My Personal Top 9 Games

I took a two-month hiatus from writing about video games. It wasn’t because I’ve fallen out of the medium, it was just that I had other obligations to fulfill such as focusing on graduation to get that fancy piece of paper saying I’m qualified to write about the news.

But whether you liked my writing style here or not, I’m back and there is no better way to launch a comeback other than a top-9 list (yes nine, not ten) because who doesn’t need any more of that in their life?

The following list is my top-9 favorite video games in no order, and I do want to note that this list is littered with personal anecdotes.

Football Manager 2017

I’m not ashamed to say that I placed about 100+ hours on a glorified spreadsheet simulator. For a good amount of time, this was the only game I was playing. This game–and its predecessors allowed me to see my local club make it all the way to the top using players that would probably never step foot anywhere near the training grounds unless they were held hostage.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Ask me any day of the week and I will probably say Final Fantasy VIII is my favorite Final Fantasy of all time. But ask me what Final Fantasy game I had the most fun with and I would say with a straight face it is Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

Without a doubt, this is the most fun I’ve had with a jRPG to date. Disregarding the mess of the story, everything in this game blends in together to create a perfect experience. From the costumes to the simply sublime battle system, there was not a moment where I felt bored. Plus, the game had a fantastic soundtrack as well.

Ace Combat 5

At the time of this publication my friend is currently watching me replay Ace Combat 5 and despite three missions in she is hooked on to the story. What she is feeling right now is what I felt and still feel about the game today. It was one of the first games that made me feel for the characters around me. Maybe I’m just easily captivated, but the immersion in this game is second to none. Regardless, Ace Combat 5 is an experience that anyone shouldn’t miss out on. The gameplay still holds up to this day pretty well and the soundtrack can make you want to strap yourself in a fighter jet.

THE iDOLM@STER: Stella Stage

To quote the review I did of this game earlier this year, “you will never feel frustrated at any moment because you are constantly rewarded for your efforts.”

It is not only rewarding but also one of the sweetest, and charming games you will ever play. Even if you have no connection to anyone in 765pro, you can’t help but feel a connection with the idols that you help to their eventual stardom.

Related Reading: Read my review of Stella Stage here.

Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald

I haven’t enjoyed any other Pokemon game fully since these trios of gems–pun intended. It might be nostalgia talking, but the Hoenn region was just so captivating and immersive (oops I said the “I” word again). I enjoyed spending the days of my youth roaming the oceans, forests, volcanos, and deserts of the region looking to get lost despite knowing the routes and landmarks by heart. I yearn for the days where my friends and I would get our link-cables together and swap secret bases.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

I honestly think that this game was the one that planted the “muh aesthetic,” seed in my brain long before vaporwave and the likes. Vice City was another game that truly engulfed me even to this day. For the longest time, I didn’t do any missions at all, I would just spend my time roaming the neon-lit streets of Vice City. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Maybe I’ve watched Blade Runner too many times and seen so many conspiracy videos on YouTube but this game hits all the right notes for me. From the setting, to the story, it was just *chefs kiss.* The combat, while clunky, was oddly satisfying, especially when you did a beatdown melee attack.

Pac-Man Championship Edition DX

If I was banned from all video games but one, I would choose this game as my sole video game for life. If I ranked this list, then this would be my number one game of all time. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is the most satisfying experience I’ve had in gaming ever. It’s simplistic but so addicting and there is nothing more I could ask for.

Gravity Rush

Most people would credit Persona 4 Golden as their reason to get a PlayStation Vita. I’m sorry Rise, but this was the reason I got mine. I could of have been a victim or marketing, but I instantly fell in love with the game as soon as I saw the previews. The gameplay mechanics, setting, and soundtrack blends together to make a truly wonderful and memorable experience.

Honorable Mentions:

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Gran Turismo 4

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

The iDOLM@STER: Must Songs

Sim City 4

Call of Duty: Black Ops

5 years ago

Tagged: #editorials #editorial #videogames

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