Tag: Gaming

A bit of a different post today! I thought I’d go back to where my interest in computers really started—playing games. So what better way to kick things off than by sharing my Top 10 games of all time? These are the ones I’d recommend to anyone, and the ones that mean the most to me—all of them have been my number one at some point in my life.

My gaming journey has mostly been on Xbox, ever since I got my first proper console—the original Xbox—and I’ve had every generation since. I only branched out to PC because I wanted to experience RuneScape in higher quality (and trust me, it was worth it). That jump to PC ended up being a gateway to so many new games I never thought I’d get into.

Everyone’s got those games they just can’t forget, and these are mine. These are the titles I keep coming back to, packed with stories, memories, and more late nights than I can count. Let’s dive in!

10 – Rise of the Tomb Raider

Out of all the games I’ve played, Rise of the Tomb Raider easily claims a spot in my top ten—and it’s not just because of the epic action and gorgeous graphics (though, trust me, those help). 

I picked it up on PC in on its release in 2016 and was instantly blown away by the incredible graphics and immersive environments. Exploring the snow-covered wilds and ancient ruins felt like an adventure I didn’t want to end, and I often caught myself pausing just to admire the scenery. 

What really hooked me, though, was Lara’s growth as a character. The story picks up right after the 2013 reboot, and seeing Lara become stronger and more complex kept me fully engaged. I also loved how the revamped skill trees let me shape her abilities to match my playstyle, making every upgrade feel personal. 

Ultimately, it’s the combination of beautiful design, exciting customization, and Lara’s evolving journey that makes Rise of the Tomb Raider unforgettable for me. It’s the kind of game I’d recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure. 

9 – Tomb Raider (2013)

Sometimes a game totally defies your expectations—in the best possible way. That’s exactly what happened to me with the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot. 

When it launched, I don’t think anyone—myself included—was prepared for just how good it would be. This reboot reimagined Lara Croft as a much younger and more vulnerable adventurer, focusing on her first, harrowing steps toward becoming the icon we know today. The game took a darker, grittier approach to her origin story, and it was a breath of fresh air for the series. 

What really made it stand out for me were the updated combat mechanics, absolutely gorgeous graphics, and immersive world. The story is intense from the very beginning—I still remember jumping out of my seat trying to escape those terrifying tunnels after Lara’s disastrous fall. It was genuinely exhilarating. 

This is one of those games I’ve played over and over—I even lost track of my replays. My brother got so into it he tried to 100% complete everything. For me, the 2013 Tomb Raider isn’t just a reboot; it’s a must-play adventure that left a real mark, and one I’m always happy to revisit. 

8. Ark: Survival Evolved

I was embarrassingly late to the ARK: Survival Evolved party—not diving in until 2021—but I wish I’d tried it way sooner. 

For years, friends kept recommending ARK, but always as a PvP experience—and honestly, PvP never interested me. It was only when my partner and I finished A Way Out and began hunting for our next couch co-op adventure that I finally gave in, spotting ARK on sale in the PS4 store. In a time when local co-op feels like a dying art, ARK reminded me exactly why it needs to come back. 

Set in a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs, survival challenges, and endless possibilities, ARK quickly turned into our digital playground. We had a blast exploring new areas and taming all sorts of wild creatures, even creating our own personal zoo and breeding baby dinosaurs. On PS4, the only real downside was being tethered to within about 300 meters of each other, which made exploring as a team a bit tough. Eventually, we couldn’t resist upgrading to an Xbox Series X, where that limitation disappeared and the graphics blew us away. Suddenly, we could roam independently—and that freedom made the game even better. 

I’ve now logged over 400 hours exploring every corner of ARK’s various maps, and it’s a game my partner and I keep coming back to. If you’re looking for a survival adventure that rewards teamwork and curiosity—or just want to make your own dino zoo—ARK is absolutely worth your time. 

7 – Star Wars: The Old Republic

Some games are truly worth the wait—Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is definitely one of those. 

