I’ve been playing games since 1994, starting with Alex Kidd in Miracle World on the Sega Master System. I was so terrified of those ghosts that I couldn’t even get past the first level. Fast-forward a few decades, and now I own all major consoles, even the most obscure ones, plus a Steam library of 1,462 games. Yet like many adults, my backlog is a towering beast I never seem to conquer — especially when I’m busy replaying The Witcher 3 or Xenogears for the millionth time.

Below are the games I finished in 2024, ranging from cozy replays to brand-new adventures. Each one took me back to why I fell in love with gaming: immersive worlds, memorable characters, and the thrill of discovery. If you’re wondering what to try next — whether it’s an old-school JRPG or a modern open-world epic — read on for some potential inspiration.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag (Replay): I last played this when it launched, and coming back felt almost like discovering it for the first time. The story follows Edward Kenway’s swashbuckling journey across the Caribbean, weaving pirate hijinks with Assassin lore. Gameplay highlights include seamless naval battles and an open-world brimming with islands to explore. Its biggest strength is the freedom to command your own ship while rocking an amazing soundtrack — one reason it remains my favorite Assassin’s Creed entry to date.
Dragon Age: Inquisition (Replay): I revisited this to prepare for Veilguard, making sure to do all the DLC and aim for a perfect save that spanned about 150 hours. The story lets you unite diverse factions to fight a massive demonic threat. Gameplay blends action RPG combat with a tactical pause (that nobody uses), and on max settings (plus mods), it can look even better than The Witcher 3. It’s grand in scale yet delivers meaningful character moments, which keeps me coming back.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard (First Time): I have a love-hate relationship with this game because the main plot is actually great, especially the lore around Solas. Unfortunately, companion writing felt outright cringe, and the game lacks the replay value that Inquisition had. It’s still worth it for the huge reveals and a glimpse of Thedas’s future, but the cringe factor drags it down to a 6 or 7 out of 10. If you can tolerate awkward companion banter, the main story payoff might be enough.
Final Fantasy 9 (Replay): I remembered this being much longer when I was younger. This time around, I not only tackled the main quest but also unlocked Excalibur II and pushed for 100% completion on a second playthrough. Storywise, it’s a charming classic, mixing lighthearted adventure with deeper themes of identity and mortality. The best characters are definitely Kuja and Beatrix. It’s a shame we never get to keep Beatrix. Oh right, mods.
Final Fantasy XVI (First Time): I went in with high hopes and left feeling mixed. The story is fantastic — mature, dramatic, and brimming with epic Eikon battles. The downsides? A repetitive combat loop and having to revisit areas for side quests that aren’t always engaging. Overall, it’s a 6 or 7 out of 10 for me, especially if you compare it to older Final Fantasy titles that felt more exploration-heavy.
Ghost of Tsushima (First Time): This game took me by surprise, first on PS5 and then on PC. You follow Jin Sakai in a vivid samurai setting, where side quests feel genuinely meaningful. Combat mixes stealth with intense sword duels, all wrapped in a gorgeous open world. It reminded me of The Witcher 3 in how side content never feels like filler, and I’m excited for Ghosts of Yotei. Oh, getting to listen to One Piece Zoro’s voice is just lovely.
Hogwarts Legacy (First Time): My experience here was magical, to say the least. The customization, expansive story, and gorgeous visuals stand out, letting you truly feel like a Hogwarts student. I wish people would cut back on the J.K. Rowling controversy — bashing her relentlessly only alienates her further. If you can separate the art from the artist, the game is a fan’s dream come true.
Kingdom Hearts III (First Time): I initially avoided it because of the negative chatter, but ended up loving it. The combat is flashy and fun, the Disney worlds are as charming as ever, and the story ties up a ton of loose ends. Sure, it’s a bit goofy (pun intended) at times, but that’s the series trademark. Easy 9/10 for me, especially if you grew up with Sora’s earlier adventures.
Lost Sphear (First Time): Made by the team behind I Am Setsuna, it aims to capture the essence of classic JRPGs. The plot revolves around a world slowly losing its memories, and you gather them to restore reality. Gameplay uses an active-time battle system with positional mechanics, so strategy can be surprisingly deep. It might not be the next Chrono Trigger, but it’s heartwarming if you crave that old-school RPG style.
Mario Tennis (Replay): This one fuses tennis with light RPG elements, and it’s surprisingly challenging. The main campaign sees you training at a Tennis Academy, eventually squaring off against icons like Mario and Luigi. As a kid, I remember being astonished at how hard it got, but beating it felt amazing. Still one of my favorite sports spinoffs for its unique approach.
