Gaming Gauntlet

Alright, so a couple friends and I recently got into an argument about which of us is the best gamer. As such we are going to pull off a gaming gauntlet. Everyone is going to pick two games, and then at the end we are going to go to a local gamestore and pick up a bargain bin game which will go to the winner. Now, if you were going to design a gauntlet like this, what would be your top 6 choices? We need some ideas -and yes time and score runs are valid criteria aswell as battle modes.

This thread is really: I need some ideas.

We have the following systems:
SNES, PS1, N64, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, Wii, 360 so it's pretty easy to work with.

Metal Gear Solid. No matter the system. It's easy to figure out who did the best (best time, least kills, your pick).
For Zelda I'd pick aLttP. Least kills wins. No turning off the system when you die. Or any Zelda game that shows the time you've played.
Also super smash brothers (any) everyone having 100 lives. Should last a long time and end up with clear ranking members.

I came here expecting some power glove action. Halo 1 with pistols off needs to be in there.

At first, I thought you were going to talk about the glory of the power glove. I as severely dissappoited.

My choices are
1. Speedrun Final Fantasy VII, VIII, or XI
Which game of the three is your choice.

2. 100% Completion (every missile upgrade, energy tank, etc) Speedrun of any Metroid game
If you are playing Prime 1 or 2, they must be the Gamecube versions not the wiimakes. They also must be played on hard, and Corruption must be played on Hyper Mode

3. High Score on Tetris
Any version works (although it has to be normal tetris, not one of the weird verities) but I recommend the Gameboy or NES ports.

4. Best out of 3 Battle in Pokemon Stadium 2 under Masterball Challenge Cup rules
This means all Pokemon are randomly selected rentals, no use of gameboy pokemon are allowed.

5. Speedrun of either Ghouls 'n Ghosts or Ghosts 'n Goblins.

6. Best out of 5 of either Streetfighter II, Mortal Kombat II, Tekken 3, Killer Instinct Gold or SoulCalibur II battles
Any version of the above fighting franchises is acceptable, these are just my personal favorite games.

Halo 2 or 3. Swords and Shotguns on Lockout.

SSBB - no items, any stock amount, neutral stage

Wii Sports (resort).

Can't think of anymore atm.

EDIT: Is it possible to get any recordings of these competitions? That would be cool.

Originally Posted by Valhelm

At first, I thought you were going to talk about the glory of the power glove. I was severely dissapointed.

Title edited for you

1. Best out of 5 Pokemon Stadium 2 battle under Little Cup rules with only rentals
This means pokemon are all level 5, and the use of only rentals prevents you from having game breaking pokemon (ex. Dratini with Dragon Rage).

2. 100% completion speed run of any Zelda game

3. Best Score on Through the Fire and Flames on Expert in Guitar Hero 3
I would give each contestant 3 tries and take the best score out of those 3.

4.

Originally Posted by Hell Hawk

Best out of 5 of either Streetfighter II, Mortal Kombat II, Tekken 3, Killer Instinct Gold or SoulCalibur II battles
Any version of the above fighting franchises is acceptable, these are just my personal favorite games.

Good idea Hell Hawk.

5. Super Mario Bros 3 Speedrun

6. Deathmatch in Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, The Conduit, Gears of War, and Rainbow 6 Vegas
Just do one deathmatch in each game and winner goes to the best out of 5.

Pick a range of genres and time periods to truly demonstrate who is the master. Pick games with Mechanics based around skill, rather then luck. For example, though Super Smash Bros is a terribly fun game, character balance and items negate the skill involved, unless you opt for a 1 on 1 No Items mode in which case there are far better fighting games out there. You also want one, maybe two, that none of your have ever played before, testing their ability to quickly pick up mechanics and adapt to a situation.

An FPS death match is a given, so take your pick from Halo 3, Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty or Battlelefield. Pick one you're all familiar with.

A fighting game, of course; Tekken, Soul Caliber, Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, ever one of the WWE games if your are so inclined. I'd recommend Street Fighter 2, for the sake of having generation diversity.

Racer, perhaps? F-Zero, Wipeout, Need for Speed, Burnout; I'm not a great fan but I'm sure you have your preference. However, if you want something to fill the the game-you've-probably-never-heard-of criteria, can I suggest the very much enjoyable Ballistics, perfect for such a challenge; straightforward game play that will be be challenging but easy to pick up.

An speedran action adventure game of some kind, perhaps an RPG, though this is limited to how long you want your gauntlet to be as we all know RPGs can be ♥♥♥♥ing long winded. Zelda is a good options, especially as you can choose one of many based on era and length that you want. Castlevania, good for the same reasons. Then we have games like Crash Bandicoot, Rayman, Ratchett and Clank, Jak, all good fun. You've got the entire Final Fantasy series to play with, and plenty of WRPGs too. Pick a favourite that you've all played. Alternatively for this category, why not a strategy game, such as a Total War, or Warcraft/Starcraft; 3 way skirmish should suit you fine here. I'd go with Starcraft or aLttP, possibly Shadow of the Colossus.

An Indie game please; speedrun Braid, or maximum World of Goo spare goos would be perfect.

Guitar Hero.

One of these needs to be a finale, the big rush at the end. Choose the one that you all find most enjoyable and and will be a close competition between you.

Wow, that was fun to write. I've never actually done one of these though now I feel like giving it a try. Let us know what games you pick and how it goes

Originally Posted by Hell Hawk

3. High Score on Tetris
Any version works (although it has to be normal tetris, not one of the weird verities) but I recommend the Gameboy or NES ports.

Oh, yes, I hadn't thought of that. Possibly even a Pong Tournament.