Level 33 - Goombella - Mario's first ally in Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door, she was particularly useful in giving you information about your foes and location.

47. Vagrant Story (PS1)

Why on the list?
- Vagrant Story is different from Square's more famous franchise, Final Fantasy. It was praised as unique and progressive because of its focus on weapon-based statistics as opposed to the character-based leveling found in typical role-playing games. The game has also been described as a "real-time strategy role-playing game" due to the unique combination of isometric camera angles, ranged attacks which vary with weapon types and lack of turn-based gameplay.
- The game's deep story was focused on the protagonist's personal life and past, rather than on a world-consuming conflict. Another diference from FF.
- Vagrant Story was highly regarded by critics (GS 9.6/IGN 9.6/Famitsu Perfect 40) and has gained somewhat of a cult following since its release.
- I'd like to mention another less-known Square PS1 game, Xenogears, which just missed the top 50. Choices had to be made :(

- Vagrant Story's producer and director Yasumi Matsuno, who also created the brilliant FFXII, is one of the greatest names in the RPG genre. His leave is a great loss for Square.
- FFXII, FF Tactics, FF Tactics Advance and Vagrant Story (all created by Matsuno) are all situated in the world of Ivalice, which is unusual for Square games.

Why not higher?
- Different doesn't necessarily mean better. As much as I love VS, FF will always be nr.1 in my heart.

48. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (PS2)

Why on the list?
- The first Jak and Daxter was a brilliant old-school platformer, featuring amazing gameplay and for its time jaw-dropping graphics. The day-night cycle was unseen for a PS2 game.
- This game's strongest point is its humour. Jak and Daxter is possibly the funniest game I've ever played. And when one says funny, one says Daxter.

Every hero needs a sidekick.
Before the events of J&D, Daxter was a normal (albeit stupid) human and Jak's best friend. In the opening movie of the game however, he's accidently transformed into an 'ottsel' (otter-weasel hybrid). And so the duo embarks in search of a cure.
Daxter is hilarious, obnoxious, has a big mouth and always seems to get into trouble, making him the perfect sidekick for the silent hero. :)

Why not higher?
- This game, as brilliant as it is, didn't have the revolutionary gameplay Jak 2 had. J&D was great, but its sequel was even better. More about Jak 2 later. ;)
- Jak doesn't speak in this game, giving him a rather bland personality, as opposed to his role in Jak 2.

49. Ninja Gaiden Black (XBOX)

Why on the list?
- Easily one of the best action/adventures of last gen, Ninja Gaiden revived an ancient NES franchise thought dead and managed to once again become top of its genre. Not a small achiement of Tecmo. Prince of Persia is the only other franchise I know that has pulled a similar trick.
- Superb gameplay, graphics and audio.
- This is one of the most difficult games of the last few years. You could say that's a weakness (the game isn't accessible for everyone), but I think it's great to have a harder experience in a time where games are getting easier and easier.
- I chose for Black because it's basically the director's cut of the original Xbox Ninja Gaiden, with added missions, weapons, 2 new difficulty settings and an expanded storyline, making the already brilliant game even better.
- Ninjas are cool :P

- I had to choose between this and Devil May Cry (PS2), but I think NG is slightly better. Sorry Dante :(

Why not higher?
- No specific reason. I've always prefered the setting of the God of War series *hint hint*, but that's just personal.
- Ryu is no Dante or Kratos.

Well, I decided to update my top 50 list and huge changes have been made, especially in the top 10.
I will post one every day, going from 50 to 1. I will also add explanations why the game's on the list and why it's not higher.

First of all, the honourable mentions: Dragon Warrior (NES), The Legend of Zelda (NES), Kid Icarus (NES), Crash Bandicoot 3 (PS1), Xenogears (PS1), GTA San Andreas (PS2), Dragon Quest V (SNES), Dragon Quest VIII (PS2), Tales of Symphonia (GC), Fire Emblem (GBA), Knights of th Old Republic (Xbox), Warcraft 3 (PC), Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2), Starcraft (PC), Panzer Dragoon Saga (Saturn), NiGHTS (Saturn), Devil May Cry (PS2), Resident Evil 4 (GC/PS2/Wii), Streets of Rage 2 (GEN), System Shock 2 (PC), Deus Ex (PC), Perfect Dark (N64), Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1)
I know, quite a lot, but these were the games of the long list that didn't make the final cut. :(

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50. Final Fantasy V (SNES)

Why on the list?
- This FF was never released outside of Japan, which is a shame. It had really fun gameplay with the job system. Rapid Fire/Spellblade FTW!
- This FF featured one of the most memorable villains, and probably the funniest: Gilgamesh. He's supposed to be a mighty general, but is actually a coward and runs off during every battle you have with him. At a certain moment he thinks he's just found the legendary sword Excalibur and fights you with it. Turns out it's actually a worthless copy that does 1 damage. In the end he chooses your side and sacrifices himself.
He also has one of the best FF themes of all time: Battle on the Big Bridge.

"Now we fight like men! And ladies! And ladies who dress like men! For gilgamesh it's MORPHING TIME!" :)

Why not higher?
- Apart from Gilgamesh the characters are rather bland, none of the heroes really stands out.
- The other SNES FFs were simply better.

Wel, yesterday, May 5, was my nineteenth birthday :D

Level 32 - Snake Eater - The subtitle to the third game in the Metal Gear Solid series.

:D

...but won't play it until I've finished FFXII and Okami :(

What an amazing game! I'm so glad I got this one. Okmai is one of the most unique gaming experiences I've ever had.

And Mr. Orange Dance FTW!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehAL_C49e9k