1. RPG Maker games (Witch's House, Ib, To The Moon)
I'm cheating a bit here to pad out the images so that they align properly. If I had to pick just one of these, I'd say To The Moon. But I like the creativeness (despite the chuuni stories) of Ib and Witch's House - it feels wrong to at least not mention them. I have a tendency to like RPG Maker-esque games, because it was a tool I used a lot growing up, so it still feels special seeing a creative game made using that system (or something like it). One day, I'd love to make something similar to one of these games (including the chuuni, that's a necessary element)!
2. Yume Nikki
Yeah it's also RPG Maker, but Yume Nikki is so unique that I'd feel bad lumping it in with the rest. I spent many hours adventuring around in that world. It's very memorable to me for a number of reasons, but hard to recommend because you need to be in the right headspace to enjoy it. I first experience the game when I was going through some big changes in my life, and so that sense of feeling lost in the world translated very nicely to this game. I think if it hits you at the right time, it leaves quite the impression. I still sometimes listen to remixes of the save theme, because it's a very pretty melody.
3. Mischief Makers
Treasure is an interesting company, because sometimes they'll come up with a fun mechanic, and then take it to the absolute limit. I think Mischief Makers is a great example of this. The mechanic is simple; you can grab, throw, and shake things. But what kind of things they do with that is amazing, and a lot of fun. What's more is they do it with fun characters, and make it feel a bit like a saturday morning anime. One day, I wish we'll get an official sequel - Marina totally deserves another outing.
4. Klonoa
Both 1 (PSX) and 2 (PS2) are great games, but they have totally different vibes to them. If I had to say which I liked more, probably 1. But these games are a lot of fun, and I think Klonoa and the world here have great potential past even what these two games demonstrated. If you like platformers, I recommend checking these out! The games are simple, but very memorable, the mechanics are enjoyable, and the OST has some great tracks.
5. Panel de Pon / Tetris Attack
I kind of consider this the ultimate puzzle game, regardless of it's specific coat of paint. I grew up playing Tetris Attack (the Yoshi themed version), but it doesn't really matter which you play the mechanics are amazing here. If you like puzzle games and somehow haven't given this a try, check it out! Though, I feel like everyone has probably played this game to death. Runner up goes to Touhou Spell Bubble, which is a rhythm game variant of Puzzle Bobble, themed with Touhou characters and music, a great game in its own regards.
6. 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim
If you like sci-fi and crazy stories, this is for you. I had a hard time putting this game down when I finally started playing it. It's only a bit harmed by its bad action segments. Even those aren't the worst thing in the world, they're just way too easy even on the highest difficulty. The story here is where it's at though. Try to go into it knowing very little though, it's worth the trip.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles
I have a love-hate relationship with this series. I love it while I'm playing it (except X, that's the only one I just fully didn't like), but they always feel like they have a few fatal flaws that stop me from saying they're absolutely amazing. Still, I can't quite think of anything that I'd rather say for a modern JRPG, and I occasionally find myself missing the series or certain characters. I enjoy it a lot despite the flaws I find with it.
8. Momodora Series
It's a very mechanically pleasing game with great character designs, and excellent polish. The only one I haven't played is the latest (just haven't had time), but I've liked every entry in the series thus far, and it's been a common staple when I think of games that I love. Someday, I'll play the latest entry!
9. Ragnarok Online
This game set the standard for MMOs for me growing up. And to me, nothing has even come close to dethroning it. The beautiful 2D/3D art style still holds up to this day, the music is probably best in genre, and I loved how the skills and job system worked. Nowadays, I find I don't have much time for MMOs, and I'm sure there's much better ones out there. But this took up such a large portion of my life growing up.
10. Umamusume
You knew this'd be on here. Look, I have no idea why I like this stupid horse game. I am not into idols, I don't like horse racing, gacha is dumb, and I can't stand sports anime. But apparently if you put all those things together I can't seem to get enough of it. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a game this much, and I find that I'm still revising how I tackle training and what I'm preferring for different runners 4 months into the game - just let me have this, okay?
Also they're all so cute, goddamn.
