The Most Popular Games (According to Backloggd) That I've Yet to Play From 1983 to 2023
Gonna piggyback off of the original list format by @tangysphere. Also, yes, I'm back, and I hope I stay here.
Below are the most obvious "popular but unplayed" titles in my backlog, with blurbs for each under their notes. I might mention why I've skipped on something for so long, or that I likely won't touch it anytime soon (if ever) due to genre, historic context, etc. Feel free to suggest anything you think is conspicuously missing, or recommend any of them in particular in comments. I'm not including games in progress + big games which, until today, I'd left unrated despite playing enough to know where I stand on them (ex. Donkey Kong Country).
Below are the most obvious "popular but unplayed" titles in my backlog, with blurbs for each under their notes. I might mention why I've skipped on something for so long, or that I likely won't touch it anytime soon (if ever) due to genre, historic context, etc. Feel free to suggest anything you think is conspicuously missing, or recommend any of them in particular in comments. I'm not including games in progress + big games which, until today, I'd left unrated despite playing enough to know where I stand on them (ex. Donkey Kong Country).
80 Games
1983
Pairing this with its lesser-known J-PC port from the following year, which is its own weird can of worms (ex. the post-modern digitized stage backgrounds). I guess this just slipped me by while skimming through ancient Nintendo notables. Still, it's coming up on my MAME docket as I play through the '80s.
Pairing this with its lesser-known J-PC port from the following year, which is its own weird can of worms (ex. the post-modern digitized stage backgrounds). I guess this just slipped me by while skimming through ancient Nintendo notables. Still, it's coming up on my MAME docket as I play through the '80s.
1984
With a promo poster like that, I wonder why I haven't given this a whirl. It's one of the formative beat-em-ups and a stylish one for the era, so I'm looking forward to it.
With a promo poster like that, I wonder why I haven't given this a whirl. It's one of the formative beat-em-ups and a stylish one for the era, so I'm looking forward to it.
1984
As one of the most famous Apple II games, and a very well-documented one at that, I feel like I'm overdue on this. Not expecting anything revelatory beyond the motion capture and development backstory, though.
As one of the most famous Apple II games, and a very well-documented one at that, I feel like I'm overdue on this. Not expecting anything revelatory beyond the motion capture and development backstory, though.
1985
I'm more interested in (Super) Ghouls considering the original's infamous difficulty. Definitely want to try this on MAME once I reach this year.
I'm more interested in (Super) Ghouls considering the original's infamous difficulty. Definitely want to try this on MAME once I reach this year.
1985 (skipping Paperboy due to lower review count)
Much like Devil World, this one's another Famicom bop I shouldn't leave untouched for too much longer.
Much like Devil World, this one's another Famicom bop I shouldn't leave untouched for too much longer.
1986
I'm too galaxy brained to play this before imbibing a full season of Space Adventure Cobra. Also, Baraduke exists and I wanna try that to better grok Samus Aran's influences.
I'm too galaxy brained to play this before imbibing a full season of Space Adventure Cobra. Also, Baraduke exists and I wanna try that to better grok Samus Aran's influences.
1987
No good excuses here. I need to decide if I'm playing the NES localization or one of the later ports/remakes.
No good excuses here. I need to decide if I'm playing the NES localization or one of the later ports/remakes.
1987 (honorable mention)
As someone who's spent much time toying with ScummVM classics, this really needs a look-see by now.
As someone who's spent much time toying with ScummVM classics, this really needs a look-see by now.
1988
So much cultural exposure, so little experience with the game proper. Time to fix that.
So much cultural exposure, so little experience with the game proper. Time to fix that.
1989
They tell there's this amazing Moon stage with the most bopping-est musical theme. Maybe there's some truth to that.
They tell there's this amazing Moon stage with the most bopping-est musical theme. Maybe there's some truth to that.
1989
Yeah, I'm your average EarthBound-before-Mother player. Yes, honey, I'll get this patched up right away.
Yeah, I'm your average EarthBound-before-Mother player. Yes, honey, I'll get this patched up right away.
1990
More like Dracula's Blursed, hardy har. I'll want to savor this one, VRC6 music and all, once I've dug into a variety of earlier Famicom highlights.
More like Dracula's Blursed, hardy har. I'll want to savor this one, VRC6 music and all, once I've dug into a variety of earlier Famicom highlights.
1990
For the longest time I've basically left this to the side while playing any other MSX2 game I can think of. It's such a known quantity that I can afford to take it for granted, at least at the moment. But I'm excited at the thought of letting those apprehensions go and just giving this a fair shot.
