Video games are a popular form of entertainment that combine storytelling, competition, and technology, allowing people to engage and interact with each other and share experiences that build social skills while also creating timeless memories. This list represents my personal favorite video games, chosen based on how I enjoy their gameplay, creativity, and overall experience.
Honorable Mention – Resident Evil Village
This one definitely deserves a spot even though it didn’t crack my top 10. The whole vibe of the game is crazy—from the creepy village to the different areas that all feel completely different from each other. It’s got a good mix of action and horror, so it’s not just constant jump scares, but it still keeps you on edge. Some of the moments and enemies are honestly unforgettable, and the story kept me locked in the whole time. It’s just one of those games that’s really well put together and fun to play through.
10. Grid Legends
This is one of those games I can just hop on and chill with. I like how fast-paced the races are, and the variety of cars and tracks keeps it from getting boring. The story mode is kind of different for a racing game, given you aren’t just a racer simply trying to make it, but rather a failing team striving for redemption against a corrupt system of racers, which I thought was cool, but honestly I play it more just to race and compete. It’s not the most realistic game ever, but that’s part of why it’s fun.
9. Skate 3
Skate 3 is just a classic. I’ve spent so many hours messing around, trying to hit crazy tricks or just messing with the physics and ragdolling for no reason. It’s one of those games that never really gets old because you can play it however you want. Whether I’m actually trying to be good or just messing around, it’s always a good time especially playing with people who don’t really care about the gameplay but rather just having a good time.
8. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
This game really made me feel like I was actually in Star Wars. The combat with the lightsaber is super clean, and I liked how it wasn’t just mindless fighting, you actually had to think. The story was also really solid and was very different from the movies or novels you may see. I highly recommend it if you’re into Star Wars. Exploring different planets and unlocking abilities made it feel rewarding the whole way through.
7. Superliminal
Superliminal is probably one of the most unique games I’ve played. The whole perspective-based puzzle thing messes with your head in a good way. There were times I felt stuck, then I’d figure something out and feel like a genius. It’s not super long, but it’s definitely memorable and different from anything else on this list.
6. Firewatch
Firewatch is more about the story than gameplay, but that’s what makes it hit. The conversations and the whole vibe of being out alone in the woods feels really real. It’s kind of chill but also a little tense at times, always having you on edge. It’s one of those games you just play through once and it sticks with you after.
5. The Quarry
This game is like playing through a horror movie where your choices actually matter. I liked how every decision could change what happens next, and it made me want to replay it to see different outcomes. It’s not super gameplay-heavy, but the story and characters keep it interesting the whole time and being able to look back of your decisions and putting the pieces of the puzzle together on how your actions could or could not effect the story is always fun.
4. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Breakpoint is one of those games I play when I want something more tactical. I like being able to approach missions however I want, whether I want to be stealthy or going all out guns blazing. The open world is huge, and playing with friends makes it way better. It’s not perfect, but I still have a lot of fun with it.
3. Watch Dogs: Legion
The coolest part about this game is being able to play as basically anyone. It makes the game feel different every time depending on who you recruit. I like the whole hacking aspect, too; it adds a different kind of strategy. The setting of London is also really cool and fits the game well. Although reviews of this game are very hostile given the two prior installments were so loved by its community that when it failed to meet specific expectations they just attacked it rather than truly enjoying it as its own experience.
2. Batman: Arkham Knight
This is easily one of the best superhero games I’ve played and I can confidently say I believe it is the best superhero game ever made. The free-flow-combat feels as smooth as ever, and just being Batman in Gotham never really gets old. The Batmobile was kind of hit or miss for me, but overall the game is just really solid. The story is very compelling and actually feels full of life knowing what might come and the villains also make it even better, fighting Batman’s greatest enemies on his last night as the Bat makes each fight more and more emotional as you go on.
1. Need for Speed Heat
This is probably my favorite because it’s exactly what I look for in a video game. I personally have favored racing games over any other and the story and features this game has are second to none. The mix of day and night racing is sick with legal sanctioned races for cash in the day to instantaneously changing into night racing so you can participate in illegally organized racing to earn rep points, and the police chases actually feel intense, within the story you learn the police department is crooked and illegally impounded cars to sell to secret buyers and that information makes every chase that much more intense, knowing how detrimental the consequences can be. I like customizing cars, and with 127 available cars to upgrade, drive, and customize to your liking is perfect for anyone’s creativity to thrive and grinding to make them better feels so rewarding knowing the more trouble you get in with the police, the better the rewards.. It’s one of those games I keep coming back to because it doesn’t get boring for me and will always be an all-time favorite.