I missed the game’s big 2011 launch, mostly because my old laptop couldn’t handle it, even though those unforgettable cinematic trailers completely sold me on the idea. It wasn’t until I built my first proper PC and started seeing ads for the Shadow of Revan expansion that SWTOR jumped back onto my radar. With Revan being one of my favorite characters from the Knights of the Old Republic era, I downloaded it immediately. 

What surprised me most was just how much choice the game offers: there are eight unique character classes (four for the Republic, four for the Empire), each with its own engaging story and playstyle. No matter how many times I returned, I could always pick a new class for a totally fresh experience. My first run as a Sith Inquisitor was so immersive—with awesome cutscenes, stellar voice acting, and a storyline that kept me hooked all the way through Shadow of Revan and beyond. 

Since then, SWTOR has only gotten bigger. The game now boasts multiple major expansions—Rise of the Hutt Cartel, Shadow of Revan, Knights of the Fallen Empire, Knights of the Eternal Throne, Onslaught, and Legacy of the Sith. Every expansion adds more content, stories, and ways to play, making it easy to lose yourself in the galaxy again and again. 

One of my favorite aspects is the community. I created and managed a guild with over 200 players. Together, we tackled grouped flashpoints, dominated weekly heroics, and ran regular events—or just chilled out on our guild flagship. The social side of SWTOR has brought me back time and again, especially when new content drops. 

All in all, SWTOR is one of those rare games I keep coming back to, year after year. While it might not be as popular as it once was, it still has a strong, loyal fanbase and continues to receive new content and expansions, keeping the galaxy alive for both new and returning players. For Star Wars fans or MMO enthusiasts, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s hands-down one of the best Star Wars games out there. 

6 – Fallout 4

Fallout 4 wasn’t even on my radar until my brother and I unwrapped our Xbox One at Christmas 2015—and there it was, bundled right alongside Halo 5. Being a die-hard Halo fan, I put Fallout aside for a while, not realizing I was about to be sucked into one of the most addictive games I’d ever played. 

Right from the dramatic intro, the game pulled me in: create your character, watch the world end, and suddenly you’re a parent searching for your son in the Wasteland. Bethesda’s classic combat system gave me endless ways to experiment, but what really got me hooked was the settlement building. I spent hours scavenging junk to build and defend massive forts, set up farms, and create little civilizations to keep the Wasteland running. 

The story was a blast, with plenty of factions to side with and new endings to find. And with all the wild mods out there, the game never really got old. My personal highlight? Finally assembling a full set of X-02 Power Armor, or finishing the game with the Brotherhood of Steel powerhouse, Iron Giant vibes (If you know, you know)  

Looking back, Fallout 4 completely surprised me—and ended up being one of my top gaming experiences, and each DLC brought something new and exciting, keeping me coming back for more. 

5 – Halo 4

Halo 4 was the first Halo entry from 343 Industries, but for me it became an instant favorite—and easily the game I’ve replayed the most by far. Picking up right after Halo 3, suddenly we’re waking up as Master Chief in the wreckage of Forward Unto Dawn, only to be whisked away into the mysterious shield world of Requiem and thrown headlong into a battle with the Forerunners. New weapons, new enemies, and a fresh direction for the story (less Covenant, way more Forerunner intrigue) made it feel like a whole new world for Halo. 

The campaign was a blast solo, but it really shined in co-op—I lost count of how many times my brother, my partner, and I ran through those missions together. I absolutely loved Forge mode too; nothing beat designing maps, setting up bases at opposite ends, and trying to outwit my brother in Capture the Flag showdowns. 

And honestly, this was the online FPS I put the most hours into. Tons of maps, wild game types, and an addicting armor unlock system meant most of my multiplayer glory days were spent right here, climbing ranks and, on rare occasions, actually carrying the team. Halo 4 will always be a highlight in my gaming history 

4 – Halo: Reach

Before the 343 Industries era and Halo 4, there was Halo: Reach—the final Halo from Bungie, and what a game to end on. As a direct prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved, Reach pulled me into the emotional chaos that led to the fall of humanity’s last major stronghold before Master Chief’s journey ever began. Instead of focusing on familiar faces, we joined Noble Team, a squad of Spartans with their own personalities, all fighting a losing battle against impossible odds. It was a bold move that really paid off. 

