Video Games I've Played
A list in no consistent order, though new additions to it are likely the games I've most recently played, and the first few in the list are among my all-time favorites.
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27 titles
- DirectorKen LevineStarsJohn AhlinGreg BaldwinJane BellerIn 1960, a lone survivor of a plane crash named Jack discovers an abandoned underwater utopia, only to find out that the mystery behind its creation is much more sinister than he first believed.The most fascinating video game world/setting I've ever experienced. The many personal stories of its inhabitants are compelling in how they portray the idealistic yet flawed nature of humanity. The atmosphere is unrivaled, the gameplay is simple yet allows for great creativity, and even encourages it on higher difficulties where the game becomes more of a survival horror with more limited resources and powerful threats. Even as the years pass by and the tech ages, the beauty of its visual design and style is timeless.
The final boss fight is a let down, yet the entire experience leading up to it is the best FPS I've ever played. - DirectorDaiki ItôValerie AremTeppei KobayashiStarsDaisuke NamikawaShôtarô MorikuboYui HorieA group of high school students discover a hidden TV world called 'The Midnight Channel', an alternate reality infested with shadows that is being used to commit murder. After awakening to their Personas, the group decides to investigate.The best cast of characters in any video game. This is a coming-of-age tale that is up there with the absolute best in any medium. The Megami Tensei series is no stranger to manifesting the psychological as something physical, but it's not done better in any other game in the franchise than in this. Its wacky and upbeat style conceals the serious societal and internal issues that these kids deal with it, perfectly inline with the focal theme of "Truth", and how it's often buried beneath the surface. The game design is absolutely brilliant, as the half social-sim, half dungeon-crawler aspect of this game feed into each other in ways that makes progressing through both highly rewarding. Furthermore, the time management makes each of your actions all the more valuable, endearing you to the characters even more as you decide to spend the majority of your limited days on improving your relationships. Combat is simple, yet requires thought in how to make as much progress as possible without using up all your HP and SP. The fusion system is as addicting to use as it is powerful. The music is also unbelievably infectious, which again fits the style perfectly.
The dungeons themselves are procedurally-generated, which makes them uninteresting to explore. Despite that, the combat itself, as well as the context behind the dungeons more than makes up for it. - StarsRob WiethoffJosh BlaylockSophia MarzocchiA former outlaw is forced by the federal government to hunt down the members of his old gang.The best Rockstar has too offer, which alone says a lot about this game. Their most well-written game, particularly seen in the character of John Marston, which shows that they can do more than satire. Incredible atmosphere, and beautiful environments, even if it is mostly desert. Gameplay is some of the best you'll find in an open-world sandbox game, and the lasso is simply astounding in how it works.
The middle portion of the story does feel like it's meandering as a result of being an open-world sandbox game.
My Rating: 9.5/10 - DirectorKatsura HashinoStarsJun FukuyamaMamoru MiyanoNana MizukiA group of high school students create a vigilante group to expose the crimes of corrupt adults but soon find themselves in the midst of a worldwide conspiracy and targeted by powerful individuals who would do anything to silence them.Much like with Persona 4 Golden, this game has a great and well-written cast of characters with internal and societal issues. It's a masterclass in cohesive... everything. From the story and overarching theme of Freedom, to character Phantom Thieves designs and their Persona design, to the locations both in the real world and metaverse, to the acid jazz infused soundtrack and their lyrics, to even the menus. The style that permeates this game is not just that, it's also substance. It plays incredibly well, and it's a step forward from Persona 4 in nearly every way in that sense.
However, the writing isn't quite as tight as in Persona 4, particularly towards the end where certain developments could've been cut shorter, and others could've been expanded on more. It's more ambitious, and it does suffer a bit because of that. Even so, it's almost equal to P4G. Perhaps it could truly surpass it should it ever get an enhanced edition similar to it.
My Rating: 9.5/10 - DirectorYoshinori KitaseAkihiko MatsuiTakashi TokitaCrono, a young boy, is thrust to adventure by destiny to destroy an oncoming threat that will destroy the world in 1999.Very likable characters and an engaging story that focuses on time travel. Not many games attempt something of this scope, let alone succeed this well at it, especially at that time. It also has the best soundtrack in video games, truly a masterpiece in creative and technical talent. Solid combat that outshines even JRPGs that came out several years after it. It can truly be considered revolutionary.
