I tried to get the guy free from the bear trap at the beginning of Episode Two, but it didn't occur to me to chop off his leg until much too late. I even went to try cut down the tree, durr. I'm an idiot. Apparently he bites it soon afterwards anyways, so whatever. But I did briefly consider restarting.
Madness. You think most people would take one step outside, knife in hand, and realize "Holy shit what I'm about about to do is absolutely insane," and then go back to their couch. Jeebus. I'm betting there was more to all of this than just an XBL match, though.
Xenogears had a massive impact on me when I was younger. If one game really changed my life, I'd say this was it. It influenced a lot of my personal beliefs and taught me a lot about storytelling. I'll always be grateful for this one.
Final Fantasy IX had less of an emotional impact, but definitely changed the way I approached games. It was the first title I remember being entirely consumed by. I don't think I've ever had as much fun playing a game as I have with this one.
Shadow of the Colossus taught me a lot about game design and world-building, and really sucked me in. The "bridge incident" near the end was the first scene in gaming that really struck me emotionally.
Alan Wake's final line really made the game for me, and sparked a lot of wonder and curiosity within me. A very important game.
To the Moon has been mentioned a few times already, and with damn good reason. A brilliant love story that reminds you about what's really important in life.
Gears of War 3 really surprised me; it was the first game to ever actually make me tear up. Those who've played it know the "Mad World" scene to which I refer. It made me realize just how connected to characters I can become. You can often take for granted that these are personalities you've had around for 5 years.
Mass Effect 3 was also chock-full of emotional scenes, as well. Saying goodbye can be tough.
No game has awed me quite like Journey. Its incredible visuals have been burned into my mind for good. This one taught me a lot about the value and beauty of simplicity.
The Walking Dead has also been mentioned a lot, as well. In a game about zombies, it's the human moments that really get to you. This game forces you into a role of responsibility while also demanding you make some impossible choices. A very stressful, and very rewarding game.
Lastly, Spec Ops: The Line raises tons of questions about player agency. After the "WP" sequence (again, those who have played it will know what I'm talking about), I felt absolutely drained and needed to take a break. No game has ever made me do that.
EDIT: And those are just the ones with confirmed release dates. Add to that the rest of the Telltale Walking Dead games, Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon, Paper Mario Sticker Star, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Pikmin 3, Beyond: Two Souls, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, Deadpool, Dead Space 3, The Elder Scrolls Online, The Last of Us, and Watch Dogs.
EDIT 2: As for unannounced titles, I will always be waiting for a Legend of Dragoon sequel. Maybe one day...
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