Video Games: Share Your Favorites (and Why You Love Them!)

[estefaniacassn]

I still remember the first time my parents gave me access to a computer when I was a little kid. The joy of touching the keys for the first time and seeing how the mouse reacted to my movements were amazing. That was the start of a lifelong journey, opening my eyes to the world of video games.

Ever since I can remember, video games have given me some of the most amazing and fun moments in my life. From a very young age, I remember that I got super excited when my parents bought me educational games designed for children. A series that I dearly remember is “Trampolín” published by Anaya Interactiva in Spanish and developed by Knowledge Adventure. I would spend hours and hours on my computer trying to get through every level and every challenge. Those were my favorite childhood video games, definitely.

Now, after so many years playing different video games in different consoles and platforms, I can tell you that my favorite video games so far are:

• Planet Zoo
• Two Point Museum

These are my absolute top 2. Why? Let me explain.

Planet Zoo is a creative management simulation game where you design, build, and manage a zoo. It has exactly what I love in a video game: creativity, management, and the opportunity to learn. From a very young age, I’ve loved learning about animals and watching wildlife documentaries. Planet Zoo has given me the opportunity to take care of these beautiful simulated animals and learn more about their needs, current conservation status, behaviors, and population dynamics. I’ve learned a lot about animals that I was familiar with, and discovered species that I was not familiar with. Planet Zoo has also allowed me to be creative and see the result of my work in action through the management aspect of the simulation. I’ve loved it ever since I started playing it.

Then, let’s go to Two Point Museum. If there are a few games in this world that will make you smile and laugh, even during challenging days, that’s Two Point Museum. Its very unique humor combined with its engaging gameplay loop really make my day every time I play it. Two Point Museum combines creativity, management, and learning opportunities, everything I love in a video game. In this game, you design a museum, manage it, find exhibits, and even learn more about the real exhibits that inspired the in-game ones if you want to dive deeper into their meaning.

Great. So now is your turn. What is your favorite video game and why?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

[bingodog]

Threads of Fate by Sqaure Enix back when they were sqaure soft. It was my first look into video games and I played it on my dad’s vintage PS1. The story was not only silly but it was also beautiful and I think it showed how amazing storytelling through games could be. It wasn’t just about shooting things-- it was about telling a story. That made me love gaming but I especially love vintage games.

[nielda-fCC]

I need to try these games you are mentioning.
Since I spend a lot of time in front of the computer working, I prefer using the cellphone or tablet.

More structured games I prefer TheoTown and Cityscapes (apple arcade). I like building cities and leveling up.

Simpler games I used to play a lot Merge Mansion (It’s a merge game with a good lore), but I don’t play it much anymore.

[zaira_h]

I am a fan of the Tomb raider series. I have been playing it since childhood.
It is a perfect balance of action and adventure and I love it’s 3rd person view which makes the game immersive without making you dizzy(like the 1st person shooting games).

Lara Croft, the main character is an archaeologist and she goes hunting for ancients relics in different tombs. There is a whole world to explore, and puzzles to solve along with some action and parkour moves. I never get bored of it. They are still releasing new games !

[scissorsneedfoodtoo]

I’ve been hooked on video games since the first time I picked up an original NES controller and was guided through 1-1 in Super Mario Bros. I was fascinated by the way Mario reacted to my inputs in real time, and how, with enough determination, you could overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. (Or failing that, use a GameShark.)

It’s really hard to choose which games are my favorites because some are linked to really key memories or moments in life. But if I had to come up with a list of my favorite games or franchises, this would be it (in no particular order).

Chrono Trigger

This was one of the first JRPGs that I’ve ever finished, and it’s still my favorite. The story, characters, and gameplay are top notch, and I like that it can be beaten in about 20 hours.

The main devs were Hironobu Sakaguchi, who created Final Fantasy, Yuji Horii, who created Dragon Quest, and Akira Toriyama, character designer for Dragon Quest, and author / artist of Dragon Ball. Somehow they were all brought together and produced what is, in my mind, one of the best games out there.

Even if you’re not a fan of JRPGs, give this game a go.

Fallout 1 and 2

While I’m still a fan of the more recent games that came out since Bethesda purchased this franchise, Interplay’s Fallout 1 and 2 are still my favorites. These are some of the most open ended games I’ve ever played, and it still surprises me how many different ways you can tackle quests. The writing and atmosphere add a lot to the experience, too.

For example, in an early town named Junktown, you can help a mayor take down a corrupt casino owner, side with the casino owner and take down the mayor, or play both sides against each other. I remember being shocked by the amount of freedom you’re given, and how the devs and writers seemed to anticipate all the choices players might make.

Honestly it’s a bit difficult to recommend these games now because a lot of the mechanics are dated. They also require some patching to run on modern systems and for bugs the devs didn’t have time to fix before the release date. But if you like the post apocalyptic setting and enjoy open ended games where creative solutions are encouraged, check these out.

Monster Hunter

Out of all the games I’ve played over the years, I’ve easily spent the most time playing entries in this long running series.

My first game was Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on the 3DS, which came out a little after I moved to South Korea in 2013. I actually didn’t really like the game that much when I first started playing, which is a pretty common experience with the franchise. There were so many obtuse or hidden mechanics I just couldn’t wrap my head around at first.

But it was a cold winter, so I kept at it. Then eventually things clicked and I put over 100 hours into that game. Then I did the same for 4 Ultimate, Gen, Gen Ultimate, World, and Rise. There’s just something about the loop of hunting a monster and crafting items and gear that keeps me coming back.

