A compilation of games that shaped me and recommendations for other titles.

In this article, I'd like to write about the games I've played that have had the most significant impact on me.
I'll be writing about console games, indie games, and free games without distinction, and mixing genres, but there will be slightly more console games.
I've tried to narrow down the list to works that I can recommend even to people who aren't particularly interested in that genre.
This list includes recommendations that I can recommend to anyone, as well as recommendations that I want to recommend because they have a truly outstanding individuality.
(I have many other favorite games that aren't listed here.)

I think some of these works might be rated highly due to my own nostalgic bias, but if you're interested, I'd be happy if you'd give them a try.
I saw the hashtag "# My Top 4 Games That Shaped Me" and thought that four games weren't enough, so I wrote this.

An introduction about the administrator himself isThis pageis.

・1992

Final Fantasy V

My first experience with the Final Fantasy series was with FF5.
Back when I was playing, I didn't really understand the job change system, and I found it difficult, so I played while referring to a strategy guide.
In particular, I think this work has influenced many other works in terms of its system.
As an adult, I watched videos of low-level playthroughs and was truly amazed by the depth of detail and craftsmanship.

I really like FF6 and FF10 as well, but when I thought about which one I like the most, it came down to FF5.

Kamaitachi no Yoru

While there was a previous work, "Otogirisou," I believe it was this work, "Kamaitachi no Yoru," that made the term "sound novel" widely known to the world.
The terrifying experience that left its mark on my mind will probably stay with me for the rest of my life.
I think it's amazing that the story unfolds differently depending on your choices, and even more so that the scenario itself changes completely while the characters remain the same.
I thought it would just be the dismemberment murder arc, but the excitement I felt when it suddenly transitioned into the spy and ghost arcs was incredible.

This work may have influenced my interest in mystery novels.

・1994

Live A Live

This RPG features scenarios for multiple protagonists, each with their own distinct personality.
The story, with its clear beginning, middle, and end, felt like watching a movie, and it left a lasting impression on me.
The impact of the medieval chapters, in particular, was tremendous, and now that I'm an adult, I appreciate even more how amazing this work is.
I personally liked the abundant and catchy music, the unique checkerboard battle system, and the many hidden elements.

If you want to get a feel for what kind of work it is, or at least get a sense of the atmosphere, the following free games are recommended.

・1995

Chrono Trigger

I remember it being a huge topic of conversation when it was released, thanks to the character designs by Yuji Horii, who worked on the Dragon Quest series, Hironobu Sakaguchi, who worked on the Final Fantasy series, and Akira Toriyama, the creator of the legendary Dragon Ball.
While there were other games that involved time-traveling adventures, such as "SaGa 3," it felt very fresh to me at the time.
The epic storyline is, of course, fantastic, and the game's seamless transitions into combat and cooperative techniques give it an enduring appeal.

I was particularly captivated by the background music created by Yasunori Mitsuda, and I've become a complete fan.
While I personally prefer the music in the sequel, "Chrono Cross," I think the gameplay itself is not for everyone.

Mystery Dungeon 2: Shiren the Wanderer

My first encounter with a roguelike game was the Super Famicom game "Mystery Dungeon: Torneko's Great Adventure".
To begin with, I wasn't even familiar with the original game, Rogue.
Having been used to typical RPGs, I found the harshness of having to start over at level 1 if I was defeated to be very difficult.
However, I gradually became hooked on the feeling of "my own level increasing," which is unique to roguelike games.
Torneko was fun, but I feel that the series truly matured with its next installment, "Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer."

While the recently released new titles are interesting, this game is also packed with timeless appeal.

Dragon Quest VI

I first played Dragon Quest III, and then I played IV and V in that order.
(I've also played the Super Famicom remakes of 1 and 2.)
Dragon Quest VI was very enjoyable, especially since it was the last Dragon Quest game released on the Super Famicom.
I like number 5 as well, but I prefer number 6 because it features a four-person party, so I chose this one.

