3. Another World
I bet this is one you’ve never heard of. I picked up the 15th anniversary edition of Another World (also known as Out of this World in America) in a bargain bin at my local supermarket and was instantly amazed by the game’s smooth animations, gripping score and unique narrative. Then, after doing some research, I was surprised to find that the game was made way back in 1991. It was also designed by one guy. Seriously?! You’d never think by looking at it. Another World gave birth to the cinematic adventure game single-handedly, without using any script or dialogue. It was also one of the first indie games when you think about it. This isn’t just ambitious; it’s absolutely miracuolous.
2. BS The Legend of Zelda games
Did you know that the SNES was capable of online gaming? Well, sort of. With the Japan only Satellaview add-on, SNES owners were able to download data to blank cartridges via satellites at certain times of day. One such series of downloadable items was a collection of Zelda titles made exclusively for the Satellaview. Despite largely being remakes of the old Zelda titles, the BS Zelda games were hugely innovative with their timed, episodic nature and full orchestral backing and voice acting. It might not seem like much now, but the idea of high quality audio, as well as DLC accompanying a SNES game was way ahead of its time. Not to mention that it pre-dates our modern online services by nearly a decade.
1. Shenmue
It was a tough call, but the $47 million budget and hugely innovative gameplay in Shenmue just edged it into the top spot. Though the plot was a fairly standard, yet well executed, martial arts revenge quest, the attention to detail and open game world were revolutionary for the time. Time ticks by as you wonder round the Yokosuka area, and the town’s many inhabitants go about their daily lives around you. Sound familiar? Probably because practically every game made since then has liberally borrowed from Shenmue’s limitless pot of inspiration. You hate quick time events you say? Well don’t forget that they were once cool. Way back in 1999 they were a revolution, long before all the clones sucked the life out of the humble QTE. Though Shenmue could never turn a profit on its huge production costs, it is a fantastic title that still holds its own against today’s modern titles. A truly ambitious game, if I’ve ever seen one.
Honourable mentions include: Phantasy Star Online, Odama, Fallout 3, Dragon’s Lair and Deus Ex
With only ten spaces to fill, there are many bold games that have been omitted. Feel free to give a shout out to your personal favourites in the comments section.
