Entering the top 5 now, these are games that I love in just about every way. I wouldn't change a thing about them, beyond giving them more content so they never had to end. Every game here is absolutely perfect, there is nothing separating them beyond my personal preference as to characters etc.
| #5: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (S) |
| Released on 3DS/PS4 by Square Enix in 2017, improved S version released on Switch this year. Up 10 spots from last year. |
DQXI is a masterpiece of game design, and S is the best example in all of gaming of how to do extra content right. With an incredible, lengthy story full of a fantastic cast of characters that are all given plenty of opportunities to show of their personality and grow across the story, DQXI is perfection. Its world is vibrant and alive, gameplay deep and engaging, customisation options varied and fun, there are no negatives here.
Then from there, DQXI S did what all revised versions of games should - it polished the game and added a huge amount of additional content. The game is easily the most beautiful on the Switch, and is worthy of everybody's time, regardless of whether you like RPGs or not. I finished every quest and collected every collectable in the game, something I've never done in RPG this size before. I just didn't want it to end. DQXI is a game that I will come back to again and again, it's comfortable, fun and welcoming. It is a beautiful game that everyone needs to try. I put it in this position after playing roughly halfway through the Switch version (played 3DS at launch) - next year it is going to be higher up.
| #4: Pikmin 2 |
| Released by Nintendo for the Gamecube in 2005, superior Wii version was released in 2008. Down one spot from last year. |
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Pikmin 2 is perhaps the most unique game I've ever played, and certainly one of the most charming and intriguing. It's world was an achievement for the time, and remains stunning today. Exploring an abandoned Earth, documenting the creatures there and collecting 'treasures' (the remnants of long-lost human civilization) is enthralling. For a game with so little dialogue, Olimar's letters from home provide a fascinating window into his life and struggles that make me empathise with Olimar more than I have any right to. Louie's culinary depictions of the world's monsters add a ridiculous amount of charm to the bestiary too.
Pure gameplay wise, Pikmin 2 is incredible as well. The frantic resource management is toned down from 1, but still present, and the anxiety as you rush to complete a goal before sundown is as heightened as ever.
More than anything else, Pikmin 2 (and the series in general) absolutely nail atmosphere. There's no other game that draws me in anywhere near as much as Pikmin does, that makes me feel like I'm there and my decisions matter. It is fantastic.
| #3: Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride |
| Released by Enix for the SNES in 1992. Down one spot from last year. |
Dragon Quest V is the pinnacle of traditional JRPGs. Not only does it have the best-paced narrative in all of gaming, but one of the most engaging tales of growth too. As you follow the hero from childhood quests with his father and childhood friends (Bianca and Saber), you see the world change and grow around you, then right at the end it hits you with the best twist I've ever seen in games.
Gameplay wise, it expanded the party out to 4 characters, pioneered the monster capturing mechanic (inspiring Pokemon in the process), created an incredible expansive world, and featured an incredible soundtrack to boot.
DQV is JRPG perfection, it is one of the best games ever made.
