I have a few that I don't think nostalgia covers. That's because these games were special from the start.
Final Fantasy VI - I had effectively quit gaming when I found a used copy while with a friend. I remember that I enjoyed FF1 years before so I bought it on a whim. It was a revelation. It was what I had wanted all along from gaming without knowing it. It didn't get me totally back into gaming (because I couldn't find anything else like it) but it did make me pay attention to where gaming was going and set the stage for me buying a PS1.
Suikoden - Again, I bought this on a whim for like $5 used at a video store. I'd never heard of it before. However, I can still clearly remember the moment when I first started it up. It another, "THIS WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR," kind of thing.
Final Fantasy Tactics - My gaming Spirit Animal. I leveled up perfect saves like three or four times. If gameplay was ever designed just for me, it would be this.
ICO - This was a big one. I remember how I felt during the bridge scene like it was yesterday. I just sat there in shock. Same thing with the ending. That game grabbed me like no other game ever had before. It made me realize that gaming had an insane amount of potential beyond the norm. It was also the first game to wrap me up so tightly that I felt true and honest anger toward the antagonist.
Valkyria Chronicles - Let's just say that it hit me hard. I cried. Not only did I stop playing for several days, I didn't even want to look at my PS3. I hid the game case so I wouldn't see it. I kind of hate that I love the game so much because I can still taste the bitterness.
