Final Fantasy IX (PS)

It's very difficult to for me to review this game.  This was the first Final Fantasy game that I ever played.  Not only that but it is probably the best one that I have played.  That's why it is so difficult for me to review this game.  How do I not let bias get to me when I think about this game?  How do I stay impartial and point out the flaws?  Then I remembered that the reason why I like this game is because it is so solid.

Let's start with the story.  This is probably the one story that sticks with me from the series.  Sure some of the characters are forgettable and part of the middle discs are lost in my memory, but I will always remember the beginning and the end.  They stage the characters so well and it really sets you up for this grand adventure.  The characters grow at a good rate and even some of the surprises that pop up are surprising.

The combat is what I truly remember.  Yes, it is a simple affair of selecting menu items and being right.  But there is so much more to it.  Each character is unique and has their own feel and use.  If you want a heavy hitter, you pick Steiner.  You need to do some damage to a magically weak creature, you pick Vivi.  It gives the players a sense of strategy.  Opposed to some of the other games in the series, this one gets the formula correct.  When you lose a fight, you know it is because you did not choose correctly or were not paying attention.

I love the soundtrack for this game.  I love it so much that I own it.  I imported the soundtrack shortly after I beat this game and have enjoyed it ever since.  Every song in this game gives you a sense of how you should feel.  My favorite would be the theme that plays when you see the main villain.  It still stands as the best villain theme I have ever heard in my life.

In conclusion, this is the best RPG that I have ever played.  It has influenced not only my tastes in games but what I would like to do when I finally make my own game.  The combat is solid to the point of near perfection, the soundtrack is spectacular, and the characters are still in my mind.  I wish there was more to this game but then I think that a sequel wouldn't capture the fun I had with this game.  It wouldn't be as good and I would just feel bad.  So I'm going to just place this game high on my list and leave it at that.  It will always have a place in my heart.

NES Open Tournament Golf (3DS)

Golf.  GOLF!  Now I don't know what to say about this game.  I played a little of this and it wasn't all that great.  Sure it is likely I didn't play enough of this game but I guess this is okay.  I will probably play more someday but I won't really enjoy it.  Golf has never been my game.

Ice Hockey (NES)

What a simple game but what fun.  There is a lot to this game but it is so simple that you can instantly get into it.  First, there are three types of players.  The thing and fast skinny guy.  Although, he slides more when checked.  The big fat slow player, that is harder to knock down.  Lastly the average guy.  You can set up your team however you want and it adds some strategy to the game.

Playing the CPU is fun until it absolutely eats you alive.  Playing against friends is the way to go.  I had fun with the game but it is not something to pour a lot of time into it.

Championship Pool (SNES)

I don't remember much about this game but I do remember it being pretty fun.  It's a pool game and once you know what you are doing, you get to be decently good.  The problem is the CPU is also good.  Better than good, it is downright unfair.  It's like being hustled.  This game is like being hustled.  Still, if you really like pool and have a SNES.  Play this.  It is worth it.