Aight, here goes
Final Fantasy VIII helped me understand life through the perspective of a teenage student trying to find his place in the world. Watching characters struggle with identity, relationships, and expectations mirrored my own experiences. During that time, I was often bullied or even boycotted by others, which made me feel isolated. But the game gave me a sense that I wasn’t alone - that even in a world of conflict and pressure, there’s still room to grow, to endure, and to keep moving forward.
Final Fantasy IX helped me see that the meaning of life isn’t something handed to us, it’s something we discover through the full range of human experience. Love gives us a reason to move forward, rage reminds us of what we stand for, and even moments of comedy bring light into darkness. The story also showed me that even when faced with death and the vast emptiness of nothingness, we still have the power to choose courage - to stand, to fight, and to define our own purpose despite the odds. Such is the values of Love, Rage and Comedy.
Suikoden and Suikoden II taught me the importance of relying on others in a world filled with conflict, ordeals, and constant trials. The journey in these stories isn’t meant to be walked alone, every ally, every bond, and every shared struggle matters. Even through war, betrayal, and long peregrinations, the strength of unity becomes the only thing that keeps hope alive. It showed me that no matter how harsh the world becomes, trusting and standing with others can turn even the most overwhelming challenges into something we can endure together.
Pokemon taught me to catch them all. If books, then the whole collections in that fiction series. If anime, then the whole collections of the anime' seasons. Card games? Mercy me. Action figure? Silly me. Video games? camaraderie!! Pokémon Blue was the first 2D top-down RPG I ever experienced, and it completely changed how I saw games. Before that, games felt more like isolated challenges, but this was a living world I could explore, step by step. Moving through towns, routes, and dungeons from a top-down perspective gave me a sense of structure and immersion that stayed with me. It sparked my interest in how worlds are built: tile by tile, map by map, system by system. The journey of catching, training, and growing alongside Pokémon also taught me about patience, progression, and companionship. Looking back, it didn’t just inspire me as a player, it also planted the foundation for my interest in creating my own RPGs, like Final Fantasy 2, especially the kind of 2D top-down experiences I want to build in the future. Incidentally, the best Pokemon games that I've ever played were Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon Crystal, official, and Pokemon Revolution Online, a fangame Pokemon MMO.
Harvest Moon taught me how to score the goddess, nuff said. :>
Battle Realms played a surprising but powerful role in changing my life. It wasn’t just a strategy game, because it became a gateway for me to fall in love with the English language. Through its dialogue, unit quotes, and story-driven campaigns, I was constantly exposed to words, phrases, and expressions that felt alive and meaningful. I found myself paying attention, repeating lines, and gradually understanding more. Over time, this natural immersion helped me improve my vocabulary and comprehension without it feeling like study. Beyond language, the game also taught me patience, planning, and discipline because every decision mattered, and success required thought, not just reaction. It shaped how I approach challenges: observe carefully, think ahead, and grow steadily.
Final Fantasy II holds a special place in my life because it was my very first PlayStation game. That alone made it unforgettable, it was my entry point into a whole new world of storytelling and imagination. But beyond being “the first,” it shaped how I saw growth and struggle. Unlike many games, progression wasn’t automatic, you had to earn it through actions, through persistence, and sometimes through failure. That system taught me that improvement in life works the same way: you grow by doing, by enduring, and by pushing through difficulty. It also introduced me to themes of sacrifice, war, and resilience, showing me that even ordinary people can rise in the face of overwhelming odds. In many ways, it didn’t just start my journey into gaming, but it also helped shape how I approach challenges and personal growth.
Final Fantasy Tactics influenced me by teaching me how important strategy, planning, and teamwork are. The game made me think carefully before every move. Battles are not just about attacking quickly, but about positioning, timing, and using the right skills. This taught me patience and the value of thinking ahead instead of rushing. Its job system also inspired me. Characters can change classes and learn different abilities, so they are not stuck in one role. This showed me that growth is flexible, and people can adapt and improve in different ways. It also taught me that teamwork works best when different roles support each other. The story left a strong impact on me too. It explores war, politics, and difficult choices. There is no simple good or evil, characters have different beliefs and reasons for what they do. This helped me understand that real life can also be complicated, and people are shaped by their situations. Overall, Final Fantasy Tactics taught me to think more carefully, value different roles in a team, and understand deeper, more realistic storytelling. Needless to say, for me, Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the best games I've ever played in my life, so ever green, so ever real.
Ragnarok Online had a massive impact on my life because it showed me what a living, breathing world could feel like. One of the biggest things that stood out was its incredible diversity of character roles and functions, each class wasn’t just a different set of skills, but a completely different way to experience the game. From support-focused roles to damage dealers, from merchants to hunters, it taught me that every role has value and that teamwork creates something greater than any individual. The monsters were also unforgettable, their designs were unique, expressive, and sometimes even charming, making the world feel alive rather than repetitive. Beyond gameplay, it gave me a sense of community, exploration, and belonging. Altogether, it didn’t just influence me as a player, it deeply shaped how I envision game design, especially in creating worlds filled with variety, identity, and meaningful roles.
Perhaps the only MMO that could rival Ragnarok Online 1 in 2D MMO-spheres is Wakfu MMORPG. Wakfu inspired me deeply in my creative journey because it showed me how a game world can feel both artistic and alive at the same time. One of the strongest impressions it left on me was its aesthetic and design direction, especially how character attire and equipment visibly change your appearance. It wasn’t just about stats or upgrades; every piece of gear became part of your identity. As you progressed, your character didn’t just become stronger, they looked different, more defined, more expressive. That idea made me realize how powerful visual progression can be in storytelling and game design. Beyond equipment design, the game’s special effects also stood out. Skills and abilities weren’t just functional, they were expressive, with vibrant animations and magical visuals that made combat feel dynamic and full of personality. It taught me that gameplay can be both mechanical and artistic at the same time, where every action carries visual impact and emotional energy. The environments were another major source of inspiration. The world of Wakfu felt beautifully crafted, with distinct regions that each had their own atmosphere, color palette, and emotional musical tone. Whether exploring lush landscapes, mysterious ruins, or vibrant towns, every area felt intentional and immersive. It made me realize how important world design is in shaping a player’s mood and sense of adventure. Overall, Wakfu didn’t just influence my taste, it reshaped how I think about creative design. It taught me that visuals, character identity, animation, and environment all work together to tell a story without words, and that a well-designed world can inspire imagination just by being experienced.
If I got capable machine, I would have played FFXIV in a heart beat. From the feedbacks I heard from its players and communities, that game is very positively immersive and optimistically suggestive.
Anyway, these were some of the video games of my all time fav that I could most prolly recall for now. :>
