Shadow of the Colossus – 2005 (PlayStation 2)

If you’re talking about video games that are distinctive, that shine in the sea of copycat games that slot within genres, then Shadow of the Colossus has to be mentioned. This adventure’s game distils its gameplay down to players taking down one giant creature after the other, with each one presenting its own puzzle to be solved. Magnified by arguably the greatest gaming soundtrack created, Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece that simply has to be played.

Shenmue – 1999 (Dreamcast)

A Dreamcast game! Yes, not many people got the chance to play this Japanese adventure game, but those that did have been raving about its quality for the ten years since its release. Shenmue was the game that gave birth to the Quick Time Event (whether that’s a good or bad thing is another matter), it was at the forefront of the 3D graphical revolution, and it remains a quality game from a console that suffered a cruel and unfair fate.

Sim City 2000 – 1993 (PC)

How could I not include a game from Will Wright? Of the many incredible games to be conceived from Wright’s genius, this city-building simulation easily sits at the top. Not only was it educational but it was also incredibly addictive, the complicated maths behind the way population, commerce and industry related to each other confounding my mind for all the years I played it. The best bit? The disasters, including a giant robot laying siege upon Hollywood. Brilliant.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – 1992 (Sega Genesis)

The first of three classic 2D platformers beginning with S to make this list, and why not? The 2D platformer was once the genre that defined gaming, and look at Sonic’s recent outings, it’s about time Sega stopped shunning it. Sonic 2 contanied some of the best level design and catchiest music of its generation, and it encapsulated the pace of its hedgehog protagonist that modern outings cannot. Plus you can play as Tails! What more could one want?

Street Fighter IV – 2009 (Arcade/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/PC)

Should I have gone with Street Fighter II, or Street Fighter III Alpha? Or Super Street Fighter Remix HD Monkey Mix Turbo Mix? No, because not only does Street Fighter IV beautifully reference the iconic fighter of the 90s, Street Fighter II, it translates its gameplay into a modern interpretation that shuns the 3D movement of other fighters with a view to keeping the gameplay tight and accessible. It’s a triumph, and the fighting game of choice for this list.