Recommend your top favourite games (based on impact)!
As the title suggests; I'm looking for recommendations for not necessarily perfect or highly-praised games; but games that had the biggest impact on you: emotionally, artistically or otherwise for some reason.
Games in any genres; older/newer titles; well-known/lesser-known deepcuts are all allowed (but try to pick the most meaningful ones for you, max. 10 games)! - If you could provide a few words or description about what was that impact or why you chose it, are also appreciated!
A few examples/recommendations from my own experiences:
TUNIC - Biggest nostalgia trip with many core childhood memories coming up, with the manual and mysteries; while scratching my since then developed gaming itches with the metroidvania/puzzle/souls-like elements.
1000xRESIST - The topics, subjects (generational trauma, heritage, abuse, diaspora/pandemic experience etc.) presented here really hit home emotionally; while having an interesting sci-fi premise and narrative that kept me engaged till the very end.
Inscryption - Didn't know what to expect, but was blown away by how unpredictable it was and how interestingly it used the medium (as all other Daniel Mullins-games do); while still managing to have a solid gameplay foundation.
Returnal/Alan Wake 2 - Immaculate vibes and experiences, that I couldn't put down. The atmospheres/sound design/soundtracks kept me in alone; and then the unfolding cryptic stories and lores gave me a whole new appreciation to both.
Citizen Sleeper 1-2 - As an RPG and visual novel newbie; I wasn't prepared how emotionally/existentially this series would make me feel. I loved the writing, characters and world and the meditation on labour, precarity, life and existence.
Subnautica/Manifold Garden - Even though two very different games in terms of gameplay and style; very few achieved the same feel of vastness, boundlessness and terror of an interconnected alien world. The feeling of getting comfortable and adapting to the rules of a totally alien world; while having the crushing terror and unease in the back of your mind was real special.
HUMANITY/The Talos Principle - Really solid puzzle games by themselves; but what stayed with me are the concepts of consciousness, purpose and religion in both. The uncanniness and surrealist setting in both also gave the overall narratives, themes a bigger impact.
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..Well I could list many more; but I don't want to make the post even longer.. - But if any of these peaked your interest, I encourage you to give them a try!
Anyways; for you all kind people: any recommendations or even just discussions on certain games are all very welcome! - Can't wait to hear all your recommendations and experiences; thanks for your responses! :)
Have a good one, cheers!