Mega Man Legends (Replay): I’ve always favored the original over its sequel, partly for the laid-back exploration around the city. It’s a 3D action-adventure take on Mega Man, letting you upgrade weapons and tackle dungeons at your own pace. The charming characters and open structure make it a beloved outlier in the franchise. If you like venturing off the beaten path, this is a must-play.
Orphen: Scion of Sorcery (Replay): Technically a “sort of” replay since I never finished it as a kid. It’s an action RPG with a comedic twist, featuring puzzles and platforming that can be clunky by today’s standards. But there’s a nostalgic spark if you’re into early PS2-era experiments. Worth trying if you want a glimpse of the console’s formative days.
Pokemon Crystal (Replay): My favorite Pokémon installment, hands down, partly because it lets you traverse both Johto and Kanto. I even snagged Celebi this time, completing the full roster. The story might be classic Pokémon fare, but it’s the best kind of classic. Nostalgia, exploration, and well-balanced progression keep me replaying every few years.
Saga Frontier (Replay): One of my childhood favorites, offering multiple protagonists with unique scenarios set in a shared world. The gameplay breaks from traditional JRPG linearity, letting you explore or do side quests in nearly any order. It’s also tied to the Romancing SaGa universe, known for nontraditional storytelling and a freeform leveling system. If you enjoy forging your own path, this is a true gem.
Super Mario RPG Remake (First Time, but played SNES original): I forgot how short the experience was, but the new version polishes up those SNES visuals with a modern flair. The timed-hit combat system is still addictive, and the humor is classic Mario. I wish they’d added more bonus content, but it’s a solid revisit for fans of the original. Definitely worth a weekend playthrough.
The Witcher 3 (Replay): I’ve sunk nearly 2,000 hours into this modern masterpiece, and I still find fresh reasons to return. This time, I stuck with Triss, saved Ciri so she’d become a Witcher, rescued Olgierd in Hearts of Stone, and brought happiness to all of Toussaint. The open-world design, meaningful side quests, and endless replayability make it my top pick for a modern RPG.
Xenoblade Chronicles 1 (Replay): I used to find it off-putting because of endless side quests and repetitive NPC dialogue, but the main story eventually won me over. It’s arguably the strongest plot in the trilogy, brimming with emotional twists and grand scale. The gameplay combines action and strategic party management, but beware of the quest overload. If you push through, it’s deeply rewarding.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Replay): A perfect bedtime game with its relaxed pacing, second only to the first in terms of story quality. I’ve always wondered who Rex would end up with, and the third installment finally answered that, letting him have all three love interests (talk about a twist). Western devs probably wouldn’t pull that, but it’s precisely the bold, no-holds-barred approach I adore in Japanese titles.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (First Time): The story structure is more predictable — head to a new region, recruit allies, beat a boss — but it’s still entertaining. The highlight is definitely the Rex reveals, which had me grinning ear to ear. Gameplay evolves the series formula with new class systems, though the lore can be dense for newcomers. Not my favorite of the trilogy, but still a solid JRPG journey.
Xenogears (Replay): My all-time number one, and I’m not sure anything else will ever top it. Yes, disc two was rushed, but I love the mechs, the philosophical plot, and those unforgettable characters. I played with the Perfect Works mod this time, which adds improvements to visuals, combat, and lore integration. If you’ve never tried it but love PS1-era RPGs, please do yourself a favor and start playing.
Xenosaga 1 (Replay): I wanted to finish the trilogy before my yearly Xenogears run (yes, I really do that). The story sets up major plot threads that become crucial in Episode III, and I love the turn-based combat here. Even if it’s not objectively the best entry, it’s my personal favorite for nostalgia reasons. If not for the killer mech battles in Episode III, this might top my list.
Xenosaga 2 (Replay): The best narrative of the three, especially diving into characters like Jr. and Albedo, but the combat leaves a lot to be desired. I still enjoy it, though I’ve always wished for a PC port that modders could fix. If you’re into the series lore, it’s essential — just be prepared for a frustrating battle system.
Xenosaga 3 (Replay): The budget issues mirrored Xenogears (new console generation, less money), but Episode III still ends up the best of the bunch overall. The mech battles are epic, and the plot around KOS-MOS — though confusing at times — offers a grand finale. If you can forgive the rough edges, it’s a must-play for Xenosaga fans wanting closure to that epic storyline.

I realize that’s quite the list, but it also reminds me why gaming never gets old. Whether you’re replaying an RPG classic for the tenth time or branching out to something new, each experience is a chance to rediscover what got you hooked in the first place. Here’s hoping your own backlog brings the same mix of nostalgia, surprise, and satisfaction — no matter how many times you’ve promised yourself, “This year, I’m finishing them all.

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