My Rating: 9.5/10 - DirectorCasey HudsonStarsJennifer HaleRaphael SbargeRafael FerrerA republic soldier, training to become a Jedi Knight, is given the task of halting the conquest of Darth Malak by discovering the location of a weapon known as the Star Forge.One of Bioware's best, it not only lives up to the Star Wars name, it takes it to greater heights. A fantastic story with great characters and a variety of meaningful decisions that you have to make. It also has one of the most iconic moments found in video game stories.
Combat isn't the best, yet it's serviceable as the real draw to this game is the narrative. - DirectorCasey HudsonStarsShohreh AghdashlooMaggie BairdAdam BaldwinAfter being revived from death and having to join a pro-human organization without a choice, Commander Shepard must assemble a team, battle a new threat, and make tough choices in order to save the galaxy from total annihilation once more.One of Bioware's best, particularly in regards to the characters. This is a much more character-driven story than Mass Effect 1, and it shines in this regard, making for one of the most intense final missions and conclusions you'll ever play. Gameplay is significantly improved, and the RPG is streamlined in a way that makes it far less cumbersome, but still enjoyable in how it gives you several options.
It may feel somewhat uneventful in terms of story development, and certain aspects are a bit questionable, particularly the strong intro which does end up being an instance of Deus Ex Machina. Even so, it builds off from that in a good way, even making certain characters from the first game a lot more interesting. - DirectorMario GalardoStarsMichael IronsideClaudia BessoDon JordanProving you can't keep a good agent down, Sam Fisher returns for this third undercover outing, which takes him deep inside North Korea on an information warfare mission.The best stealth game of all time. It's the peak of the Splinter Cell series, even with a run-of-the-mill Tom Clancy story it takes you through some of the best missions in the franchise, largely due to the incredible level design, and it gives you more freedom than previous games. It's also still one of the best looking games I've ever seen, holding up even a decade after its initial release.
- StarsDee Bradley BakerJulie BenzHamilton CampAs the alien Covenant invade Earth, the Master Chief must defend humanity's homeworld whilst discovering more about the rings called "Halo."One of the best multiplayer shooters of all-time. While the Campaign isn't up-to-par with Halo CE, it's the multiplayer that elevates this game as a staple in gaming. Aside from quite possibly the best map selection I've played in a multiplayer shooter, as well as gameplay that's simple yet feels and controls so good, the game also introduced several features that later on shaped Xbox Live and other online experiences. It's a landmark achievement for an entire line of consoles.
- DirectorTodd HowardStarsLiam NeesonMalcolm McDowellRon PerlmanCenturies following nuclear war, a teen leaves the safety of an underground vault in order to find their father, who left in hopes of creating a water purifier.Great atmosphere, and a great attempt at creating an open-world FPS/RPG hybrid. The story is decent at best, though certain quests definitely shine.
- StarsShawn FontenoNed LukeSteven OggThree very different criminals team up for a series of heists and walk into some of the most thrilling experiences in the corrupt city of Los Santos.A blast in terms of the single-player experience where you play as three characters rather than just one. This allows GTA V to avoid some of the issues that plagued previous games in the franchise, such as monotony and pacing. It's also of the highest quality in terms of shooting, driving and mechanics in this genre. You won't find another sandbox game that measures up in any of these departments.
Actual Rating: 8.5/10 - DirectorPeter MolyneuxStarsAdjoa AndohGeorg BackerEmma ButcherOnce a young boy has obtained a gift for his sister's birthday, bandits attack his home village of Oakvale. A member of the Hero's Guild, Maze, stumbles upon the boy, saves him and takes the boy to the Guild to be raised as a hero.Regardless of the unbelievable hype set by the game director, this game is great. The best part is the world of Albion, which charms with its beautiful environments, both happy and sinister, and its quirky sense of humor. The combat is very simple, yet enjoyable. It's all-around a great action RPG and a great experience that will leave you satisfied in the end.
