Top Dogs (Categories)

The best games of each respective category are listed below, from what I have played.
Gameplay,
Graphics,
Story,
Sound,
& Music.

GAMEPLAY:
The Legend of Zelda (Series)
This series has so many gamepay elements that all contribute to one fun experience. Majora's Mask had an amazing side-quest system that gave plenty to do besides the main quest. Combine that with all the regular quests such as collecting heart pieces, upgrading bomb bags, arrows, swords, and other extra items, and you have one of the funnest gaming experiences.
Runner up: Command & Conquer (series)

GRAPHICS:
Half-Life 2
The graphics are just the most mind-blowing, amazing things you have ever seen. Half-Life 2 pushed graphics to a whole new level with realistic animations, dynamic enviroments, a pyschics engine, and then just put it all together in an amazing way.
Runner up: Splinter Cell (series)

STORY:
Final Fantasy VI
...has one of the longest and most epic stories, that spans over 20 hours, which includes detailed backstories for nearly all 15 of your characters - an amazing ride from beginning to end.
Runner up: Half-Life (series)

SOUND:
Half-Life 2
The amazing sounds of City 17, the radio chatter, voices, and computers totally bring the city to life.
Runner up: Call of Duty 2

MUSIC:
Final Fantasy VI
A truly amazing soundtrack; so many songs are just so memorable and inspiring.
Runner up: Final Fantasy VII.