1. NiGHTS into Dreams - Such a good freaking game. It was a classic time attack game wrapped up in a trippy fantasy world. But if you took the time to really learn the controls there was an artistry in the way the game was played. Couple it with an amazing soundtrack and you have an all time great. There was never another game like it (even the sequel) and the world is probably sadder for it.
2. Valkyria Chronicles - I'm still surprised at how good this strategy/action hybrid game was. This fantasy version of an alternate version of World War 1 (the developers claim that for the inspiration anyway) is one of the best epics of this gen. Good story and water colored style graphic really make it stand out in the world of game where photorealism has taken too strong of a grip.
3. Crazy Taxi - Is it the greatest racing game ever? I don't know... but I do know that it has KFC, The Offspring, and Pizza Hut. That pretty much puts it a notch above most racing games to me. Plus it's great in short or small bursts and fun any which way.
4. Sonic Adventure II - My personal favorite 3-D Sonic game. Fast paced, good boss battles, and a lot of varied gameplay. Best of all, no Big "the fucking" Cat.
5. Puyo Pop - It took the Tetris model and made it better. Plus puyos are so damned cute! They're little colored balls of jelly with eyeballs. They're as close to Dragon Quest slimes as a it gets.
That's not a SEGA game.
Good list Raven. I considered Panzer Dragoon but I haven't touched it in well over a decade so I can't honestly say if it still holds up and I'd still find it as fun.
1. Phantasy Star Online - Over 300 hours played and loved every second. Still the greatest online experience ever.
2. Panzer Dragoon Saga - A masterpiece so few got to play.
3. Virtua Fighter 4 Evo - Greatest fighting game ever. Yes VF5 is the better fighter but this is the best overall experience.
4. Sonic Adventure 2 - My personal favorite 3D Sonic, yes it's messy at points but I loved the Sonic levels.
5. Shenmue 2 - Still an experience quite unlike anything.
Five games in 5 different genres, which is why Sega is so awesome.
This thread needs more Virtua Tennis.
Vader I loved your list till you said VF4 Evo was the best fighting game ever. That statement is wrong on so many levels that it actually detracts from the rest of your list... even Sonic Adventure 2 which oddly enough I also had in the #4 spot. That makes me questions my own judgement now.
KoF '98.
That's what Robio would say if he was me.