4. Metroid Prime- Nintendo ; 2002

Despite the fact that Samus Aran is a one woman army with an arm cannon that can shoot laser beams, rockets, freeze beams, sundaes and angry, angry kittens, Metroid Prime wasn’t about shooting. Not in the least. The Metroid series has always been about exploration. Moving through the levels was an incredibly atmospheric experience, and when you saw that upgrade sitting up on that ledge, knowing that you didn’t have the ability to get up there yet, it instilled a desire in you to retrieve all of your missing techs more than any threat to galactic peace ever could.

The sense of triumph when you finally snagged that upgrade was better than defeating any boss. Metroid Primetried to remain true to its 2-d exploration roots, yet bring a new generation of fans into the fold, and it was a resounding success in doing both. Never before could you have been armed so well, yet wanted to shoot so little.

3. System Shock 2/BioShock - Looking Glass/2K Games ; 1999; 2007

Ok, so I kind of cheated here by combining System Shock 2 and BioShock but when faced with the Sophie’s Choice of cutting one of these games from the list, well, I’d rather try to steal a Ho-Ho from a Big Daddy.

The two games share so many similarities with each other from the tense, often times horrifying atmosphere, to the engaging, satisfying mix of gunplay and powers to the “I can’t believe that just happened” twist moments in the story (particularly in SS2 – ed).

What System Shock 2 did, BioShock perfected. Both games helped redefine the idea of shooters being brainless frag-fests. Both games told a story that sucked the player in to the point where you didn’t know where your hand ended and the mouse began. Both provided thrilling combat moments as well as quiet moments of despair. Both deserve to be on this list, so both of them are. Those that disagree can talk to Rosie over here.