Final Fantasy should be in there for 6 alone, and because I count Chrono Trigger under that title - it was made by most of the same people afterall.
Still didn't vote for it though, because the series has never been as influential as Half-Life was, or as endlessly engrossing as Civilization\Alpha Centauri.
Thanks, s'what I was thinking. I love Final Fantasy 6, and while I hate random encounters and linearity (with exceptions; see Cave Story), FF6 oozes of greatness. The whole psuedo-Victorian/steampunk timeline, the most awesome villain for his time (and in my opinion, one that was never surpassed by later installments) the fact that it becomes fully open-ended half way through... That's how you make an RPG. Also, one of Edgar's tools for use in combat is a chainsaw complete with a Jason hockey mask. I don't even need to go any further.
Despite this, it doesn't get any of my picks; while a great game, there are even better out there. I chose Dwarf Fortress for its massive scale, incredible body-part based combat, hilarious and unforced circumstances that occur, and the fact that you can decapitate people with a pair of pants. Plus, it isn't even done and it's still done enough to rival other projects, which speaks great things about its quality.
Then I chose Cave Story; while linear, it's the (I believe) Magnum Opus of the platformer/shooter genre. The storyline is great, the characters are lovable (Huzzah!) and the music is fantastic. Plus, the art, gameplay and music were all produced by one guy. That's remarkable.
*Sits down to ponder.* My third and final pick goes to Baldur's Gate. As Dwarf Fortress represents total freedom and Cave Story represents linearity
done right, I feel Baldur's Gate meets both half way. It is at times linear, and at times open, and both have incredible benefit the other lacks. Also, it has a beserker with a pet hamster. Named Boo. If this isn't enough to make you want to try the game, nothing else I can say could convince you. Also, Lilarcor, but I won't elaborate for fear of spoilers. The beautiful pre-rendered, though static backgrounds have been lost in games lately. I really liked the style of them.
Edit: I'm saddened to see I'm the only one so far to have picked Cave Story. Though there are so many good games on the list, it's understandable.