A list of games that have stuck with me over the years.
Eggplant did a podcast special about their intersecting tastes and mentioned ranking games that really meant something to them and I thought that sounded like a fun exercise, so here's my list.
These are not the best games. These may not be my favourite games. But these are games that left a (generally positive) impression on me.
The introduction of Queen Gohma is an all time great moment: both design, verticality, and fear. I think I also loved the King Dodongo battle.
The Spirit Temple was a sad point because this incredible game was almost over.
Along with Miner 2049er, this is one of the first games I remember playing (on an Atari 800). I was bad at this game and never made it past the third level, but it was amazing.
Incredibly atmospheric and challenging puzzles.
Maybe it's influence from Vinny, but I loved the story of The Fall. The gameplay was a bit clunky (on gamepad), but it was a fun ride.
I'm not sure which SQ game I'd best add to this list, but this one is the more memorable. "How'd you fit that in your pants" is a joke that's stuck with me.
I think this was the first KQ game I played. In my memory, the animation was incredible, the voice acting great, and the puzzles pretty good.
I put so many hours into this game.
The original game -- not the franchise. I played a ton of the demo for this game.
The overhead map of Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle also tickles some nostalgia, but I think the first game is probably the one I played the most.
The shotgun, the way he holds the shotgun, and changing directions.
Unlike many, I never played Dune 2000 and experienced the birth of the RTS genre. Instead, I played this incredible blend of strategy and adventure game.
The best sequel ever made. I loved Ocarina. More of the same, but not exactly the same was just what I wanted.
The action acrobatics combined with turn-based actions made for a memorable combat system.
Some of the design advancements like the save system help this game stand out in my mind. The leaping combat was also really enjoyable.
There's something gross and incredibly tactile about this game that makes it stick inside your brain. Also the music was so incredible.
The twists of this story, the delivery, all fantastic.
The dual screen puzzle vs. platformer gameplay was so novel.
This game had an incredible arc and while the mechanics were simple, it did a great job of giving me choices within the story it's telling.
Bow combat against robot dinosaurs is like they inspected my dreams to design this game. A strong female lead, microaggressions, diverse cast.
One of the first competitive multiplayer games I've really enjoyed. Following footprints and other spoor to track down the monster is an experience I one day hope to recreate.
My first (and only?) victory as a monster was an incredible high.
Style, action, escaped gorilla, and drums. It's shocking how much style one game can have and I loved the gameplay too.
I used to play this with a friend and it's the best racing experience I can remember. Only NFS 3 comes close.
The art design is incredible. The experience of playing with another person, being only loosely connected with them, and fearing losing them was thrilling. The end was a fittingly harrowing experience.
I had to look at an old list to remember, but the conversations during gameplay were fantastic. I love companion characters and while Delilah doesn't physically accompany you, it feels like she's there.
I had to look at an old list to remember, but this game did an incredible job conveying the feel of exploring an empty house. Complete with the discomfort and tension of the dark.
I had to look at an old list to remember, but the Red's feeling of loneliness was well conveyed. I wish the combat had better lock-on for gamepad controls, but the system felt pretty novel.
There's something about the movement -- gliding around on your tentacles -- that feels so good in this game that I hope to one day match it.
The way you learn more about your character, the way the stories interleave but are also very separate, and the bizarre house are all wonderful.
