My Gaming Journey: Top Games I Could Replay Over and Over (Part 1)
I’ve had a computer since I was a kid, so computer games were a big part of my life. But I wouldn’t call myself a gamer like most people. Nowadays, I enjoy playing a variety of games across different genres, but there are some games I’m always ready to dive into again and again. From childhood to the end of college, I played games in between other activities, always looking for stories that intrigued me. After all, we all go through different moods, and our gaming choices often align with how we feel at any given time.
The games I’m about to share may differ in storylines, but they share similarities in graphics and interface, which kept me coming back for more. If you’re interested, I could also write a separate piece about the incredible music in these games.
Enjoy reading!
1.IB, Satsuriku no Tenshi, Forest of Drizzling Rain
I’ve decided to list only my absolute favorite games in this category, as there are so many out there, and I can’t get to all of them. Some of these might seem like games for children, but I don’t see them that way at all. While they may not have the typical jump scares you’d expect from horror games, they still bring a chilling atmosphere with unique characters and deep, engaging stories. The graphics are also pretty distinctive and unlike what you might be used to, adding to the overall experience.
One game that fits perfectly into this category is Ib. It’s a psychological horror game that pulls you into a surreal world filled with puzzles and dark twists. The atmosphere is eerie, but it’s more about psychological tension than outright scares, which makes it stand out. The story, the art style, and the characters make it memorable. It’s one of those games you can return to, feeling something new every time.
Would you like to hear more about how these games explore horror in their own unique way? Let me know!
Ib
Ib is a 2012 psychological horror game, free-to-play, created by developer kouri for Microsoft Windows. Players take on the role of the titular character, Ib, who is trapped inside an eerie, otherworldly art museum known as The Fabricated World. As she navigates through this strange place, she encounters two other characters, Harry and Mary, and together, they strive to escape the twisted gallery and return to the real world.
Developed by kouri as their debut game using RPG Maker 2000, Ib features hand-drawn art and sprites, giving it a distinctive two-dimensional visual style. The game’s unsettling atmosphere is amplified by the clever use of art and surreal imagery, making each encounter feel more like a living nightmare.
Ib was both a critical and commercial success following its release, with over 2 million downloads in Japan and the United States by 2014. It was lauded for its unique blend of gameplay, narrative, and character development. The game stands as one of the influential titles that helped popularize the RPG Maker engine for creating games that don’t necessarily follow traditional RPG elements.
What drew me to this game at the time was its fascinating and eerie storyline. I first discovered it as a student, and yes, I was still an anime fan, which made the game even more appealing due to its artistic style. Back then, it wasn’t always easy to download games from other countries, so Ib felt like a rare gem. The concept of a young girl, around 10 years old, hiding from grotesque, bloodied mannequins inside a museum was both chilling and compelling.
The eerie idea that the paintings we see in galleries could harbor dark, mystical secrets was a brilliant touch. Moreover, the game offers multiple endings, all influenced by the player’s choices, making it a deeply immersive experience that encourages replaying to explore all the possibilities. Ib truly stood out for me, and it’s a game that continues to be memorable to this day.
Satsuriku no Tenshi
Satsuriku no Tenshi (殺戮の天使), also known as Angels of Death, is a psychological horror game developed by Japanese indie creator Makoto Sanada under the alias Hoshikuzu KRNKRN (星屑 KRNKRN). Originally released for Microsoft Windows in 2015 through Den-fami Nico Game Magazine, the game was later adapted for Nintendo Switch in 2018. The game was created using RPG Maker VX, and it offers a gripping experience filled with suspense, horror, and emotional depth.
The game takes place in a mysterious, abandoned building, each floor of which is inhabited by a psychotic “Angel,” a deranged killer whose goal is to hunt down their victim. The protagonists of the story are Rachel Gardner, a thirteen-year-old girl, and Zach, a twenty-year-old man with a dark past. Their fates are intertwined as they traverse the horrifying levels of the building, trying to survive and escape.
Each floor of the building is its own deadly “play area,” where the “Angel” is tasked with capturing and killing their victim. For the victim, the objective is simple: escape and survive. But survival is never easy when the floor’s guardian is a bloodthirsty, homicidal maniac.
What makes Satsuriku no Tenshi particularly compelling is its unique cast of characters. Each “Angel” and victim brings their own personality and backstory to the table, making the game feel both varied and personal. The psychological depth of the characters and the tension-filled atmosphere will keep players on edge, trying to piece together their fates.
Though the game offers a single ending, it’s one that leaves a lasting impression. The story is intense and emotional, providing just enough details to keep players invested in the characters and their journeys. However, to fully understand the complex characters and the underlying story, I highly recommend diving into the manga or anime adaptation after finishing the game. The game touches on many elements of the characters’ personalities, but the manga and anime versions delve deeper into their pasts and motives, offering a richer experience for fans of the series.
