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Matty’s Top 10 games of all time (for now)

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Top 10 Cabbage Games

*Cabbage intensifies*

A long, long time ago, everybody put together a list of their top ten favourite games (here’s Alessandro’s, Darryn’s, Gavin’s, Geoff’s, and Zoe’s if you’d like to take a look). Me? I’ve never gone about doing it because, to be quite frank, it’s a monumental task that I was afraid of tackling. I mean, how is one meant to condense their entire life’s catalogues of played games (for me, 25 years or so) down to such a small number?

I’ve been thinking about my list for a long time now though, and I think I’m finally ready to share it. Just remember, what you see here represents how I’m feeling today. Ask me again next year, next month, or even tomorrow, and I’d bet that this top 10 would look somewhat different. Anyhow, without further adeu, and in no particular order, here are some of my favourite games of all time:

Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid

The very first Metal Gear Solid blew me away for a number of reasons. It had amazing stealth gameplay that was revolutionary at the time, larger than life characters, over-the-top boss battles, and full on voice acting . SNAKE? SNAKE!!!

On top of all this, I think I remember Metal Gear Solid most because it presented numerous “WOW” moments as I worked my way through its solid (HA) campaign. That fight with Psycho Mantis for example? Finding out his weakness (the need to switch the controller to another port, because REASONS) remains one of my favourite gaming memories of all time.

It was so unexpected, and at the time, mind-blowing. It’s just one of many reasons why I love this game so much.

Abe’s Oddyssey

Abe's Oddyssey

To date, I don’t think I’ve played a game that’s nearly as original as Abe’s Oddyssey. I genuinely was confused by the setting, Oddworld, the first time I laid eyes on it. Its art direction and design is unusual and unique even today I reckon.

Abe’s Oddysee was a notoriously difficult platformer, and after playing it again a year or two ago, I can’t understand how I made it to the end of it as a child even just once. What’s even more unfathomable is that I remember playing the game so often back then that I figured out every little bit of timing, every enemy movement, every trap location and more, to the point where I almost never died on a single playthrough.

One day I’ll visit Oddworld again, in the remake, New ‘n’ Tasty (which I’ve not yet played believe it or not). I need to atone for all those poor Mudokons I mercilessly killed in my childhood!

Final Fantasy VI

Final Fantasy VI

For a long time, I always thought my top 10 list would include Final Fantasy VII. It was a no brainer really – it was the first game I ever played in the franchise, and it really was excellent, despite its blocky presentation. It was my introduction to JRPGs too. Levelling up, magic and abilities, a huge world to explore, and hundreds of battles just waiting to happen? It all was something I’d never experienced before, which is why I think of that particular game so fondly.

Many years later however, I went on a quest to play every older Final Fantasy title I had missed. That just so happened to include the stellar VI. To date, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that a cartridge with only a couple of megabytes of storage space could hold an adventure of such grand scale. The story of Terra, all her companions, and Kefka – the best Final Fantasy antagonist to date in my opinion – are all seared into my memory.

Seriously, I played the game what, fifteen years after its original launch? Final Fantasy VI sunk its hooks so deep into me that I played till the early hours of the morning repeatedly until I saw those credits roll. What a game!

Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil 3

For many, Resident Evil 2 is the pinnacle of classic Capcom survival horror. For me though, it’s Resident Evil 3. Why? It’s not because I think it’s explicitly better or anything, it boils down to that I played it a whole lot more than its predecessors. I really did finish this game more times than I care to count.

What made it so memorable for me, and more enjoyable to play I think was its big bad, Nemesis. That towering bastard dogged Jill’s footsteps at every turn. Every encounter with him left me with sweaty palms, and each escape, an enormous feeling of satisfaction, and relief.

Similarly to Abe’s Oddyssey, I played Resident Evil 3 so regularly that I became ridiculously proficient with its dodging mechanic, and unbelievably knowledgeable regarding Raccoon City’s layout. I used to run through the game in a little over an hour – something that I’m still very proud of to this day. I was a kid for crying out loud!

Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2

After having some quick time with the first Borderlands at rAge (before it was even out if I remember), I made sure I bought the game as soon as I could because I really liked what I saw. Look, I ended up enjoying it, but I wasn’t completely blown away to be honest. That ending in particular was such a letdown that left a sour taste in my mouth.

Borderlands 2 took me completely by surprise three years later. I don’t know what possessed me to pick it up, but I’m so glad I did. I played through its campaign alone, and then again with a friend, and then again with more friends. I then carried on replaying the game alone, again, and again, until I got my hands on the DLC. I completed all of them, AND THEN, went back to playing more vanilla Borderlands 2, because REASONS. That loop of levelling and looting was my weakness – I just couldn’t get enough of it!

But that’s not all that made Borderlands 2 amazing. It also happened to have some great humorous writing, delivered by a hilarious cast of characters, one of which was the amazing antagonist, Handsome Jack. I doubt I’ve giggled in any other game nearly as much as I have in this addictive shooter.

Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy

Say what you want about Nintendo’s mascot plumber (I get it – they do like to rehash him over and over again), but he features in some of the best games ever made. He’s been through loads of memorable games, but none to me are as epic as that of his first Wii outing, Super Mario Galaxy.

The game is classic 3D Mario, albeit with some head turning, neck clicking twists. Every topsy turvy world within Super Mario Galaxy bursts with character, colour, and as usual, great, innovative game design that Nintendo often nail.

I don’t know if they’ll manage to top this game for a long time, though I must admit, Super Mario Odyssey on the Switch is looking mighty fine. Will it be better than Galaxy? Only time will tell I suppose. A part of me doubts it however, because the the plumber’s Wii adventure is damn near perfect.

Portal 2

Portal 2

Portal shipped with the Orange Box as nothing more than an experimental puzzle game involving its namesake. I don’t know if Valve had any idea it would be received that well, but people really loved it. This naturally, prompted a sequel.

And what sequel it was! When I dived into Portal 2, I really just expected, I don’t know, more blue and orange doorway shenanigans with antagonist GlaDOS along for the ride. What I got however, was a fully fledged campaign with even more mind-boggling puzzles, along with some of the best gaming characters I’ve ever encountered.

GlaDOS was back, along with Wheatley, a robot who turned out to be even more evil, and Cave Johnson, the founder of Aperture Science Laboratories who serves as a humorous guide from beyond the grave (actually, it’s unconfirmed as to whether he is dead or not). Hopefully we’ll see more of them all in future, though I suspect that may only be when Half-Life 3 releases (basically never sadly).

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is simply put, a beautiful work of art. If I ever want to show any non-gamer that the medium is anything but mindless popcorn entertainment, this is the game I show them.

More than that though, Ori and the Blind Forest is a damn near perfect platformer. It takes heavy inspiration from Metroidvania classics and more modern titles, and brings it all together into a package that’s not only a dream to play, but a visual treat to behold. There’s just something about it all that sings to my soul. I can play the game again and again, and I find myself smiling each and every time, outside of that heartwrenching opening chapter of course.

There’s a reason I go out of my way to buy copies of Ori and the Blind Forest and give them away to people at random. I feel that strongly about it that I’m compelled to get others to play it.

Overwatch

Overwatch

Over my gaming career, I’ve played many a shooter. I’ve enjoyed classics like Quake, Unreal Tournament, Counter-Strike (1.6 and beyond), Team Fortress 2, and many more. They’re all very good in their own way, and many deserve a spot on this list. I just can’t not give it to Overwatch however – my latest poison of choice in this genre. I can only sum it up in the same way I concluded my review of the game:

Blizzard have set a new example for the FPS genre that others will need to follow. Overwatch reaches near perfection with its polish and charm. It’s fun, addictive, and will keep players hooked for a good, long time.

Blizzard have outdone themselves, and they continue to go above and beyond with consistent balances, new heroes, and regular themed events. I’m hooked on Overwatch, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!

Dota 2

Dota 2

Ha, and you thought I wouldn’t include Dota 2 on this list! Don’t worry, I saved the best for last. Just kidding, I don’t think Valve’s MOBA is the best game ever made, but it is one that’s sucked the most hours out of my life, and for that, it definitely deserves a spot.

