With the PS5 coming out, I thought it would be fun to reminisce on the years of quality games that have been released. The beautiful thing about video games is that there is something out there for everyone.
If you’re looking for action-adventure, there are games like Tomb Raider and Uncharted that will guide you through a wild ride of thievery and mischief. Maybe you’re more interested in decompressing after a long day of work. That’s where Stardew Valley and Minecraft come in.
Video games are just as diverse and complex as your favorite TV shows. Let’s jump right in and go through my all-time favorite games.
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life
Release Date: 2004 System: Nintendo Gamecube
This game brings back fond memories of growing crops and taking care of farm animals. I miss you, Amy the cow! This was one of the first “life-simulation” games I played, and I fell in love with the genre.
Animal Crossing
Release Date: 2001 System: Nintendo Gamecube
Another life-simulation game! But instead of human neighbors, this time they are animals. I’m sure everyone knows what Animal Crossing is, thanks to Animal Crossing New Horizons on the Switch. I’m a little ashamed to say that I don’t own a Switch so I have never played New Horizons. Actually, I haven’t played any of the modern Animal Crossing games since Wild World on the Nintendo DS.
All of the Animal Crossing games look fun in their own way, but the Gamecube version will always hold a special place in my heart due to the sheer audacity of the villagers. The villagers in this version are snarky, mean, and occasionally downright cruel. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but 3rd grade me thought it was HILARIOUS. I would purposefully reset my Gamecube just to see Mr. Resetti act feral, which may say more about me than the game.
Release Dates: 2019 + 2020 System: PS4, Xbox One, PC
I’m including RE2 and RE3 in this because I love both of them equally for being amazing additions to the horror franchise. Both games take place at the same time, after a viral outbreak has turned the citizens of Raccoon City into flesh-eating zombies. The main characters must survive the monsters while trying to uncover how the virus originated.
There are plenty of mind-bending puzzles and secrets in these games, as well as sheer terror as you try and escape from enemies. In both games there is a certain enemy that is rubber-banded to you, meaning that they will try and hunt you down no matter where you go in the game.
Hearing the footsteps of the enemy and not knowing where they are, but knowing that they are coming for you, adds to the horrific ambience.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Release Date: 2018 System: PS4, Xbox One, PC
A.K.A. the R-rated version of Barbie Horse Adventures.
You play as an outlaw in a gang trying to escape the rise of civilization and society. This game is a rollercoaster of emotions. It will break your heart, mend it, and then break it again.
The open world in RDR2 is the most diverse I have ever seen. There are so many side quests and eclectic characters to discover. The landscape features lush, vibrant lands that mimic the Rocky Mountains to eerie swamplands like those found in Louisiana. The game feels alive with the all of animals and interactions you can experience.
Another thing that makes this game so great is the main character. Arthur Morgan is one of the greatest protagonists of this era. He feels like a real, morally ambiguous person who is just trying to find their purpose in life. You can also guide him to determine which moral path he should take, righteousness or wickedness. Either way, the journey will be one you won’t regret.
I’m excited that we are entering a new chapter of games, and I look forward to seeing how this next-gen console will revolutionize the gaming industry.