Top 10 PlayStation Games Of The Decade
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We know you love those "top" lists and due to the advent of a new decade, we're starting to see them pop up just about everywhere. So we started thinking: what are the top 10 PlayStation games of the last ten years? ...and how freakin' hard will it be to make such a list?
Well, I can tell you that Arnold and I spent quite a long time making the final selections; we probably considered at least 50 titles overall (if not more) and knowing that a lot of awesome and even groundbreaking titles released since 2000, this was not an easy task. In fact, it took longer to do this than it took to make our picks for the Game of the Year Awards...but then again, I guess it should, considering we're talking about a decade's worth of gaming. And while I'm well aware we can't possibly please everyone with a list like this, it'll be interesting to see what you guys have to say in response.
One thing you must remember: we considered impact and the memorable quality of the games; i.e., the games that were the most revolutionary, withstand the test of time, and/or stick out in our minds. There are a million possible criteria but this is what we used. So check 'em out; in no particular order: the best of the best of the best, released between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009:
Vagrant Story
Still one of the best action/RPGs you will ever play, this game helped to pioneer the concept of targeting specific limbs and specific weaknesses in various enemies. It also presented the gamer with a downright fantastic story, excellent longevity (you could continue to work on your skills in a New Game+) and a hybrid turn-based/real-time combat style that remains one of the most polished and impressive systems to this day. If you ask anyone who has played this one, chances are, they will respond with something like, "oh my God, that game was awesome." Yeah, there's a reason for that.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Yeah, I know, we could very easily have gone with MGS2, MGS3 or MGS4 but we ended up opting for MGS2 simply because of the massive impact it had on the new generation back in 2001. The story was about as deep and intricate as humanly possible (for the time, especially), and it was our first glimpse of a truly 3D MGS that looked like a beautiful action game but played like the top-notch stealth adventure it was. It just left the original on the MGS so far behind in terms of a technological leap and really laid the framework for the excellent MGS3 and MGS4. It just didn't get much better for the fans.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
While GT4 was certainly another step in the right direction, GT3 performed a similar feat to MGS2: it marked the turning point in a rapid technological boom; it solidified Gran Turismo's position in a new generation as the iconic racer of the time, and oh yes, stunned us all with its unbelievable visuals and massive leap forward in terms of driving physics. Polyphony tweaked it all and made everything better in GT4 (for the most part), but we're talking about the most "impactful" games; the most "memorable" games. Who doesn't remember when this one came out? It was one of the first true-blue system sellers for the PS2.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Think we're jumping the gun? Not a chance. For both Arnold and I, this really is the action/adventure game we've been waiting for since we started gaming. We've heard the claims of "playing a movie" hundreds of times before, but for the game that brought us closer to this than any previous title, it deserves its place in the top 10. Some will argue that if we are going to put a PlayStation game in from this generation, it should be Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots or perhaps Killzone 2, but the impact Uncharted 2 had on us is almost unparalleled. Not to mention what it did for that genre; an instant "measuring stick game."
Grand Theft Auto III
Much like the Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy franchises, we had multiple options for a GTA representative. And although we all have our personal preferences, we ultimately had to go with GTAIII. Do you guys remember what GTA was like before this game? Most of you probably don't; it was a merely decent top-down action game that was actually quite forgettable. GTAIII put the series on the map and absolutely exploded onto the scene back in 2001 (one of the "years of years" in the industry). We just hadn't seen anything quite like it and boy, did it make a splash. Some of the most fun I've ever had, I tell you.
God of War
Again, per our chosen criteria, we have to place GoW ahead of the sequel, which was admittedly bigger and better in just about every possible way. But you can't have a sequel without an original and in this case, the first title was just...wow. Is there a better term? Although it didn't have a tremendous amount of hype, God of War got everyone's attention and put a serious charge into the action genre. We had never seen anything quite so fluid, quite so polished, or quite so innovative in terms of memorable boss encounters, QTEs, and nearly unrivaled brutality. Let's face it: when all is said and done, we could be looking at the most critically acclaimed franchise in history.
