i could really go on about all of these, but: bit.trip flux is my most replayed game, hollow knight was my least expected new favorite, kirby planet robobot is my favorite kirby game by a wide margin, and splatoon 2 octo expansion is my favorite singleplayer experience that nintendo has ever put out

as for near misses, sonic adventure 2, majora's mask, kirby super star are all from series already represented on the list. only so much room for variety, you know?

I'd say... The real top of the heap here are The Shining Force, S&K, Red Alert 2, and STALKER. I am sure you are Absolutely Shocked By Some Of These. STALKER especially surprised me, as a game I had heard a lot about for 12 years, it really met expectation placed on it. A rarity for me.