt transported in a way that I had never happened before. It was a world with seemingly no shortage of magical and majestic locales, history, characters, surprises, perils, challenges, set pieces, and fulfilling moments of heroism. Twenty hours of gameplay felt like a lifetime’s worth of adventure. I knew from then on that gaming was in for an incredible evolution in the years and decades to come.
Shinobi, Arcade Version
CEO of LOGNET & Host of the Iron Lords Podcast, Lord Cognito
When it comes to my writing journey there is one person that initiated it and has always had my back. That person is none other than the Mr. 24/7, The Shinobi, Lord Cognito. Lord Cognito is the hardest-working person I know. The man got out of the hospital and then while recovering still went to Pax West this year. It doesn’t matter where the event is, he is always trying to be there and bring the best possible content with the rest of the Lords. You can catch him and the rest of the Lords on the Lord’s Day, bringing multiple content creators and industry people to give them their flowers and celebrity gaming on their channel. Cog always has my back and continues to motivate me to be the best possible version of myself. He is definitely someone I look up to. This is what Cog said about his favorite video game of all time.
Fallout New Vegas
Co-Founder/Co-Host of GWG Podcast, Lady Infamous415
Next up we got one of the Co-Founders/Co-Hosts of the GWP Podcast Lady Infamous415. When she isn’t chatting it up with the other ladies from GWG, you can find her racking up the kills in Call of Duty. You might even see her showing off her top-notch shoe game on her Tiktok. She is fantastic and had to say about her favorite game.
The game has been rigged from the start” has been etched in my brain by the late and great Matthew Perry. FPS games run in my blood, I can run with the best of them. I have so many memories that defined my gaming experience as a whole, with Fallout New Vegas. It has taught me the importance of a story and how your decisions truly affect the outcome. My first RPG obsession, I can remember playing this game for hundreds of hours and still haven’t found everything. Playing different playthroughs to see the different outcomes of the game the music, good or bad karma, also the dialogue was nothing I experienced before. Have you ever played a game in which you had to make a decision and it’s stuck with you after you finish the game? That was me with the dead money DLC.
The graphics aren’t the best at this moment but the core material is priceless. This game is a cult classic, and every once in a while, I re-download it to go back down memory lane. This game defines and shapes the way I play video games to this day. This is the hill I die on.
Metal Gear Solid
Host of Double Barrel Gaming, Mr Boomstick XL
When you think of people in the community that do multiple shows, one name that will always come to mind is none other the Mr Boomstick. Even though he is running 4-5 shows every week, he always finds time to immerse himself in his favorite video games. He is always giving back to the gaming community while trying to maintain a positive space. He said this about his favorite game.
Growing up, Konami was a company that was the “Tip of the Spear” in gaming, their franchises are legendary, Contra, Castlevania, Silent Hill and of course, Metal Gear Solid. The PlayStation One saw many incredible gaming IPs brought into the “3D Era” but nothing made a bigger impact on me than Metal Gear Solid in 1998. The first time we saw it was on a $25 VHS that was sold in our local comic shop called Dragon’s Den in Cross County, Yonkers NY. The store owner, Gary, had gone to that year’s E3 and recorded it on a monster-sized camcorder! We watched that video SO MUCH, that we wore out the tape. It was Snake & Meryl firing their machine guns while standing back-to-back and watching the rounds drop and hit the floor was magic to our eyes.
Upon release, the Konami magician, Hideo Kojima, crafted a new genre he called “Tactical Espionage Action” changing gaming forever. The antagonists ranged from a cyborg ninja named Grey Fox to a gas mask-wearing madman with telekinesis powers called Psycho Mantis. The way you communicated using the MGS “Codex” ringtone grabbed your attention every time it went off, I still use it for messages on my phone.
Metal Gear Solid was an experience that defined my love for gaming tenfold, it combined storytelling, action, stealth, and exploration, unlike anything I have played before it. I’m hoping that the rumors of a remake on the level of what Capcom did with Resident Evil 2 come to fruition, as I would once again be filled with anticipation to relive my experiences of 1998 all over again!
