The 20 Games Every College Student NEEDS To Own

Ranging from the classic to the ultra-modern, here’s the 20 games every college student needs to make their collection complete.

NOSTALGIA

These games make the cut because of the sheer impact they had on you when you were a kid. In college, what’s old is new again, and although these might not be the best games to break out when you want to get drunk and crazy (though I’d be interested to see how that turned out), these are perfect for enjoying on a lazy Sunday with a few friends there to point out all the secrets they know that you don’t.

Super Mario Bros. (NES)

This game (and series) are so ingrained in our culture that even the theme song is something of a landmark. Put this on and no one in the room will be able to resist taking a turn. The ultimate pick-up-and-play game.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)

Super Mario Bros. 3 is by most accounts the greatest platforming game ever made. It’s been ages since it came out but it’s still as rewarding (and challenging!) as it was when you were 6 years old. Here’s a bit of an embarassing fact — I actually just found out how to get the warp whistles this year.

Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

When I was a kid, Donkey Kong Country was the pinnacle of graphical technology. I was played through DKC again this year through the Wii’s Virtual Console and loved every minute of it. Nothing beats those old school mine cart levels!

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)

Having not owned a Genesis as a kid I needed to ask the help of my friend to explain why Sonic 2 is such a definitive gaming experience. His response was pretty definitive: “mostly because of the chemical plant and tails being a big retard”.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

Even just seeing the title screen reminds me of eating Frosted Flakes on my parents’ couch after getting back from school. This is the game that EVERYONE played back in the day so if you get stuck (like I do on Jabu Jabu’s Belly, every single time) someone will be quick to point out how big of an idiot you are for not remembering the puzzle.

Super Mario 64 (N64)

There’s nothing to say about Super Mario 64 that hasn’t been said already. For my money this is the best 3D platformer that has ever been released and the Bowser fights are the stuff of greatness.

RETRO MULTIPLAYER

These are the games that you and your friends used to bust out on sleepovers. Now these are the games you play when you want to school your roommates and satisfy your inner child’s massive ego.

Mario Kart 64 (N64)

There are newer versions of Mario Kart, but the N64 version has the perfect mix of classic quality and accessibility. Due to the array of heinous items even newbies have the ability to be competitive with more seasoned veterans, and there are enough great courses to keep you busy for weeks. Plus there’s no better way to settle who’s going to do the dishes than a 150cc Star Cup match.

Goldeneye (N64)

Despite the fact that Goldeneye has aged terribly and is almost unplayable by modern FPS standards, it still has a certain retro appeal that makes it irresistible. Everyone and their dog owned this game so don’t be surprised if you get schooled.

Halo (Xbox)

It makes me feel old to be calling Halo ‘retro’ but I guess it has actually been 7 long years since it first came out. I still remember the excitement and novelty of getting me and two buddies in a warthog and tearing ass down the beaches while mowing down the Covenant. The original gets the nod over the sequels because it was the classic console LAN party game.

Mario Party (N64)

Anyone else still have a scar on their palms from that game where you had to rotate the stick super fast? Argghhhh…

ON THE NEXT PAGE: LAN Party favorites and modern day classics

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