For the longest time I've basically left this to the side while playing any other MSX2 game I can think of. It's such a known quantity that I can afford to take it for granted, at least at the moment. But I'm excited at the thought of letting those apprehensions go and just giving this a fair shot.
1991
This really can stand in for the later NES series entries. I had a lot of fun with 3, but something made me bounce off 4 despite its new features.
This really can stand in for the later NES series entries. I had a lot of fun with 3, but something made me bounce off 4 despite its new features.
1992
Regrettably cannot deem myself a consummate Wario fan until I finally play through this. Sorry, ya big lug. I'll make it up to you some day!
Regrettably cannot deem myself a consummate Wario fan until I finally play through this. Sorry, ya big lug. I'll make it up to you some day!
1993 (skipping MKII due to review count)
Fuck will this be a feast. My PC Engine (CD) backlog is full to the brim with oddities I might cover first, yet this would be a great palate cleanser based on what I've seen.
Fuck will this be a feast. My PC Engine (CD) backlog is full to the brim with oddities I might cover first, yet this would be a great palate cleanser based on what I've seen.
1994
If MMX was so good, why wasn't there—banned from video games for life as punishment for the preceding humor crime
If MMX was so good, why wasn't there—banned from video games for life as punishment for the preceding humor crime
1995
Disappointed in David Wise being a TERF, but damn does the soundtrack still slap.
Disappointed in David Wise being a TERF, but damn does the soundtrack still slap.
1996 (skipping Pokemon RGB since I've played FR/LG)
Unsure whether to do the original first and replay via the DS remake, or jump straight to the latter. Regardless, this should be one helluva Kirby experience.
Unsure whether to do the original first and replay via the DS remake, or jump straight to the latter. Regardless, this should be one helluva Kirby experience.
1997
Kinda maybe shoulda coulda played this before getting into more recent search-action games, but there's a first time for every genre codifier.
Kinda maybe shoulda coulda played this before getting into more recent search-action games, but there's a first time for every genre codifier.
1998
Preferably will play this via one of the mod-enhanced PC packages, given how much the remake changes. Same goes for the prequel, too.
Preferably will play this via one of the mod-enhanced PC packages, given how much the remake changes. Same goes for the prequel, too.
1999
Quite a few of my RL friends are Silent Hill heads, so it's probably smart of me to get familiar with the series. You know, beyond the other obvious reasons why I should try classic survival horror.
Quite a few of my RL friends are Silent Hill heads, so it's probably smart of me to get familiar with the series. You know, beyond the other obvious reasons why I should try classic survival horror.
2000
Man, there are a lot of PS1 notables I need to get through in this lifetime. Honorable mention to Paper Mario, which I've actually played a teensy bit of but can't remember how I felt at the time.
Man, there are a lot of PS1 notables I need to get through in this lifetime. Honorable mention to Paper Mario, which I've actually played a teensy bit of but can't remember how I felt at the time.
2001
Featuring Dante from the Shin Megami Tensei Series! /s
Featuring Dante from the Shin Megami Tensei Series! /s
2001
It's just sitting there, taunting me in my library. Perchance I know what real fear and dread could feel like? Until then, gotta watch more David Lynch films since Lost Highway was such a fucked-up lil' banger.
It's just sitting there, taunting me in my library. Perchance I know what real fear and dread could feel like? Until then, gotta watch more David Lynch films since Lost Highway was such a fucked-up lil' banger.
2002
After playing AM2R, I'm curious to know what a linear Metroid will feel like.
After playing AM2R, I'm curious to know what a linear Metroid will feel like.
2003
...Welp. Think I'd rather get through PoP: Sands of Time or the first KoTOR, honestly.
...Welp. Think I'd rather get through PoP: Sands of Time or the first KoTOR, honestly.
2004
Call me when they make The Plusish Cap. Thank you, I'll be here all night.
Call me when they make The Plusish Cap. Thank you, I'll be here all night.
2005
I can't allow these Moushely memes to live rent-free in my head too much longer, methinks.
I can't allow these Moushely memes to live rent-free in my head too much longer, methinks.
2006
Played it just a little bit when I first got a Wii in middle school, but I'm unsure of how much I liked or disliked it back then. GameCube edition with mods, here we come!
Played it just a little bit when I first got a Wii in middle school, but I'm unsure of how much I liked or disliked it back then. GameCube edition with mods, here we come!
2007
Rather low on my immersive sim to-do list, but I suppose it's worth a shot eventually.
Rather low on my immersive sim to-do list, but I suppose it's worth a shot eventually.
2008
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh maybe. I like the general idea of the game's story (yes, already spoiled), but this doesn't seem to play like the kind of open-world crime-em-up I enjoy. I just got through a hugely modded San Andreas and suspect any other GTA hard will struggle to compete, but who knows.
