My favorite story ever told. I don't even care that the second half is rushed. I don't give a shit that the vision was unfulfilled. I care that there was a vision, and that vision alone is more powerful than anything else I've ever witnessed. Evident is that vision throughout the whole game; it permeates every corner of it, from the art direction to the sound design to the characters and the world, maybe the dialogue less so, though Richard Honeywood's efforts in translating a script this ambitious are admirable, especially considering his dire circumstances. Rightly considered by many as the most ambitious game of all time, and unfulfilled as it might be, 1/1,000th of a vision worth 1,000,000 is still 1,000%, and that's all that matters to me. It's not a complete game, but in the words of a certain pony-tailed martial artist, we don't have to be perfect. I will glaze Tetsuya Takahashi and Soraya Saga for all eternity. TAKAHASHI-SENSEI AND SORAYA SAGA-SENSEI! ITSUMO, ARIGATOGOZAIMASU!

A game that means so much to me I can barely put it into words, though I'll try. Bloodborne is an optimistic story. Disagree with me however you like, but it is and that's certainly how I interpreted it. In a world so filled with despair to the point where it seeps out of every corner, hope exists. Perhaps it doesn't prevail, but we lack the eyes to see it. In fact, the majority of the people who play this game lack the eyes to interpret it any other way than what lies beyond the despairing surface, and that's unfortunate. Just the power fantasy of being able to rock a sick ass coat and using weapons of crude architecture to slay the eldritch gods that control mankind is enough to convince me that something lies beyond despair, though the game's endings reinforce my point. Being able to elevate humanity with a new beginning and allowing them to break free from the cruel yoke of existence, releasing Mother Kos and her Orphan from Samsara and putting them at peace, and of course the game's crown jewel that is the Ludwig fight, where the most hideous and hopeless of beasts manages to find the light once again and regain his honor. Bloodborne is a beautiful game, not about hopelessness and despair, but about hope, however dim it may be.

Represents the Xenosaga Trilogy

I could write an entire essay's worth of words about this game's many flaws, most of which were a result of its turbulent development. In addition to being incomplete and rushed, the dialogue can feel stitled and awkward, the cutscene directions is just nowhere near as strong as Saga I or Gears, character interactions and character arcs are lacking, leading to many of the game's main party feeling pointless for most of the story (signified by how they just stand around in cutscenes with zero input whatsoever), and many character arcs that do exist end up feeling bizarrely rushed, to the point where their inclusion can feel baffling. All of these are valid criticisms and major chips on the game's shoulder, so much so that I can totally understand many not liking this game as much as I do. That being said, Xenosaga feels so especially like it was made for me specifically that I feel it overpowers any valid criticism that I have for the game, and when all is said and done, the game's highs are so stratospherically high that it puts the many issues this game has to shame. I honestly couldn't care less about the haphazard pacing or dialogue when the game's highs are so emotionally resonant and thematically succinct that it brings a tear to my eye upon the mere thought of it. Not a day has gone by since I finished Xenosaga Episode III that I haven't thought about its best moments, its unfulfilled but so clearly passion-filled vision, the characters, the insanely fun combat, Shion's heartbreaking yet triumphant arc, the game's tragic yet hopeful conclusion reminiscent of the likes of Xenogears and MGS2, and more. Xenosaga will always be special to me, flaws and all, and I'll be damned to find any game with as much heart and soul as it, regardless of quality.

Represents the Unova Duology

This is my nostalgia pick, and while I can attribute my love for it as a result of nostalgia, I can also defend why these games are amazing for reasons that are applicable to all. In addition to being the first Pokemon games to so radically shape up the formula, not only in terms of gameplay, but also in terms of the story, I find that accusations of simplicity are inevitable, and that we only praise it because it was the first. While not perfect, the Unova games present their quandaries in a way that clears all the other Pokemon games, bar none. Philosophy is hardly ever thought of when discussing games intended for children, let alone the Pokemon franchise, but this game exhibits an understanding of certain ethical and meta-ethical concepts surprisingly well and presents them within the confines the Pokemon universe in a manner that is super digestible. Other than that, easily the best gameplay of all the Pokemon games, having the boons of both classic and modern Pokemon packed into one, while hardly sharing any of their flaws. Maybe I'm dumb and all this too is just nostalgia, but I'm able to rationalize my love for it regardless, and I love it.

Changed my life. Love it forever.

Represents all 8 Episodes of Umineko

Masterpiece doesn't even begin to describe this game. Elden Ring is a medium-defining experience that captures everything that makes video games special. One of the most masterfully crafted worlds in gaming, enhancing Miyazaki's penchant for the dark and fantastical to the Nth degree with Martin's contributions, not to mention how it feeds into the game's wonderful cast, one which I consider Fromsoft's best. Mechanically divisive for many, though in my opinion, easily the best iteration of the basic Souls combat, introducing us to a plethora of builds, enemies, bosses to marvel at the sheer splendor of. I've praised this game for two years straight and I still feel as if I'm underselling it. I just know the DLC will the Fromsoft's best work yet.