Dance Dance Revolution (the series)
What's this? Why? Before you get too upset, head on over to Wikipedia and check out how many DDR installments there have been. Worldwide, it looks like there are over 50; Arnold turned me onto this and it was only then did I realize the impact this series has had on gaming. Let's face it: this was Guitar Hero before there was any such thing; this was the game that blazed the trail for what we now recognize as the music genre. PaRappa the Rapper may have been the pioneer in the PS1 days but in terms of interacting fully with the music and rhythm on the screen, Dance Dance Revolution is innovative, evolutionary and revolutionary, all at the same time.
1/8/2010 Ben D., Arnold K.
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Comments (134 posts)
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:11:07 AM
archs13
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:39:59 AM
___________
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 1:30:07 AM
had so many jumps and motorcycles were so much fun hitting top speed on the ramps and go flying.
and stirring up the cops with the tank, and vigilante missions.
GTA vice city and a mix of san andreas with the weapons of TBOGT is what GTAIV should of been.
my most anticipated title of all time, and also the most disappointing title of all time.
blitz30952
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 6:50:37 AM
OtisFeelgood
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:04:59 AM
NeoHumpty
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:21:59 AM
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:34:51 AM
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:22:17 AM
Killsignal
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:34:32 AM
Feregrin
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:31:14 PM
Scarecrow
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:30:18 PM
Reply
FFXII rocking it with Vagrant Story (have both games by the way ;) ) (original copies too lol)
Anyway, great list, definitely some of Playstation's best games ever.
I'd take out Chrono Cross though and insert Silent Hill 2 for example. (though the original SH was the best)
PS: Will properly reply when I've read the whole thing hehe
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:43:45 AM
Akuma07
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 2:25:48 AM
Mamills
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:35:47 AM
its one of my favourite FFs
the battle system is new and honestly a lot of fun and a lot of strategy involved once u get into it. it would work even better if it somehow had an online component because the system reminds me of MMOs battle systems
best final fantasy is still final fantasy 6 (most of you young kids may crucify me for saying that but FF6 has one of the best stories ive ever played. it just didn't have the 3D graphics)
GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:43:57 PM
Reply
I do need an explanation for one little thing: If you are taking into account the impact that a game has had, how come there is no mention of Modern Warfare anywhere? I mean, like it or not(personally not a big fan) you have to admit that it's impact on gaming is HUGE.
I would have liked to see Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 in the list somewhere. That game was crazy good, the best of the series and easily the most fun I had with any skating/snowboarding game.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:48:11 PM
GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:59:08 PM
OtisFeelgood
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:06:05 AM
NeoHumpty
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:16:31 AM
geovanwitdakick
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:54:41 PM
Reply
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:13:31 AM
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:08:56 AM
Temjin001
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:00:59 AM
Reply
Alienange
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:18:35 AM
NeoHumpty
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:06:48 AM
Reply
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:16:12 AM
NeoHumpty
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:49:06 PM
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:13:07 AM
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:41:33 AM
I don't have it anymore, but I bought it on PSN and I got to level 14 before I gave up, the guy I'm supposed to rescue from the catacombs keeps getting shot.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:15:53 AM
GuernicaReborn
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 11:12:38 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:15:21 AM
GuernicaReborn
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:33:06 AM
LowKey
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:37:24 AM
Reply
bigrailer19
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:51:09 AM
Reply
I will have to admit i know MGS2 was awesome, but the MGS that did it for me was MGS3: snake eater! Thats just me though. I think that game did a lot of things right to push the story, and series further!
