#13

Fire Emblem 

I have played the same maps in this strategy rpg an unhealthy amount of time. I just want to do it a little better, a little faster, a little cheaper. I like the series, but this and the Japan only story sequel that released before it, is the peak of the series by a long shot for me.

This takes the recommendation spot over its brother based on accessibility.

#12

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Fantastic game. The music, the levels, the display of playfulness and game craftsmanship on display here make it stand out. The first Mario Galaxy game have an emotional component largely missing in the second game. But the second game has Yoshi. So I guess the race to new planetoids is won by Galaxy 2.

If you are into joyful video game sessions, this game - the best 3D plattformer, is my choice for you.

#11

Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!

There is something about this old timer of a game. It is old, the oldest on my list, but it still plays perfectly. It is a sort of reaction pattern recognition game hiding under a boxing label. Places this highly on this year's list because I think it deserves to be played by more people.

Recommended for anyone who does not mind pixels and outdated stereotypes. 

Last 5!

#5 - The hero of this game (and its remake) looks to play an important part in the next franchise installment in February
#4 - You might describe this game as Kefkaesque
#3 - Microsoft is remaking this game, minus the multiplayer, which sort of makes sense since the competitive multiplayer scene didn't explode until its sequel
#2 - The remaster of this seminal "immersive sim" game was planned for February 2026, but it has been delayed to an unspecified date
#1 - This game essentially quadrupled the sales potential of its series, by going back to its roots and taking inspiration from successful open world games

#10

The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess

When it comes down to the Zelda games we are starting to get two camps. The ones who still want games to follow the Ocarina of time/a Link to the Past formula and people loving the modern open world take of the series. I stand firmly in the former squad. And to me Twilight Princess is the peak of that formula. It is the most Zelda game out of the Zelda games. My favourite gaming series for two decades.

Recommended. Period.

#9

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney

I love the Ace Attorney series. Few games are as good at providing entertaining stories and characters while at the same time making you feel smart. The music and sound effects are second to none in the visual novel genre.

I want to recommend this to any person who does not mind reading, even if you are not a fan of the genre, you might become one. It is just so iconic.

Delayed response, but... correct-a-mundo on all five.

In Sunshine, Mario was accused of painting graffiti all over Isle Delfino, and had to use FLUDD to clean it up.

#8

Starcraft

If cool was a video game. RTS peaked a bit early. I get goose bumps just from moving around in the game menu. There is a few quality of life improvements in newer real time strategy games but not a single on beats Starcraft when it comes to leaving an impression. So glad that they did not screw up the remaster, making it possible to enjoy this game with a more modern paint.

If you like RTS at all you have probably already played this game, but if you have not for some reason, do.

#7

The Last of Us

Saving girls is a trope that is as old as Mario. It is princesses, girlfriends, daughters of presidents and in this case the substitute of the best you had in a long lost world. This story is my favourite take on the zombie genre. Hopes that live and hopes that dies. I sometimes get the feeling that Naughty Dog recognise that they will never top this game and instead remasters and remakes it.

Recommended for anyone not afraid of monsters or empathy. Both will test you.

5 I think is Resi 2?

3 I'm guessing might be the first Halo?

1 I'd say Breath of the Wild?