Dragon Quest 6's BGM for the serious Mudo battle isStand up resolutelyI really liked that, and it left a very deep impression on me.
After finally defeating the enemy, I was able to change jobs at the Dharma Temple, and I have a strong feeling that the world suddenly opened up for me.
This is a memorable game for me, with its many traumatic scenes, such as the wickedness of the hidden boss that easily defeats the final boss, and the endings in the town of desire and the town of prison.

・1996

Bahamut Lagoon

This is an SRPG from Square, offering a different gameplay experience from Fire Emblem.
The graphics, featuring a cool-looking dragon soaring against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, were very impressive.
Although it's a game that's often the subject of jokes these days, there were many jokes I didn't understand back when I was playing it because I was still innocent.
Looking back now, I think it was quite a daring concept.

I quite liked the game system, where you form a team of four with unique characters, and when you encounter an enemy, it turns into a command-based battle.
The background music is also mostly cool.

Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War

The first SRPG I ever played was "Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem" on the Super Famicom, but its successor, "Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War," is a game I would recommend to many people.
I enjoyed the grand story spanning both parent and child generations, especially how the characters in the units become lovers and influence the children's abilities.
The types of battle demos that play when you leave the title screen idle increase with each clear you complete the game, which is why I have fond memories of clearing it multiple times.
At first, I played without thinking, so I relied on Balmung, Forseti, and Mistilteinn for the children's generation, and I managed to clear the game by sheer force.

I want everyone who likes SRPGs to play this game.
Apparently, it's available as a cheap download on the 3DS.

・1997

Final Fantasy Tactics

As an FF game made in my favorite genre, SRPG, it's a game I've played extensively.
The story is complex, involving political themes, but it also features many realistic depictions and unique dialogue, making it very memorable.
Unlike the Fire Emblem series, which has a strong theme of rewarding good and punishing evil, this one gives the impression of a slightly more mature story.
The game has a relatively high difficulty level, and I think it's an SRPG that tests your understanding of the system.
I really enjoyed the job system for character development, which is reminiscent of FF5, and the optional "profit-making" system for character progression.

Because I enjoyed this game so much, it led me to play Tactics Ogre and Vagrant Story afterward.

・1998

Resident Evil 2

Having been captivated by the difficulty and horror of the original "Resident Evil," the long-awaited second installment has finally arrived.
The second album is more geared towards mainstream appeal than the first, and I think that adjustment worked well, ultimately leading to its explosive success.
I liked how the story offered two main characters, Leon (front side) and Claire (back side), with similar yet different plot developments.
It's not a pure action game; the attack and movement methods are somewhat restricted, which I think is a game design that narrows the gap between players who are good at action games and those who aren't.

I played this game over and over again, aiming for the fastest clear time, so it's a game I've practically memorized.
I'm very interested in the remake, but I haven't been able to play it due to hardware issues.

Metal Gear Solid

I played it after a friend recommended it, and I was amazed by the incredible level of detail and craftsmanship.
The cinematic story and direction, the stealth action where you have to hide as you progress, and the playful meta-humor elements from the creators left a strong impression on me.
I haven't played many games of this type, but if this one is as fun as it is, I feel it's worth playing.
I've played "2" and "3," but I really want you to play and experience this original game.

・1999

The City ~Crossroads of Destiny~

"Machi" was originally released on the Sega Saturn, but since I didn't own the console, I played the later PlayStation version.
Unlike "Kamaitachi no Yoru" and other similar works, I wondered how a live-action version would turn out, but far from feeling out of place, I felt it had even more dramatic depth.
It's quite interesting, as it features actors who are now big names in the industry.

Not only are each character's story interesting, but the way the main characters influence each other, with their interactions seamlessly interwoven, is truly ingenious and left me in awe.
Due to the game's system, major branching storylines are difficult, so it's basically a linear game.
However, I believe it is a masterpiece that shines brilliantly in the history of sound novel games.

"428," which is a spiritual successor to this film, has a slightly different concept from this one, but it is also an equally interesting film.

SaGa Frontier 2

Even if it's considered unorthodox, this is my favorite of all the works bearing the "Saga" name.
My first experience with the SaGa series was with "SaGa 2" on the Game Boy, followed by "SaGa 3," and then "Romancing SaGa 2."
At the time, I wasn't used to the free-flowing style of the SaGa series, so perhaps this somewhat linear game suited me better.