I’m slowly working my way through Portable 3rd on the PSP which has a playable English patch. It’s dated compared to the more recent entries, but is a great window into old-school MH, especially if you’ve already played 4U and GU.

[danielrosa]

I loved playing both Chrono Trigger (and Chrono Cross later). These days, my favorite game is one my brother gifted me on Steam, called Outer Wilds. I’m also a huge fan of old games. From time to time, I browse to find some old MSX game to play. Adventure games (from those old, text-based ones), escape games and anything related to solving mysteries are my favorites.

[unagi00]

Stardew Valley is one of my favorite games, and I still play it from time to time. It’s such a relaxing game. I really enjoy building my farm and getting to know the villagers. After playing for many hours, I usually stop for a while, but somehow I always come back to it.

Subnautica 1 is a completely different kind of game. I love exploring the underwater world, finding new creatures, and slowly discovering the story. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and also scary at the same time. I was really amazed when I played it for the first time!

Super Mario is very special to me. I used to play it with my younger sister all the time when we were kids, and those are some of my favorite childhood memories. Even now, it’s still one of my favorite game series because it reminds me of those happy days.

Estefania, thanks for sharing your favorite games and the reasons why you like them.

[jwilkins.oboe]

I don’t really play many games now but a few years ago I was really into Fallout.

I remember in high school playing Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition a ton

[anastasiia7]

There’s one game I absolutely love: Forza Horizon 6
I’ve been playing it with my brother since its release. I race any BMW, but my favorite is M2 in Zandvoort Blue. I might not get a chance to race in Japan irl, so it’s a nice alternative

I played racing games as a kid too. Sadly, I don’t remember the names but it’s a sweet memory!!

[ojeytonwilliams]

Have you tried Subnautica 2 yet? While it’s not very fleshed out yet, what there is is very cool.

The main thing that freaked me out from the first one was large fishes trying to eat the Cyclops… and the Cyclops isn’t in the second one. Not yet, anyway. That’s almost a plus

[zaira_h]

I feel I should also play Subnautica now It seems so interesting.

[Ihechikara]

I still have the Tomb Raider trilogy in my backlog, and I’m hoping to play them before Legacy of Atlantis drops in 2027

[unagi00]

I haven’t played Subnautica 2 yet! I did watch one of my favorite gaming YouTubers play it, though. I’m waiting until there’s a bit more content before I jump in. I really like the whole Bio Mode concept, though. And I know exactly what you mean! Every time I heard a Leviathan anywhere near my Cyclops, I completely panicked. So far, Subnautica 2 doesn’t seem to have any moments that are that terrifying.

[pkdvalis]

I have to shout out Inside.

Incredible puzzle side scroller that creates an impressive atmosphere with really minimal elements, lighting and perspective. You work your way through a kind of surreal, dystopic science fiction environment.

Lots of surprises, not too hard, not too long either but really fun and satisfying.

Another recent favorite is SOMA

Science Fiction horror game set in a deep underwater station / complex. It has a fear mechanic like Amnesia (same studio) so there’s no fighting, it’s mostly exploring and figuring out what’s going on, trying to get somewhere and running away from or figuring out how to deal with different monsters.

I like this game mechanic in that you’re not just constantly blowing things away with a rocket launcher or something. You are unarmed and need to be sneaky and thoughtful.

The setting really sold me on this one and the science fiction story I found to be really compelling and thought provoking. Scary and intense visuals as well (for me YMMV).

[scissorsneedfoodtoo]

Chrono Cross was great, too. I still remember hearing the main theme for the first time and getting really excited for the full release.

Outer Wilds is one game I’ve bounced off a few times, but one of these days I’ll sit down and finish it.

Are there any good MSX games you can recommend? I’ve really only tried Metal Gear 1 and 2, and Snatcher.

[zaira_h]

You still have time

I am replaying the remastered versions of the classic ones. I have repeatedly played many levels and they live rent free in my mind along with the cheat codes

[hiitsmeiguess]

• SuperTux
• SuperTuxKart
• OpenTTD
  Proprietary:
• Geometry Dash
• Mini Metro
• Mini Motorways
  Flash Games:
• Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack!
• Papa’s Pizzeria and some of its thirteen sequels
• Bob the Robber
• Bob the Robber 2
• Fireboy & Watergirl in all the different temples except Fairy Tales
• Red Ball
• Red Ball 2
• Red Ball 4 Vols. 1-3
• Super Mario 63
• GTTTATINT
• Learn to Fly
• Learn 2 Fly
• Jacksmith
• Bloons Tower Defence 3
• Some more I can’t remember
  WebGL games:
• TRACE on Coolmath Games
• LODGE on Coolmath Games
• Powercut on Coolmath Games
  Classics:
• ZORK I to III

[ojeytonwilliams]

It’s way less scary, at least for me. I don’t expect it to stay that way, but for now I’m enjoying the chill experience!

And, yeah, customizing your character is pretty neat. I love the mod that speeds you up when you’re near something solid. I’m reasonably sure it takes me longer than, you know, going the direct route, but it’s fun!

[a1legalfreelance]

I’m not a gamer so this probably doesn’t count. I downloaded Blast onto my Mac in 2010 and I still have it. I enjoy playing that every now and then. Other than that I remember I loved playing Medievil and Silent Hill on the Playstation. They were the only 2 games I had. I probably still have the playStation somewhere but I haven’t played it for years.

[bingodog]

Silent Hill is so special! Love psychological surrealist horror.