The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past
Vice President of Xbox Gaming Devices & Ecosystem, Jason Ronald
If you ever heard the phrase “Wizard of Xbox” you know we are talking about Jason Ronald. Jason was part of the team that designed the Xbox Series X|S hardware. Not only did he design those, but he was also a leader in the Xbox backward compatibility program. So when you boot up those older games you have to thank Jason and the team. He is one of the many people at Xbox who love to interact and converse with the gaming community. Thankfully he is always willing to share his love of gaming and participate in these big community pieces. He might also occasionally catch him popping up on some podcasts. This is what Jason said about his favorite video game of all time.
One of my favorite games of all time is The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past. I remember the first time I defeated Agahnim believing I had beaten the game, only to be transported to the Dark World and discover there was an entire second half of the adventure still to complete lying beneath the already massive game I had just played.
It introduced me to so many elements of game design that continue to provide the foundation of games that I enjoy and play today. Zelda: Link to the Past showed how a sequel can be an incredible advancement of the franchise, while still staying true to the original. From the visuals to the music to the gameplay and story, every aspect is a generational leap forward, yet still iconic and familiar. It expanded the scope and scale of the lore and introduced many classic elements that are still found in Zelda games more than 30 years later.
To this day, when I hear the opening theme followed by raining sound effects, it takes me back to my childhood and creates an undeniable urge to go back and complete another playthrough.
Chrono Trigger
Co-Host of the DPS Podcast, SloMoBackSlap
Next up we have another friend from the gaming community. You might have seen SloMo talking games on the DPS Podcast. Then when he isn’t there you can even catch him on Scumcast as well. SloMo has been one of my friends in the community who is always willing to jump in a community article. I’ve had him in a few of them especially the ones regarding the Mass Effect Series. He said this about his favorite video game of all time.
Chrono Trigger is my favorite game of all time. And it’s because I was basically a casual gamer before then. Sure I played games like everyone else did but I kept it to myself and a few friends. Chrono Trigger opened my eyes to different kinds of storytelling. Before CT, I hadn’t played a game that tackled time travel in such a well-thought-out way. Like I would expect from movies. Before CT, I never played a game that combined attacks among the members of my party, had multiple endings, and dared to kill off the main character. It’s equally one of the best games ever made and a great example for modern games to follow.
Halo: CE & Halo 2
CG Animator & Xbox Ultimate Panel Member, 3Bit
One of the most talented people I have grown to know is 3Bit. He is a CG Animator and you probably have seen a commercial or two he has worked on. He’s done game development worked for multiple studios, and doesn’t get enough credit for how talented he truly is. You can also find him appearing on podcasts such as Xbox Ultimate. 3Bit had this to say about his favorite video game of all time.
My favorite game of all time is probably Halo 1 & 2! Halo in general got me into making montages which taught me how to edit, and understand how to build out levels with Halo mods which got me into the gaming/film industry. All because my parents encouraged me to play Halo because they thought I could learn something from it lol which they were right!
Red Dead Redemption 2
Host of Games Talk Live, Jay Fonzerrelli
When you think about people with a voice for radio, you have to think about Jay Fonzerrelli. Not only a panel member of the RDX Podcast, he also hosts his show on Sundays called Games Talk Live. Where he goes over some of the latest and greatest news from the gaming industry. And if you’re like me, you love his little game show on the podcast called “5 Questions.” This is what he had to say about his favorite video game of all time.
Red Dead Redemption 2 holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite game, primarily due to its captivating story that unfolds in the vast and meticulously crafted world. Rockstar Games has masterfully woven a narrative that immerses players in the gritty, yet emotionally charged tale of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. The character development, nuanced dialogues, and unexpected plot twists create an experience that goes beyond mere gameplay, making it feel like an interactive cinematic masterpiece. The attention to detail in recreating the American Wild West during the late 1800s adds an extra layer of authenticity, pulling me into a world where every sunrise and thunderstorm feels real.
What sets Red Dead Redemption 2 apart is Rockstar’s commitment to creating an immersive open-world environment. The level of detail is staggering, from the dynamic weather system to the realistic wildlife and bustling towns. Whether I’m exploring the wilderness, engaging in intense shootouts, or partaking in various activities, the world feels alive and responsive to my actions.
The random side quests, challenges, and random encounters enhance the overall experience, making the game a unique experience. The combination of a compelling narrative and an intricately designed world makes Red Dead Redemption 2 an unparalleled gaming masterpiece that continues to resonate with me long after I’ve rolled those credits.