I loved the shift in tone—on Reach, there are no happy endings, and it made every mission feel meaningful. Co-op was a huge highlight here; my friends and I would lose hours running missions together, strategizing our way through impossible firefights. 

One of my absolute favorite additions was the Falcon, a new aircraft that offered a fresh way to zip around the battlefield. And I have to shout out Firefight mode, which cranked up the intensity with wave after wave of tougher enemies—surviving ‘just one more round’ often turned into a whole evening of mayhem. 

Forge mode was back and better than ever. I distinctly remember having friends over and spending hours building what we claimed was the “ultimate sky base” high above the map. We never really finished it, but man, it was awesome seeing our wild plans take shape. 

While a lot of fans call Halo 3 the series’ peak, for me, Halo Reach was something truly special—raw, creative, and unforgettable. 

3 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2

Ah, the infamous unfinished sequel—Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, easily one of my favorite RPGs and, if we’re being honest, the follow-up to the best Star Wars game ever made. After the phenomenal success of the first KOTOR, expectations were sky-high. This time, Obsidian took the reins and set us loose a few years after Revan’s story ended. 

Funny thing is, I didn’t even realize KOTOR had a sequel. I only stumbled onto it when I was hunting for a replacement copy of the original (which I was convinced I’d lost forever). Discovering that there was more KOTOR to play was a next-level revelation—I had to beg my dad to buy it for me. Once I had it in my hands, I tore into it like it was a lost holocron. 

Right from the start, you’re tossed into a galaxy that feels both familiar and brand new. Instead of playing as Revan, you’re the mysterious Jedi Exile, trying to piece your past together while navigating a war-torn galaxy where Jedi are being hunted to extinction. One of my favorite surprises? Running into old friends and former allies from the first game. Those moments felt like unexpected reunions—sometimes rewarding, sometimes awkward, always fun to see how each character had changed (or not) since the original adventure. But honestly, it’s the new characters, each with their unique quirks and backstories, who really steal the show. 

What set KOTOR II apart for me was how much deeper the game went with customization. Weapon and armor crafting got a serious upgrade—suddenly your skill choices actually mattered. If you wanted to build the best lightsaber or perfect your armor mods, you had to invest in the right abilities to make it happen. 

But hands down, the best feature was the companion influence system. Your choices shaped how your crew viewed you, unlocking new dialogue, side quests, and—here’s the kicker—potentially training companions to become Jedi or Sith. I still remember the shock and excitement when I accidentally unlocked a swath of new Force powers for a buddy on Nar Shaddaa. It completely changed how I thought about party management. 

The adventure took us to some unforgettable new planets, dove deep into Mandalorian lore, and introduced not one, but three new antagonists—each more mysterious and morally gray than the last. The writing was brilliant, with every companion and enemy feeling nuanced and real. 

Sure, KOTOR II had its flaws—rushed development meant a lot of planned content never made it into the final cut. Thankfully, the legendary Restored Content Mod salvaged much of what was lost, and I’d recommend it to anyone playing the game now. 

Even unfinished, KOTOR II easily improved on the original in some ways. It still amazes me to think of what we might have had if it was given the development time it deserved. As it stands, it’s a flawed masterpiece—and one I still find myself coming back to, just to see what new twists another playthrough might bring. 

2 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

No game on this list took me longer to beat—and none had a bigger impact on my passion for Star Wars—than Knights of the Old Republic. 

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is a legendary, story-driven RPG set thousands of years before the films. With its unique turn-based combat and your choice between the light or dark side, KOTOR hands you the fate of the galaxy and lets you shape your story one decision at a time. 

My journey with this game is a saga all its own. I don’t even remember buying KOTOR; it just showed up one day in a pile of old Xbox games, tucked away in our wooden chest of console games. My first encounter with the game was less than heroic: I got completely stuck in the tutorial on the Endar Spire, unable to figure out how to escape the bridge. I gave up in frustration and set it aside for what turned into years. 

