ICO is the most emotionally invested I've ever been in a game. It completely overwhelmed me. I bought ICO when it was released, yet I can still recall exactly how I felt at certain moments. Leaning against Yorda to save the game (still the best save ever), scaling the cliffs with nothing but the sound of the wind, the heartbreak of watching Yorda push that boat. The bridge scene, especially, made my jaw drop. I remember clearly sitting there, numb, as she tried her best to hold on. At that moment, I was no longer playing to "win" a game, I was playing because I desperately wanted to save this tragic girl. It was personal, as crazy as that sounds.
Brilliant, brilliant game. I honestly don't think it's yet been surpassed in gaming as an experience.
Valkyria Chronicles. I won't lie, that game gutted me. I cried. I didn't touch it for like two days but it stayed on my mind anyway. One of the best games of this generation, though it still makes me sad to think about. I honestly don't know if I can replay it.
Suikoden III. The end just got to me. My favorite character in the game, damn it. It was just so tragic and felt so unnecessary. I wanted so badly to change things.
Final Fantasy VI. I admit that I had a crush on Celes. The Opera House segment was one of the most brilliant in gaming. Amazing how fantastic writing can make even sprites seem human. So many incredible moments in that game.