All in all i love articles like this! Personally since you asked what we'd like to see more of around here is your personal thoughts on games, and the industry like this article has done. I know you can only do a top ten of the decade every decade but something like this every now and again would be nice. Get away from the "news" a couple times a month. Just a thought.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/9/2010 12:51:57 AM
LowKey
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:56:20 AM
dragonx_HD
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:55:32 AM
Reply
dragonx_HD
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:02:44 AM
Reply
bigrailer19
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:08:17 AM
Thats alright though sometimes the first game is always more memorable, maybe cus its the first. I know UC2 WAS EPIC, but i fell in love with the series because of the first one. It dropped my jaw when i first played it and by the end was just inspred to say the least. Then i played UC2 and my mouth hit the floor so... I think either one would be a good choice.
BTW UC2 is my fav. game its just too good!
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/9/2010 1:09:59 AM
godsman
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:06:19 AM
Reply
DDR was the game for arcade, Guitar Hero was the one that brought the peripheral to home gaming.
Last edited by godsman on 1/9/2010 1:07:51 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:14:01 AM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:49:36 AM
Geobaldi
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 8:39:30 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 12:41:47 AM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:54:49 AM
www
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 6:07:39 AM
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 6:28:51 AM
Alienange
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 9:28:41 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:48:25 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 12:40:43 AM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:51:42 AM
Reply
Last edited by ArnoldK PSXE on 1/9/2010 1:53:24 AM
bigrailer19
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 2:12:11 AM
But I think your right maybe MGS 2 rejuvinated the series on a new system, the PS2 after MGS came about, which was also amazing. But seeing the technical leap from MGS, to MGS 2, I can see where you're coming from. I'm in no disagreement that MGS 2 was amazing, and did a lot for the franchise. Persoanlly though I just feel like MGS 3 was the one that had the biggest impact on me. I had so many "oh now i get it", moments it's unforgettable. So many characters that we know and loved, we got to see the backstory and what led up to the more recent events, and how it all began. We may have known a lot of the story from the amazing story telling, but in MGS 3 we got to play, live, and experience it!
Im not arguing at all, thats just how i feel, just thought I'd share!
What say you?
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/9/2010 2:19:55 AM
JackKnifeZero
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 2:17:38 AM
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:07:28 AM
Geobaldi
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 8:44:00 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:32:00 AM
bigrailer19
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:46:28 PM
And Ben, i played MGS when i was in 7th grade or 8th maybe, and started MGS2 when it came out but never finished it. I knew when MGS4 came out and i bought it, i needed to go through the series so i bought all 4 games and played through em all, and i gotta say im glad i did. I couldnt imagine getting all mixed up as you did lol.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/9/2010 12:51:23 PM
Banky A
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:21:54 PM
Kr3sn1k
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 6:54:17 PM
Banky A
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:28:57 PM
Ultimate_Balla
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 2:39:52 AM
Reply
Alienange
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 9:31:07 AM
Jed
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 3:32:04 AM
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I remember the first time I played GTA3 at my friends house. It was just about the time that game exploded onto the scene, and the news. I remember thinking, "hey, they finally made another game like Driver" It took me about 2 weeks for me to find a copy.
I know how everybody feels about HALO around here, but I absolutely loved Halo 1. 2 was also pretty good, but after that it just went downhill.
firehahahahaha
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 3:48:40 AM
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I pretty much agree with the rest of the list, even the games i dont like. but i gotta say I would so take ffx over xii and SotC over ICO.
I mean X had an incredibly vivid world and intruiging story, not to mentiom a pretty cool battle system. Although I will agree that the linear factor definitely hurt the game, i would easily take that over xii's battle system...
And as for ICO, I can honestly say that i never even heard of the game until SotC came out. And besides that, Shadow of the Colossus is the greatest game ever made. Not saying that ICO is bad, still in my top 5, but theres just no way it can win out over shadow.
Last edited by firehahahahaha on 1/9/2010 3:49:07 AM
swapnilgyani
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:01:38 AM
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I think I am one of the few people who feel that the original God of War actualy more fun than the sequel.