The second time I played, things went a bit better—I finally made it off the ship and landed on Taris, only to get stuck again and lose motivation. Another long break followed. It wasn’t until my third attempt, with a bit more gaming experience under my belt (and perhaps some accidental luck), that I finally escaped my curse, found my way through those early obstacles, and actually started to experience what KOTOR had to offer. 

And wow, was it worth the wait. KOTOR’s unique turn-based combat let me play as I wanted—melee, blasters, Force powers—you name it. Its influence system literally changed your character’s appearance and story as you leaned into the darkness or held on to the light. And the plot twist? To this day, it’s the best twist I’ve ever experienced in any game. The narrative is outstanding, with multiple endings shaped by your choices and a galaxy full of planets to explore—some familiar, some totally new. Each companion on your journey has a compelling backstory, making every interaction meaningful. 

To this day, I’ve owned KOTOR on every platform it’s been released on—Xbox, PC, even mobile—and it’s the one game I replay almost every year. More than any other game, it’s responsible for turning me into a lifelong Star Wars fan. I honestly think I’d be a completely different person if I hadn’t finally stuck with it and finished it. 

1 – RuneScape

There’s one game I always come back to, no matter how hard I try to quit—RuneScape is my number one, and honestly, it’s more addicting than crack. 

If I added up all the time I’ve spent skilling, questing, and just hanging out in Gielinor, we’re easily talking over 5,000 hours. I wish I were kidding. With more than 14 years on my main account alone, RuneScape has been the ever-present backdrop to my gaming life, and I know deep down that nothing else comes close. 

RuneScape launched way back in 2001 as a simple browser game built in Java, originally called DeviousMUD. Since then, it’s evolved through eras—RuneScape Classic, RuneScape 2, RuneScape 3, and Old School RuneScape, and even mobile—each version keeping that core spark alive for new and returning players. No matter which version you play, you’re in for a world of adventure in the medieval fantasy realm of Gielinor. 

But it’s nostalgia that always brings me back to RuneScape’s top spot. Those “golden days” of RuneScape hold some of my fondest memories: the best online community I’ve ever seen, genuinely kind people, and friendships that escaped the screen and turned into real life adventures. I learned lessons in negotiation (flipping items at the Grand Exchange was my first taste of capitalism), gained random but useful real-world knowledge (impressed classmates with “fun facts” about bronze), and met lifelong friends—including at RuneFest and trips across the world. 

Graphics were never RuneScape’s selling point—in fact, the famously blocky and outdated areas are part of what makes the game so charming. It’s the lore, the community-driven events, and the way player choices once shaped the direction of the world that set it apart. My favorite memories range from getting my first membership, to that adrenaline rush of earning my first 99 skill, to the thrill of finally maxing my account. There’s always a new goal to chase, whether you’re a classic adventurer or diving into the challenging Ironman, Hardcore Ironman, or Group Ironman modes. 

RuneScape’s appeal is timeless, which is probably why the developers released Old School RuneScape in 2013, reviving a version frozen in the era so many of us loved. It turns out, sometimes nostalgia really is unbeatable—Old School now rivals, and often surpasses, the modern game in popularity. 

Though RuneScape isn’t quite what it was at its absolute peak, there’s still a ton of content and an amazing (if smaller) community. The connections I’ve made are real, and the fun I’ve had is unforgettable. RuneScape taught me, entertained me, and brought me friends for life. It’s more than a game; it’s a second home, and one I’ll always recommend. 

Looking Back: The Games That Made Me

From heart-pounding adventures and epic RPGs to community-driven worlds and nostalgic favorites, these ten games aren’t just milestones in my gaming journey—they’re snapshots of who I am and where I’ve been. Whether it’s surviving prehistoric lands, exploring ancient tombs, or forging lifelong friendships in virtual worlds, each title on this list has left its mark on me. I hope this countdown inspires you to revisit an old favorite or maybe find something new to try.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment with your own top 10 or any memories you’d like to share—I’d love to see which games made an impact on you, too. And if you want to see more posts like this, don’t forget to follow along. Happy gaming!