I don't typically play puzzle games, but this one had me hooked enough that I basically suffered the tetris effect for a few months. The gameplay is incredibly difficult but so rewarding to master, especially the Hard classic/remix modes and Tower of Babel. The story is unconventional and intriguing, and I especially loved every scene Rin was in and the various endings. The only thing I wish the game did was give more insight into Vincent's friends, as I felt like I didn't personally know them that well by the end of the game.

Hours played: 124
Platinumed?: yes
100%?: yes

This game is fantastic. Amazing soundtrack, great progression of abilities, and you feel like you are indeed getting better as you play. It has a lot of interesting side characters and optional challenges, and the amount of free DLC included is bonkers. The actual combat is incredibly satisfying as well, and a lot of customization options are available from the charms. Definitely one of my favorites of all time.

Hours played: 110
Platinumed?: yes
112%?: yes, including all journal entries, all bosses beaten on Radiant difficulty, and all pantheon bindings

I got into this game because Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal are my favorite games. The actual turn-based combat is incredibly challenging and rewarding, with great customization options for your party. I really loved the open environments as well and I found exploring them to be fun. The story is very lackluster though, and the game's actual performance has me wanting more since the Switch is a weaker console. The soundtrack slaps though.

Hours played: 165 or more
100%?: nope, got the neutral ending but still need to get the remaining ones

I've loved the Mario games as a kid, and this is my favorite of all time. The capturing gameplay is so simple yet varied and fun, and there are an insane number of collectibles and secrets in each kingdom. The music is catchy and incredible, and the platforming itself is phenomenal. Each kingdom is well made, and Mario's movement even is perfection. Just overall a phenomenal game.

Hours played: 65 or more
100%?: nope, didn't finish multiplayer

This game is a fun, challenging platformer and has that Edmund McMillen charm. The story is what it is and has a great number of collectables and extras. Worth checking out if you like platformers!

Hours played: 25 or more
100%?: nope, didn't finish all cartridges

This game made me realized that I love the cyberpunk setting. Such a unique game with fun bartending gameplay , great soundtrack, and fantastic characters. My only problem is I wish the game were actually longer and we got to know more about the world.

Hours played: 10 or more
100%?: no, only got the good ending

2015

This is a perfect platformer for me. Incredibly tight controls, an insane amount of content (a lot of it secret!), and awesome soundtrack. There is no story and the graphics are incredibly basic, but there's no need for that here - you're just a ninja trying to collect some gold and get to the exit.

Hours played: 259
Platinumed?: nope, have some Race/Co-op episodes to get through and some miscellaneous trophies
100%?: nope, I'm maybe 50% through the game?

One of my most unique gaming experiences. The emphasis on choice is great, and the fact that is plays sort of like Dungeons and Dragons is so interesting. I love the main narrative, it has plenty of interesting side characters and made me laugh and feel things plenty of times. The controls are a bit iffy at first but you do get used to them on console. Definitely a game I will not forget and am eager to get back to for all the side content and conversations I missed!

Hours played: 54
Platinumed?: nope, missed a lot on my first playthrough
100%?: not even close

As a lover of platformers, this game was right up my alley. It has some great level design and tricky platforming segments. The power-ups are fun to use and the game does get brutally difficult near the end. The story is what it is, and some of the completion requirements are insane though. Worth a try if you're into platformers!

Hours played: 142
Platinumed?: no, have to get remaining platinum Time Trial relics and some miscellaneous trophies
Completed?: no

This is a better game than Judgment. The story is incredibly nuanced with an amazing villain, the beat-em-up gameplay is the best I've ever experienced, and it has an incredible amount of varied side-content. The soundtrack is also phenomenal, and there are some quality-of-life inclusions for getting around Ijincho. My only issues with the game are some weaker moments in the last quarter of the narrative, but this is a damn-near perfect game for me.

Hours played: 106
Platinumed?: no, need to do a Legend playthrough
100%?: yes

RGG knocked it out of the park with this spin-off of the Yakuza series. The mystery is gripping and suspenseful, the combat is a lot of fun, the soundtrack as always is awesome, and it does have some great side distractions. Some of the detective gameplay doesn't pan out that well though. Definitely worth playing for noir fans!

Hours played: 229 (across 2 separate playthroughs)
Platinumed?: nope, need to play a Legend playthrough
100%? yes

I played the DBZ RPGs on the gameboy/advance when I was a kid, so I was excited for a more modern version. While this game is fun, and the real-time combat can be great, the RPG progression is too automatic to feel earned. The side content is sort of boring, and some of the main missions even felt uninspired or like they were trying to pad out the playtime. However the soundtrack is great and it's a pretty game to look at.

Hours played: 60
Platinumed?: yes
100%?: no, didn't finish up every compendium entry/collectible

As someone who never played the original FF7 but knows of the story, I enjoyed this game! The cinematics and music here are great, and the real-time action gameplay is a hell of a lot of fun! It has some awkward dialogue and unnecessary side moments though that don't contribute much to the narrative, and not every side character lands it for me. Still a great gaming experience and I'm excited for Part 2!

Hours played: 94
Platinumed?: yes
100%?: yes

Ichiban is probably my favorite protagonist from any video game. All of the main characters here are awesome, with a great soundtrack and gripping story. The RPG combat is fun and I do appreciate the time-based inputs and wacky enemy designs, however it definitely has some balancing issues. The last quarter of the story also has some issues with plot twists, though the ending is emotional. I'm excited to see where RGG goes with the sequel!

Hours played: 215
Platinumed?: yes
Completed?: yes

Spiderman was my favorite superhero growing up, and I always loved feeling like him when I played the PS2 games. This game makes adult me feel like Spiderman - the webslinging and combat are top-tier. The story is gripping and emotional, and the voice acting and cinematography is awesome. The DLC and side content are alright at best, though not the greatest. Definitely worth playing if you're a fan!

Hours played: 66
Platinumed: yes
100%?: yes