Also, one game I really enjoyed playing on the PC this decade was Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven. In a way, this is the game that drew me into gaming :)
I'm surprised to see no games from the PSP made it. The latest GTA and Patapon spring to mind probables.
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:04:23 AM
Reply
Interesting though, ive thought about top 10 films of the decade, but not games. my personal top 10 of the top of my head, lets see...
Final Fantasy IX - Yes it was 2000
Final Fantasy X
Silent Hill 2
Shenmue (+S2)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (+MGS3:S)
Fable
Siren Blood Curse
Farenheit
Shadow Of Memories
Burnout 3: Takedown
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:30:10 AM
Ultimadream
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:21:18 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:20:37 PM
swapnilgyani
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:53:27 AM
Reply
furbiesmustdie
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 7:33:16 AM
Reply
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:29:25 AM
bigrailer19
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 12:54:50 PM
And yeah im confused about Saints Row 2...
Scarecrow
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:48:47 PM
www
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 8:23:42 AM
Reply
Last edited by www on 1/9/2010 8:24:35 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:27:39 AM
CrazyIrishBoy
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 9:27:26 AM
Reply
NoSmokingBandit
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 9:50:57 AM
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Iirc, God of War was released in '05, before the ps3's launch. God of War 2, however, was released in '07, after the introduction of the ps3.
Just a minor inconsistency there, Ben/Arnold.
That said, this is pretty much the exact same list i would have made. 2000-2001 changed everything in the gaming world, and i wouldnt want to sift through all those great games and pick out the best.
edit:
Pavlovic beat me to it. :P
Last edited by NoSmokingBandit on 1/9/2010 9:51:22 AM
tridon
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:18:22 AM
Reply
Guys, this is quite the decent top 10 list. Obviously no one will agree 100% with your choices, but for the most part, this was pretty dead-on. The only thing missing is Guitar Hero. I know people have a hate-on for Activision (I'm included), but that series definitely revolutionized a large aspect of gaming. Also, personally, I would've chosen MGS4 over MGS2, GoWII over GoW1, and I definitely would've taken FFX over FFXII. That being said, it's awesome to see ICO and Chrono Cross on this list.
My big problem, mostly, is with your top 5 non-PS games. Apparently, "non-PS" games means Xbox-only. I've played a lot of great Nintendo games in the last decade. In fact, one of the most fun and addicting games I've ever played is Animal Crossing. I've never really played any Wii games because I'm not a fan of gimmick-gaming, but the Gamecube, while not having a huge selection of games, did have a lot of great games.
Anyway, that's just my few cents.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 10:27:00 AM
Hezzron
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:00:00 PM
Feregrin
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:32:49 PM
Scarecrow
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:47:49 PM
ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:00:52 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 5:22:02 PM
tridon
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 5:34:40 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 1:43:47 PM
Reply
DeusExMachina
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 4:34:40 PM
Reply
I also think Halo is the single most overrated game, EVER! How much do you want to bet if it launched on the PS2 like it originally was announced, it would of been almost unheard of. Just my opinion, please dont flame me.
Alienange
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 8:02:22 PM
Halo did nothing new. In fact the only thing it DID do, was the exact same thing that Guitar Hero did. Bring an established gaming mechanic to the masses. And yet Guitar Hero is nowhere to be found in that list because it "did nothing new." That IS rather peculiar.
blitz30952
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 6:59:02 AM
FlyingKickPunch
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 7:05:00 PM
Reply
Seriously this is the only website i read anymore. you cut through the bullplop and posturing and tell it like it is. and i applaud you for that.
Here's to another great decade of games, led of course by the PS3,
and PSXE and this community as they continue to be a last bastion (it would seem, if youve read the comments section on any other gaming website) against the ignorance and the rampant flaming flames of fanboyism.
Looking forward to reading your "Greatest Games of 2010-2020" article...