So, how many hours of Dota 2 have I played? It’s er… *cough* only 4000 or so according to Steam. That’s not a lot, right? It’s only actual months of my life that I’ll never get back.

Do I regret it? Not at all! Between all the name calling, and underneath all the salt, lies one of the most satisfying and enjoyable games I’ve ever had the joy (and despair) of playing. Despite having managed to shelve my addiction over a year ago, I find myself heading back now and then for just one more game. Just one more. Just. One. More.

Cabbages top 10 games

That’s all folks! So, what do you think of my list, is it at least acceptable in your eyes? Of course it’s not – we all have our own unique tastes, so chances are, you think I’m the biggest moron and that I have poor taste.

Still, I’m glad that’s out of my system. Maybe I’ll come back in a year or two to see if any of these games have changed. For now though, they all have a special place in my heart.

Last Updated: February 1, 2017

93 Comments

  1. Raptor Rants

    February 1, 2017 at 11:35

    It was all good until you listed Dota. Why would you spoil a list like that? Sies

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 11:36

      “I don’t think Valve’s MOBA is the best game ever made, but it is one that’s sucked the most hours out of my life, and for that, it definitely deserves a spot.”

      Because REASONS! 😛

      Reply

      • Raptor Rants

        February 1, 2017 at 11:39

        Terrible reasons! Just because crack consumes your life doesn’t make it a top 10 spot on a list of healthy drugs!

        Reply

        • Matthew Figueira

          February 1, 2017 at 11:39

          YOU’RE NOT MY MOM!

          Reply

          • Raptor Rants

            February 1, 2017 at 11:40

            And for that I am eternally grateful.

    • Nikola

      February 1, 2017 at 12:10

      Typical Matt and his stupid Moba’s…

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        February 1, 2017 at 12:17

        I bet he spent hours trying to figure out what other 9 games he likes.

        Reply

        • Nikola

          February 1, 2017 at 12:19

          hahahaha oh 100%

          Reply

        • Matthew Figueira

          February 1, 2017 at 12:28

          Now that’s just mean 😛

          Reply

        • Ir0nseraph

          February 1, 2017 at 13:43

          LoL

          Reply

      • Matthew Figueira

        February 1, 2017 at 12:31

        SO MUCH HATE </3

        Reply

  2. Ottokie

    February 1, 2017 at 11:38

    Super Mario Galaxy and Ori!

    o/

    I would also add Super Mario Sunshine 😛

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 12:31

      AWWW YISS! One day I will play Sunshine.

      Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    February 1, 2017 at 11:41

    Borderlands’ shoot ‘n loot was so addictive. 1 & 2 are my 3rd & 2nd most played games respectively of the last decade.

    Reply

    • miaau

      February 1, 2017 at 11:54

      I, the non FPS player, played Borderlands 1, all DLC, through nearly twice. How much fun is that… Insanity levels of fun.

      One of the hallmarks of a good RPG / make weapon type game is when you do not Power MAX the weapons, you look to have fun as well.

      Reply

      • Original Heretic

        February 1, 2017 at 11:56

        2 was even better than 1. So much better!

        Reply

        • miaau

          February 1, 2017 at 11:58

          Really? Hmm, perhaps it should be on the radar

          BUT I played strictly SP. Man, some of the fights in Borderlands 1 were difficult alone and some challenges, according to Internet, were only doable SP by the very best. i can attest to that. Killed some Giant worm thing that was meant to be done by a party of people. Took me bloody ages. Remember pausing, walking away, making a cup of tea, coming back to action. Died so many times…..

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 1, 2017 at 12:01

            2 is definitely my favourite as well. Just get the main game & season pass – skip the additional stuff.

          • miaau

            February 1, 2017 at 12:02

            Thanks, will look into that.

            Also, want Titanfall 2, for the campaign. Looks like fun.

            Season pass, but skip the Additional stuff? Um, what does that mean?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 1, 2017 at 12:06

            There’s a metric ton of DLC not included in the season pass that just isn’t worth the money.

