Favorite Video Games
5. Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
I’m aware that this one sounds like a strange choice for the top 5, but just hear me out. I originally bought this because it was on sale for dirt cheap and I planned to probably never play it again after the initial session. To my surprise, it actually ended up being pretty relaxing. It’s not so complicated that you have to give it all your attention but not so simple that it gets boring. I have a lot of hours in it because after school I would turn it on, put in my earbuds, and listen to music while I destressed some. Strange choice, i know. But don’t put it down until you’ve tried it.
4. Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout New Vegas is an action RPG where you’re dropped into a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert and have to find a guy who tried to kill you so you can get revenge. This game has an open world which means you can go anywhere and get caught up in whatever you want out there. Aside from that main quest, there are lots of fun side quests you can do with interesting rewards depending on which route you take in it. Did I mention that there are multiple endings? You have the option to side with any of the major factions in the desert and work with them to take control of Hoover Dam. There isn’t a right choice out of them since they are all messed up in their own way, but this just means that the player gets their morals tested a little. Personally, my favorite part was the companions. You can get some characters to partner up with you and they’ll defend you up until the end. Most of them have a lot of depth and can really influence your choices if you listen to what they have to say.
3. X4 Foundations
To get started, let me just tell you that this game has a lot of depth and I’ll probably forget to mention something while writing here. I have an embarrassing amount of hours in it probably just because I was trying to figure out how it all worked. X4 Foundations is a space strategy/action game where you’re pretty much free to do whatever you want. You can by ships, fleets, space stations, whatever you want. It has a realistic economy that you have to keep track of when considering where and what to trade. But if that isn’t your thing, you could make your money by being a space pirate. Stealing ships and reselling them is a great way to get a quick turnaround. This game and another one called Kenshi (which is just X4 but in the desert) have always been really fun for me, even if I know they aren’t for everyone.
2. Elden Ring
When I first played this game, I thought it was terrible and wildly overrated. It’s hard, confusing, has a very steep learning curve. The reason this is one of my favorite’s now is because, after being stuck in one part of the game for days, I took a break and came back later with and open mind. Turns out, once you get past the first couple of areas this game is one of the most beautiful and complex experiences you’ll ever have. It can be frustratingly difficult at times, but that’s part of it’s charm. You have the tools to overcome any challenge if you just know where to look for them. This is another open world game like Fallout New Vegas but it steps it up a notch. The game tells you almost nothing and you’re expected to figure out what the heck is going on and where you should be going. There is so much variety in how you can play that I’m playing through for a third time just to make sure I’ve seen absolutely everything it has to offer. There are multiple endings here as well but they’re left even more open ended than the morally grey ones of Fallout New Vegas. I’ll be honest, I’d use a guide if you decide to play but make sure you go in blind for the best experience.
Honorable Mention: Moonring
Moonring doesn’t make top 5, but it’d be a crime if I didn’t at least mention it considering how obsessed I’ve been with it lately. I don’t even know how you’d describe it but Moonring is a small, free game made by a single developer that is so complex and engaging I think I’m going to take inspiration from it for a game I’m developing as well. If you have access to a computer and a Steam account, I’d give it a try. It took me a while to warm up to it but I’m glad I did. Did I mention it’s free…?
Baldur’s Gate 3
I don’t even know where to start with this game. I have close to 100 hours in it after missing a lot of content and I’m only 1/3 of the way through. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a very open-ended RPG where you and 4 other party members overcome challenges to try and save yourselves from a mysterious enemy called The Absolute. I can’t even scratch the surface of all this game’s content and mechanics so I’d recommend watching a video of someone else reviewing it if you really want to know more. There are so many choices in this game it can make your head spin and have you reloading previous saves to try and get a better outcome from something. It took me a bit to adjust to this game too, but I’d honestly die for it. It was in development for a very long time so nothing feels unfinished or underdeveloped. Really, try it for yourself.
