By: Staff Contributors

The history of video games began in the 1950s as developers began designing basic simulations on minicomputers and mainframes. Early classics include Spacewar!, Pong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man. With video games available for nearly every level of interest nowadays, it can be quite hard to pick a favorite! We asked some of our staff about their favorite video games and what makes those appeal

to them so specifically. Did your favorite make our

list? Read on to find out!

Katy’s Favorites: The Sims, Tetris, Jackbox Games

Although my first video game experience began on a SEGA Genesis, the discovery of The Sims at an early age helped me pick my favorite video game of all time. The simplicity of the gameplay, as well as the mindlessness of the goals and missions of the game makes this an addictive favorite.

Jackbox Games are a series of games available on multiple platforms that connect to a web browser on your smartphone that allows you to play with many of your friends in a group setting. This game is top notch for the tech savvy millennials looking to up their fun levels at a local gathering.

Rachael’s Favorites:

Untitled Goose Game, Super Mario Bros

Untitled Goose Game: I found this game simply delightful to play. Between the simplistic yet visually enticing art style, piano soundtrack synchronized with what is happening and puzzling tasks on your to do list and of course let’s not forget to mention that you can honk at the towns-people. The game is set up well for teamwork and caused a lot of laughs. The only downside of the experience was how short it was, but regardless was well worth the time.

Super Mario Bros: No specific edition for this entry, but just a strong love for all the Super Mario Bros games. Many of us have grown up on these games and seen the progression of how they have evolved over the years but have yet held onto the consistency of their gameplay and mission to save Princess Peach.

Sara’s Favorite: Mortal Kombat 3

When I was a teenager, I bought a SEGA Genesis with a few video games at a yard sale. Of the few games I owned, I enjoyed Mortal Kombat 3 the most. I’ve always loved martial arts because of the English subbed movies especially starring Bruce Lee. In fact, Mortal Kombat was one of the first video games that were adapted into the big movie screen. Anyway, I loved how Mortal Kombat 3 allowed you to select any character that has personal strengths and weaknesses. Sindel was my favorite character because she held magical powers with her long black-silver hair. Her persona inspired me that strength on a woman is possible. Sindel is known to be villainous, but I was probably drawn to her dark nature.

Alex’s Favorite: Mass Effect 2

A single player action role-playing game released in 2010, Mass Effect 2 is praised for its presentation and cinematography, diverse and complex characters, and improved combat over the predecessor. This game won numerous year-end awards, and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

Brian’s Favorites: Minecraft, Bioshock: Infinite

Minecraft is a game that holds a special place in my heart and has for many years. To start you are truly only limited by your imagination, you can build anything and do anything you want. You can spend hours wandering around a serene plain or you could build a skyscraper, this alone makes Minecraft a truly freeing and fun experience however on top of all the freedom and creativity.

Bioshock: Infinite is my favorite game of all time.The characters in this game are some of the most emotionally developed, charismatic, and interesting characters I can think of in the video game medium. Released in 2013, it has always had a timeless feeling to me. As of today I have beaten it 7 times, and I still fall in love with it every time.