11: Tales of Vesperia.

For a quite time Square gave us trailers and early trailer for a project codenamed Octopath Traveler, without a decision on the final name. And each time it looked sweeter and sweeter. Finally they decided to take the codename as final name and released a great turn based RPG, with many things taken from the experiences in the past and what worked so great in these games, but also with lessons learned and modernized things. This both for the gameplay mechanics and the graphic.

I think the most discussion was about the artstyle and graphics of these games. Detractors said it is old graphics. But don't be fooled: Although pixel-art is used as texture, it still is a modern 3D-engine with a lot of effects in lighting, particles, water, god-rays and many other stuff, that was simply impossible on past hardware and software. And the designers at Square combined it into something so unique, so awesome, the art-style alone makes Octopath Traveler an unforgettable game.

But that isn't it alone. The fighting system is very advanced too. With the break system and weaknesses it makes fights pretty tactical and you have to make good use of it for many bosses in the game. The game also incorporated modified elements of the Bravely Default series, with the ability to boost your attack if you had saved up the points for multiple rounds. Combined you could use it to hit foes hard after you had broken their defenses, before they could regain their stance.

Outside of battle you had many interactions with the big amount of NPCs, including character specific actions. As the name suggests you have eight different main characters with different stories that progress, as they travel together through Orsterra. And it would be an error not to mention the soundtrack, this soundtrack is awesome and I often listen to it while working.

This game is a unique and awesome experience and I am sure it will be remembered as one of the defining games of the Switch. I would really like to see remakes of the early Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games in this style. In Japan they already did DQ 3 in this style, but for Final Fantasy we get the pixel remaster instead. Anyways, I think everyone with a Switch and a love for RPGs should give this game a try. This game is also released on PC and Stadia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmi8KrntszI

#13 still needs to be guessed:

#14: Guessed by UnderwaterFunktown: Baldur's Gate

#13: Guessed by drbunnig: Another Code R - A Journey into Lost Memories
This time the boy you meet and help is alive.
You meet your dad you learned in the last game is still alive, but he keeps to his research.
May be one of the best looking Wii games.
Although the game was already localized to english for the european release and the predecessor sold decently, Reggie hated the game and so it never released in the US.
Sadly the developer got bankrupt after this.

#12: Guessed by Darashiva: Demon's Souls

#11: (it is not: Windwaker)
I have no time for small fry!
With this, the future is ours for the taking!

#10: (it is not: Mario Teaches Typing)
This is a game set in one of the biggest IPs in the world, but it is a bit unusual.
This IP started as movies, but encompasses now basically everything in entertainment.

#9: Guessed by Darashiva: Okami

_{ranking in the guessing game, list so far}

Is Cing the developer? I'm guessing it's Another Code, but I wouldn't know the subtitle without googling it.

Spot on!

Correct, it's Cing and Another Code R, the Wii game. The Kyle Hyde games never came to Wii.

#13

(=)

This is for the original and deluxe just FYI, but what an amazing game. Easily the best Mario Kart game and probably the easiest party game to set up. An absolute blast no matter the occasion, and the new booster packs are elevating this game even more. Not much I can say that hasn't already but completely deserving of this spot.

So I was joking earlier obviously, but lets do a more serious guess.

With the second hint added I'm thinking this is a Star Wars game maybe. But which one is 'unusual'...

Maybe LEGO Star Wars?

#34: Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy is a joyous affair. It ignores pretty much every rule about space travel but who cares when you're hopping between small planets, collecting star bits, transforming into a bee, skating on water. The game's concept meant Nintendo could go all out in creating wildly different worlds and the result is impressive! Some of my favorites include the Loopdeeloop Galaxy where you ride a manta ray on a suspended water race track, the Freezeflame Galaxy where you play ice and fire at the same time or the Toy Time Galaxy where you're running around a huge toy room.

No, but you are on the right street. Let's add the hint I wanted to add next:

This game is unusual for the IP in that it is not a space flight sim, nor does it have swordplay.