My Favorite Video Games Of All Time
This list changes all the time.
87 Games
My favorite video game of all time. It was one of the first video games I have ever played and it is the game I have replayed the most. My favorite cast in a video game, my favorite gameplay in a JPRG and it had a plethora of masterfully crafted moments that still make me emotional. Don't think any other game will ever top this game for me. This game helped me at a desperate time in my life and it will continue to influence my daily life. Even as a kid, I knew I was playing my favorite video game and this game will forever be magical to me. God, I love this game.
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I wouldn’t be here right now if this game didn’t exist. This game left the biggest personal impact on me. At the time, I was in a dark headspace, questioning my existence and wondering what was my place in the world. I couldn’t hold myself in high self-esteem for the longest time. I had no meaningful connection developed and was truly in a nihilistic mindset. I truly believed life was deterministic and free will was just an illusion. One day, I wanted to just get my mind off of reality and just play a game, any game. The game I chose to play that fateful day was Final Fantasy IX. This game truly saved me from my most troubling times. It probably is very cliche and over the top to say “I probably wouldn’t be here without this game,” but that’s exactly the case with FFIX. While I was having my negative existential dread, Final Fantasy IX gave a positive conclusion to existentialism that I have never seen done in a video game: “How do we rise above existential dread and accept a deterministic world? Though your individuality and sense of self may be an illusion, everyone has the ability to experience genuine moments that are specific to you. One’s that nobody else can or will experience. The connections you’ve made, the path you went, those are yours and yours alone. Nobody would feel the same emotions in the exact same way you felt. The only way to make your experiences beautiful is if you’re with someone else, someone who cares for you. That is what makes life worth living.” It poses such a simple yet unique solution to existential dread. How could I not get so emotional after hearing that? After the credits rolled, I was so moved; I didn’t know such a game can come into my life at the perfect time. I am tremendously grateful to have played this game and I am still profoundly moved by how many people were saved by this game and went through the same dilemma that I have gone through many years back. For this reason, Final Fantasy IX is a masterpiece in every stretch of the word. I would do anything to play this game for the first time again.
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The most compelling and psychological story ever told, period. Fei Fong Wong is one of the most compelling and introspective characters I've seen in a JRPG; the same sentiment can go towards Elly and Krelian's character. But I do find some of the other cast of characters to not be executed well enough, (for instance: Rico). And everyone knows about the infamous Disc 2 where it turns the entire typical JRPG gameplay the first disc had and made it into basically a visual novel. Also, sadly, this game suffered from a lot of grinding in order to progress with the story. It was an ambitious game that was rushed and had a team where they weren't experienced with 3D modeling so it was a recipe for disaster yet it turned out to be a near masterpiece. I didn't mind the sudden change in disc 2 because I found the lore and the worldbuilding to be so fascinating that I just wanted to learn more.
After playing this game, I have read so many books and read so many articles discussing gnosticism, and the many branches of psychological thinking (Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, etc). This game made me think about my life in a very unique way and opened my eyes to what storytelling can accomplish. Because of this, I was on a hunt to find games similar to Xenogears but had very little success in doing so over the years. That is why this game is so special; there is quite literally nothing like it. I thank this game for getting me into psychoanalytics and am grateful I got to experience this game in my life.
Controversial take, but this is a game that I feel deserves a remake the most; if Square ever does touch up on Xenogears and fixes its problem, this could very well end up being the greatest game ever made. I know the gaming industry is going through a sort of "remake renaissance," but, with the right team and vision, I can see a remake of Xenogears being done well. The base game is not perfect and has many flaws but most masterpieces exhibit the same sentiment. Despite it all, I find Xenogears to be one of the greatest games ever made and no other game is at the same level of complexity quite like Xenogears.
