I am a BIG video game fan, but I am very picky when it comes to what I play. Also, when it comes to my favorite...it is extremely hard to choose. So I have the next best thing, I finally discovered the 10 games that seriously made me who I am and/or help shape my interest in games into what it is today. Some are older games, some are fairly new, but I have good reasons. :)

10. Tetris (Multiple Platforms)

Aww man, Tetris, you would be lying if you said you have never played it before. From it's shapes to it's bright colors and strategy needed to get a high score it was quite addicting. Honestly, Tetris helped me with organization. When I first played it my board was extremely sloppy, however, once I played it more and more I made sure that I had no bumps and I would always leave room for the straight block that I always end up needing. AND, it's theme song is kind of catchy to boot! :P

9. Grand Theft Auto Franchise (PC, PS2, PS3)

There is nothing better that waking up at 0:00 and deciding to steal a Mafia Sentinel, right? GTA is a great game, it's radio stations always kept you entertained, it's seemingly never-ending storyline was mesmerizing and the fact that you could carjack anyone is both funny and ballsy. Because of this game, as weird as this sounds, I learned to stick up for myself and to not take anyone's crap!

8. Paper Mario and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (N64, GC)

Now I know what your thinking, "Paper Mario? seriously?" well I am serious. Paper Mario re-kindled my love for the Mario franchise. The second I started playing it I was stuck to it.As for it's sequel "Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door," once I discovered that Nintendo made it, I just HAD to have it because my assumption was that it would be just as good as the original. And you know, in SOME ways it was even better!

7. Guitar Hero (PS2)

When I first played Guitar Hero, let's face it, I sucked. When I had some more practice I actually became an average player. Guitar Hero, to me, is the kind of game that reminds you that if you believe you can do it, you can! and I followed that example.

6. Final Fantasy VII (PS)

OF COURSE THIS GAME WOULD SHOW UP HERE! haha Final Fantasy VII was actually the first Final Fantasy game I played and I became addicted to it. The musical score, storyline, cut scenes, and dialogue kept me interested in seeing what would happen next! It actually was my favorite game...for awhile.

5. Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee (N64, GC)

What is greater than having some of the most iconic Nintendo characters duke it out for ultimate glory!? The experience I got when I first played it was like nothing I ever imagined. It was so nostalgic on many different levels. Once Melee came out, it took said nostalgia factor and raised it 150%. For me, it's a game that will always be a blast from the past.

4. Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue Versions (GB)

In 1998, I was like the other 45 bajillion kids that fell in love with Pokemon, the arrival of Pokemon Red and Blue was like the second coming of God! It is a Franchise that will always be a part of my childhood and I would not have it any other way. As for Pokemon Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond and Pearl Versions...I like them too (especially GSC), but IMO, none of them hold a candle to the 2 that started it all.

3. Final Fantasy IX (PS)

This game is, hands down, my FAVORITE Final Fantasy game!!! Kuja is a favorite villian, The boss battle theme is so beautifully pieced together, and the cutscenes (especially the ones with Bahamut vs. Alexander) just made this game wonderful. This is one of the few games that I can play over and over without getting bored of it, and that is quite a feat for me haha.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

I heard of this game from a friend, he told me that it was a very good game and that I should give it a try..which I did. When I played it, I didn't expect it to be such a presence in my gaming experiences. Because of this game, I have been very interested in the Zelda series.

1. The Sims (PC)

The Sims can be summed up in 5 simple words: "You Control A Whole Neighborhood!" I was completely oblivious to this game when it first came out, then I started playing it and oh man, did I get hooked onto it! I learned how to create a house, what it takes to do so, how certain styles of houses are made, what stuff goes into which room, how to maintain healthy families, how bills are separated into different categories...the whole shebang! as odd as it sounds, I actually got some knowledge from this game that could actually help me for when the time comes for me to move into my own home!