It features a story that unfolds across generations, like unraveling history, and is characterized by its soft, picture-book-like graphics.
Regarding the background music, a single main theme is rearranged and used in various forms, such as for field use and battle music, making it very memorable.
This game, characteristic of the SaGa series, conveys a wide range of emotions through its understated dialogue.

Culdcept Expansion

I became interested in this game after seeing its high rating in Famitsu's cross-review, and that's why I bought it.
It was a fantastic game that brilliantly combined trading card game elements of deck building, board game elements like "Itadaki Street," and chess-like battles.

I think I learned the joy of preparing and refining my strategy before a battle through this game.
If you are interested, 3DS software"Culdcept Revolt" (Official Website)I recommend this.

Step over my corpse

While there have been other RPGs that feature generational changes, such as "Romancing SaGa 2," I think this is the best in terms of making players conscious of their own "bloodline."
You can change the difficulty level at any time, and there are plenty of helpful explanations, so I think you'll be able to get into the unique system without any trouble.
While some parts, such as dungeon exploration, can feel a bit repetitive, the game strongly emphasizes its unique style, including the story and overall game design.
I don't think there's any other work that so powerfully conveys the feeling of parting with family outside of the real world.
I highly recommend setting your character's last name to your real name and fully immersing yourself in the gameplay.

Also, a sequel, number 2, was released in 2014, so if you don't want to play the older game, you might want to pick up number 2.

The Silver Case

Even when played today, this is a unique adventure game whose story doesn't feel outdated.
This work, created by the brilliant Goichi Suda, is characterized by his unique dialogue and worldview, and is not something you should try to understand; it's more about "feeling" it!
There are a few scenes where you control the character yourself, but there is no game over and it is a linear game.
Each chapter has a different theme and atmosphere, making it a high-quality detective story to play.
There are various plot points and unresolved mysteries, but you shouldn't worry about them.
It's still being remade and streamed on various platforms, so I feel it's a work with long-lasting appeal.

Incidentally, while I personally really like the next work, "Flowers, Sun, and Rain," I wouldn't recommend it to others.
If you're going to play it, I'd say the first thing you should decide is whether or not you like "The Silver Case."

Parasite Eve 2

I much prefer "Parasite Eve 2" to "Parasite Eve 1".
Perhaps due to the popularity of Resident Evil 2, this game has been made to resemble Resident Evil, giving the impression of being an "RPG version of Resident Evil 2."
The gameplay involves using firearms and parasite energy (a kind of magic), and I think the battles, which allow you to adapt to various situations, are really enjoyable.
This game has plenty of replayability and is very rewarding, so I've played it through many times.

・2000

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Ambition - Zeon's Lineage

This was the first strategic simulation game I ever played.
I've always liked Gundam, and I was drawn to the fact that it offers various "what-if" scenarios, so I decided to play it.
For someone like me who isn't familiar with this genre, I found it to be very difficult.
However, as I got the hang of it, I began to appreciate the fun of using it effectively, and I started to understand its appeal.
This work clearly demonstrates the formidable and troublesome nature of Amuro and the White Base crew.
The story also covers events after the One Year War, so I think it's packed with content.

If you're looking to play now, I recommend "Axis's Wonder V".

SD Gundam G Generation F

Among the early G Generation series, I believe this game, "G Generation F," is the definitive version with the highest level of completion.
It covers a wide range of works up to this point, and the sheer volume is astounding.
For those who want a general overview of the Gundam series but find watching the anime too much of a hassle, I think this is a game you can enjoy while playing.
While it may seem a bit simplistic when viewed purely as a simulation game, it's enjoyable to gradually strengthen your own original units and participate in historical events.

New releases keep coming out, but if I had to recommend just one, I would recommend this one.

Phantom -PHANTOM OF INFERNO-

This was Nitroplus's first work, and it stood out in the PC adult game scene at the time for its unique scenario.
The straightforward, hard-boiled scenario felt very refreshing to me, as I don't usually read this genre.
Perhaps one of the reasons is that I got hooked on "Metal Gear Solid."
With its unusually strong focus on firearms, this is a work that I would recommend to people who enjoy that kind of thing.