Forest of Drizzling Rain
If you’re a fan of ghost stories, this game is definitely for you. The entire narrative is steeped in eerie, supernatural elements that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The story centers around a girl named Shiori, who has faced an incredibly difficult trial in her life. After losing her parents in a tragic car accident, Shiori is left broken and overwhelmed by grief. Struggling to cope with her loneliness, the long summer vacation only deepens her sorrow and gives her plenty of time for unhappy thoughts.
In an attempt to find some solace and answers, Shiori stumbles upon a photo in the family album that sparks a new hope. It leads her to believe that there might be other relatives out there, or at least some information about her parents that could help her make sense of her loss. This quest takes her to a remote village called Azakawa, where the secrets of her family and their mysterious past await.
As Shiori arrives in Azakawa, she begins to uncover strange and unsettling truths about the village and its inhabitants. Why did Shiori’s parents suddenly sever ties with the village? What are the villagers hiding? And what is the dark connection between Shiori’s family and the eerie happenings in this forgotten place?
Throughout the game, the choices you make will directly impact the outcome of the story. The narrative offers multiple endings, which are determined by your actions, decisions, and interactions with the people and events in the game. Each choice you make could bring you closer to the truth—or lead you further into the supernatural mystery that envelops Azakawa.
2. Sally Face
Sally Face is an indie-adventure game developed by Steve Gabri (aka Portable Moose), known for its unique blend of mystery, horror, and character-driven storytelling. The game follows Sal Fisher (aka Sally Face), a 15-year-old boy with a prosthetic face, as he investigates local murders alongside his friends. Released in five episodes between 2016 and 2019, Sally Face gained a strong following for its dark atmosphere, compelling narrative, and quirky characters. It was later released on the Nintendo Switch in 2021.
What drew me to Sally Face was its captivating storyline and the intriguing characters. Demons, cults, dangerous enemies lurking around every corner—yet, it’s unclear who can be trusted. Your choices and actions play a key role in uncovering the truth and solving puzzles. The game features a cast of unique characters, each with their own backstory, motivations, and personality. As you progress through the episodes, you’ll uncover their pasts and see how their lives intertwine with the larger mystery.
I’ll focus on just the first episode for now, but I don’t want to spoil everything—it’s much more fun to experience it yourself. The art, music, and narrative are all captivating, and the puzzles range from simple to challenging, keeping you engaged. If you enjoy dark mystery games with a unique art style and unforgettable characters, Sally Face is definitely worth playing.
Episode 1: Strange Neighbors
In the first episode, we meet Sal Fisher, who moves into the Addison Apartments with his father after a recent move to the town of Knockfell. Sal has a prosthetic face, which makes him an outcast, and he’s still coping with the trauma from his past. The day before their arrival, a resident of the building, Mrs. Sanderson, is found murdered. As Sal begins to explore the apartment complex, he meets some of the other residents, including Larry Johnson, a teenager who claims to have witnessed the murder.
Sal and Larry team up to investigate the crime, and through their detective work, they discover that Charlie Mansfield, one of the other tenants, is the murderer. With evidence in hand, they take their findings to the police, and Charlie is eventually arrested for the crime. But this is just the beginning of Sal’s journey. As the game progresses, more dark secrets about the building, its residents, and Sal’s own past are revealed, pulling you deeper into the mystery.
3.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
I’m sure most of you are familiar with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but I wanted to share a little bit about it because I recently picked it up again after abandoning it for a while. It’s one of those games that draws you back in, and there’s always something new to discover each time you play.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action/RPG developed by the Polish studio CD Projekt RED. It was released on May 19, 2015, for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch version following on October 15, 2019. This game serves as the narrative sequel to The Witcher (2007) and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and is set in the universe of the Witcher book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. It’s the final chapter in the story of Geralt of Rivia, the titular Witcher, who is faced with a dangerous mission to save his adopted daughter, Ciri, from the mysterious Wild Hunt—a terrifying and otherworldly force.
The world of The Witcher 3 is steeped in dark fantasy, drawing heavily from Slavic mythology, with the story unfolding across a vast, open world. Unlike the previous titles, which were more linear, The Witcher 3 introduces an expansive environment that offers players endless exploration. Throughout the game, Geralt must use his monster-hunting abilities, along with his detective skills, to unravel mysteries, take on various quests, and confront both human and supernatural threats. What makes it stand out is the depth of the main quest, supported by a rich array of secondary missions, leading to 36 different possible endings.
What truly captivates me about this game is its open world, the memorable characters, and especially Geralt’s witty and often sarcastic dialogues. His frequent exclamations, like “Zaraza” and “Cholera”, never fail to make me smile. The music in The Witcher 3 is phenomenal, and as a Russian player, I especially appreciate how well the songs have been adapted into Russian. It adds a whole new layer of immersion. While I’ve listened to the original soundtrack as well, hearing it in my native language always feels more personal.
The variety of monsters in the game is also impressive, each one beautifully designed and deeply rooted in local folklore. Some of these creatures have become personal favorites of mine, and I’ve even made a few figures of them as a tribute. The game’s lore, mixed with the slightly mysterious and magical side of the Witcher world, really pulls you in. I love the way the characters face challenges and the unbreakable bond of friendship between them. All these elements combined keep me coming back to the game, as it’s always a rewarding experience, no matter how many times I’ve played it.