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh maybe. I like the general idea of the game's story (yes, already spoiled), but this doesn't seem to play like the kind of open-world crime-em-up I enjoy. I just got through a hugely modded San Andreas and suspect any other GTA hard will struggle to compete, but who knows.
2008 (honorable mention)
Now this looks like an easy "fuck, why not" pick. All the HD-era flash with far less of its excess and compromises, and a critical moment for 1st-person platforming.
Now this looks like an easy "fuck, why not" pick. All the HD-era flash with far less of its excess and compromises, and a critical moment for 1st-person platforming.
2009
Curious to know if there's still a big online scene for this.
Curious to know if there's still a big online scene for this.
2009 (honorable mention)
I'm currently reading through the original graphic novel, which is certainly An Experience. This may or may not live up to ye olde Morrison Batman lit, yet I've heard naught but praise for the game.
I'm currently reading through the original graphic novel, which is certainly An Experience. This may or may not live up to ye olde Morrison Batman lit, yet I've heard naught but praise for the game.
2010
I mean, it's New Vegas. I'm irradiated with F:NV memes on the reg because of my friends group, and I know all too well its reputation. This one will be special.
I mean, it's New Vegas. I'm irradiated with F:NV memes on the reg because of my friends group, and I know all too well its reputation. This one will be special.
2010 (HM)
Shame this was one of the first titles to suffer from the purported Mario Mandate, but it still looks like a top-tier 3D platformer. It's amazing how quickly I fell off the major Wii releases after a couple years.
Shame this was one of the first titles to suffer from the purported Mario Mandate, but it still looks like a top-tier 3D platformer. It's amazing how quickly I fell off the major Wii releases after a couple years.
2011
lolfdkekdfjosedpgoplsjiolkgkljsg OK OK fine, I guess it'll be fun with mods—a metric fuckton of them, to be precise. Even the Morrowind fanboying in me can't deny that, though I'll be very surprised if Skyrim + curated mod-list comes remotely close.
lolfdkekdfjosedpgoplsjiolkgkljsg OK OK fine, I guess it'll be fun with mods—a metric fuckton of them, to be precise. Even the Morrowind fanboying in me can't deny that, though I'll be very surprised if Skyrim + curated mod-list comes remotely close.
2012
Sorry, Randy, I'm not buying your game. I've already got a million gorillion better Doom mods/TCs to play.
Sorry, Randy, I'm not buying your game. I've already got a million gorillion better Doom mods/TCs to play.
2012 (HM)
Nor am I particularly excited for Synthwave Robotron 2: Electric Boogaloo, but it's way more worth my attention than the last game.
Nor am I particularly excited for Synthwave Robotron 2: Electric Boogaloo, but it's way more worth my attention than the last game.
2012 (another HM!)
Finally, that ludological artifact the kids call "kino". I see it, but I can't yet touch it. Thief games are first in line.
Finally, that ludological artifact the kids call "kino". I see it, but I can't yet touch it. Thief games are first in line.
2013
Might try it, might not, who knows, I'm very satiated from San Andreas and more a fan of the PS2 era's weirdness.
Might try it, might not, who knows, I'm very satiated from San Andreas and more a fan of the PS2 era's weirdness.
2013 (HM)
Beyond which version I should play now, I'm quite fine with just watching the miniseries. I'm not super thrilled with how TLoU took over Naughty Dog's production priorities, either, but I won't hold that against the game if it's still great.
Beyond which version I should play now, I'm quite fine with just watching the miniseries. I'm not super thrilled with how TLoU took over Naughty Dog's production priorities, either, but I won't hold that against the game if it's still great.
2013 (HM #2)
Um, yeah, this will probably own.
Um, yeah, this will probably own.
2014
The only open-world UbiSchlocks I feel like trying are the better Assassin's Creed outings and Far Cry: Primal. Not confident about any of the Watch_Dogs games, let alone the other socio-politically dubious stuff like The Division.
The only open-world UbiSchlocks I feel like trying are the better Assassin's Creed outings and Far Cry: Primal. Not confident about any of the Watch_Dogs games, let alone the other socio-politically dubious stuff like The Division.
2014 (HM)
Putting this here as an example of shit I ain't falling for. Sims 2 & 3 still have the overall best mod scenes and playability. EA's dragging this franchise into the mud as I type, and I'm unhappy at how they've effectively destroyed old Maxis (ex. SimCity 2013) in pursuit of short-term excess.
