Games That Defined My 20s
What are the games that defined my 20s? 'Defined' means a lot of things, but I’m looking at the games that left the biggest impression. Maybe it was the game that blew me away, made me feel things I’d never felt before, or even left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
These are the games that made me feel something, and were part of the soundtrack of my life. Some were the best games I played, others were just ones that left a lasting impression regardless of quality. You might even find that your list is similar to mine, or that you had the same experience with the same games. With that said, here are the 10 games that defined my 20s.
Days Gone
I don’t think I’ve ever had a more enjoyable time with a game than I did with Days Gone, which I wrote about in more detail here. It’s not the best game, and it certainly has flaws, but 'Days Gone, the game that gave me the 'this is the kind of game I always wanted' feeling' is a thought I had while playing the game and is a decent enough way to describe why it’s on this list.
Prototype
I’ve always loved games that are pure, unadulterated action, and Prototype is a glorious open-world game with tons of action. It provided a joyful experience for a 10-year-old me who loved playing with action figures and had an imagination that was running wild.
Fallout
Like Prototype, Fallout is another game that offers a dopamine high. It’s a post-apocalyptic game that combines fascination with levity and exploration in the wasteland. I loved the humor and the endless possibilities, the game's world was massive, and it was the first RPG that I truly sunk my teeth into.
XCOM 2
I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve always been someone who craves adrenaline, or if it’s because I’m a masochist, but XCOM 2 offers a dopamine high with its thrilling moments and rewards. It’s a difficult game to get into and can be overwhelming, but if you’re the type who likes a good challenge, there’s no greater feeling than beating a seemingly unbeatable foe with a last-ditch strategy.
Stardew Valley
I have a lot of respect for Stardew Valley; it’s a casual, ad-free game that can be enjoyed in short bursts of free time. It’s also one of those games that can be played over and over again and never get old.
The first Borderlands
I played Borderlands 2 first, but Borderlands is where my love affair with all things Gearbox began. It had an art style, humor, and endless guns that captivated my young self. I remember being so enamored with the game that I would draw Borderlands characters and Borderlands art when I was a kid, and I’m still a huge Gearbox fanboy to this day.
Hades
Hades is a game that just does everything right. It is a game that is balanced in every way possible. I can’t think of a single thing the game does wrong. It’s a game I wish I had played before writing about games professionally because it would have answered so many questions about what makes a game good.
Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation fulfilled a long-held idea I had, that of being the ultimate prey as an alien. It provided an intense experience in the Alien universe, from the atmosphere to the limited resources I had while trying to avoid and kill the alien. This is the game that got me into the world of survival horror, and I’m still a big fan of the genre today.
inFamous
I’m a sucker for good storytelling, and inFamous had a very interesting plot that kept me hooked while I experimented with the various activities the game had to offer.
Outer Wilds
When I first played Outer Wilds, it evoked a sense of wonder and curiosity that I haven’t felt since playing Journey. I’ve played it twice since it came out, and I’m still not sure what the game is about. But I’m not sure that’s even necessary.
Subnautica
Subnautica is comparable to Outer Wilds. Both games offer you a vast, open world to explore with a sense of wonder and curiosity. If you’re looking for a game to fill the void left by No Man’s Sky, then Subnautica is the game for you.
Halo 3
I’m not sure if I’ve ever played a game that brings back more nostalgia and memories of playing on an old TV than Halo 3. Our family got a tiny flat-screen TV when I was a kid, and we had a few consoles hooked up to it. I have so many fond memories of playing Halo 3 with my family.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne is one of those games that just has a strong atmosphere that draws you in. The game’s world is a fascinating one and you have a good time exploring its various locations.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Like many people, Red Dead Redemption 2 was my first experience with Rockstar. I was immediately taken aback by its world and the different moral paths I could take. I found myself thinking about the game long after I had finished the story and its DLCs.
Mech Warrior and Mech Commander
To be honest, I’m not sure if these two deserve their own entry, but these games were my first experiences with mechs, and I had a lot of fun with them. I still have fond memories of playing Mech Commander with friends and family.
Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is a game that I really wanted to like, but I found it too difficult for my tastes. However, my friends who played it would often tell me about their experiences, and I would watch them play the game on YouTube.
