Popularity doesn’t always denote quality, but in the case of video games, this is a harder consideration to argue. For example, some might not like Fortnite, but it’s a mechanically sound and fun game to experience with friends. Other games that have taken the spotlight now and in the past, such as Apex Legends or Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds are objectively great games, such that it can be easy to simply play these over and over as the bulk of your gaming experience.
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t play ONLY the most popular games. Here are a few of them:
- You might miss out on great games. There are many great games out there that aren’t as popular as the big blockbusters. By only playing the most popular games, you might miss out on some of these hidden gems.
- You might get bored. Playing the same type of game over and over again can get boring. By branching out and trying new games, you can keep your gaming experience fresh and exciting.
- You might learn new things. Different games can teach you different things. For example, a puzzle game might teach you how to think critically, while a role-playing game might teach you about different cultures.
- You might meet new people. Playing games with other people is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
- You might have more fun. When you play games that you enjoy, you’re more likely to have fun. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. You might just find a new favorite game.
But don’t just let popularity dictate what you play. There’s a wealth of amazing video game culture out there, no matter if you’re experienced in it or not. Finding something beyond your horizons could potentially inform you of something truly wonderful, and spur your imagination more than you expected.
For example, we would heavily recommend you consider:
Anime Games
There are a range of wonderful anime games out there. They are great to play with for more than just the artstyle. Even non-anime fans can find some utility in how these play out mechanically. For example, if you’re super into story-rich games, there are a range of excellent visual novels out there for you to experience. It might be that you wish to encounter magnetic strategic tactics such as those offered by Valkyria Chronicles 4, or check out the much-loved Persona series on Playstation consoles. Games such as Dragon Quest XI offer an amazing artstyle, due to contributions by Akira Toriyama, chiefly known for his work on Dragon Ball. JRPG’s, strategic games and even those that break all the rules are available, and all have wonderful takes on the anime aesthetic.
Strategy Games
Strategic games have never been better. From turn-based options such as Battletech or Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden, to larger grand strategy titles such as Hearts of Iron IV, the upcoming Imperator: Rome, or Europa Universalis IV, it’s not hard to see just how if you have a penchant for long-form planning, societal implications or good old fashioned tactical combat, these games might be for you. The best are found on the PC, and could take a little time to learn, but the results are absolutely incredible if you do.
Indie & Small Experiences
There are so many wonderful Indie games and small experiences out there that it’s hard to consider everything in full. Not only are indie experiences wildly experimental, but can play with almost every asset of game production. From titles such as GRIS offering a wonderful, emotive storytelling journey to smaller, UK based titles such as Heat Signature, there are a range of incredible games that consider the gameplay to be top priority. If you’re into puzzlers, we would recommend Gorogoa, Return of the Obra Dinn, and game such as Danganronpa. If you’re a details-oriented person, games such as Papers Please in which you occupy a border control point in a dystopic Eastern-European country have been celebrated above and beyond the normal indie exposure.
With these selections, you’re sure to enjoy gaming in all of its radiant forms.