Putting this here as an example of shit I ain't falling for. Sims 2 & 3 still have the overall best mod scenes and playability. EA's dragging this franchise into the mud as I type, and I'm unhappy at how they've effectively destroyed old Maxis (ex. SimCity 2013) in pursuit of short-term excess.
2015
Starting to approach games my GPU will struggle with, lol. This looks like a solid time for sure, but also a problematic one based on writing/design criticisms I've read. Plenty of Oldie But Goodie CRPGs to get through until then.
Starting to approach games my GPU will struggle with, lol. This looks like a solid time for sure, but also a problematic one based on writing/design criticisms I've read. Plenty of Oldie But Goodie CRPGs to get through until then.
2015 (HM)
May do this for my next Soulsborne foray, but IDK whether to get a PS4, wait for emulation to improve, or hope a PC port ever happens.
May do this for my next Soulsborne foray, but IDK whether to get a PS4, wait for emulation to improve, or hope a PC port ever happens.
2015 (special HM!)
Shenmue I & II come first, but I haven't forgotten how much I loved Yakuza 4. My only concern is that 0's so good it'll make it harder to love the others.
Shenmue I & II come first, but I haven't forgotten how much I loved Yakuza 4. My only concern is that 0's so good it'll make it harder to love the others.
2016
Been on and off interested in farm/town sims since mid-2000s Harvest Moon, and I'd rather finish those old yellers first before moving on to The One Farming Sim Everyone's Played.
Been on and off interested in farm/town sims since mid-2000s Harvest Moon, and I'd rather finish those old yellers first before moving on to The One Farming Sim Everyone's Played.
2016 (HM)
One day. And it's not happening next year.
One day. And it's not happening next year.
2016 (HM #2)
No rush here, given the never-ending backlog of FPS community mods to play (and start making again...can't believe I fell out of that). It does like a blast, same with its sequel.
No rush here, given the never-ending backlog of FPS community mods to play (and start making again...can't believe I fell out of that). It does like a blast, same with its sequel.
2017
I've gots the damn thing, but I know better than to start an open-world time sucker like this without a plan. Plus, there's some earlier Zeldas to savor first.
I've gots the damn thing, but I know better than to start an open-world time sucker like this without a plan. Plus, there's some earlier Zeldas to savor first.
2017 (HM #1)
Same as with BotW: I can boot this anytime I'd like, but it's something I want to play after appreciating the series legacy leading up to it.
Same as with BotW: I can boot this anytime I'd like, but it's something I want to play after appreciating the series legacy leading up to it.
2017 (HM #3)
Yet again, I really should play Symphony of the Night first. But if I can love something like Guacamelee, then it's very likely I'll enjoy this if I had to play it now at gunpoint.
Yet again, I really should play Symphony of the Night first. But if I can love something like Guacamelee, then it's very likely I'll enjoy this if I had to play it now at gunpoint.
2017 (do the HMs never end?!)
Actually, why the hell haven't I booted this up yet? I've played nearly all previous series entries, anyway.
Actually, why the hell haven't I booted this up yet? I've played nearly all previous series entries, anyway.
2018
Let's just play more Jackbox or Dokapon, okay?
Let's just play more Jackbox or Dokapon, okay?
2018 (HM #1)
No excuses for me here, other than my friends' collective lack of interest.
No excuses for me here, other than my friends' collective lack of interest.
2018 (HM #2)
The NeverSoft/early 2000s adaptations beckon me, so this will have to sit idle for a while.
The NeverSoft/early 2000s adaptations beckon me, so this will have to sit idle for a while.
2018 (yep, another HM)
Transistor says hi. I'm sure this cultural phenomenon can live up to the hype, make no mistake, but I like to start from the back.
Transistor says hi. I'm sure this cultural phenomenon can live up to the hype, make no mistake, but I like to start from the back.
2018 (HM #4)
Well, it's the most up-to-date Rockstar open-world blockbuster, and I do enjoy a good western. Not that I'd go easy on this, knowing the likelihood of problematic tropes and, well, the general ick I get from modern Rockstar's business/labor practices.
Well, it's the most up-to-date Rockstar open-world blockbuster, and I do enjoy a good western. Not that I'd go easy on this, knowing the likelihood of problematic tropes and, well, the general ick I get from modern Rockstar's business/labor practices.
2018 (HM #5, what a year)
Masocore platformers have put me off for a long time, if only because I'm so arcade-minded and love my 1CC mentality. Of course, this looks like just the fix for that.
Masocore platformers have put me off for a long time, if only because I'm so arcade-minded and love my 1CC mentality. Of course, this looks like just the fix for that.
2019
Star Wars deadly action could be right up my alley. Too bad this game has to compete with Jedi Outcast for my time.
