We all play video games at some point or another. There are the ones that we remember the most because of the story, characters, atmosphere or maybe the graphics. Then of course there are the ones when we say to ourselves “Did I really just spend $60 on this?” Here are the ones that stood out to me the most in no particular order. I’m leaving off all Nintendo games because that’s a whole different ballgame.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim This is a no-brainer and is probably on everyone’s list. Skyrim is, in my opinion, one of the greatest games of all time. If you’ve even watched someone play it you can relate to that. Whether you’re just wandering the landscape, catching a glimpse of the incredible detail or hunting down dragons, it’s definitely worth the money because you will be putting in many hours into this game.

2. Red Dead Redemption What really grabbed my attention in this game was not the graphics, the sunsets or how badass John Marston is.. it was the story. The emotion that was put into each mission and how the characters interacted with each other was great. The ending was also incredible, I won’t spoil it for the people who haven’t beaten it, but it was pretty sad. There were a few different ways it could have ended, but it was definitely a good one.

3. Halo 2 Quite frankly the entire Halo series can be placed here because I love every game in the series, but Halo 2 stood out to me the most. Remember that feeling when you first dual-wielded 2 smgs or got your hands on a battle rifle? That game was perfect. And who doesn’t love Master Chief?

4. Grand Theft Auto Vice City It’s nearly impossible to pick between this game and San Andreas. They’re both incredible fun but I have one word for you.. soundtrack. Vice City’s radio is untouchable. Not to mention the countless hours I’ve put into just driving around, blowing stuff up just like everyone else has. Tommy Vercetti is awesome.

5. Kingdom Hearts If you’re an avid Disney fan like myself, this game makes your list as well. Sora and Kairi’s relationship was the cutest. I’ve always loved the beginning of the game the most because of the time when you have to make the three choices, the amazing song they play, finding the Papua fruit and the dialogues between Sora and Riku. Kingdom Hearts was an incredible game. I’m excited for the HD remakes and the third installment in the series.

6. Final Fantasy X First thing you think of when the words ‘Final Fantasy’ come up is the music. They put a lot into that to show the emotion in the games and it pays off I think. The relationship between Tidus and Yuna is fantastic and the battle with Sin throughout the game is intense. I really enjoy X-2 as well as XIII and XIII-2. I’m looking forward to Lightning returns too.

7. Fallout 3 I thought Bethesda did a really good job at showing and letting you feel what a post-apocalyptic environment could be like. There’s a million different things to do in this game so there’s always something to accomplish. Nothing aggravated me more than when I wanted to pick up something and I was at my max weight. Who couldn’t love that Pip-Boy right?

8. Bioshock Infinite There’s just no other game like this. I feel like they try and reach for things and put stuff into these games that no one has tried before, as far as racism and politics are concerned. Elizabeth is probably the most helpful character in the history of games, well I mean I loved when she would throw me money and ammo whenever I needed it. Not to mention the gorgeous lighting.

9. Gears of War Even though I’m terrible at this game, it makes my list. There’s just something about how gory and ridiculous the chainsaw killing is that makes you want to keep playing it.

10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare I’m very, very skeptical about putting any Call of Duty game on my list, but this one is here because of how much time I put into the multiplayer. All my friends and I agree this was the best call of duty game because it was the first of its kind. I believe Halo set the standard of playing first person shooters online, but this one set the standard for more realistic play online.

Thanks for reading my list! I hope you can relate to some of them, but what are your favorites?