1996
A timeless classic, and one of my favorite games of all time despite the fact that I have never actually played the original. I grew up with the DS remake, but now that I'm older and I've gotten to see the history around this game and the speedrunning community it has launched, it's undeniably one of the most important games of all time and that's worth recognition in itself.
2010
Visually this is the most interesting and creative game I've ever played. The yarn and craft themed graphics are already a great selling point but it's also just a really nice game. Kirby games don't exactly pride themselves on their layered gameplay, but even then this one fits in a lot of really cool platforming ideas just by taking away flight and abilities, the mechanics that typically serve as the foundation for these games. I play this game with childlike wonder and you should too.
This is my video game comfort food. Lego Star Wars for the Playstation 2 was the first video game I ever played, and to this day I can always have a good time with any of the classic lego games. However, there always has to be a best of the bunch, and this is it. Everyone played this game and knows why it's so good.
2017
Whether it's for speedrunning or casual play this game is easy to pick up and endlessly rewarding. I haven't played a lot of metroidvanias but this is the game that got me interested in them in the first place. Also the fact that the game is this good and has this much content for such a low price is impressive in its own right. Play it and experience it for yourself.
2006
I revisit this game yearly to make sure I'm not crazy for liking it so much. Turn based RPGs really aren't my thing but this game just makes it work. The battle system is simple but the rhythm mechanic makes it engaging, and with that baseline of enticing gameplay I'm free to enjoy the things that actually make this game great. The story is pretty good, the social commentary is great, the visuals are cute, the humor is fantastic, and the soundtrack slaps. Everything about this game is exactly as it should be and that's all it really needs to be. Play it.