After playing this game, I have read so many books and read so many articles discussing gnosticism, and the many branches of psychological thinking (Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, etc). This game made me think about my life in a very unique way and opened my eyes to what storytelling can accomplish. Because of this, I was on a hunt to find games similar to Xenogears but had very little success in doing so over the years. That is why this game is so special; there is quite literally nothing like it. I thank this game for getting me into psychoanalytics and am grateful I got to experience this game in my life.
Controversial take, but this is a game that I feel deserves a remake the most; if Square ever does touch up on Xenogears and fixes its problem, this could very well end up being the greatest game ever made. I know the gaming industry is going through a sort of "remake renaissance," but, with the right team and vision, I can see a remake of Xenogears being done well. The base game is not perfect and has many flaws but most masterpieces exhibit the same sentiment. Despite it all, I find Xenogears to be one of the greatest games ever made and no other game is at the same level of complexity quite like Xenogears.
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Xenoblade Chronicles came at the right for me and really set itself apart from JRPGs coming out at the time. I do find Xenogears to be one of the most complex and ambitious games ever made but Xenoblade is a more condensed yet cohesive experience, in my eyes. His other works, Xenogears and Xenosaga, are all phenomenal, don't get me wrong, but both were way too ambitious to complete and end up not living up to the creator's expectations. The creator, Tetsuya Takahashi, refined and polished Xenoblade to the point where I felt his ambition was finally met. Honestly, I can gush about this game forever. I still don't think it has been receiving the praise that it truly deserves. The characters are all loveable and have a place to be in the plot (they don't just exist and have a reason to be there), the worldbuilding is the most imaginative I have seen in a video game and half of the soundtrack still gets me emotional. I am forever grateful for playing this gem of a game.
Now, I understand the criticism of this game's story, especially in the final chapters, about how it was rushed and had multiple plot twists at once, making it feel unnatural and a rollercoaster of a plot. I have the same sentiment; I really was disappointed with how the storytelling was handled and how nonstop the plot twists were at the end of the game; but, compared to the team's previous games, Xenoblade is still the game where it felt finished. No disc 2 that made the story into a visual novel like Xenogears, and no multiple games being dumbed down to half of its length due to its sales and over ambitious plan of spanning for over 10 years like Xenosaga, Xenoblade was a complete package.
This is a game everyone needs to play at least once in their lives. Whether you'll expect to love it or hate it, atleast play it once and just to see which opinion you side on
Now, I understand the criticism of this game's story, especially in the final chapters, about how it was rushed and had multiple plot twists at once, making it feel unnatural and a rollercoaster of a plot. I have the same sentiment; I really was disappointed with how the storytelling was handled and how nonstop the plot twists were at the end of the game; but, compared to the team's previous games, Xenoblade is still the game where it felt finished. No disc 2 that made the story into a visual novel like Xenogears, and no multiple games being dumbed down to half of its length due to its sales and over ambitious plan of spanning for over 10 years like Xenosaga, Xenoblade was a complete package.
This is a game everyone needs to play at least once in their lives. Whether you'll expect to love it or hate it, atleast play it once and just to see which opinion you side on
4
My Personal favorite Persona Game; I acknowledge all of the faults and cons this game has but its execution of its themes and character arcs easily make it up for me. Social links like Akanari and Aigis are some of my favorites in the entire series. Everytime I think about this game, I always get emotional. The soundtrack is easily my favorite soundtrack in any video game (the only completion for me is Chrono Trigger since it is my favorite Video game). The ending is easily my favorite ending in any video game and the last section of the game is where it really peaked for me. I just love this game too much and will gladly say I am looking at this game with rose-tinted glasses. Game is still worth the time investment btw, even if it hasn't aged well, it's still a game any fan of JRGPs should at least try once on their lifetime.
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This is the game that got me into JRPGs and made me realize that video games can be a form of art and storytelling. The backstories and the front stories were equally phenomenal, the gameplay is replayable and it felt that each character had a purpose to be in my party. Cannot express how much I love this game.