          • miaau

            February 1, 2017 at 12:07

            ah, yeah. too much content can also scare newcomers away, same-ness, boring can creep in. Big commitment to play something with as much content as they have thrown in.

          • Original Heretic

            February 1, 2017 at 12:03

            MUST get Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep DLC. Any table-top roleplayer would love it!

          • miaau

            February 1, 2017 at 12:03

            Tiny Tina was awesome in number 1. Very fun. And insane. Did we mention already that the game has levels, layers, of insanity?

          • Original Heretic

            February 1, 2017 at 12:02

            Yeah, there are boos creatures designed for group play in each game.

            In 2 they really built on what they did right in 1. And the player powers were just so awesome. I enjoyed it solo and obviously jamming with mates. The number of hours we have logged on it are insane.

  4. PurplePariah

    February 1, 2017 at 11:47

    What? No Fable?!

    Reply

    • Ottokie

      February 1, 2017 at 11:48

      I was thinking the same xD

      Reply

    • miaau

      February 1, 2017 at 11:50

      Fable? Really?

      Why….. Was fun, but top 10 list fun? I think not.

      Reply

      • PurplePariah

        February 1, 2017 at 11:55

        Veek toor.

        Reply

        • miaau

          February 1, 2017 at 11:56

          Um, what? reference to game? Been far, far too long. Also, if pop culture reference, I miss them, easily.

          AND I googled the term.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 1, 2017 at 11:59

            Lagz had an intern called Victor whose top 10 list consisted half of Fable games. 😉

          • PurplePariah

            February 1, 2017 at 12:00

            I was going to leave him in suspense. Dammit. XD

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 1, 2017 at 12:02

            I’M HELPFUL!

          • PurplePariah

            February 1, 2017 at 12:02

            HI HELPFUL! NICE TO MEET YOU! WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 1, 2017 at 12:03

            IN CASE ANY READERS ARE HARD OF HEARING.

          • PurplePariah

            February 1, 2017 at 12:04

            NOW I’M LAUGHING MY ASS OFF. LOL.

          • miaau

            February 1, 2017 at 12:34

            i am, actually, hard of hearing. But mostly to the high range of sounds. Like my wife’s voice, for example… true story

          • miaau

            February 1, 2017 at 12:34

            Yeah, forgot about this till I glanced over and saw this.

    • Original Heretic

      February 1, 2017 at 11:51

      Too many broken promises for it to make a list. It was fun, but damn, there was so much expectation attached to it, it could never live up to that.

      Reply

  5. miaau

    February 1, 2017 at 11:52

    Not even played one of this games.. not one.

    Where is Master of Orion, 1 + 2, Civ 1, 2, III (like a million hours), IV?

    Knights of the Old Republic (1 or 2)? Deus Ex:HR?

    I, for one, am glad of the differences and the choices out there for different people.

    Now, Mr Figgs, try and get it right next time, ok?

    Reply

  6. Original Heretic

    February 1, 2017 at 11:52

    This list made me go look at all the others. nice one!

    All in all, I see many great games, past present and future, represented here (and in the others).

    Reply

  7. Original Heretic

    February 1, 2017 at 11:57

    I love that the Borderlands 2 image is showing off the Siren’s ability. Loved that character. I was half forced to initially choose her, so that the group I jammed with had a healer, but in the end, after trying them all out, she was still my personal favourite.

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 11:58

      Likewise! Definitely my favourite character 🙂 that ability to suck everybody into the same place was so satisfying.

      Reply

      • Original Heretic

        February 1, 2017 at 12:00

        She’s the controller character in the group, if specced properly. Any enemy that you catch it your bubble becomes the focus of the entire group. And her three tree were so different, she really was the most customizable of them all.

        Reply

        • Raptor Rants

          February 1, 2017 at 12:06

          Not to mention the amplified damage she would apply when using her skills.

          Reply

  8. Nikola

    February 1, 2017 at 12:11

    RE3 my favorite Resident Evil by faar, such a great game!!

