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Video games part 2: My top 5 list of the best video games of all time

More than anything, I'm tired of not playing video games as often as I wish and I would like nothing more than to spend a week and tackle the following games just one more time. Unfortunately, doing so would involve going in my basement and finding the d

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
3 min read

If you haven't had the opportunity to take a look at my previous post, I suggest you do so to see what prompted me to make this list.

I'm tired of not playing video games as often as I wish and I would like nothing more than to spend a week and tackle the following games just one more time. Unfortunately, doing so would involve going into my basement and finding the dusty consoles that have been left dormant for years with nary a mention -- until today. It's finally time for me to drag my NES, SNES, Genesis and Dreamcast out of the basement and get down to the task at hand: conquering worlds like I did in my youth. So, without further ado, here is my top 5 list for the best games of all time.

5. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Gamespot
More often than not, I find that Legend of Zelda is tops on the list of most popular video games. And while I can't argue with the rationale, I'm forced to say that it's not my favorite of all time. But rest assured, this will be the first game I tackle in my trek to get back in touch with video games.

4. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Gamespot

Another Zelda classic, Link to the Past is probably the best game ever made for the SNES. I still marvel at the battle atop the pyramid and even the beginning of the game when you need to make your way into the castle. That game was simply marvelous.

3. Shenmue

Shenmue
Shenmue Gamespot

Somewhat of a cult classic, Shenmue made my life just a little better when I tackled the grand task of avenging my father's death as the great Ryo. Who can forget ol' Lan Di and his gang taking Daddy to task for something that will probably never be solved? Rumors have been swirling about the fate of Shenmue, but it's looking more and more like Ryo will never avenge his father's death. Sad.

2. Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete

Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete Gamespot

With an endless supply of gameplay and charming graphics that will either make you vomit or melt, Lunar: SSSC is, without a doubt, my favorite PS1 game of all time. Who can forget Alex, Luna and the gang saving the world from its domination? I can still remember sitting in front of an old 27-inch RCA while becoming immersed in a world that calls for me to this day. Not only that, but it was a challenging quest, too! I spent many-a sleepless nights trying to build my characters up to face the next boss.

1. Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. Gamespot

It may be the safe choice, but it was also my favorite game of all time. Try to find me one person who wouldn't be more than willing to pick up a controller and play this game all night and I'll find you a liar. Super Mario Bros. not only broke the mold of what a good game should be, it made me proud to be a plumber. And for that, I will always be thankful.

So there you have it -- my list of the top five video games ever made. Now it's your turn. Either drop me an email or discuss in the comments which games would make your all-time list.