One of the best things about video games is the ability to pick up the controller and play again. But with so many great video games out there, how do you narrow it down to which ones are worth replaying?
There’s always excitement in exploring new titles. Video games have become an art form that offers immersive experiences, captivating narratives, and thrilling gameplay. And there’s lots of options.
But there are some games out there so enjoyable that we love to play them over and over.
Whether it’s reliving cherished memories or discovering hidden secrets, here are nine video games that are truly worth replaying.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time takes players on an unforgettable adventure through Hyrule.
As the first 3D Zelda game it features a rich and immersive storyline. It follows the hero, Link, on a time-traveling adventure to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf.
The characters in OoT are memorable and well-developed, creating an emotional connection with the players.
It introduced innovative mechanics, such as Z-targeting, which revolutionized combat and made battles more engaging and strategic.
As such this Nintendo classic continues to captivate players, even decades after its initial release.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is available to play as part of a Nintendo Switch Online membership, but it’s also on N64, GameCube, and 3DS.
The Last of Us
Naughty Dog’s masterpiece, The Last of Us, delivers a gut-wrenching post-apocalyptic story that tugs at the heartstrings.
The game presents a mature and emotionally gripping narrative that explores themes of survival, love, loss, and the complexities of human nature. It follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two characters who develop a deep bond, as they navigate a world ravaged by a fungal infection.
The story is filled with impactful moments, thought-provoking moral choices, and memorable character development.
The game’s graphics, animations, and sound design are top-notch, contributing to the overall immersion. The detailed environments, realistic character models, and atmospheric lighting combine to create a visually stunning world.
The haunting musical score further enhances the emotional impact of the story.
The exceptional storytelling, intense gameplay and well-developed characters, make it an emotional journey that is worth experiencing again.
The Last of Us is available to play on Playstation or Steam.
Bioshock
Step into the dystopian underwater city of Rapture and prepare to be blown away.
Bioshock has a rich and immersive narrative that delves into thought-provoking themes such as objectivism, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The game’s twists and turns, along with its memorable characters and atmospheric setting, make it captivating to experience multiple times.
Bioshock offers multiple endings, which can vary depending on the choices you make throughout the game.
This provides an incentive to replay it and explore different paths, making it a game that rewards replays with new discoveries and deeper understanding with each replay.
The original Bioshock game is available to play on the Xbox, Playstation, Switch, or Steam.
Portal 2
Portal 2 features a captivating story with memorable characters like GLaDOS and Wheatley.
The witty and humorous writing, combined with excellent voice acting, creates an immersive and entertaining narrative.
Replaying the game allows you to appreciate the nuances of the story and the dialogue that you may have missed during the first playthrough.
It’s a puzzle-platformer that challenges players to solve mind-bending tests using a portal gun.
With its clever level design, witty dialogue, and a captivating narrative, this game offers an experience that is as delightful on subsequent playthroughs as it is the first time around.
And if you’re playing it on Steam, the game has a dedicated modding community that creates custom levels, maps, and modifications.
Replaying the game allows you to explore the vast library of user-created content, providing fresh challenges and extending the longevity of the game.
Why not the original Portal? Well, here’s the thing. It is replayable, maybe even more so than Portal 2. But Portal 2 has the better storyline, so it’s our choice.
Portal 2 is available to play on Xbox, Playstation 3, and Steam.
Dark Souls
YOU DIED… Dark Souls is renowned for its deep lore and intricate world-building, as well as its challenging gameplay.
The combat requires strategy, timing, and skillful execution. With each playthrough, you can discover new ways to approach encounters, experiment with different weapons and builds, and further refine your gameplay abilities.
The sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering difficult bosses and overcoming tough challenges is incredibly satisfying.
The game’s narrative is largely delivered through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, and subtle cues. Replaying the game allows you to delve deeper into the lore, uncover hidden secrets, and piece together the intricate puzzle of the game’s world.
Additionally, you may discover new connections and subtle details that you missed during your initial playthrough.
Each replay unveils new strategies, hidden paths, and alternate storylines, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.
Dark Souls is available to play on Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and Steam.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
As the Dragonborn, embark on a legendary adventure, with a vast, sprawling and immersive world to explore, filled with diverse landscapes, cities, dungeons, and hidden areas.
