Games that completely surprised you on how good they were...

[TK14]

Xenoblade Chronicles-Before this game, my RPG experience was VERY limited (Paper Mario, Pokemon), and my true JRPG experience was pretty much non-existent. I knew the game had hype and had heard of Operation Rainfall, and I saw trailers of the characters running....and running...and running some more. Anyway, I had a couple friends who were pumped about getting it, so I jumped on the bandwagon (needing something to play after Skyward Sword). I was blown away. Actually, I was pretty overwhelmed by it at first. The scale and size. I played it a couple hours every week or so. I wasn't in love with it but the music was great, the world was huge, beautiful, and fun to explore and the story had me wanting to see what would happen. Things continued like that for a few months. Then, around 40 hours into the game, everything just clicked. I found out I wasn't even halfway, and I immediately started playing it a lot more and with a lot more enthusiasm. Needless to say, after 120+ hours in my first play through, another 25 in a NG+, and now another 70+ hours and counting in an ongoing second full play through, the game exceeded any and all expectations. It's a masterpiece and I can comfortably say that it is my favorite game of all time. Xenoblade Chronicles X can't get here soon enough!

The Last Story-Bought it because Xenoblade Chronicles opened my eyes to JRPGs in a big way. I didn't expect much from it based on the little I'd seen, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it all the way through. I wish Mistwalker would bring a sequel or spiritual successor to Wii U.

Fire Emblem: Awakening-Wasn't on my radar at all when it was first announced. Played the demo though and was blown away. I immediately pre-ordered and the rest is history. 125+ hours between 2 play-throughs. The game is now my 3rd favorite game of all time.