DGo8
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 8:14:35 PM
Reply
Twisted Metal Black - Ps2
Res Evil 1...when them dogs jumped through the window that scared me everytime!! PsOne
GTA:S.A it was Epic for the time! - Ps2
Mortal Kombat - N64 and past consoles
Sonic We all loved Sonic! - Sega Mega Drive
Uncharted Drakes Fortune Couldnt beleav it when i first played it - Ps3.
Silent Hill in my opinion first game to challenge Res Evil for crown of the Horror Genre.
Tekken...Street Fighter??
I dunno why Halo is on there i admit it had impact..but..i think its jst an other FPS ment to be great online...But...i think Killzone 2 online is best FPS online i think...
Geobaldi
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:28:56 PM
Temjin001
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 12:00:20 AM
Reply
I agree, Twisted Metal Black was a big deal back then. The PS2 was really struggling to get some fresh top quality games at the time. TM:B was both a great game, and an awesome re-vitalization to a breakthrough series that had been wavering in the later PSX days. Unfortunately, the ill-fated plane wreck carrying several members of the dev team sort of stopped the series cold. Other great breakthroughs included Tony Hawk. The series tore it up back then. The THPS series consistently sold well and rated extremely high. And man did I love the SSX games. SSX was the unsuspecting hit to PS2's somewhat lackluster launch lineup in terms of quality. And SSX definitely made a splash by kicking off the whole EA BIG lineup of games and sort of brought extreme sports back into the spotlight. Perhaps a few of those Squaresoft RPG's ate up too many slots in the top 10...
___________
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 1:34:11 AM
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but such a list would have to include
GT 4
BLACK
devil may cry 2
resident evil 4
uncharted 2
R&C 3 up your arsenal
prince of Persia the 2 thrones
burnout revenge
need for speed most wanted
but with that said the PS1 era kicks the crap out of the PS2 era and PS3 era put together.
sigh.
what i would do to be able to play ps1 games in HD with trophies.
my head would literally implode the day that happened.
chicko1983
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 3:18:45 AM
Reply
GuernicaReborn
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 11:13:21 AM
chicko1983
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 4:09:53 PM
Out of all the people who I know play wii, wii sports would be the most played game on that system by far. And most of them bought a wii purely becuase we could then play it at each others houses cause it is fun to play with more than 2 people. To deny the impact on the industry of that game would be to stick your head in the sand and say that the wii shouldn't be counted as a new generation console (which many people incorrectly tend to think).
THE NTMIDTR
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 3:30:52 PM
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Secondly, how could Battlefield NOT make the non-Playstation list...?
Thirdly, I saw no Indigo Blue on there... a game that broke the mold of traditional gameplay in a way. With all the recent Heavy Rain hype, I hope you at least considered it.
Finally, how many people do you actually know that don't own a plastic guitar or five? GH/RB should be on any list like this... a new genre to all but the hardest of hardcore, billions in sales... it nearly single-handedly changed gaming forever... in only 5 years! At release the peripherals were revolutionary!!!
The problem with these types of lists is they are usually rushed... a few more weeks thinking about it/talking would have been the bare minimum to do it justice...
The soapbox is now available...
Last edited by THE NTMIDTR on 1/10/2010 3:41:40 PM
chicko1983
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 4:12:47 PM
DeathOfChaos
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 5:31:03 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 8:59:48 PM
THE NTMIDTR
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 6:59:55 AM
DeathOfChaos
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 5:29:03 PM
Reply
JeffroSuperstar
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 11:10:55 PM
Reply
I blame the news media for the rush, though...I'm sure all you psxextremer's know it--we're an exceptionally smart group :)
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 12:38:31 AM
BigBoss4ever
Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 11:29:56 PM
Reply
SirLoin of Beef
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 8:16:56 AM
Reply
VermithraxDagon
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 7:21:10 PM
Reply

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Sir Shak
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Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 11:18:23 PM