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41. Perfect Dark

Although it has absolutely nothing to do with James Bond or MI6, Perfect Dark is considered a spiritual sequel to GoldenEye 007, in large part because both were developed by Rare and both use the same engine. Like GoldenEye, Perfect Dark is a mission-based first-person shooter with an in-depth one-player campaign and an addictive multiplayer mode. Perfect Dark sets itself apart from its spiritual predecessor, however, with a terrific sci-fi narrative, graphical enhancements (with the help of the expansion pack) and a multiplayer mode that features increased customization and “simulants,” computer-controlled bots which can fight against or with a human player. Perfect Dark was followed five years later by a prequel, Perfect Dark Zero.

42. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

Rarely does a video game trilogy close with its finest chapter, but that’s precisely what happened with the Prince of Persia trilogy. Set after the events of Warrior Within, which introduced more mature content into the series, The Two Thrones borrows elements from both its predecessors. The Two Thrones takes place in Babylon where the Prince encounters an old enemy and an old flame and once again attempts to set things right. Apart from the puzzles and acrobatics which define the series, The Two Thrones introduced new stealth fighting techniques, chariot stages and the emergence of a dual personality inside the Prince. This “Dark Prince” emerges at scripted moments in the game, allowing the player the use of the “daggertail,” a medium-range bladed whip.

43. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

When it was released, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee was unjustly criticized for its level of difficulty and shortage of save locations. The game can be frustrating at times, but most great games dish out healthy doses of frustration to sweeten the eventual reward of success. Apart from a steep learning curve, Abe's Oddysee infuses traditional platform elements (running, jumping, crawling) with new and creative options. One of the most unique additions is "Game Speak," the ability to communicate with enemies, friends and animals with everything from words and whistles to growls and flatulence. Abe’s Oddysee is set on an alien planet called Oddworld where Abe, an unlikely hero, does battle with an evil corporation threatening the planet’s native species with extinction.

44. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Although Castlevania games have appeared on over seven systems, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) collection might be the finest. The best of the bunch is Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, the first Castlevania game set in the future. Aria of Sorrow is the story of high-school student Soma Cruz, who accidently finds himself in Dracula’s castle, thirty-six years after the dark lord’s final defeat. Although Aria of Sorrow plays like Circle of the Moon and Harmony of Dissonance, the other GBA titles, it introduces a “tactical soul” system, whereby Soma can absorb and equip the souls of defeated enemies. Each soul has a different function: some grant projectile weapons, others raise attributes; the most important, “ability souls,” grant Soma skills needed to access certain areas in the castle.

45. Half-Life

The years between 1997 and 2001 were pivotal years for the first-person shooter (FPS) sub-genre; titles like GoldenEye 007, Halo: Combat Evolved and Half-Life changed the rules by which shooters had previously played. Set in the Black Mesa research facility, Half-Life follows theoretical physicist Gordon Freeman as he attempts to escape the facility after a portal opens between Earth and an alien dimension. Half-Life was the first FPS to make use of scripted sequences, predetermined events which occur throughout the game which are activated by Freeman’s proximity to a person or place. Described fondly as “the thinking man’s first person shooter,” Half-Life often asks the player to solve puzzles, navigate mazes and destroy enemies by cleverly manipulating the game environment.

46. New Super Mario Bros.

Even though Mario’s 3D adventures are some of the best of the Super Mario franchise, the mustachioed plumber was born in two dimensions and continues to thrive there. New Super Mario Bros., as its name implies, is a new take on the old-school classics which appeared in the NES, SNES and Game Boy. Taking full advantage of the horsepower of the Nintendo DS, New Super Mario Bros. introduces three-dimensional polygonal renderings into the mostly 2D game, enhancing its graphical appearance. It also features several ingenious deforming effects: platforms warp and hills heave, something that would be impossible on the traditional 2D platform games. Although it’s neither the most innovative nor the most sophisticated Mario game, New Super Mario Bros. is a must-play.

47. World of Warcraft

MMORPGs are a tricky bunch, dangerously addictive and never-ending, but World of Warcraft is so polished, so engaging and such an enjoyable social experience that any minor problems are obscured by its obvious greatness. Although it belongs to the Warcraft franchise, World of Warcraft is a role-playing game and not a real-time strategy game like the previous three installments. Players begin the game by selecting a faction, Alliance or Horde, then choose a race, a class and finally make superficial alterations to their avatars. World of Warcraft is a superb one-player experience, but it shines brightest when played with others via the internet. Players can form alliances with strangers or friends and even challenge other players to duels.

48. Far Cry Instincts

A remake of the PC hit, Far Cry Instincts is less open-ended and more linear than the original Far Cry, but adds several innovations which distinguish it an a unique experience. Far Cry Instincts is the story of antihero Jack Carver, hired to transport a woman to a remote archipelago. Once there, the seemingly innocent job becomes more complicated and much more deadly. Far Cry Instincts covers a lot of diverse terrain, including rainforests, jungles, canyons, rivers, mines and volcanic wastelands, and features seven vehicles and seventeen weapons. Apart from a wide assortment of weapons, Jack is equipped with trap-making skills and, later in the game, “feral abilities” unique to the console version of Far Cry. “Feral abilities” include increased speed, night vision and a violent melee attack.

49. Grand Theft Auto III

Open-ended action games existed before 2001, but none revolutionized or popularized the “sandbox” game more than Grand Theft Auto III (GTAIII), the first three-dimensional Grand Theft Auto game. Not only did GTAIII breathe new life into the franchise, it became the standard for mature-themed nonlinear action-adventure games. It spawned a half dozen sequels and prequels and influenced an entire generation of video games. GTAIII follows an unnamed criminal who attempts to climb the criminal ladder in Liberty City, a metropolis more or less modeled on New York City. Players have the option to accept missions from several shady contacts or simply explore the streets, alleyways and suburbs of the city.

50. Elite Beat Agents

The Nintendo DS is perhaps the most significant piece of Nintendo hardware released in the past ten years and plays host to unique and innovative titles which combine traditional video game elements with new levels of interactivity thanks to the touch-screen and stylus. One of the most inventive titles for the DS is Elite Beat Agents, a rhythm game with a great sense of humor and huge replay value. Elite Beat Agents follows a trio of government agents who fly to the rescue of everyday people in need, using music and dancing to motivate them. Players must use the stylus to tap, drag and rotate objects on the touch-screen in rhythm with one of sixteen pop or rock songs. Most of the episodes in Elite Beat Agents are very funny; others are touching and emotionally powerful.