First I want to mention my top games of 2016 even though, like Angelo, I really didn't play that many game that actually came out in 2016. Top spot definitely goes to Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. I loved everything about that game. The other two spots are trickier because, like I said, I didn’t play a ton of games that actually came out in 2016 and two of my most anticipated ones, Zero Time Dilemma and Dishonored 2, I haven’t had a chance to play yet. Those two would probably take the other spots but going with what I did play that came out last year, let’s put Song of the Deep at no. 2 and Star Fox Zero at no. 3.
Stage Select
3. Final Fantasy VI. That opening walk to Narsh in the Magitek was so cool back in the day. So moody.
2. Custom Robo. The opening movie is so cool, especially when he takes out the last robot. Great stuff.
1. Metroid Prime. The frigate is such a great opening level. It's creepy and mysterious, has a big boss, and an escapse sequence!
Chrono Crossing
There are definitely some strong contenders in 2001 but I’m going to go with something of a dark horse pick. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon for GBA. I didn't play Symphony of the Night till years later, so Circle of the Moon was my first experience with this style of Castlevania...and I loved it! I bought a GBA the day it launched and this game blew my mind. I couldn't believe this game was portable. It looked and sounded so good and was so fun to play. In hindsight it has problems—poor castle design, dependence on random card drops, so dark it was hard to see—but none of those were apparent to me at the time. It made me a lifelong Castlevania fan, and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart.
One last thing. When you mentioned in the opener of that other episode, Julian, that you were really depressed, I was worried it had something to do with your lovely girlfriend Jenny. What else could send you into such a depression, I thought. So I refrained from making a comment but now I know it’s ok (and I’m glad for you that it is). You mentioned that you’ve hardly spent any time with your Wii U and I definitely want to give a very strong recommendation for Super Mario 3D World. To me, that game alone justifies the purchase of a Wii U. SO MUCH FUN. But I think it shines brightest when played co-op. My wife and I played that together and loved it. Normally when we finish the story or campaign in a game, we move onto the next thing but we played all the postgame content in 3D World. It’s fantastic and I think you and your girlfriend would really enjoy it. Tangentially related, Captain Toad is a delightful little single-player game that I’d also wholly recommend.