Arkham Knight
Host of the Xbox Expansion Pass, Insipid Ghost
The next person to share their thoughts with us is the host of the Xbox Expansion Pass, Insipid Ghost. If you like shows where they get some great interviews then look no further than here. Insipid Ghost has done several amazing interviews. He is one of the people who enjoy shining a light on people out there who don’t normally get that opportunity. As well as others. One of my favorite moments with Insipid was with a developer who was sharing their story about game development during wartime. Here is what he said about his favorite game of all time.
My favorite game of all time is Arkham Knight. It is the apex Arkham experience and is ripe with content from throughout the DC universe. The clever easter eggs are numerous which means there is always something to discover. The brilliant voice acting pairs nearly perfectly with the Batman experience in combat, driving, and detective work. Add to the the incredible amount of DLC which gives access to so many Batman suits and cars… I so desperately hope we see a return to this formula and a modern remaster.
Super Mario World
4GQTV Producer, Italian Clownz
Next, we got another great person from the gaming community, Italian Clownz. You can find him producing different content for 4GQTV on YouTube and TikTok. He travels around to multiple different conventions and events. One of the great things he does is try to give everyone a chance from gamers, to developers, and even cosplayers. He had this to say about his favorite game of all time.
One of the hardest questions to answer as a gamer is what is your favorite game of all time? Could it be the first game you ever played? Or the first game you played with your parents, siblings, or cousins? So when I was asked this for a Lords of Gaming article I had to think hard. I grew up in an era with the Atari 2600 at home while arcades and pinball were big. Every sound, every beep with lines moving across a screen responding to controls was fascinating. But there is one. One game that I will never forget is my first experience. It was at a Burger King on a sunny day. SNES was not out yet but our Burger King got a display unit in which you could put quarters in to play either Super Mario World or F-Zero.
The sound that glistened across my ears. A magical sound of beautiful chiptune and one of the brightest sprites I have ever seen. Super Mario World called me. It spoke to me. I had thought nothing could ever come out that would rival NES or the experiences I had with it with family and friends. I had thought we hit peak blissfulness for a home console. Nintendo proved me wrong. As soon as I dropped a quarter in and pressed start I never wanted to leave that Burger King. I felt like I was playing a living breathing cartoon. Hours passed by day turned to night and I was glued. I wanted to find out what happened next. What was the next level going to be like?
Who are the bosses? How did Nintendo make such a beautiful 16-bit game? The backgrounds had such depth to them as you platformed across the level. I had never wanted a system more because of a game. Super Mario World sold me on SNES and it became my favorite game of all time. I still compare every platformer I play to that first nostalgic feeling of Super Mario World and nothing ever comes close. It was ahead of its time. It really pushed what 16-bit could do. Games came and went as the years went by but nothing ever felt the same.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Cosplayer, QUIKCOSPLAY
The next person talking about their favorite game of all time is QUIKCOSPLAY. She is a person the Lords and I met this year at Pax East. She was at the Demeo booth with some amazing cosplays as Cleepto and Deb. She is also like double my level in Demeo while I’m in the 20’s. You can also find her on multiple social platforms. She’s always at multiple events showing off her hard work and cosplay. She had this to say about her favorite game of all time.
When asked what my favorite game ever is, for me, it can be tremendously difficult to choose. There are so many games that have shaped me in special ways. I can argue which ones would reign supreme based on different criteria or categories. However, I think for a game to be called one of my favorites, if not the favorite, it has to spark something in my soul, and memory and seems to continue to appear in my life no matter how long it’s been. And with that in mind, I’m going to have to say Sonic the Hedgehog 2 would take that spot.
I know…I may get eye rolls for this one, and there are so many other games that blow this classic out of the water, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is so special to me. But I remember getting my Genesis as a kid on my birthday and crying. I was overwhelmed with joy knowing that it was an expensive gift that my parents most likely had to save up for and I was so grateful.
Sonic became my everyday. I memorized every level, listened to the music on repeat, and would binge it again and again. As the years went by, new consoles came and went, and the Genesis along with Sonic 2 always remained. I still have my original system (it’s plugged into my TV right now!) and I have enjoyed passing on the joy and nostalgia to my 2 boys who are also now fans of Sonic. It may not be the greatest game of all time to most, but it holds a special place in my heart for sure and I think that counts for something.
