I'm not a video game afficionado, nor am I a god gamer, heck I don't even like Dark Souls. Here are a few game recommendations of games that were released in the last decade. Some of these are well known, some are not. Some might not be really good, but at least worth a look at.
- These are not in any order.
- This is not an exhaustive list.
- These are only games I have played.
- These are not reviews
Sayonara Wild Hearts (2019)
This comes in first since it was my most recent experience. This is an amazing experience and showcases why this medium is great. It's more of an interactive music video than anything else. It takes around one hour to complete so it doesn't outstay its welcome.
Dishonored (2012)
I loved Dishonored's style and gameplay. Unfortunately the game seems to have a bit of a disjointed feel. Let me explain: Most of the powers you unlock are highly visceral and violent, using them often (and thus slaying your foes) gives you the "bad" (high-chaos) ending. So if you want to get the "good" ending, you must sheathe your sword and try to be a ghost. You play as Corvo Attano the bodyguard to the Empress and you get framed for her murder and you go off seeking revenge.
Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
A unique puzzle game in which you need to determine the fate of people on a boat for insurance purposes. You can see their last moment before they die and you must piece together who they are and how they died.
What Remains of Edith Finch (2017)
I know walking simulators aren't for everybody, but I highly recommend this game. You explore a house and play thought some striking vignettes which fantastically retell the final moments of some members of the Finch family. Some vignettes are very well done and will stick with you for a while.
Her Story (2015)
This is one of the weirder ones of the bunch. It's a puzzle game in which you look at snippets of interviews and try to piece together what happened. I haven't played anything exactly like it, and as is the case with this type of game, it's the story not necessarily the gameplay which makes it stand out.
Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (2015)
I loved the story in the Witcher and I could immerse myself in the game's world for hours. I will admit that the combat is not to everyone's liking. Its story and world design are really really good. GOG gained a truckload of goodwill from me with this release. You play as Geralt of Rivia, swordfighter and monster hunter extraordinaire who is in search of his adopted daughter Ciri.
Prey (2017)
This is a game whose first act is amazing and then never really lives up to that high. It's a good game, one that hasn't recieved the praise and response it deserves due to circumstances I can only speculate. You are Morgan Yu and you don't know anything (don't worry, this is explained really nicely) and you need to figure out what is happening.
Hand of Fate (2015)
A unique premise. You play a game of cards against a mysterious figure and you try to win. It's simple right? It's a tarot-card-action-game with roguelite elements. There, lots of buzzwords. It's not perfect, but I've yet to try out the sequel. I'm hoping they improved on the lackluster combat.
Driver: San Francisco (2011)
Gameplay is king in this driving game. The plot introduces a unique twist relatively early on which turns the gameplay up to 11. You play as John Tanner a police officer in a coma and while you're fighting for your sanity you get to drive on the streets of San Francisco with a few superpowers like melding into another car's driver. Any car. This is a beautiful melding of story and gameplay.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
I heard tales, no pun intended, of this game, and how it's controls are what separate it from other adventure/puzzle games. I picked this up in a steam sale and was delighted with it. The story is a sad tale that manages to tug on any heart strings. You play as two sons Naiee and Naia who must seek out a cure for their father. You control both sons at the same time, something which did pose some difficulty for me since I'm not used to using a controller. This only made the few more challenging sequences that much more intense.
Spec Ops: The line (2012)
The narrative in this game is unbelievable. You play as Captain Martin Walker and together with your squad mates Adams and Lugo are in a recon mission in sandstorm ravaged Dubai. Play this without spoilers. The gameplay is mediocre, but the story is fantastic!
L.A. Noire (2011)
It's not "police GTA". It's not. It really isn't. L.A. Noire is a detective story. It's a interactive movie interspersed with gameplay. Light gameplay, nothing dificult, nothing even remotely challenging. But the story, the plot, the characters all appear to be ripped straight off of a noir film.
Life is Strange (2015)
Let's get something out of the way now. The lip sync is horrible. In Life is Strange you play the role of Max Caulfield, a photography student. You quickly discover that you can rewind time. And that's all I'm going to say, that and that the plot kind of breaks down towards the end.
Hitman (2016)
One of the best reboots I've played. This is a great Hitman game. It's cooky and weird, but at the same time, it retains that special gameplay sauce that makes Hitman games a real treat. Every level is a carefully designed set of triggers and actions. A perfectly peaceful sandbox that the player can disturb.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017)
Hellblade is important not just because of the game itself, but also as an example of what AA games can be. You play as Senua, a female warrior who tries to rescue the soul of her lover. Senua unfortunately suffers from psychosis and her voices "guide" her through the world. The psychological aspect of the game is the thing that interested me the most.
Disco Elysium (2019)
This is probably the best storytelling RPG since Planescape and it's about time. I enjoyed dying from the most random things and having a more detailed conversation with myself than with most characters. I don't want to spoil anything about this game. If you enjoy dialog heavy games then you'll have the time of your life digging into the world of Disco Elysium.