Click on a title for more information and my thoughts on the game (if I finished it).
Developer: CapcomReleased: 2001Platform I Own It On: Nintendo DSThoughts: I had fun with this one! It’s been a long time since I played, but its very enamoring. Wasn’t a big fan of Larry, but I’m a sucker for a good puzzle and thinking game, and this really scratched something in my brain that craves that kinda thing.
Developer: CapcomReleased: 2009Platform I Own It On: Nintendo DSThoughts: In my AA era, I was a big Edgeworth stan, so it was neat to get a game entirely in his perspective and seeing his thoughts on stuff. I don’t remember all too much about this game since it’s been a While since I played it, but I remember enjoying the third person view and controlling Edgeworth and picking out things to investigate myself. The newly introduced characters all have fun designs, and the soundtrack, as ever, is enjoyable.
Developer: CapcomReleased: 2021Platform I Own It On: Nintendo SwitchThoughts: Ace Attorney game of all time. I had so, SO much fun with this one. I know its technically two games packaged into one, but really it is one big overarching story. The first game really is mostly setup, and the second game is the payoff. Everything ties together, everything gets answered. I loved all of the characters, the designs and soundtrack is great, and it feels like such a fun evolution of the Ace Attorney format both mechanically and visually. It’s a shame that it took so long to get officially translated and released in the west, but I gotta say, well worth it. I would highly recommend playing with the Japanese voices though, the English actors didn’t really do it for me (partially because it felt weird having the native Japanese characters who are spending their first time in England in the 1800s speaking with English accents; but that’s just me, I suppose). My one major gripe with the writing though is that there’s a major revelation that rises with Herlock Sholmes in the second game, which was a fantastic chance for a change in the dynamic between him, Ryunosuke, and Susato, having another thread of being forced to continue to work together through a loss of trust. Unfortunately, its only discussed briefly between Sholmes and Ryunosuke, and they continue on their merry way, acting as if nothing has changed. Was incredibly disappointed. Still, with how lengthy these two games are together and that being the One major gripe, that’s a pretty damn good track record.
Developer: Remedy EntertainmentReleased: 2023Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: NintendoReleased: 2020Platform I Own It On: Nintendo SwitchThoughts: Everyone’s favorite pandemic release, and my very first Animal Crossing game. It was fun for a time, but I fell off pretty quickly once I was forced back into the office and other games were releasing. Open-format games like this where it’s more “it is what you make of it”, gathering resources and building, isn’t really my thing. It’s why I’m not a Minecraft person. I see the appeal, but it really isn’t for me. I wish it was though, I’m always envious of all the cute islands and towns my friends build.
Developer: Ubisoft MontrealReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: Formative game for me, if I’m honest. Malik did things to my brain. But also there’s a reason it spawned such a sprawling franchise after it’s release. The story is compelling, it has such fascinating world building, and I’m always a sucker for “real life but there’s fantastical elements to it”. I love the designs, I love that the game is set in the Middle East, I love that the protagonists are people of color. The game has its issues, obviously, it’s a janky game from 2009 with shitty mechanics, Altair’s model is white, his voice actor has an American accent when everyone else doesn’t, and the gameplay flow and quests is repetitive. But still, it holds a special place in my heart and clearly has so much potential going for it.
Developer: Ubisoft MontrealReleased: 2009Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: A marked mechanical and visual improvement upon the first game, and the spawn of Ubisoft’s favorite poster boy. I will admit, I am not immune to Ezio’s charm. I spent a lot of time in this game enjoying the parkour movements and flow and climbing as high as I can on various buildings. The story’s decent, but what sticks with me most is the characters and environments.
Developer: Ubisoft MontrealReleased: 2010Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: It’s Fine. Not my favorite AC game by any means, and honestly, super forgettable. I barely remember anything about it aside from the fact that it’s more Borgias and you get a little squad of assassins that do missions in real-time, which I hated.
Developer: Ubisoft MontrealReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: As a staunch fan of Altair, it was nice to get closure to his story and Ezio’s, but I don’t think it was necessary. AC1 and AC2 closed their games respectively with complete story arcs for their major protagonists, and that was enough. We don’t need their entire life story and knowing their perspectives on what happened later in their lives or how they died. It feels mostly like fan bait while also providing Ubisoft an out for “okay we’re done with them now no more”, even though they themselves dug that hole by making more Ezio-focused games rather than moving on to just making AC3 in the first place. Also Malik wasn’t it in at all. Bad game.
Developer: Ubisoft MontrealReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: Honestly, the twist at the beginning of the game really hooked me. I loved the concepts and themes the game was trying to get across, and the idea of having an indigenous main character set during the American Revolutionary War is awesome. And honestly, I was having an alright time with the game for the most part (when I wasn’t having to deal with White People Bullshit). The thing that really irked me when I was playing was the end scene with the modern assassin group, culminating in the death of Desmond Miles. It felt trite and deeply unsatisfying, and more aggravating than anything. It was at this point that I no longer saw the point of playing more Assassin’s Creed games, as the overarching story that had interested me no longer seemed worth following, and the main character I had followed on this journey would no longer be a part of it.
