1. Metal Slug
This is the epitome of side scrolling shooters. Metal Slug was first conceived by the talented chaps at SNK, now known as SNK Playmore, for the Neo-Geo arcade machines and home consoles. Released in 1996 it has spawned many successful sequels that have shot their way onto a majority of consoles through the years, including the current generation. The reason that the Metal Slug series is still as fun now as it was sixteen years ago is the simplicity in the gameplay and the graphics that dont look outdated, something most games from 1996 cant claim to boast in 2012. The concept is simple, the action is hectic, the controls smooth and responsive with the hand drawn graphics a joy to behold. Partnered with a bit of humour along the way, Marco, Tarma or both parachute in, sprint to the right with guns blazing and attempt to avoid any incoming fire. The enemies range from standard soldiers, often found sunbathing or cooking food, to piloting aircrafts and tanks to stop you infiltrating their territory. Whether its traversing through jungle trenches, streets or snowy mountains, destroying your surroundings isnt limited to running on your two little feet as you jump into tanks called Metal Slugs. The sequels brought in varied modes of transport such as planes, camels, submarines, walking jumping tanks and elephants to name a few. Textbook 2d side scrolling staples are evident in the enormously sized boss fights that close out each stage, some of them as simple as a few grenades their way, others a bit more tough and frustrating than that. The Metal Slug series is easily one of my most played games of all time and one that easily stands the test of time now, and in the future. Metal Slug (any) provides constant entertainment from start to finish.