If you haven’t played The Witcher 3 yet, I highly recommend you give it a try. Whether you’ll love it or not depends on your tastes, but it’s a game everyone should experience at least once.
4.Assassin’s Creed Origins
The Assassin’s Creed series offers a wide variety of settings and time periods, but why did I choose it as one of my favorites? As a fanatic of ancient Egypt since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to its mystique and rich history. With this series, I get to immerse myself in the world of ancient Egypt, feel like an explorer, and even step into the shoes of a defender of this magnificent civilization. Of course, there are also the epic battles that always make the game thrilling!
We all know how Assassin’s Creed games are structured — it’s a franchise built around stealth, parkour, and combat, but each game transports you to a different era, allowing you to experience history firsthand. While I’ve enjoyed several installments, Assassin’s Creed Origins stands out, especially because of its portrayal of Ancient Egypt. But I also appreciate the settings of Ancient Greece and Scandinavia, and I find myself playing through these games periodically.
Assassin’s Creed Origins is an action/RPG developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on October 27, 2017, for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, it is the tenth game in the Assassin’s Creed series. Set during the Hellenistic period of Egypt under the reign of Cleopatra, the game introduces players to Bayek, a Medjay tasked with protecting his people from various threats. The open world of Egypt is beautifully crafted, allowing players to explore freely on foot, horseback, camel, or even by boat. This vast world is filled with life, from bustling markets to ancient tombs and temples, all waiting to be discovered.
The story of Assassin’s Creed Origins unfolds in two timelines: the past, where Bayek and his wife Aya of Alexandria play pivotal roles in Cleopatra’s struggle for the throne against her brother Ptolemy XIII, and the present, where players control Layla Hassan, an Egyptian explorer working to uncover Bayek’s memories. As she delves deeper into the Medjay’s life, Layla helps Cleopatra in the civil war and lays the foundations for the Assassins Brotherhood, setting the stage for future events in the series.
The game’s narrative also ties into the larger Assassin’s Creed universe, featuring elements of the Templar Order and their quest to obtain the Shroud of Eden, which they use to try and recreate the Forerunner. The tension between the Assassins and the Templars is central to the plot, and players will experience key moments in history while unraveling the secrets of the ancient world.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed Origins offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and action, all set in one of the most fascinating periods of time. The stunning landscapes, immersive world-building, and deep narrative have made it one of my favorite games in the series, and I always find myself coming back to it.
5. Spore
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Spore is one of those games you absolutely must try, even though it might be considered a bit old now. It’s unique in a way that no other game quite matches — it gives you the feeling of being a god, guiding life itself!
Spore is a God Simulator developed by Maxis and directed by the legendary Will Wright, the mind behind The Sims. Published by Electronic Arts, it was released for Windows and macOS. The game is a grand evolutionary simulation, where you start as a single-celled organism and guide it through the stages of evolution, all the way to building an interstellar empire. What makes it so captivating is its incredible scale: you’ll go from shaping a single planet’s ecosystem to overseeing an entire galaxy.
The gameplay evolves with each stage, changing genre styles as you progress. You begin with basic gameplay, controlling the early stages of your species’ development, but by the end of the game, you’re strategizing at the level of real-time strategy games. Whether you’re evolving creatures, managing civilizations, or exploring space, the game adapts to what you’re doing, keeping the experience fresh.
One of Spore’s most unique features is the use of procedural generation. This technology allows the game to create a nearly endless variety of creatures and worlds, all unique and custom-made for your playthrough. The creatures you create can be uploaded to the Spore community, where other players might encounter them in their own games. It’s an amazing feature, as it creates a truly interconnected universe of user-generated content. Imagine the vast, infinite possibilities when everyone’s creations contribute to the world!
The game is divided into several stages, each with its own unique challenges. In the beginning, you start with a single-celled organism, navigating through the early stages of evolution. As you progress, your creature will evolve, changing physically and gaining new abilities. The more you interact with the world — whether you’re playing as a herbivore or a carnivore — the more the game adapts to your choices, which will carry over into the next stages. By the time you reach space exploration, the creature you’ve nurtured is no longer just a simple organism but a complex civilization.
The game offers a high degree of freedom. Early on, you’ll choose a planet (there are always six planets to choose from), and from there, you can guide your species through the stages of life. While you can start from scratch with the first stage, the game allows you to unlock new stages as you progress — and with the use of console commands, you can even skip ahead if you like.
Though Spore received praise for its creativity, expansive world-building, and the freedom it offers players to create anything they want, it did face some criticisms. Many felt the gameplay at certain stages was somewhat basic or repetitive, and the use of SecuROM protection technology was a contentious issue for some players. But despite these critiques, Spore remains a truly remarkable game that lets you experience the evolution of life on an unimaginable scale.