My Rating: 8.5/10 - DirectorKazuki HosokawaToshihiro NagoshiStarsTakaya KurodaHidenari UgakiKazuhiro NakayaKiryu and Majima, both Yakuza's who are in different cities in Japan in 1988, as the fate of the two characters become intertwined in a gritty, violent, and often touching narrative.Engaging story that at times takes itself seriously, and in others doesn't. Yet it manages to balance this pretty well, and it's easy to get invested in both the protagonists, Majima especially. The combat is simple and fun, though it does suffer when it demands more finesse from the player, as seen in some of the Climax Battles. The overall design is mostly good, with a few annoyances in certain minigames, such as the Catfights and the RNG. It has a lot to offer, and it's fittingly dense in content. The result is a world that you can't help but grow fond of.
- DirectorHiroyuki SakamotoKoji YoshidaToshihiro NagoshiStarsTakaya KurodaRie KugimiyaKazuhiro NakayaKazuma Kiryu is demoted from his clan after taking the blame for his boss's murder. After a decade in prison, Kiryu sets out in search for his old friends who have gone missing.Impressive as a remake, though definitely a step back from Yakuza 0, as it is very similar but with less content. The story is decent at best, and the substories often wind up being the highlights due to how they take themselves less seriously. Continuity is also a bit messed up, particularly with Majima who was clearly written to be more complex after the first Yakuza, and despite efforts to explain his development in Yakuza 0, just doesn't convince due to the very drastic shift.
- DirectorHideki KamiyaStarsDrew CoombsKenji HataHironobu HagiharaAfter losing his brother and mother to demon lord Mundus, demon hunter Dante and his new friend Trish embark on a quest to confront Lord Mundus.A very good idea that is somewhat clumsily executed, likely as it was originally developed and designed to be a Resident Evil game. Even so, it plays jsut fine, and only really suffers in higher difficulties where it demands more from you. The setting and atmosphere is very well done, which makes up for the very lackluster story.
My Rating: 6.5/10 - DirectorHideaki ItsunoCarole RuggierStarsFlo Di ReFrancoise AlexanderSherman HowardDante is recruited by a clan of Demon Slayers to protect the island of Vie de Marli from a greedy business mogul who seeks to become a demon.Though it plays like an improved DMC1, it's remarkable just how mediocre it is in every other regard. It's downright boring even, as it lacks any sort of consistent atmosphere, and the level design feels like it lacks any sort of purpose. Enemies likewise feel like they're not designed with the combat in mind, making most of the fights feel the same.
My Rating: 4.5/10 - DirectorHideaki ItsunoStarsAdam D. ClarkReuben LangdonLarry LeongA young Dante is opening up his Merc Agency when he receives a challenge from his twin brother Vergil. The following events exponentially shape his future and make for one hell of a party.Feels like what DMC1 wanted to be, with a good camera and a more involved combat system. It feels good to play, and the setting is interesting, albeit not to the same extent as DMC1. The challenge feels good, and some of the boss fights in particular are great in how they teach you to get better. Story is servicable, though the cutscenes are enjoyable in how outlandish they are as a result of it not taking itself too seriously.
My Rating: 7.5/10 - DirectorJosh SawyerStarsMatthew PerryWayne NewtonKris KristoffersonAfter surviving a bullet to the head, Courier Six traverses the post-apocalyptic Mojave desert in search of the men who wronged him, while making an impact on thousands in the process.Though it is better written than Fallout 3, it's held back by technical issues. The atmospheric dread is also mostly gone, as a result of it going for another tone, which is fine but also makes walking through and exploring the wasteland less interesting. Gameplay improvements are minor, with the most impressive being how it offers more player choice.
My Rating: 7.5/10 - DirectorCory BarlogStarsChristopher JudgeSunny SuljicJeremy DaviesAfter wiping out the gods of Mount Olympus, Kratos moves on to the frigid lands of Scandinavia, where he and his son must embark on an odyssey across a dangerous world of gods and monsters.Though it's slower and less of a spectacle in terms of combat, it more than makes up for it in how impactful and visceral each of your attacks are. The story and characters are great, and the worldbuilding as well as the Norse mythology is extremely well presented, more so than how the Greek mythology was handled in the previous games.
The RPG aspects could be more fine-tuned, and one portion of Atreus' character arc is poorly rushed and motivated. Even so, the strengths far outweigh the negatives. - DirectorDavid JaffeGreg TiernanStarsLinda HuntTerrence 'T.C.' CarsonCarole RuggierAfter 10 years of endless nightmares and servitude to the gods of Olympus, Kratos is assigned with a final task, to kill Ares, the God of War.A fun romp that plays well. The story is nothing special, yet the Greek mythology makes it rather interesting to experience. It doesn't really excel in anything, and it has very few bumps along the road. Mostly the platforming in the latter parts of the game.