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I enjoy playing Dark souls and Elden ring but what makes me go back to Bloodborne is the atmosphere and the Lovecraftian imagery it exudes in the world. No words are needed to explain what has happened to the world and you can feel the dread the characters go through by simply playing it. Sure, it being locked in 30 frames per second and not 60 is a fault and some of the bosses are not the greatest but I still can't help myself staring at the abyss and it staring at me back. I do find this to be From Software's magnum opus and a truly artistic game.
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I find this game to be one of the most profound games I've ever played and I do sincerely believe this story would've only worked in the video game medium. Automata is what happens when a Drakengard/Nier game has a functional gameplay system and an amazing story to back up with it. It deserves all the praise it gets. Took me years to play this game after its E3 reveal in 2015 and the hype behind it was fatiguing but I'm glad I took my time and finally played this gem of an action RPG. Its existentialist themes and the heartbreaking characters that were developed made this game a masterpiece in my eyes. One of my new favorite games from recent memory.
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My Favorite Zelda game (Yes, I had a Wiiu). This is game is just utter magic. The whole world, the sense of adventure you get from this game are unparalleled. It's a game I've played at the prime of my childhood so I hold this game near to my heart. It is a game that can still conjure me to cry. Lovely game.
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C'mon, let's be real; this is the best street fighter and one of the greatest fighting games ever created.
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Influenced by many works of art like Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky, Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” as well as Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe,” Skies of Arcadia embodies a sense of adventure unlike any other. There is a great sense of freedom in this game. At a time where JRPGs were defined by convoluted lore, characters/themes dealing with moral ambiguity, and dark, harrowing settings, Arcadia would go back to the old JRPG roots and make its own mark on the genre. It doesn’t have heavy interpersonal drama or delve deep into the character’s psyche, but the simple joy of adventure. The game's sky-bound world serves as a backdrop for one's dreams and its enchanting soundtrack enhances the experience. Sometimes a game doesn’t need to be the most complex work ever created. Skies of Arcadia is a celebration for fans that adore JRPGs. There's a delight in playing this magical game yet if you delve deeper you'll find underlying complexity.
Granted, the game isn’t flawless; its random encounter rate in both the Dreamcast and Gamecube version is very high, and the combat is very slow, with lengthy animations. But, what the game sets out to do, its missteps are easily forgiven.
A game that brings out the inner child in me is truly priceless to me. I felt a tinge of sadness when the adventure in this game came to an end. The journey I experienced will always hold a place in my memories. Basically, this is a game that I'll definitely share with my children.
Granted, the game isn’t flawless; its random encounter rate in both the Dreamcast and Gamecube version is very high, and the combat is very slow, with lengthy animations. But, what the game sets out to do, its missteps are easily forgiven.
A game that brings out the inner child in me is truly priceless to me. I felt a tinge of sadness when the adventure in this game came to an end. The journey I experienced will always hold a place in my memories. Basically, this is a game that I'll definitely share with my children.
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Incredible game and incredibly ahead of its time. It's not the most complex game ever made but its simplicity was expertly executed that makes it a very special game.
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This game means a lot to me. Played it at a very bleak period in my life. Nothing made sense, my favorite games and anime didn't make me happy, but this game for some reason comforted me. Was challenging but overcoming those challenges is what made this game special. One of the more recent games I've played and will probably always be my favorite Platformer. Still listen to the ost.
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Probably one of the most expertly-crafted and interwoven character story I have ever played. The greatest tactical RPG ever made and one of my favorite games that Square Enix has ever made. The definition of a masterpiece.
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I have to be in a certain mood to play this game. I've played it as a kid and it gave me nightmares seeing the moon, the depiction of death and loneliness. This game still haunts me but I, for some reason, still find enjoyment out of this game. Has the best side quests in any video game, the most immersive atmosphere in a video game and the deepest story in the Zelda series. Very close to being my favorite Zelda game but I just love Windwaker way too much.