Halo: Combat Evolved
From the Plume Network Channel, Plume Network
The next person to join us in celebrating our favorite games of all time is Plume Network. You can check him out on his YouTube channel putting out multiple videos. When he isn’t doing that you can see him questing on other podcasts and shows. He shared what his favorite video game of all time was and this is what he said.
Choosing my favorite game of all time is always difficult. However, the one game that always pops into my mind instantly whenever this conversation comes up is Halo: Combat Evolved. Halo: CE holds a very special place in my heart. I remember it like it was yesterday – receiving the game on Christmas morning but not fully understanding the greatness of what I was about to experience.
I had played first-person shooters before, like Doom, Duke Nukem, Perfect Dark, and Goldeneye. Going into Halo: CE, I was expecting something similar in terms of game design and experience, but I was completely blown away right from the start. The gameplay mechanics were better than anything I had played previously, Master Chief quickly became my favorite video game character, and the mission structure, especially landing on the Halo ring for the first time, was something that revolutionized FPS games.
Besides the greatness of the game itself, it was also significant for the gaming industry. It sold the original Xbox and brought in a new competition to take on Sony and Nintendo. For a lot of people, it also ushered in their first LAN party experiences – something we don’t do anymore, but I would argue was the best multiplayer experience. Nothing was better than getting many people in one place playing a game they loved. It was also the game that made the FPS genre on consoles truly viable and popular with dual-stick controls. Finally, the stamp of a truly great game is its longevity, and Halo: CE is still a game today that people can pick up and have a ton of fun, as the game holds up extremely well.
Ark Survival Evolved
Host of Behind Them Sticks, Hamsolo05
Another great friend from the community is Hamsolo. When he isn’t supporting other people’s podcasts and shows you can find him hosting and being a part of his own. You can catch him on Bullsittin or hosting Behind Them Sticks. Hamsolo has interviewed many great people from the community and is always a great conversation. This is what he said about his favorite game of all time.
My favorite game of all time is probably Ark Survival Evolved and it’s not just because the game is fun. I generally like what it provides which is the ability to team up and tame creatures all across the map and also cave crawling. The number one reason I chose this game is that it brought my wife, father-in-law, and friend from my hometown together to play all on the same server and on the same tribe. It allowed me to enjoy my favorite hobby while having old friends and new family members work together and to me that is special!!!
Gears of War 2
From Stubz Gaming YouTube Channel, Stubz Gaming
Next up we have another great member and friend from the community, Stubz Gaming. I’ve had many great conversations with him and even been on one of his old shows. Stubz loves to talk about games like Yakuza and Persona, among others on his channel. Here is what he said about this favorite game of all time.
Gears of War 2 is my ultimate favorite game of all time. It was my first entry into the Gears of War universe! Gears of War 2 is an incredible experience that improved in every way from the 1st game. It’s the emotional storytelling part of the game with Dominic Santiago and his wife Maria that truly makes this a masterpiece. Without spoilers, it’s something everyone needs to see & play!
Mass Effect 2
Host of the Scumcast Podcast, The Ashen Luca
If you think of Queen of Soulsborne games, Luca is the person that comes to mind. Spanning multiple generations her love of games such as Dark Souls, Demon Souls, Bloodborne, and others is great to see. She is never afraid to share her love with others and that is something I love to see in the gaming community. You can also find her hosting Scumcast and occasionally Scum On One. She said this about her favorite game of all time.
My favorite video game of all time is Mass Effect 2. There is something very special about the concept of finding family and loyalty in people you’re on a mission with. It speaks to the truth of how things are in the real world as well. How someone you have nothing in common with or start with an antagonist relationship can end up being one of your best friends. The loyalty quests, getting to know your crew, seeing different sides of characters, and understanding their nuance. The Suicide Mission at the end and how you had to prep properly for your ship to survive, to know your crew mates well enough to know who would be the right person for each task so everyone gets out alive. Just an overall special game and it’ll hold a place in my heart forever.
Duck Hunt
Co-Host of the GWG Podcast, “LA” Boogie
Up to bat now is another one of the ladies from the GWG Podcast known as “LA” Boogie. You can catch her chopping it up with the other ladies of GWG. She also throws it down on a bunch of different games. She and the GWG team even had a meet-up at Pax West this year. One of the many great community members and she said this about her favorite game of all time.