Developer: Larian StudiosReleased: 2023Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Supergiant GamesReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Edmund McMillen and Florian HimslReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K AustraliaReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: Irrational GamesReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: Wow this game was ass.
Developer: Team ReptileReleased: 2023Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Gearbox SoftwareReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: Stupid, goofy, and so much fun. Driving wasn’t great, but honestly, when is it ever in a game that isn’t specifically a game about driving? Zero’s a delight, the vocal performances are top notch, and it just felt good to play. I’m sure some jokes haven’t aged particularly well, though.
Developer: 2K AustraliaReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Double FineReleased: 2015Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Starbreeze StudiosReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: EA Redwood ShoresReleased: 2008Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Eidos-MontrealReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: ZA/UMReleased: 2019Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Arkane StudiosReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: I absolutely adore this game. If there’s a more indicative game of my specific tastes and interests, I’m not aware of it. The story’s fairly basic, but where it shines is just the absolute atmosphere and world that Arkane built here. It’s such a fascinating mix of the fantastical, industrial, and grit. Since it’s a stealth game, it isn’t for everyone. But man, if that’s your thing, this game will always be one I highly recommend.
Developer: Arkane StudiosReleased: 2016Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: Improvements upon improvements over the original. I understand the inclusion of Corvo as a playable character to choose from between him or Emily, but given the specifics of the story and themes, it’s most definitely Emily’s Story. Her powers are unique and fascinating to play with, and movement feels so damn good in this game. Everything about it is a delight, visually, mechanically, voice acting, music. It can be challenging at times, but never feels absolutely impossible. The Death of the Outsider expansion provides an ending that leaves you wondering with excitement and trepidation for what’s next in this world. Though honestly, if there’s another game in this universe, that’d be fine too. I think having open endings that leave the player theorizing and making up their own headcanons is a good thing, and that it’s kind of a lost art these days. RIP Daniel Licht, if they ever do make another Dishonored game, it just won’t feel the same without his compositions.
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2009Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Over the MoonReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Interplay ProductionsReleased: 1997Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Bethesda Game StudiosReleased: 2008Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360, PC
Developer: Obsidian EntertainmentReleased: 2010Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Bethesda Game StudiosReleased: 2015Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: this game fucking sucks.
Developer: Team SorcerobeReleased: 2021Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Square EnixReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Square EnixReleased: 2023Platform I Own It On: Playstation 5
Developer: LucasArtsReleased: 1998Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Supergiant GamesReleased: 2020Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Valve CorporationReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Valve CorporationReleased: 2006Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Valve CorporationReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Alpha-DreamReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Victor Interactive SoftwareReleased: 1999Platform I Own It On: Nintendo 64, Emulator
Developer: High Voltage SoftwareReleased: 2003Platform I Own It On: Xbox
Developer: Flying Bear EntertainmentReleased: 2001Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: A fucking java game classic. I'm not too crazy about the fact it has to be purchased these days, but. C'est la vie, I guess.
Developer: SmilebitReleased: 2000Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Team17Released: 2023Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Team BondiReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: NintendoReleased: 1998Platform I Own It On: Nintendo 64, Nintendo 3DS
Developer: NintendoReleased: 2000Platform I Own It On: Nintendo 64, Nintendo 3DS
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2010Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: BioWareReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Digital Eclipse, CapcomReleased: 2015Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: KonamiReleased: 1987Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: KonamiReleased: 1990Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2001Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: Kojima ProductionsReleased: 2010Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360
Developer: DICEReleased: 2008Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Pocketwatch GamesReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Upper One GamesReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Obsidian EntertainmentReleased: 2019Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Blizzard EntertainmentReleased: 2016Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: If you’re still playing Blizzard games in the year of our lord 2023, I’m judging you and you are not welcome here. I’ve ditched this game ages ago even before the current blowup with the company. The character designs from the base original game were great and gameplay was fun. However, they did not handle the “this game has ‘story’ but that’s only told partially through mediums other than the game itself” or continuing to balance the game with constantly adding new heroes well. Valve got that shit on lock with Team Fortress 2. Blizzard’s attempt at it with Overwatch felt weak and trite and went nowhere, as its all just character vignettes. Between the game’s launch and when I dropped off, we knew nothing more about the actual story of the world than when it all began. At least with TF2, Valve told an actual story with the mercenaries and the world they live in.
Developer: 3909 LLCReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Jon GallantReleased: 2016Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Thomas BrushReleased: 2017Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Game FreakReleased: 2002Platform I Own It On: Game Boy AdvanceThoughts: The first Pokemon game I played that wasn’t Pokemon Stadium for the Nintendo 64. I never did solve the braille puzzle in the cave, but it was a fun game nonetheless. Groudon forever my MVP.
