After reading an article on what classic video games should be remade (and then feeling inferior because I never played any of those games growing up), I got thinking about what games I consider to be classics.
In the past I have briefly touched on how some games have shaped me into the person I am today, but I never really expanded on why I consider them to be the best games of my lifetime — why they are classics to me.
Read on to see the five best video games of my lifetime.
5. Alex Kidd In Miracle World
This was the game that started the obsession for me. It came pre-built into our SEGA Master System, and it was the greatest thing kid me had ever seen.
I remember the excitement of getting to try it for the first time.
I remember sneaking out of my room to watch my Dad play during one of his many late night gaming sessions.
When he made it to the last castle and solved the puzzles, it was like a family affair and we all celebrated with him when he finally finished the game.
Sadly, it’s also the game that showed me that not everyone appreciates video games like we did — my mother was really not a fan at all, and I remember the arguments they would have when she would ‘catch’ Dad playing when she felt he should be doing something more productive.

4. Mortal Kombat
Grown up Neri hates the Mortal Kombat series, because grown up Neri is a big chicken who doesn’t enjoy gore and couldn’t button spam her way out of a wet paper bag (Seriously, have you seen those X- ray fatalities in Mortal Kombat X?! Gross)
But tween Neri was a very different story. I loved that game so much, mostly because it let me fight my brother without ending up in emergency with a broken finger because I lost a battle of pretend Mortal Kombat in the loungroom…
Erm, yes, anyhow, moving along!
Even to this day, my brother still goes on about Scorpion’s, “Get over here!” fatality, and I get a sly grin of satisfaction when I recall how spamming Sonya’s hand stand kick would render him useless. Ahh, his tears were so delicious.
Basically, this was the game that introduced me to PvP and taught me that as thrilling as the win is, losing is even worse. Especially when you’re losing to your little brother.

3. Sonic the Hedgehog
While Alex the Kidd may have been the first game I played, Sonic the Hedgehog in his various forms on both the SEGA Master System and Mega Drive/Genesis stuck with me for years.
I remember the sheer excitement and pride I felt when I cleared the first Dr. Robotnik encounter all by myself without needing Dad’s help.
I also remember the frustration at not being able to collect the gem from the waterfall zone because I had no idea where it was (It didn’t help that the mean boys in my class had told me it was somewhere it wasn’t, either! My first introduction to trolls was at the ripe old age of 9!)
How awesome was it that you could fly as Tails? Or use cheat codes to stay in yellow mode?
I think the biggest part that sticks in my mind though were those incredible ‘3D’ graphics in the bonus stages in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on Megadrive. It’s hard to imagine that they were so mind blowing when comparing them to today’s games!

2. Final Fantasy X
This game was my first taste of RPGs and my goodness, I was hooked. It was such a beautiful game, and it was the first that showed me that video games were anything but a pastime for kids.
I loved the very adult story line, and the cut scenes! I had never seen anything like it and both my brother and I were in awe of it.
It was also the game that helped spark a friendship with a girl in my science class who still, 12 years after we met, is one of my closest friends.
Through her I was introduced to the wonder that was message boards, and the fun that was creating digital forum signatures.
Not only did Final Fantasy X capture my imagination, but it also was my first introduction to the world of online fandoms.
Needless to say, I cannot wait for the Final Fantasy X HD remake coming out on PS4 in May.

1. World of Warcraft
Whether it be the sheer amount of time played, the people I have met or the experiences both in-game and ‘IRL’ that I’ve been on, no other game comes even close to affecting my life in the way that World of Warcraft has.
I don’t think I could ever pick just one favourite World of Warcraft moment, simply because I have been playing for so long and experienced so much!
I got up to infinite adventures with RL mates in Azeroth, some of whom are no longer with us today.
I made some incredible friends who I have yet to meet in the flesh, but have brought nothing but love, support and friendship into my life none the less.
I’ve learnt conflict resolution, I’ve screamed with joy when my guild finally managed to defeat challenging bosses, I started a blog about World of Warcraft which showed me that writing was what I really wanted to do with my life.
If it wasn’t for World of Warcraft, I would probably never have reconnected with my now husband after snobbing him off when we met at college years beforehand.
No other game has — and, dare I say it — no other game really can ever can live up to that.
What would your top 5 list look like? Share your thoughts in the comments below
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