One of my all-time favorite video games is Duck Hunt on the original Nintendo. It holds a special place in my heart because it was the game that made me a gamer. Unlike Mario, which I struggled with, I was good at Duck Hunt. I think many people struggle to get into gaming because they have to find something they are good at; losing repeatedly can be discouraging. But Duck Hunt changed that for me. The gun controller and the instant feedback of seeing your score after pulling the trigger was a unique and exciting experience. Looking back, I can confidently say that Duck Hunt solidified my love for gaming.
The Witcher 3
Docta Moeqawama
Right out of the gate let’s answer the question you have, yes he works in medicine! Docta Moe as he goes by is a person I have followed for a long time. When he wasn’t co-hosting The Backlog Chronicles Podcast, you can find Moe appearing as a guest on other shows. Moe never shies away from his thoughts or feelings on games and the industry. When he isn’t talking games or the industry you can find him sharing his love of video game collectors editions. Doesn’t matter what collectible it is, Moe will get it if he wants. This is what he had to say about his favorite video game of all time.
After playing Elden Ring, I didn’t think another game could ever keep me captivated and hooked the way it did. I had held off on Witcher 3 for a long time, and after the game received its huge current-gen update, I decided to finally give it a go. I had no more excuses to put it off, especially after the endless accolades it received critically and from friends. But surely, it would not take the top spot from Elden Ring for me, would it? Oh yes, it did. And by the thinnest of margins, which is a testament to Witcher 3, a game released in 2015.
It’s not a stretch to say that it is arguably the greatest single-player RPG of all time. Rarely, if ever, has a game checked off nearly every box I look for in my experience with it. It is a harmonious amalgamation of some of the best storytelling, writing, character development, world-building, art, and RPG elements that had absolutely no business being this good, combined, in a single video game. There are not enough words I can say to describe what an incredible experience it was, top to bottom. The Witcher 3 is the pinnacle example of why I love video games.
Ratchet & Clank 3: Up Your Arsenal
LOGNET Writer, Robert Kellet
Newly recruited Lords of Gaming writer Robert Kellet is a big Sonic fan. He among other writers has shown enthusiasm and taken the bull by the horns since they joined. I’m sure you have seen him hanging out in the Iron Lords Podcast chat and showing support for them. This is what he said about his favorite game of all time.
The Ratchet & Clank series is a franchise that has had plenty of amazing games over its twenty-plus years, but the one that will always stick with me is the third installment, Up Your Arsenal. Being the third game in the series, it takes everything the prior two accomplished and just mastered its core game loop.
Guns are iconic, having great responsiveness and impact when in many frantic fire-fights. The level design is streamlined, making the game endlessly replayable. The narrative is some of the franchise’s best comedic writing hands down. While later Ratchet games, such as Dreadlocked, A Crack in Time, and Rift Apart accomplish in places Up Your Arsenal doesn’t, it will always be in my top ten games of all time.
Halo Combat Evolved
LOGNET Editor-in-Chief, Mahmood Ghaffar
Mahmood is one of the most hard-working EICs I have ever met. Always in the trenches attempting to make each article as good as it can be. While keeping all the writers and editors on track to do our best work. He always goes out of his way to recruit new members to the team and guide them. I can tell you personally he’s the one that edits the majority of mine and he does excellent work. Mahmood has helped me learn a lot in my writing journey. This is what he had to say about this favorite video game of all time.
To me, Halo will always be my definitive favorite game. On a personal level, Halo CE will always remind me of my high school days and going over to my friends’ place competing with each other in split screen and rejoicing once we completed the campaign on Legendary difficulty. While on the wider video game industry level, the game was transformative and made console FPS viable. Not only viable, but it blazed the trail that future games followed and iterated on. Though it may be past its prime days, Halo will forever be etched in my memory and heart.
Everquest
LOGNET Writer, Billy The Brewer
Another one of our latest additions to the writing team for Lords of Gaming is Billy The Brewer. Some might even call him the Lord of the Brewery. Billy joined the team with just as much enthusiasm as everyone else. We are excited to see what future content he creates with us. He talked about his favorite game of all time and said this.
My favorite video game of all time is the MMORPG EverQuest. I grew up loving the Lord of the Rings and Sword of Shannara book series, so when I found out about EverQuest I was hooked. Growing up in the rural outskirts of a small town led to a lot of free time for me to get lost in the world of Norrath. The majority of my middle school into early college years were spent grinding through hell levels or raiding to get Plane of Time access before fizzling out with the Echoes of Faydwer expansion in EQ2 around 2008. EverQuest solidified my preference for fantasy-based Western RPGs, and I can’t wait to see the future of the genre.