Developer: Game FreakReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: Game Boy AdvanceThoughts: Not much to say here; Pokemon game plots don’t stick in my head. Lost my shit when I got Rayquaza, though.
Developer: Game FreakReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: Game Boy AdvanceThoughts: The added feature of showing you what you did last time you played was such a quality of life improvement on these games. I had a lot of fun with this one, couldn’t tell you why I dropped off playing more Pokemon. That said, I have been informed that games after Leaf Green and Fire Red long since ditched the “last time on…” quality of life feature, which is absolutely baffling to me.
Developer: Game FreakReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: ValveReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: A Classic. If you haven’t played it yet, what the fuck is wrong with you? It takes like 2 hours, go play it.
Developer: ValveReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: Interesting expansion on the mechanics of the original while also staying within the realm of possibility of the established world. The story and character dynamics are engaging, and the development of some kind of relationship between Chell and GlaDOS was so much fun to watch. Haven't played the co-op mode, though.
Developer: Arkane AustinReleased: 2017Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Level-5Released: 2008Platform I Own It On: Nintendo DS
Developer: Radical EntertainmentReleased: 2009Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: In my experience, people were either a Prototype person or an Infamous person. I didn’t have a PlayStation, and so couldn’t play Infamous. So I was a Prototype person. But also Prototype appeals to me more as an individual with my fucked up tastes in forensics and viral-esque monsters and disease. Most definitely wouldn’t go over well if it was (attempted) to release today, and probably why it continues to fall into obscurity, while most people as far as I know are more aware of Infamous. But by god, the absolute power rush of being over powered in this game is incredible. The environment and open world is repetitive and a dull grayish brown, but by god. The movement, the super powers, Alex’s brooding emo snark. It’s so much fun. Also? Who doesn’t love curb stomping a random citizen and then absorbing their entire corpse, flesh and blood and all, into yourself as nutrients. Also a very formative game for me, if you couldn’t tell.
Developer: Radical EntertainmentReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: Xbox 360Thoughts: I haven’t played this game since it released and forgot about it pretty immediately. I do remember not being crazy about the story, though.
Developer: Sonic TeamReleased: 2020Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Team SilentReleased: 2001Platform I Own It On: PlayStation 2
Developer: Team SilentReleased: 2003Platform I Own It On: PlayStation 2
Developer: Bethesda Game StudiosReleased: 2011Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Sonic TeamReleased: 1991Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Sonic Team USAReleased: 2001Platform I Own It On: GameCubeThoughts: I love love love this game so much. If I’m honest, I’ve actually never finished it, and only recently got a copy recently to play it again and finish it out.
Developer: Sonic TeamReleased: 2003Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Christian Whitehead, PagodaWest Games, Headcannon, Hyperkinetic StudiosReleased: 2017Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Galactic CafeReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: ConcernedApeReleased: 2016Platform I Own It On: Nintendo SwitchThoughts: Cozy comfort farming game. Really scratches the Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons itch that I get from time to time. It does have extra gameplay mechanics and visuals that I’m not terribly crazy about, but I know I’m just nostalgia biased to the simplicity of Harvest Moon 64.
Developer: Terry CavanaghReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Bossa StudiosReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Telltale GamesReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Valve CorporationReleased: 2007Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: High Moon StudiosReleased: 2010Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: High Moon StudiosReleased: 2012Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Supergiant GamesReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: Ubisoft MontpellierReleased: 2014Platform I Own It On: PC
Developer: La Belle Games, ARTE FranceReleased: 2019Platform I Own It On: Nintendo Switch
Developer: CD ProjektReleased: 2015Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: Someday I’ll get back to this game. I did genuinely have fun with it, but leveling up is such a terrible grind, and the story drags. I personally wasn’t a big fan of the constant “the princess is in another castle” with chasing down Ciri throughout the entire game. It felt needlessly drawn out, leading me to put the game down (and then proceed to not pick it back up). I do like the characters, and the times when the story had picked up, or conflict was happening. The gameplay cycle just wasn’t doing it for me.
Developer: Telltale GamesReleased: 2013Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: [Glass Him]
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2002Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2003Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2004Platform I Own It On: Game Boy Advance
Developer: KonamiReleased: 2022Platform I Own It On: PCThoughts: I’ve been out of the YGO tcg game for a long, long while, so it’s weird coming back to it and finding basically an entirely new game. There’s a lot of new meta I’m still getting used to and learning, but I do still have a lot of fun! It’s great being able to play with so many people online and with such varied decks. The visuals and soundtrack are delightful and really add to the excitement of a duel, the turning of the tides or the hype of decimating an opponent. Or being the one decimated.