Not So Obsolete

With midterm grades coming out soon, and the end of the school year approaching (yes, there are only five weeks left of classes), we at A&E thought it would be a good idea to provide you with more methods of procrastination. We are not encouraging that you slack on your work as the semester wanes, but we are recommending that when there is some free time between studying for that Calc exam and writing that Chaucer essay, you should check out these classic games.

Some will be hard to find (the best ones usually are), but most you can still either find in the GameStop or even as downloadable content on your newer gaming systems.Nintendo Wii's online store has a very large selection of old-school games, and the PS3 has a decent amount of classics for sale.

Earthbound (June 1, 1995; SNES):

This is a gem, a long lost left sock, a dollar bill found on the quad with no Poo smeared on it (if you know this game you will find that funny). The graphics are as simplistic as possible, but the plot and dialogue of the game as Ness saves Eagleland from the Giygas are amazing. NF

Pokemon Silver (October 15, 2000; Gameboy Color): Pokemon Silver is a classic. This game involves everything that a video game should: strategy, keen observancy, and a demand for competition and skill.From the moment you choose your starter Pokemon from your old pal Prof. Elm in Pallet Town, to that final battle in the Pokemon League, this game will occupy your for countless hours. Recommended especially for long road trips. CN

Mario Kart (February 10, 1997; Nintendo 64): Mario Kart is, simply put, genius. Pick from your favorite Mario characters and race your friends around the scenic Koopa Troopa Beach or the ever-infuriating Toad's Turnpike. I rarely go a day without playing this game, yet somehow Mario Kart has still not gotten old for me. To be honest, I doubt that it ever will. CN

Sonic 3 (February 2, 1994; Sega Genesis): Despite boasting less-than-impressive graphics, Sega Genesis is undoubtedly one the the most underrated gaming systems. Countless hours of my childhood were devoted to navigating Sonic and Tails through the perils of Angel Island Zone and defeating the fiendish Robotnik at the end of Marble Garden Zone. I recommend the Sonic games?(especially 1 and 3) to any Sega gamer up for a real challenge. CN

Goldeneye (August 25, 1997; Nintendo 64): Try as they may, video game makers will never create a better first-person shooting game than Goldeneye. No matter how advanced the graphics get and how intricate the plot synopses in the newer games become, Goldeneye will never be outdone. Innocent multiplayer battles invariably become vicious death matches, initiating countless feuds between even the closest of siblings and friends. CN

Final Fantasy VII (September 7, 1997; Playstation):

Hailed as the best FF, this game is filled with an amazing plot, beautiful music, and amazing characters (Cloud, Vincent, Red XIII, and don't get me started on Sephiroth). This will take up a lot of your time, but it's one of those games you have to play… I strongly suggest you add this to your bucket-list now. NF

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (May 13, 1996; SNES):

This first RPG game for the Mario series wasn't a huge hit, but still had a large following for its great plot and style of play. It can be found on the Wii's online store and it's worth downloading. Join Mario, Geno, the Princess, and Bowser on a quest to stop Smithy from taking over Mushroom Kingdom.NF

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (April 12, 1992; SNES):

Who wouldn't love a good side-scrolling Ninja Turtles game, right? If time is a factor the next couple weeks, then this is the game for you. It takes me an average 45 minutes to beat the game, but bosses like Bebop and Rocksteady, and Super-Shredder will keep you entertained while you munch some pizza between studying. NF

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (April 13, 1992; SNES):

Most people chose Ocarina of Time as a Zelda classic, but this early version started my love for the series. It joined together a huge quest with large puzzle levels to become a classic hit. If you still say Ocarina is your favorite after playing this, then I'll personally play you any Zelda tune your little quartered-heart desires on my replica Ocarina. NF

Harvest Moon: Back To Nature (November 22, 2000; Playstation 1): Sure, a game about farming might seem a tad dry and monotonous. But I swear, Harvest Moon is boring in the funnest way possible. Not only do you gain control of a beautiful plot of land in the friendly and quaint Mineral Town, but you also forge valuable friendships with villagers and participate in all the amusing village festivals. CN