The sheer scale of the game allows for countless hours of discovery and adventure, providing a sense of wonder and excitement.
The game also grants players a remarkable degree of freedom to forge their own path. You can choose from various character races, playstyles and make decisions that shape the story and the world around you. This freedom to personalize your experience is a significant factor in Skyrim’s replayability.
Skyrim also has a thriving modding community that has produced an incredible array of user-created modifications and enhancements. Mods can improve graphics, add new quests, introduce additional weapons and armor, tweak gameplay mechanics, and much more.
Between the modding community and multiple storylines, Skyrim ensures that each playthrough offers something new.
Skyrim is available on Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and Steam.
Mass Effect 2
Commander Shepard’s epic space opera continues in Mass Effect 2, a game that blurs the lines between player choice and consequences.
With its gripping narrative, memorable companions, and intense combat, this game rewards replays with different character decisions and outcomes that shape the galaxy. ME2 is known for its impactful choices and consequences.
Your decisions can have far-reaching effects on the story, character relationships, and the fate of entire species. Which allows you to make different choices and witness the divergent paths and outcomes, providing a fresh perspective on the game’s branching narrative.
There are numerous side quests and hidden content that add depth to the game world.
By replaying, you can uncover new secrets, explore uncharted areas, and discover additional details that you may have missed in your initial playthrough.
Mass Effect 2, is well-known for its deep character development, the diverse cast of the squad and their own compelling backstories. The gameplay mechanics are more refined, they streamlined the cover system, a more focused plot than the first one, and a better ending than Mass Effect 3.
The climax, “Suicide Mission” is one of the best endings to a game, and being an RPG your actions can lead to the survival or death of various characters, adding a layer of consequences and replayability.
Mass Effect 2 is available to play on Xbox, Playstation, and Steam.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 was one of the first games to introduce a fully 3D open-world environment.
You embark on a quest to rescue Princess Peach in a whimsical and inventive world filled with memorable levels and clever secrets.
The expansive open-world provided players with unprecedented freedom to explore, jump and interact with the game world.
The innovative gameplay mechanics, like Mario’s iconic triple jump and long jump, still feel smooth and satisfying today.
The game’s level design remains incredibly well-crafted even by today’s standards. Each of the 15 main courses offers unique challenges, secrets, and hidden stars to discover.
The levels are designed to encourage exploration and experimentation, allowing players to approach obstacles and puzzles in multiple ways.
Super Mario 64 also played a significant role in shaping the future of video game design.
Its success paved the way for the 3D platformer genre, influencing numerous games that came after it.
Replaying Super Mario 64 can help players appreciate its historical impact and gain a deeper understanding of its place in gaming history.
Super Mario 64 is available on Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo DS, and the original Nintendo 64.
Fallout: New Vegas
Set in a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert, Fallout: New Vegas offers a deep and branching narrative, filled with memorable characters and factions vying for power.
The Wasteland is a vast and detailed setting, filled with diverse locations, hidden secrets, and engaging side quests. Re-exploring the world enables you to rediscover hidden areas, encounter new encounters, and uncover additional lore and lore.
The game features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. From the enigmatic Mr. House to the charismatic Caesar and the mysterious Yes Man, each character has their own motivations, backstories, and unique perspectives.
Playing the game again lets you delve deeper into their stories and uncover new dialogue options. The game also provides players with a high degree of choice and consequence. Your decisions shape the narrative and determine the fate of various factions and characters.
Another playthrough of the game allows you to explore different paths and witness the diverse outcomes of your actions.
Fallout: New Vegas is available to play on Xbox, PlayStation 3 and Steam.
Conclusion
These nine video games stand as shining examples of titles that are worth replaying.
Whether it’s revisiting the unforgettable worlds of Hyrule, unraveling Joel and Ellie’s emotional journey or embracing the challenge of Dark Souls, these games offer unique experiences that continue to captivate players time and time again.
Replaying these games allows us to rediscover hidden details, make different choices, and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that went into their creation.
Each playthrough offers a fresh perspective, showcasing the depth and richness of these titles.
So, if you’re looking for video games that deserve a second, third, or even tenth playthrough, consider diving back into these nine remarkable titles. They are guaranteed to reignite your love for gaming and remind you why they hold a special place in the hearts of players worldwide. Happy gaming!