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 12:25

      GOOD TASTE YOU HAVE! 😛

      Reply

  9. Kromas Ryder

    February 1, 2017 at 12:17

    Not even a single Mass Effect??!!

    And what about The Last of Us?

    Reply

    • Kromas Ryder

      February 1, 2017 at 12:19

      For that matter KoToR,Fallout 2,DOOM hell even WoW still has more merrit than certain games on this list (cough Dota cough).

      Reply

      • Nikola

        February 1, 2017 at 12:20

        WoW is and always be number one at the same time I avoid that game like a plague, it’s not have a life again hahah

        Reply

        • Kromas Ryder

          February 1, 2017 at 12:21

          I am still subbed and still play a few hours every week but I have completely left the Raiding/End Game scene.

          Reply

          • Nikola

            February 1, 2017 at 12:25

            Yoh dude I tried that and then I eventually get dragged into the Raiding again I can’t help myself hahaha

        • Galbedir

          February 1, 2017 at 16:17

          I find I try to do each raid once or twice just for the story/achievement of it, then go back to my Battlegrounds and Mythic keystone dungeons every so often. Probably do like 6 hrs a week. More if i’m hungover on Sunday, then +10 hrs to that…WoW is a great hangover game.

          Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 12:25

      I’ve never played Mass Effect 😀

      As for The Last of Us, it was either that or Uncharted 4 for the list. I couldn’t find a spot for either 😛

      Reply

      • Kromas Ryder

        February 1, 2017 at 12:28

        YOU NEVER PLAYED MASS EFFECT!!

        Time to find a new news site. 😛

        Reply

        • Matthew Figueira

          February 1, 2017 at 12:29

          Psh, some of the others like Mass Effect 😛 don’t abandon them on my behalf!

          Reply

          • Kromas Ryder

            February 1, 2017 at 12:32

            Okay I will stay cause that is the Paragon thing to do.

            To understand that reference please play Mass Effect. 😛

          • Dresden

            February 4, 2017 at 11:54

            Paragon 4 lyf!

        • miaau

          February 1, 2017 at 12:32

          This is a news site? i come for the comments. I think.

          Reply

      • Fork Fork

        February 1, 2017 at 22:28

        Oh the shame, rather make it a top 11 and add uncharted 4 ?

        Reply

        • Matthew Figueira

          February 1, 2017 at 22:30

          You shut your mouth 😛

          Reply

  10. Admiral Chief

    February 1, 2017 at 12:20


    @hairyknees:disqus

    Reply

  11. DragonSpirit009

    February 1, 2017 at 12:42

    Abe Oddessy was the first game I ever played on a PC… A game which is also on my top 10

    Reply

  12. GooseZA

    February 1, 2017 at 13:44

    ORI !!!

    What a game. Loved it. Probably my fav platformer after Rayman Origins.

    Reply

  13. Dark

    February 1, 2017 at 13:45

    No Witcher III, I is dissapoint!

    Reply

    • PurplePariah

      February 1, 2017 at 13:51

      The Witcher series wasn’t universally loved. I for one don’t care for it. That’s just how opinions work though. 🙂

      Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 17:02

      Never played Witcher III. It’s in my backlog though – will get to it… ONE DAY!

      Reply

  14. Quentin Huggett

    February 1, 2017 at 13:50

    lol Matty your taste is questionable

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      February 1, 2017 at 17:03

      Psh 😛 taste differs among people. To me, my taste is excellent xD

      Reply

  15. Galbedir

    February 1, 2017 at 16:20

    Oddly enough, I never really got into the Borderlands franchise…played about 15 hrs of Borderlands 2, then Meh. I’d put Soul Reaver 1 and 2 into that slot. God I miss those.

    Reply

  16. Kensei Seraph - Terran Ghost

    February 1, 2017 at 17:11

    I have to agree with FF VI.
    It helped shape me into the gamer I am today and is the onl Final Fantasy game that I have completed multiple times.

    Reply

  17. Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd

    February 2, 2017 at 08:26

    Brings back some good memories this list 😀

    Reply

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