1. Pokémon
Pokémon has been a defining factor in my life. It got me into anime, it got me into RPGs, it introduced me to new people and, most importantly, it got me through one of the hardest points of my life. Being the video game franchise that means the most to me, I can’t choose just one game from the Pokémon series as a solitary favourite, although Pokémon Platinum comes close.
I genuinely can’t imagine my life without the series. It’s been with me on every step of my journey so far — or my evolution if you will — and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
As someone who typically wouldn’t touch an open-world game with a ten-foot pole, it may seem odd that Breath of the Wild is perhaps my favourite game of all time.
It’s difficult to describe how perfect of a game BotW is. No other game offers players as much freedom and sense of discovery while also delivering on one of the most beautiful worlds I’ve ever seen. We often talk about losing ourselves in a game and being completely immersed. I don’t think any other game does that as well as this one. Hours in Breath of the Wild’s Ghibli-esque world feel like mere minutes in reality.
While the title certainly has its fair share of action and excitement, it truly excels in the quiet moments of exploration in between. It gives off a calming vibe that, when I played it, I needed more than anything — a space to think, a space to unwind. Sometimes you experience the perfect piece of media at the perfect time. Breath of the Wild was certainly that for me, and for that reason alone, it deserves a spot on my list.
3. Final Fantasy VII
When it comes to JRPGs, Final Fantasy VII is said to be one of the very best. I came into it a little skeptical as someone with no nostalgia for it. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so entranced by a game. Not only does it have a fantastic cast of characters, but it has quite possibly my favourite soundtrack in the entire medium. Alongside that, it tackles complex topics, such as ecoterrorism, that seem to be more relevant now than ever before. Final Fantasy VII is fantastic and, despite its dated graphics, has truly stood the test of time. When accompanied by Crisis Core and its recent remakes, I genuinely think it stands proud as the best compilation in gaming.
4. Persona 5 Royal
I credit Persona 5 Royal as the JRPG that reignited my passion for the genre. It’s not hard to explain why it’s so good, but it is hard to explain how it makes you feel. You feel like you’ve found a family in the Phantom Thieves, and Tokyo genuinely feels like home. Persona 5 Royal gave me a sense of place when I felt more isolated than ever from the outside world.
It’s not just a title that defines my taste in games, but one that defines its genre. Time is precious, and it’s difficult to say any 100+ hour game is a must-play, but this one is truly worth the commitment.
5. Hades
Initially, I wasn’t going to put Hades on my list. However, when I think about the games I’ve spent the most time with in recent years, it’s the clear winner, and not just because it opened me up to a whole new genre. I love Supergiant Games, and what they’ve created with Hades is nothing short of spectacular. Hades is gorgeous, incredibly written, and addictive as hell. Few games keep me invested once I roll credits, but I was hooked on Hades for weeks.
Non-RPG 1: Hollow Knight
Every now and then, you come across a game that just ticks every box. For me, that’s Hollow Knight, quite possibly my favourite indie game of all time!
With nail-biting boss fights, intricate level design, and a soundtrack that perfectly complements the depths of Hallownest, Team Cherry created an absolute masterpiece. It’s the perfect Metroidvania.
We all have those games that we can’t help but smile when we think about, that we would return to at any given moment.Those are the games you know are special, and Hollow Knight is exactly that for me.
Non-RPG 2: Stardew Valley
As someone who grew up in the countryside surrounded by farming life, Stardew Valley holds a special place in my heart. The idea of moving back to the peaceful life of my small hometown is relatable, and the micromanagement the game allows for perfectly scratches my OCD tendencies. Pelican Town feels like a home away from home. It’s a place where you can just relax and ponder over life. It’s the perfect game for me, and I’m so glad it exists.
We cover Stardew on our site, and technically, it could be considered an RPG. That said, I’d say it’s more of a life sim, and I wanted to squeeze it onto my list, so we’ll pretend it’s not for now.
