I do love looking at these. So, I think its time to release my own, hopefully you find some interesting choices on there.
However, I'm not going to listing them in a top 10 style, its too hard to choose which game would go where. So, I am just going to list the games in date of release order starting with the oldest also adding which machine I played them on.
[List updated: 11/04/2012 ]
Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1985, commodore 64)
Based on the electro-pop group of the same name, your goal is to reach the Pleasure Dome. But, the bulk of the game is a murder mystery. It had surprising good graphics in its day and was a lot of fun to play.
Wiki | Video
Super Mario Bros. (1985, NES / SNES)
The best and most influential platform game, need I say more.
Wiki | Video
Fast Food (1987, Commodore 64)
Similar to Pac-Man, you play as Dizzy (the egg) running around a maze collecting or rather eating food items whilst chased by killer things.
Wiki
R-Type (1988, Sega Master System)
Truly the best space shooter.
Wiki | Video | Play Online
Rick Dangerous (1989, Commodore 64)
Think Indiana Jones and you can imagine what this platform game is like. In fact, this game had more in common with the Indiana Jones movies than some of the actual Indiana Jones platform games. A lot of fun though and probably the best platform game on the C64.
Wiki | Video | Play Online
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1991, NES / SNES)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992, Sega Master System / Megadrive)
Ultima VII: The Black Gate (1992, PC)
Secret of Mana (1994, Super Nintendo)
Ultima VIII: Pagan (1994, PC)
Final Fantasy VII (1997, Playstation)