Heroes of Might & Magic 3
LOGNET Writer, Michael Brown
Next up we have one of the newer members to the LOGNET team as well. Lords of Gaming has continually been recruiting new and talented people. Michael Brown is one of those great people. He exudes a love and passion for gaming. This is what he said about his favorite video game of all time.
Released on March 3rd, 1999, Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia is a turn-based strategy game. Players control heroes, build up their towns, and recruit creatures to fight alongside them. There are several factions, each having different heroes, creatures, and special buildings. Victory conditions vary, but eliminating all enemy towns and heroes is a common one. To accomplish this, players need to build up their towns to recruit powerful creatures. These buildings are not free, so defeating creatures to capture resource generators is vital. Also, defeating enemies gives heroes experience to level up and get stronger. Levels, combined with artifacts that players can find, could be the difference in battle. Heroes can also specialize in combat strength or the use of magic. Players can select and strengthen their heroes to fit their playstyle.
Despite its age, Heroes of Might and Magic III holds up quite well. One of the most striking things about the game is the variety it offers. Each faction has a different yet unified theme. Factions include a medieval castle, classical mythology, armies of the undead, and more. Since each faction has unique units, no two factions play the same. This extends to combat as well. Enemy factions and neutral creatures guarding resource generators can vary as well. The battlefields also offer variety. The battlefield changes to match the terrain, whether grass, volcanic rock, or a boat. Castle battles are also different, with the attacking player sieging the castle walls. Different strategies work better for different types of battles.
The first expansion, Armageddon’s Blade, adds a random map generator for even more variety. Players can generate maps of various sizes and with an optional underground. Bigger maps take longer to fully uncover but offer more to discover. Finally, the music is incredible. Each faction has a unique theme for its town. The background music for the overworld is fitting and immersive. There are even multiple battle themes for more variety. Taken as a whole, Heroes of Might and Magic III is an incredible game for its time that holds up well. Its surprising depth and incredible variety can keep players busy for many, many hours. For more devoted players, those hours become years and, eventually, decades.
Jet Set Radio Future
Co-host of The Gaming Circle Podcast, K. Asante
K. Asante is another great member of the gaming community. You might see him popping up on other shows around the gaming community. When he isn’t doing that you can catch him co-hosting The Gaming Circle Podcast with Everborn Saga. K. Asante is an avid gaming enthusiast who enjoys poking at Everborn about Sega. He had this to say about his favorite video game of all time.
With a journey spanning over three decades, I’ve explored numerous virtual realms in search of the ultimate gaming experience. Time-honored classics like Super Mario Bros., Sonic, and Ninja Gaiden evoke the nostalgia of the ’80s, reminiscent of my childhood days. Meanwhile, Tetris stands as an enduring masterpiece, in my humble opinion. Since my local arcade started my love of gaming, fighting games like MK, Tekken, and Street Fighter will always hold a special place.
Yet, if I had to shine a spotlight on a game that truly resonates with me, it would be Jet Set Radio Future, an exclusive gem released on the OG Xbox. Hitting at just the right time during my early 20s, this game’s distinctive gameplay, sleek cell-shaded visuals, diverse characters, and groundbreaking music spoke my language. Amidst the gaming landscape of that era, JSRF’s rebellious spirit and subtle intensity in gameplay set it apart, embodying the anthem of a pivotal chapter in my life.
Enter Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, a recent release on PC and console by indie dev, Team Reptile. It effortlessly transports me back to the vibes of my early JSRF days. To date, I’d confidently label it as the most exceptional spiritual successor to the original JSRF vision. Until Sega reads all my letters and graces us with a remake or remaster of JSRF, BRCF skillfully scratches that nostalgic itch. But its success lies in one simple truth—it stands on the shoulders of the giant that was Jet Set Radio Future.
Skies of Arcadia
Panel Member for FSP/Fun Pop/Xbox Ultimate, Psychonauts
If you ever watched a Fun Speculation show you know the next person up is the mellow fellow from outer space, Psychonauts. You can catch Psycho appearing on multiple shows throughout the Fun Speculation channel. Psycho has a love for many different games including RPGs, especially JRPGs. That love can only be matched by his love for Marvel and other superhero-related things. This is what he said about his favorite game of all time.
