A game that transformed my perspective on gaming is...
A game that transformed my perspective on gaming is...
Warcraft 2 came first. Until that point, most games I played were text-based or RPGs, and I only played a bit. WC2 I played until it was over.
Counterstrike was likely the next big surprise. I tried other FPS games, but it was the first one that really caught my attention and kept me playing for long periods. The team-based gameplay stood out to me the most.
WoW was the biggest change for me. It elevated team-based gaming to a whole new level. The social experience was more important than the game itself.
Dwarf Fortress
- No one else could satisfy that deep-sim craving until now, except for some niche sims (signalbox sims, anyone?).
Artful metroidvania/platformers -
Aquaria,
Trine 1/2,
Ori:BF,
Ori:WotW
. This is from someone who struggled to enjoy most other platformers and metroidvanias.
Once enjoyed flight simming - FSX with closer-to-prototype addons and interactive features like VATSIM.
TES:IV
and
V, when properly modified - they were decent enough, but I haven't picked up any other ARPGs since.
It's true, I might not be the most enthusiastic about version 1.6, but I really got hooked on the Counter Strike series overall. Except for that one version, I just couldn't keep up.
Thief: The Dark Project
System Shock 2
Looking Glass really impressed me. The sequel to BioShock also performed well since many developers contributed. I really enjoy the Looking Glass team.
Dead by Daylight... This game pushed me out of League and protected my mind.
My top buy ever.
Privateer/Wing Commander – not my initial flight sim, yet the one with the most compelling narrative.
Command & Conquer / Warcraft II – the first RTS that truly immersed me in a story.
OpenRA – a free way to revisit Red Alert, though I still need to purchase the remaster they just released.
Diablo I/II – Diablo is a newer genre; D2 wrapped everything up effectively.