god i would say that this one's a tough one for me because there are just. so many games that i just absolutely adore for one reason or another. but whenever someone asks this question there are only two games that immediately come to mind: okami and dishonored.

okami is one of those games i initially played... i think in late middle school? early high school? i know was a bit late to the fandom but i'd say it's one of my favorite games specifically because i have such vivid sensory memories of playing it back in the day. of course the visuals hold up well to this day, the music is gorgeous, the brush mechanic is pretty darn unique. there's very little i could say negatively about the game honestly, but i'm pretty biased as well. but the one thing that sticks out for me is whenever i think about the game or play it today, i get transported back to my parents' basement. it's winter and the woodburning stove is blazing hot against my side with the scent of smoke in the air and one of the dogs is chewing on a stray piece of wood and my mom comes halfway down the steps to make fun of the characters' voices and oh geez look at me getting emotional at memories :')

with dishonored i just? find the whole world and the lore super interesting? and i just love the mechanics it provides you with. not to mention you can make it a stealth game or action game depending on your preference of play, and both are equally challenging in their own ways. it's good stuff, man.