- DirectorCory BarlogStarsLinda HuntTerrence 'T.C.' CarsonMichael Clarke DuncanAfter being betrayed by the gods of Olympus and annulled of his divine powers, Kratos must embark on a journey to meet the Sisters of Fate and take his revenge on Olympus.An improvement over the first in terms of gameplay, with a more interesting story and memorable encounters with several bosses. The time travel aspect definitely opens up a few holes, but the ending is so exciting that you're willing to forgive it.
My Rating: 7.5/10 - DirectorStig AsmussenStarsGeorge BallAdrienne BarbeauSusanne BlakesleeArmed with his deadly double-chained blades, Kratos must take on Greek mythology's darkest creatures to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself.The most fun God of War to play in the original trilogy. The story tries to be more humane, but it doesn't quite pull it off when juxtaposed with the over-the-top brutality. Even so, it's another fun romp with satisfying spectacle.
My Rating: 7.5/10 - StarsSteve BlumArthur BurghardtTerrence 'T.C.' CarsonKratos is still haunted by the visions of his mortal past and decides to explore his origins. In Atlantis, he finds his mother Callisto, who claims that his brother Deimos is still alive.Measures up with the original trilogy quite well. It has some very satisfying elements to its combat, particular the charge and grab beatdown. The story also has some of the better character writing for Kratos, original trilogy included. The biggest issue is the checkpoints, as with Chains of Olympus. There's no reason to have to rewatch an unskippable cutscene every time you lose, and you will do so a number of times on the highest difficulty.
- DirectorRu WeerasuriyaStarsTerrence 'T.C.' CarsonDebi DerryberryMarina GordonIn an earlier time, when still in service to the gods, Kratos must fight to save the land from a growing darkness.It being a portable game shows in how certain aspect aren't there. It's pretty short, the combat isn't quite as good, and the same goes for the spectacle, though it's a good attempt. Unskippable cutscenes, mainly with the final boss, really add to the frustration on higher difficulties.
- DirectorTodd PapyStarsTroy BakerAdrienne BarbeauSusanne BlakesleeKratos, the former servant of the God of War, Ares, who tricked Kratos into killing his wife and child, renounces Ares, breaking his blood oath to the God. For this act, Kratos is imprisoned by the three Furies.Most of the design tweaks turn out for the worse, especially in regards to combat. The changes to rage mode severely limits your moveset when it's not activated, which makes most battles repetitive. The story is weak, and as it's a prequel, the mythology isn't nearly as interesting as in the other games.
My Rating: 5.5/10 - DirectorKatsura HashinoYukio TakatsuStarsAkira IshidaMegumi ToyoguchiRie TanakaA new student arrives at a school full of monsters that attack at night. A team of Persona users recruit him to help battle alongside them to rid the monsters for good.Though it introduced the brilliant game design that would become a staple used in Persona 4 and 5, it stumbles in its execution on different aspects of the game. It has a great sense of style, which along with the music creates a very moody atmosphere. Despite certain faults, it's a game that eventually consumes your attention.
In terms of shortcomings, the combat and the AI tactics hampers potential strategies, as you're forced to make your moves 4 turns at a time, and with less precision. This greatly limits your ability to adapt, and you can't rely on foresight when RNG is such a major factor in battle.
Furthermore, the story, while it does have a great climax and ending, is mostly aimless until that point. Majority of the characterization is superficial, with Junpei being the main exception, and the reliance on death as a constant fixture in the plot inadvertently makes it less impactful. In comparison, the more abstract themes of Persona 4 and Persona 5 allowed for a larger variety of issues, angles and even interpretations on their subjects. - DirectorKatsura HashinoStarsKôichi YamaderaKotono MitsuishiMiyuki SawashiroVincent Brooks, who is being pressured into marriage by his current girlfriend, is plunged into a surreal nightmare world every time he falls asleep after having an affair with a mysterious girl named, Catherine.The puzzles are extremely challenging, but also a lot of fun as you devise strategies and become better at it. The plot is very engaging, and the adult subject matter is grounded in its depiction, despite the fantastical circumstances. English voice acting in particular is absolutely superb.
My Rating: 8.5/10