With 2017 almost half-way through, I thought I would document my all-time favourite games as of right now as a nice little time-stamp of my preferences. This year hasn't especially been a terrific one in terms of games, so I feel like I will be visiting some classics, some old-gold games in this list that I feel you guys should play, if you already haven't.

Finally, this list is completely subjective, your one is highly likely to be different from mine. Without further ado, lets jump right in.

10.) GEARS OF WAR 2

Before I was a true blue PC gamer, Xbox was my jam, and this was easily one of my favourite games to jam to. Everything from the endless gore, dark atmosphere and ragdoll physics (and chainsaw machine guns, can’t forget those) instantly hooked me. The Horde mode in Gears 2 is by far my favourite as of so far, hectic, challenging, and responsible for many good memories. While another game on this list introduced me to Xbox, this was certainly one of my favourite games to play, and like many games on this list, it still holds up very well.

9.) TERRARIA

When you combine pixel art, with open world, exploration, crafting, building, looting, and multiplayer all into one game, you get Terraria. Often considered to be a parallel to Minecraft, I have always believed Terraria sits in a league of its own. Variety is the spice of life in Terraria, no two playthroughs feel the same, and with such a huge range of items and enemies and secrets to find, it is one of those games I have always struggled to put down once I start playing it. When you aren’t distracted by the beautiful design of the game, there is so much fun to be had.

8.) CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2

This was where I believe the COD games peaked, and while the series has always held a special place in my heart, none of the games nailed quite as well as MW2. Even with the lack of survival mode the multiplayer was bang on and got me through numerous of days of studying when I needed to let off steam. However, the feature that got this game on the list, was it’s perfect spec ops mode. I remember working with my older brother to three star every mission making for some of the best (and most rage inducing) times ever. While the Black Ops games are certainly great, I wonder if we will ever see a COD game as great as this.

7.) TOWERFALL

Only way I can sum this game up: best couch co-op ever. Simple to learn but difficult to master, this game certainly took me by surprise by showing me how fun it is to shoot your significant other in the head with an arrow, whether same teams or not. Towerfall is 2D pixel art, archer combat at it’s best, and one of the best, funnest, and funniest games to play with friends ever made. Take it from me, I have never laughed so hard while playing a game.

6.) ROCKET LEAGUE

It’s turbo charged cars playing soccer, literally. While it took me a while to buy this game, when I did I was instantly hooked. The chaotic and fast paced nature of the game is pure enjoyment, and the thrill of scoring a goal is something quite unlike any other game I’ve ever played. Also, local co-op and turbo induced flying majestically like an eagle, nuff said.

5.) LEFT 4 DEAD 2

Zombie killing madness at it’s finest. I had always seen great things said about Left 4 dead, but hadn’t actually played it till last year, and oh boy was I missing out. With a friend, it can make for some of the intense and hilarious moments possible in a video game. The selection of special zombies mixes up the combat and makes it unpredictable and exciting, making team work essential to succeed. Also, the wide variety of mods available adds some extra silliness and enjoyment to a game that is already awesome.

4.) HALO 3

Where do I even start with this, Halo 3 was the catalyst that got me to move from my handheld gaming roots, to more console gaming. The campaign had some of the most memorable levels ever (I mean ‘The Covenant’ was one of the best levels in halo history) and was just an absolute blast to play through, especially with a friend. On legendary difficulty, the game is punishing and challenging as it should be. Of course, the multiplayer was awesome, and thankfully there is a PC port that works well so I can continue to play it today.

3.) DIABLO 3

Now while Diablo 3 didn’t have the greatest launch, what with the auction house and error 43, it has grown and developed to be one of the best games I’ve ever played, and my favourite action RPG. It is addictive loot grinding at its finest, if I’m not careful I can play this game for hours upon hours without even noticing, just slaying demon after demon in the hope of the next orange dropping. Particularly since the addition of the Reaper of Souls expansion, and the numerous updates and new features that continue to be added today, it has been an endless joy to play.

2.) POKÉMON GOLD AND SILVER

The game that got me into gaming. I can still remember ‘borrowing’ my older brothers’ Gameboy to be able to play this game, and I fell in love, and what a game to start it off with. Pokémon Gold and Silver were for me the pinnacle of the franchise, the Johto region was interesting, the Pokémon designs were on point, and connecting it to the Kanto region for me made the world feel more connected. The highlight though has to be the final battle with Red on Mt. Silver, getting the opportunity to fight the protagonist of the first game was legendary.

1.) HALF-LIFE 2

The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world. In this case, it was the right game in the right place. Maybe I have a special place in my heart for mute protagonists, but I don’t think anyone can deny that Half-life 2 is a masterpiece. It feels challenging without feeling unfair. The variety of weapons and open world means that there is always more than one option. The story through the eyes of Gordon Freeman is engaging, interesting, and exhilarating. I could go on about all the great things about it, but I think the best way to sum it up would be timeless. Even today, I love to pick it up and play through it again and again, and for good reason. Without a doubt, Half-life 2 is my favourite game I’ve ever played.

But these are just my favourite games, what about you? What are some of the games that left you with some of your best gaming memories? And what games just have you coming back no matter how many times you play the? Let me know in the comments. I’ll be sure to update this list in a year, but until then, stay beautiful 🙂

End note: Authored by Genesis & Locikll for Psilink Gaming & MediGamer Blogs, Redistributed, and edited for Steemit officially