Now having played most of the previous Armored Core games, I think I've gained a better perspective on this game as a whole. Are there things it could've done better? Certainly; The lack of a compelling economy, a rather streamlined mission structure, and relatively barebones chassis customization are all inferior to many of the older games, yes, and I wish VI had kept those elements intact. Despite this, all I know is that this game is amazing in every other way, so much so as to make those minor gripes irrelevant. The combat that is so clearly a marriage of decades worth of conflicting design philosophies that somehow works -taking the best of both AC and Souls mechanics-, the scale that's vividly captured with this game's stunning vistas, levels, and especially bosses, the story which fills you with endless intrigue, the characters who, despite having no faces to their names, are some of the most well-realized I've seen and have no trouble calling among From's best. I adore Armored Core VI, and I didn't think I'd ever end up loving it as much as I do now.

On a purely thematic level, maybe the best and most important game of all time. Not only for the way it goes about its subject matter in such a grounded and realistic way, but also in how it seamlessly integrates it with the gameplay, and better yet, the experience itself. The definition of a medium-defining masterpiece.

Honestly wish they hadn't co-developed 8 with like 5 other games. It has numerous issues as a result of what I'd argue is pretty turbulent production and poor management from SEGA, and these issues range from minor like a few bugs here and there, to major like the pacing and some unfulfilled story beats. Nevertheless, it was such a fulfilling narrative as a hardcore fan of the series. I imagine anyone who likes these games any less than I do won't get nearly as much out of them, but as someone who adores the conglomerate that is the Like a Dragon series, this game knew exactly how to draw upon those feelings to create an experience that is equal parts fun as it is meaningfully profound. Also the best theming in the series, bar none. I wish some of it wasn't as subtextual though, I think that aspect of the game's storytelling hindered some "in-the-moment" moments for me. Otherwise, RGG's masterpiece and I'm grateful that something like it exists for people like me.

Johto is the best Pokemon Region geographically. It seeps with a culture and history so rich that puts Kanto to shame. Amazing just for how much of a standard it had set for the franchise's design.

In many ways, one of the best games ever made. Combat is as refined as combat could be in any game. Not without its frustrations, though pound-for-pound the best combat in any game I've played with very little competition. Story is no slouch either, blending the atmosphere and cinematic quality of jidaigeki films while incorporating Mahayana Buddhist thought into the story in a way that's beautiful beyond words.

The finalest of fantasies and it is beautiful. While often cited as executive producer, I've no doubt Sakaguchi was incredibly hands on with the project, seeing as the soul of Final Fantasy reverberates through every inch, every crevice of this game's story, characters, setting, and gameplay. Zidane and Vivi <3

Represents the Judgment Duology

Depending on who you ask, either the most overrated or underrated game. I think it slaps though, easily my 2nd favorite Metal Gear. Story isn't the most profound thing in the world, but I think it's somewhat adept at capturing Kojima's style, and it's really really fun, if not a bit dumb, but that's why we love Metal Gear. Gameplay carries though; one of my favorite systems ever. It's amazing how a game like this manages to balance the spectacle and setpieces with the mechanics, making for fights equal parts entertaining to watch and satisfying to engage with, especially in regards to the bossfights. It's amazing how a game like this can have a fight with spectacle rivaling some God of War or FFXVI Eikon bosses while having the mechanics be as refined as Sekiro. Tons of replay value too with VH and Revengeance modes, as well as new weapons, unlockables (infinite fuel go brrrr), and skins. The DLC just kinda exists. Didn't even bother doing the Bladewolf one on my replay.

Beating out Tellius by just a slight margin is the controversial, albeit still great Three Houses. For all the gripes I have with the game's presentation and some... bold narrative choices ahem(Crimson Flower)ahem, I adore Three Houses. Gameplay is peak RPG-Emblem with tons of customization and replayability, owing to its multi-route design. Cast is colorful with an endless amount of interactions and dynamics between all of them, further adding to the replay value. Great game, great story, if not flawed, but great nonetheless.

Represents the Tellius Duology

The best overall combination of story and gameplay in the series. Challenging and intuitive in all the right ways. Great progression from the narrative beats of Path of Radiance, expanding the world and universe in interesting and relevant ways. Ike, Soren, Sephiran, and Zelgius are great. Micaiah's pretty cool.

Tower of Latria alone nets this a spot on the list. Even after over a decade, Miyazaki had never lost sight about what he wanted his games to be, nor did he lose sight of the tried and true formula that had gotten him there in the first place. Do not be fooled by Demon's Souls' age, it is 100% worth playing today.

Peak minimalistic storytelling. Simple, intuitive, making sure to never hold your hand too much (ironically) and allowing the game to speak for itself. A game in the purest sense of the word, and more than that: an expression of artistry.

My comfort game. Not typically the type of game I'd play, but the amount of fun I've had with Stardew and the ways in which it immersed me are unparalleled. Sebastian my beloved.

Don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. FFVI is a defining achievement of the medium, being the first of its ilk to truly step into profound territory and attempting to say something incredibly meaningful. All you need to know is to look at a list of games that released before FFVI, and look at a list of games released after. I think that says it all. Kefka is generational.

Takes one of the fundamentals of the main series (the combat) and builds upon it narratively and mechanically. Strengthens the narrative tool that is strength that made itself prevalent at points during the mainline games, refines it to an edge, and beats it down. Kurohyou is a rough, beautiful, expressive game that is definitely more than deserving of the Ryu Ga Gotoku moniker, channeling the franchise's setting and atmosphere into the PSP, all the while having a unique identity that earns a status as a must-play within the series. Underplayed gem, please do not sleep on it.