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Birth
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Super Princess Peach (2005)
The platformer Super Princess Peach was essentially my introduction to gaming as a whole! While I had known of the Super Mario Bros. games generally, I particularly adored this game as Peach was the lead, making it the first gaming experience where I felt truly connected to the characters based purely on the fact that Nintendo had considered a female protagonist, someone I felt represented by.
Tose, 2005, Super Princess Peach, video game, Nintendo DS, Nintendo. -
Lego Batman: The Videogame (2008)
While Super Princess Peach was my introduction to the world of gaming as a whole, Lego Batman: The Videogame was my first game on a PlayStation console, in this case the PS3! I loved the co-op option to this game as I appreciated having another player to guide me through the controls, and had such an enjoyable time collecting the Lego games' in-game currency, 'studs.'
Traveller's Tales, 2008, Lego Batman: The Videogame, video game, PlayStation 3, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. -
Galaga (1981)
I've mentioned Galaga for purely sentimental reasons - I can so clearly remember watching my parents play this game on the tabletop arcade unit we bought when I was younger, and so I do truly treasure this game given the memories I have associated with it. I personally found it incredibly difficult to play, but being able to see my parents play it with such skill was a sight I was so fascinated by and something I knew I would grow to love!
Namco, 1981, Galaga, video game, Arcade game, Namco. -
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl was a fighting game that I played constantly while attending vacation care in primary school! I adored the co-op mechanic as it allowed me to connect to other students through gaming, and I loved the extensive cast of characters available and their corresponding fighting styles. This game also ultimately lead to me playing other fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Injustice.
Sora Ltd. and Game Arts, 2008, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, video game, Wii, Nintendo. -
Batman: Arkham Knight (2016)
Batman: Arkham Knight is by far my favourite instalment in the Arkham series! I have always loved graphic novels and so to witness the characters I adore be portrayed in a way that is true to their representation in the comics was a feat that I appreciated. The combat and stealth options, visuals, and interactive environments were aspects that I found incredibly memorable!
Rocksteady Studios, 2015, Batman: Arkham Knight, video game, PlayStation 4, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. -
The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us was the first action-horror game that I ever played; however, it was instead the heavy narrative aspect that I felt so drawn to, how effectively and sensitively it explored themes of loss and connection. It demonstrated to me the power of storytelling in games, something that I had not deeply considered until playing it, and definitely contributed to my passion for creative writing.
Naughty Dog, 2013, The Last of Us, video game, PlayStation 4, Sony Interactive Entertainment. -
Dragon's Lair (1983)
Dragon's Lair is yet another arcade game that I found myself highly entertained by. Though I still struggle with the complex controls, the visuals of Dragon's Lair, similar to that of Disney's initial 2D animation style, are something I have always been enamoured by. This game only emphasised to me the true potential of gaming and has been one of my greatest sources of artistic inspiration.
Advanced Microcomputer Systems, 1983, Dragon's Lair, video game, Arcade game, Cinematronics. -
Control (2019)
Though I have never actually completed Control, it is a game that I find myself contemplating often. The truly weird and eerie environments were ones that I found myself drawn to, and so I was constantly wanting to explore previously unseen levels. I have always enjoyed being able to return to Control and still be surprised by different areas, and I think it is that replayability that makes it one of my favourites.
Remedy Entertainment, 2019, Control, video game, PlayStation 4, 505 Games. -
Resident Evil 4 (2023)
I love the Resident Evil 4 remake as I consider it my true introduction to the survival horror genre. While I have grown to appreciate the Resident Evil franchise as a whole, I tend to favour Resident Evil 4 for its more fast-paced combat and occasionally cheesy dialogue. This game has also lead to my interest in other franchises like Silent Hill and Alone in the Dark, thus opening an entirely new realm of games to me.
Capcom, 2023, Resident Evil 4, video game, PlayStation 5, Capcom. -
Resident Evil: Village (2021)
Although I found the Resident Evil 4 remake enjoyable for its combat and dialogue, Resident Evil: Village would still stand strong as yet another one of my survival horror favourites! While playing, I was in continuous admiration of its world-building, how the game is reminiscent of dark fairytales, as well as the characters' designs, those of which I found to be incredibly unique, detailed, and sometimes unsettling.
Capcom, 2021, Resident Evil: Village, video game, PlayStation 5, Capcom.