Other than the usual suspects (FF, Zeldas, etc), I would have to say Shadow of the Colossus. I've never seen a game tell a story that is so pure, and draws you in so well. The visuals are pure art too.

Also Gun. Yes, it has some flaws, but for me the fun factor far outweighs them. Blasting through the old west on a horse while dual wielding colt revolvers, or a Winchester rifle? Fuck yes.

Mass Effect too. Most everyone knows the game is frigging awesome, but I couldn't not plug it.

Oblivion and Morrowind. Morrowind if you want to be drawn in to an amazing, exotic, and exceptionally crafted world. Oblivion if you want a completely freeform alternate life simulator.

Blackout wrote:

Mechwarrior 2 Mercenaries

Mech Commander 2, as well. Still one of my favorite RTSes.

Cameron wrote:

SoldierHawk wrote: Other than the usual suspects (FF, Zeldas, etc), I would have to say Shadow of the Colossus. I've never seen a game tell a story that is so pure, and draws you in so well. The visuals are pure art too. Shadow of the Colossus is kind of iffy for me. I own the game, and the battles are the textbook definition of "epic", but there's one thing I simply cannot stand: the parts in-between battles where you're just riding your horse. Sure, I'm a fan of exploration, but when you're constantly searching for the next battle for almost forty minutes, then you have to turn back and go searching for another 20 minutes because your sword light was in reality pointing through a wall, it gets a bit tedious. Personally, I'd recommend Parasite Eve. An action-RPG for the ages, think of a turn-based Resident Evil.

Oh hell yes, +1 on PE, especially the original. I still have nightmares about trying to fight my way through the damn Chrysler Building. Fuck you, giant Roach.

As for SoTC, I'm with you as far as it being really fucking irritating to have your sword light lead you astray like that when all you want to do is find the next damn battle. That's more of a glitch or programing flaw though imo.

I do see where you're coming from on the exploration being boring I wholeheartedly disagree, mind you, but I can see how you reach that conclusion. It does break the rules in a way, and ordinarily I would say that much quote unquote "nothing" in a game is wrong. For SoTC though, I think it fits perfectly. SoTC isn't JUST a game, its trying to draw you into the experience of the myth its telling. I know that sounds impossibly pretentious and wishy-washy, but its the best way I can think to express the thought. The empty landscape, the vistas, the travel, and yes even the wrong turns, dead ends and backtracking are like the exposition in a book. Now, unlike exposition it doesn't provide you with back story or plot points, but it gives you an emotional connection to the ancient land you're traveling through, and by association, to the colossi (who are of that land) that you are working to destroy.

Now, I'm not saying anyone is WRONG for not getting that out of it. I'm just saying that's what I (and some others, I think) got out of it, and why it's regarded so highly.