Star Wars deadly action could be right up my alley. Too bad this game has to compete with Jedi Outcast for my time.
2019 (HM #1)
See, this just reminds me I've got all these Tenchu titles to load up.
See, this just reminds me I've got all these Tenchu titles to load up.
2019 (HM #final)
My sister's a big Persona head, but even she had her reservations about P5 after that 1st playthrough. Between this and catching up on Trails, I choose the latter.
My sister's a big Persona head, but even she had her reservations about P5 after that 1st playthrough. Between this and catching up on Trails, I choose the latter.
2020
No, nuh-uh, not in a million years. They fundamentally changed the spirit of the series here, from cute but zesty village life sim to full-bore Sims/Minecraft-like gardening and shinies collecting. I want villagers with actual personality, a reason to befriend them beyond just throwing them in my Pokeballs. And if I really want to personalize a whole island that bad, I've got Sims mods for that. Nor do the online elements seem worth engaging with, especially since town clout-chasing would be bad for my sanity.
No, nuh-uh, not in a million years. They fundamentally changed the spirit of the series here, from cute but zesty village life sim to full-bore Sims/Minecraft-like gardening and shinies collecting. I want villagers with actual personality, a reason to befriend them beyond just throwing them in my Pokeballs. And if I really want to personalize a whole island that bad, I've got Sims mods for that. Nor do the online elements seem worth engaging with, especially since town clout-chasing would be bad for my sanity.
2020 (HM #1)
Streamer bait isn't really my jam.
Streamer bait isn't really my jam.
2020 (HM #ni)
Feh, I'm sticking to Studio Trigger's take on the source material. Nice as my PC is, it's not going to run this as well as I'd need.
Feh, I'm sticking to Studio Trigger's take on the source material. Nice as my PC is, it's not going to run this as well as I'd need.
2021
The last few years have been an absolute embarrassment of horror game riches. I can safely put this one to the side until I feel it's time.
The last few years have been an absolute embarrassment of horror game riches. I can safely put this one to the side until I feel it's time.
2021 (HM #1)
Neat co-op choice for the upcoming year.
Neat co-op choice for the upcoming year.
2021 (HM #2)
Might play this relatively soon just so I can discuss it with a friend. Not outwardly remarkable otherwise.
Might play this relatively soon just so I can discuss it with a friend. Not outwardly remarkable otherwise.
2021 (that's how HM #3 works)
A potential GOAT for me, lemme tell ya. No promises on when I play this, but that's just because of my huge xRPG backlog.
A potential GOAT for me, lemme tell ya. No promises on when I play this, but that's just because of my huge xRPG backlog.
2022
Sorry that I haven't gone through my Elden Ring capping ceremony yet, but I don't wanna grow up.
Sorry that I haven't gone through my Elden Ring capping ceremony yet, but I don't wanna grow up.
2022 (HM #1)
I mean, I could do a lot worse. It's just a shame I've already got way better.
I mean, I could do a lot worse. It's just a shame I've already got way better.
2022 (HM #2)
Meet me in the corner, we're playing some sick DS-era ROMhacks that actually live up to expectations.
Meet me in the corner, we're playing some sick DS-era ROMhacks that actually live up to expectations.
2022 (sure are lotsa HMs around here)
Someone in our friend group played a good chunk of this. Later on they turned out to be an inveterate abuser, and I'm not that keen to recall the otherwise pleasant time I had watching them stream this. Still, I tend to appreciate these genre-busting stories.
Someone in our friend group played a good chunk of this. Later on they turned out to be an inveterate abuser, and I'm not that keen to recall the otherwise pleasant time I had watching them stream this. Still, I tend to appreciate these genre-busting stories.
2023
My tears flowing as I witness the completion times on HowLongToBeat :`(
My tears flowing as I witness the completion times on HowLongToBeat :`(
2023 (HM #1)
This game apparently fucks. Might be the easiest pick-up-and-play choice from this year going into the next.
This game apparently fucks. Might be the easiest pick-up-and-play choice from this year going into the next.
202--oh fuck it, I ain't ever going to touch this after all Rowling's done
2023 (HM: End of Saga)
Shame about what happened with Sonic Superstars. As always, it's good to see Nintendo EAD trucking along, righting their few wrongs of the past. It'll have to wait until I've caught up on other Switch must-plays, though.
Shame about what happened with Sonic Superstars. As always, it's good to see Nintendo EAD trucking along, righting their few wrongs of the past. It'll have to wait until I've caught up on other Switch must-plays, though.
2 Comments
I've been around on the Backloggd Discord if anyone really needed my input, but I should be more active here going forward.
NOWITSREYNTIME17
4 months ago