An evil dictator is looking for a weapon of mass destruction and our would-be hero is out to save the world. Players take to the skies above and the dungeons below in search of mystical items and rare treasures. They battle strange-looking monsters and evil henchmen in turn-based combat, becoming more powerful fighters/spellcasters in the process. Eventually, they gain enough power to stop the bad guys and save the world. Theoretically, even with this basic premise, Skies of Arcadia manages to develop an interesting plot with lots of twists and turns to keep things interesting. This is one tale that RPG fans will thoroughly enjoy. Now if Skies of Arcadia was an average game, I could just throw in a few words about graphics, and the review would be done. But alas, the Skies hold much more treasures for role-playing fans. Shall we commence with the goodies?
To boost the typical RPG combat to a higher level, Skies of Arcadia includes element-based weapons. Upon obtaining a Moon Stone, characters will be able to imbue their weapons with elemental properties based on color. Think of it like Magic The Gathering or even Pokemon. For example, yellow (lightning) weapons have an advantage over green (earth) creatures. Usage of each weapon type also boosts that character’s equivalent magic powers. Use your blue weapons a lot and you’ll boost your blue magic skills that much faster.
Psycho Went On
The world in which Skies of Arcadia takes place is large, with plenty of places to explore. As a sort of side quest, players can freely explore the world in their airship and discover hidden lands and landmarks. Hunting for these secret locations can be fun on their own and info regarding the discoveries you make can be sold to the local sailor’s guild for a nice chunk of change. Adventures in the sky lead to another take on the turn-based combat system. Sky battles can happen with ships instead of swords. Players enter a string of commands and then watch as the crew carries them out.
Occasionally, players will also have to decide the ship’s strategy, such as closing in on the enemy or keeping a safe distance away. While these ship-to-ship battles are a bit more interesting than the hand-to-hand combat, they tend to be drawn out way too long. Eventually, when Vyse gets a ship of his own, you’ll also need to find a suitable crew. Gaining specialized crew members, such as a gunner or engineer, will boost different parts of the ship. So you won’t just be hunting for treasure and new lands, you’ll also have to be on the lookout for new crew.
Psycho Continued To Explain
There’s just so much to do within the world, you’ll never be stuck in any one place doing just one thing. Within the dungeons, you’ll also come across a few puzzles to solve. While none of these are particularly challenging, they offer some nice variety. The graphics are top-notch. Skies of Arcadia shows off smooth and detailed environments as well as very solid anime-styled characters. Even the cool-looking spells and super moves put on a dazzling display of color and light.
Surprisingly, bits of audible speech are thrown in every once in a while. The voices are cheesy at best, but it was nice of them to give it a shot. The most enjoyable aspect of Skies of Arcadia is the way the game flows. RPGs that follow the typical dungeon/town/dungeon pattern get really dry and boring. In Skies, the story, as well as the ability to freely explore the map, moves the game along at a brisk pace. Even the dungeon expeditions move along nicely. You won’t have to endure level after level of similar-looking environments, desperately looking for the next save point. With this type of gameplay, you’ll never feel like you’re stuck in one place for a long time. So whether you’re a classic RPG gamer or a newbie to the genre, you’re bound to have some fun with Skies of Arcadia. With a great presentation and a well-developed story.
The Legend of Zelda
Host of Gaming Beyond the Box, Wilmy Hood
When it comes to giving people an opportunity or allowing people to get their podcasting feet wet, there is no one more generous than Wilmy Hood. He is willing to allow almost anyone to come onto his show Gaming Beyond The Box. The panel is always so welcoming. There’s a possibility that I never joined LOGNET and wrote this article without Wilmy inviting me to his show. He is also a major supporter of many shows out there as well. This is what Wilmy had to say about his favorite game of all time.
I remember my very first time playing Zelda on the original NES. Putting the huge cartridge into that box always made for a great night. And you had to make sure to blow into it first. I spent countless days learning where all the secrets and levels were hidden. Frustrating time learning my way through the forest maze and surviving the graveyard. My first fight with Ganon felt like a major life goal at the time. My friends and I had sleepovers and would stay up all day and night, taking turns playing.
This year. I turned 50 years old, and I can still sit down and know every little secret the game had in it and still know my way through every level and each fake wall to place a bomb. Not many games have that sort of lasting impression. It fueled my lifelong love of gaming which I passed down to my kids. My son especially. So much in fact that he went to school and got his Masters in game design and works in the industry today.
