MIDNIGHT SUNS - The game that proved I actually like turn-based strategy games. Combat feels like a puzzle but between it comes genuinely great character moments. I’ve said it before, I think in 10 years there will be Midnight Suns fans like there’s KOTOR fans
Unrivaled OST tbh. Hearing Vigil again made me genuinely emotional. Definitely hit the nail on the head with the whole trilogy too. Mass Effect 1 feels very much like a classic sci fi novel
BIOSHOCK - Always sort of thinking “damn I should replay Bioshock” at any given moment. One of the best games of my favorite generation. Nothing like your first big daddy fight or like experience Fort Frolic for the first time. Also the absolute best shotgun
NO MORE HEROES - When I lived in the dorms one Valentines Day, all of our friend group had dates so Dakota and I set up two TVs in my room. She played Reservoir Dogs on PS2 and I played this. I scribbled notes for a review and our old channel was (basically) born. Video games forever
MASS EFFECT 1 - Revisited this early this year. Still reworking through the trilogy but found myself missing 1’s stronger RPG elements and more focused vision in 2. Plainly wearing its influences on its sleeve from Gears to Star Trek. The type of game that gets me out of bed in the morning
SEA OF THIEVES - The only multiplayer game to really get its hooks in me only because its solo experience is also tons of fun. Gorgeous, hilarious and one of a handful of GAAS games that doesn’t feel predatory or cynical
DISHONORED - One of the first games I reviewed online. Few games feel like they’re firing on all cylinders and it’s very satisfying to knife some dudes that deserve it. Other Arkane games get (I mean this affectionately) up their own ass a bit but Dishonored is just them making a good game.
DRAGON QUEST XI S - My Covid game and as a certified Not Much of an Anime Guy a bit of an outlier but I was obsessed with its well-worn simplicity and weird little monsters nonetheless.
New Vegas for sure, though probably just because I’ve returned to it more over the years
FALLOUT NEW VEGAS - The one and only. I’ve replayed this about every other year since release, it’s a great game because of its rough edges and despite them. It’s incredible that some minor tweaks to game design turns Bethesda’s very good predecessor into a bonafide game of the generation.
