We've got the barricades up! We're prepared for the arguments to start but that's what these things are all about! You may remember that the magazine team debated its top 100 games of all time back in February for a special supplement, but this time they joined forces with the online gaming team to discuss the top 50 games of the decade for the website.
And here is part one. But, before we start, let's get one rule out of the way. No remakes were allowed so don't be surprised that none of the Mario Advance games didn't make it. Read on and feel free to let us know whether you agree or disagree with our choices by commenting below... We'll also be giving you the chance to vote for your games of the decade here. We'll reveal the results in the New Year!
50. Super Monkey Ball GameCube, 2001 Squeaky bum time is a phrase coined by Sir Alex Ferguson but it could equally be applied to the incredible tricky puzzle stages in this amazing arcade game. There have been sequels but any tweaks to the classic rolling gameplay proved uneccessary.
49. WarioWare, Inc. GBA, 2003 We're so used to playing mini-games now, it's incredible to think that this had such an impact when it was released in 2003. The nods to Nintendo history in these mental microgames games delighted Nintendo fans while kids could enjoy shaking a dog's paw. Hilarious, addictive and pretty tough when the pace picks up.
48. Little King's Story Wii, 2009 Like Pikmin? You should love this wonderfully addictive Wii strategy game that puts you in charge of a little king who literally throws his minions into battle. It looks cute but this eccentric adventure it will take you on an epic journey.
47. Banjo Tooie N64, 2000 This Banjo Kazooie sequel continued Rare's extraordinary run of classic games for N64. The bear and bird team up in this brilliant adventure to take on Gruntilda who has destroyed Banjo's house. At the end we were told that Gruntilda would get her revenge in Banjo Threeie. Sadly for Nintendo fans this never came about.
46. WWF No Mercy N64, 2000 Nine years on and it's still the best wrestling game ever made. Like all WWF (or WWE) games before it and since, it packed a superstar filled roster but it's the tactical brawling that made this stand out from its successors. Now we just need it to return to Virtual Console to prove it rips SmackDown Vs Raw to shreds
45. Sonic Advance GBA, 2002 The first Sonic game on a Nintendo console showed Nintendo fans what they'd been missing over the years. This GBA platformer showcased the speed of Sonic brilliantly and like the excellent Rush games on DS, proves why Sonic is still better in 2D.
44. Fire Emblem GBA, 2003 Smash Bros. fans were already familiar with Marth and Roy by the time a Fire Emblem game was released in the UK. Fans soon learned that Japanese game fans had been enjoying a glorious grown up strategy series that really made you care for its cast of characters. The latest DS game is also excellent but it's a remake.
43. Metal Gear Solid Game Boy Color, 2000 It may surprise some but the Metal Gear Solid game on Game Boy Color was one of the best titles on the handheld, distilling everything that was great about the console blockbusters into a stealth masterpiece. While these things can be misleading, it's still ranked as the 12th best game of all time on GameRankings! We wouldn't go that far but it's ace.
42. The World Ends With You DS, 2008 The cult DS hit that any role playing fan will cherish. RPGs often take place in a fantasy world populated by monsters but by setting TWEWY in modern-day Japan, this takes role playing into the 21st century. With an original split screen battles, a great soundtrack and a cracking plot, it's easy to see why this is rated by many as one of the finest games on DS.
41. F Zero GX GameCube, 2003 Can you handle the speed? F-Zero GX won't give you as easy a ride as Mario Kart but this future racer is one for those who thinks games aren't tough enough these days. While you'll need mental strength to pass the test, those who can hack the pace are in for some serious speed thrills. Only Ikaruga can rival it for it's difficulty on GameCube.
Don't forget to vote for your favoutite game of the decade here.