Doom 2
Founding Member of the Xbox International Podcast, Crazy Lui Gaming
Crazy Lui is one of the most energetic and positive people I have talked to. From his appearances on podcasts to being the founding member of his own. Lui is always out here supporting multiple shows and making people laugh. He is always spreading cheer and positivity. Here is what Crazy Lui had to say about his favorite game of all time.
Good morning, everybody. Man oh man I have been asked to write about my favorite video game of all time, this is just awesome and an honor. It was the year 1994 I was the coolest kid back in elementary school. I had long Brad Pit-style hair slim body looking like Kyle Reese. Who am I kidding I was a tubby kid with a Terminator 2 haircut with a crush on Michelle Pfeiffer.
Enough about me let us talk about how I met the most awesome gruesome coolest video game of all time. I was riding my sweet beautiful purple mountain bike with a Plastic cup on the back to make it sound like a Motorcycle since I am to this day a big Terminator 2 fan and met up with my neighbor who is also a video game fan like me and he said: “Hey Tuto lets go to my house I got a game to show you on my computer and you will love it”.
Lui Continued
This was back in the day when we did not have the internet to find out what was the best game that had just been released. We had to wait for GamePro magazines, and Nintendo Power magazines or go to a Blockbuster to rent the games to see what was new. We sat down on his computer which was a Packard Bell then turned it on and waited 3 to 5 minutes to load. Then grabbed the floppy disk which read “DOOM 2” and launched it. The title screen loads up with a picture of a guy with a shotgun and an Alfred Hitchcock Psycho style of music. This got me hyped up “Let’s GO”. When I started to play it and saw all this blood, guts, demons, guns, and mannnn when I picked up that super shotgun a double barrel shotgun just the sound of it destroying the demons damn it was just wonderful.
Of course, I did not know how but my friend knew the codes to God mode and all weapons and that’s when he showed me the BFG. He said you know what BFG means I said no. He said it means “Big ***** Gun” and it sticks to its name. Shooting the BFG and destroying everything that was in front of it was just FANTASTIC. Going through the weapons I also saw the famous chainsaw.
With the God Mode cheat on I faced the Cyber Demon and just chain sawed him. I had so much fun with Doom 2 that I even started going through the game by just using one weapon. Doom 2 was the game that took me to battle in the bowels of hell to destroy demons and stop Baphomet from conquering Earth. I have played through the whole Doom franchise. I loved them all, but Doom 2 is the game that won my heart and is for me the best video game of all time.
Suikoden 2
Senior LOGNET Writer, Chris Jones
Now the last person we have is of course yours truly. If you know me you know I play pretty much anything, but my first love is JRPGs. You can find me writing all different kinds of articles for LOGNET. You can also find me appearing on different shows whenever I’m invited. I’m also a union representative for people at my full-time job. You might even see me out in public with the Lords on occasion. If you know me well, you probably know what my favorite video game of all time is.
Suikoden 2 is by far my favorite video game of all time. If it wasn’t for the moment that got me into gaming which involved this game I wouldn’t be gaming today. When I started playing this game at a young age one of the things that helped me understand the different things happening was the music. The music in the game allowed me to understand the importance of situations. Then you have to unique 108 different characters you can recruit. All these characters come together from different backgrounds to support the hero. There is a character that everyone out there can relate to. So many people allow for endless replayability possibilities.
There are fun mini-games just like other Suikoden entries. I enjoy the turn-based combat, as well as the plethora of different Runes and Rune Magic in the game. The lore for this game and series is endless. Suikoden 2 like the others in the series has everything you want in a story mystery, war, intrigue, betrayal, and much more. I could go on for hours, but I’ll leave you with this. I truly honestly believe Suikoden 2 is the greatest video game of all time.
Wrap-Up
I want to start off by saying how thankful I am to have this opportunity. I sent out the proverbial “Bat Signal” and so many amazing people answered the call. To see so many people come together with a different variety of games that they love is amazing. It’s truly one of the reasons that makes writing and these articles in particular worth every bit of it.
When people from all walks of life and the gaming community can come together it’s a beautiful thing to see. Shout out to all the great people that took part in this and go follow them all! It doesn’t matter how big or small a person’s following is, because when gaming is great we all win!