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Probably the best gameplay in a Final Fantasy game. Was challenging and fast so I loved it. It's always this or Tactics that is my 3rd favorite Final Fantasy game. Music is one of the best in the series for sure (as someone that prefers the original mix over the HD one).
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My favorite Fighting game.
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From recent memory, I don't think I have every been so emotionally attached to its characters or its story in a long while. It's not a perfect game, nothing will ever be perfect, but what it accomplished of doing with its themes and gameplay greatly outweighs the faults it exhibits. Doesn't add to the whole Perfect Works lore but it is such an amazing self-contained story. I still can't believe this series got a trilogy and I am so happy for Tetsuya Takahashi and his team to find success with their ambition.
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Not my favorite Persona game but it's still fantastic. One of the best cast of characters in a JRPG
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This was the first fire emblem game that I've replayed. It was a blast to play and I had a great time with the story.
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My personal favorite DMC. Always go back to this game.
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I'm a JRPG fanatic, so the shooter genre is something I just can't get into. Halo is the exception. Granted, I did grow up playing these games but the spirit and the world the games exude are so expertly crafted. It'll probably forever be my favorite shooter franchise and Halo 3 was the amalgamation of everything great about halo. Finish the fight.
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Probably the best action game I've played
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The most amount of hours I've ever sinked into a game
34
I love this game but I will admit, it's the nostalgia goggles that fogs up my opinion. I actually prefer this over the 2nd game since I loved the themes of childhood innocence and love. Can't get a better adventure game than this one. One of the games that I've played in my childhood game and I still love it to this day.
38
Played this at the prime of my childhood. The story did suck but the gameplay is the best in the series, in my opinion.
39
I've never suspected that this would be my favorite Castlevania game but everything about this game is so well executed. It is so much fun to play, lots of experimentation and the story was actually pretty solid. My only gripes is how the true ending is locked behind in the most obscure way possible but it doesn't hinder my experience with the game. Still can't believe this was for the Game Boy Advance.
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The best Sonic game, bar none
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Forever the best mario rpg
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Not the best sonic game but I still love going back to it. It still is a lot of fun playing, even today.
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Despite what the fandom has turned out, I still think this game has a lot of charm to it and is a very special game.
47
Absolutely beautiful and memorable game. Its themes of family and grief still resonate with me on a personal level.
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This game had an amazing story. Sakurai probably won't be able to make another game like this.
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All true fire emblem fans hold this game in high regards. Possibly the best story the series has to offer.
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For the longest time, I've hated this game. It was very complex and dense, dialogue was very expository and the combat was such a major downgrade to Chrono trigger. But, after replaying it, I have grown to love this game. It expands the existentialist and the whole "free will" and "determinist" themes from the first game and it moreso complements chrono trigger rather than tainting it. It's not a perfect game but I still find it to be one of square's deepest games ever made.
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My personal favorite Dragon quest game. Everything about it was so lovely.
65
One of the best platformers out there
66
Personally, I find this game to be amazing. Sure, going to the crystals 16 times did suck but the ending and many plot twist that this game had to offer made me a fan. Soundtrack is one of, if not, my favorite in a JRPG.
68
As a fan of Xenogears and the first Xenoblade game, I actually really like Xenoblade 2, despite it all. Sure, it has many glaring faults and its fanservice is detrimental to the game as a whole but, once you got the hang of it, the combat was really fun to play. Fixing the tutorials, redesigning the characters, and not being another Xenogears episode V rehash could've made the game better, at least in my opinion. Not as good as the first game but still a great game and story. Have a soft spot for this game.
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The ost slaps harder than my father's belt. I always say to people that "this is like Persona but if it was made by Square Enix." Such an underrated gem.
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My first and personal favorite Tales game
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My favorite Kingdom hearts game. This was the game that got me into the series. Still has the best combat mechanics and worlds in the series.
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