1. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
And so here we are. As has been listed atop hundreds of best video game lists before this is the obvious choice. Yawn...No! Its the obvious choice for a reason. Theres a whole generation of gamers who remember the first time they tossed Bower into a bomb or ran from a haunted piano, and it gives a warm feeling inside. Super Mario 64 not only set the rules for a 3D platforming game, but also pretty much nailed them first go. Graphics are better now, but the cartoon visuals still hold up fine. In game cameras have improved, but it was only ever a minor gripe in this game. For any minor flaws that can be pointed at SM64, it has a million redeeming qualities. If only Nintendo would recreate the game in HD and an orchestral soundtrack the game would be perfection. This game ranks number one not only because of its innovation, and impact on video games, but because when stacked up against the others it still has the best level design, gameplay and imagination. Its the game every gamer should have played, and if you only ever play one Mario title, this should be it.
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