Forever Games: The Modded Classics Edition

A: Alright, so the classic desert island scenario, but specifically for our gaming essentials. We've got to pick our absolute top games for eternity out there.

B: And the parameters are key here, right? This isn't just choosing original cartridges. The first, and arguably most impactful, rule is that we're talking full ROM access, including any and all ROM hacks.

A: Oh, that changes the entire game. A title with a robust modding community suddenly skyrockets in value. Think Zelda randomizers or Final Fantasy Tactics rebalances. Rule 1: ROMs and hacks are on.

B: Completely. And for the hardware, we're keeping it classic. Consoles have to be PlayStation 1 era or earlier. So, your NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, PS1 are all in bounds.

A: Yes, classic console territory. And for handhelds, it's the Game Boy Advance era or earlier. So, GB, GBC, GBA. Even a Neo Geo Pocket if you're inclined. That's Rule 3.

B: And crucially, no illicit multicarts. Rule 4: if it wasn't a commercially and legitimately released multicart back in the day, it's out. No pirate compilations for our survival rig.

A: Alright, so with those rules firmly in place, let's dive into the actual picks. For console, my number one, hands down, has to be The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on SNES. The sheer replayability with randomizers alone is astronomical. You can get endless variations of the experience.

B: Absolutely. A randomizer takes a 30-hour game and turns it into potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of unique playthroughs. Add custom quests and difficulty hacks, and you've got a lifetime supply of adventure. It nails longevity and variety.

A: Next up, Super Mario World, also on SNES. The Kaizo community, the custom level design, the sheer volume of completely new, fan-made worlds is staggering. It's a platforming engine for infinite possibilities, far beyond the original game's already stellar variety.

B: That's a given. Mario World is basically a blank canvas for hack creators. For my third console pick, I'm going with Final Fantasy Tactics on PS1. The depth of the job system and combat is incredible, but fan rebalance projects like 'War of the Lions Rebalance' transform it into a completely fresh, challenging tactical RPG experience every time.

A: Agreed, those rebalances breathe new life into an already deep game. My fourth pick is Chrono Trigger, for its unparalleled narrative and multiple endings, which already provide great replay value. Fan patches often add content or quality-of-life improvements, making each journey slightly different.

B: And for the fifth console spot? I'm leaning towards Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The exploration, the secrets, the sheer size of Dracula's castle... and then you factor in boss randomizers or even fan-made extra content and challenging new modes. It keeps that Metroidvania loop fresh.

A: Perfect choices for consoles. Now, let's move to handhelds. My immediate thought goes to Pokémon, specifically Pokémon Crystal for the Game Boy Color. The 'Crystal Clear' open-world hack alone means you can revisit Johto and Kanto in an entirely new way, every single time. It's infinite Pokémon content.

B: The ultimate Pokémon sandbox. For my second handheld, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX. The original game is masterful, but randomizers and item placement hacks change the entire discovery process. It’s a completely different puzzle to solve with each playthrough, adding immense longevity.

A: My third is Metroid Zero Mission on GBA. Speedrunning it never gets old, and community-made difficulty hacks and map randomizers push that core exploration and combat loop to its absolute limit.

B: That's a solid action-adventure pick. I'll add Advance Wars for GBA as my fourth. The tactical depth is immense, and custom maps or campaigns, if hacks are accessible, provide endless strategic challenges. It’s a thinking game that rewards mastery.

A: And for the final handheld slot, I'm going with Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, also on GBA. Another tactical gem. Fan translations and difficulty tweaks make repeated playthroughs, trying out different unit compositions and strategies, incredibly rewarding. The sheer variety of characters and classes keeps it fresh.

A: It was really tough to leave some games off. The depth of choice for console RPGs and strategy titles was immense, and the sheer, endless possibilities of a game like Final Fantasy Tactics with its rebalances really set the bar high.

B: That's a good one. For handhelds, I struggled with Advance Wars. Phenomenal game, but without the extensive hack community of Pokémon, it just couldn't compete on pure longevity.

A: You see a clear pattern here, though, don't you? So many RPGs, strategy games. Things designed for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. That focus on replayability and longevity was paramount.

B: Completely. The ROM hack rule was the absolute lynchpin. It transformed the entire selection process. Without it, the lists would look entirely different, prioritizing more linear, though still excellent, experiences. It was all about infinite variability.