Tsukihime

This is a game by the doujin circle "TYPE-MOON" that I played after a friend recommended it to me.
I'm not entirely sure why I found it so interesting, but it had a huge influence on my subsequent PC gaming preferences.
The detailed setting, including concepts like "Mystic Eyes of Death Perception," "Dead Apostles," and "Magic," is fascinating, and I've become completely hooked.

For many years, there were rumors of a remake, but it remained undecided. However, after 20 years, it seems it will finally be released in 2021.
I think there are many players who got into it through "Fate/stay night" or its mobile game, so I think it will generate a lot of buzz again.

・2001

Ace Attorney

This work garnered attention for its unique setting: a courtroom.
The premise is interesting, but the appeal of the story itself and the unique characters are also major factors.
The game's mechanics, which involve finding inconsistencies in witness statements and presenting evidence, require players to think critically. When you successfully point out inconsistencies, you feel a sense of immersion, as if you were actually participating in the courtroom.

Since it was probably never intended to become such a long-running series, the first installment is a complete and well-crafted story.
Since a smartphone version is also available, it's especially recommended for those who enjoy mystery adventure games.

Great evil lord

This is a game by AliceSoft, a PC game developer that created the "regional conquest simulation" genre.
The game is set in modern times, and the protagonist is a yakuza, which means you can make some pretty ruthless choices, and I think that's what makes it interesting, especially since it's an adult game.
It's a simulation game that's incredibly addictive, making you want to keep playing, and it has many elements that make you want to replay it multiple times, so I think you can enjoy it for a very long time.

If you'd like to try out what the gameplay is like, we recommend trying the free games listed below.
Later releases such as "Sengoku Rance," "Dai Banchou," and "Dai Teikoku" also share a similar gameplay feel, albeit with some differences, and are highly addictive.

Final Fantasy X

I think this game retains the stylish visuals cultivated in FF7 and FF8, while placing a greater emphasis on a cinematic storyline.
Because you travel along long roads and other routes from the starting point to your destination, you get the feeling that you are on a journey.
Even when a tragic ending is revealed, the struggle to avoid it makes for a simple yet inspiring story that genuinely moved me.
The battle system is relatively simple, relying on switching party members during combat, and I personally like it.
Since it's a story-driven work, I thought it had a good balance.

The background music is absolutely fantastic, and this is the only game (and Chrono Cross) where I've ever bought both the soundtrack and the piano sheet music.

・2002

Ever17 - The Out of Infinity

Although it's categorized as a "romance adventure game," it's actually more accurately described as a science fiction adventure.
I can't go into too much detail about the plot because it would spoil the fun, but it's a game I would recommend to everyone who plays visual novels.
The tension, the way the plot points were laid out and resolved, and the way everything converged towards the ending—everything was superb and left me stunned.

If there are any drawbacks, it's that it's quite a long work and that there are parts where the plot drags.
If you play it with the belief that it will definitely be fun, I think you'll be satisfied with this masterpiece.

I personally love their next album, "Remember11," but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
However, I think the ending of "Remember11" is more impactful.

Higurashi When They Cry

This is another game I played after a friend recommended it to me.
At the time, the first installment, "Onikakushi-hen," had just been released, and it's a memorable game that I enjoyed playing in real time.
The story unfolds with one mystery after another, and with each new episode released, more material for speculation is added, which is very exciting.
I strongly felt that in suspenseful adventure games, the scariest and most unsettling moments are when the mysteries remain unsolved.
The second half, the resolution, answered all the questions I had, but at the same time, I felt a sense of sadness, like a festival coming to an end.

The anime "Higurashi: When They Cry - Gou," which aired in 2021, uses techniques that can fool viewers who have played the game, and I think it's a series that makes good use of both the game and the anime.

"Umineko When They Cry," which will be released later, is also a work I personally love, but it's a bit difficult to understand, so I can't recommend it to everyone.
However, I believe it is undoubtedly innovative as a meta-metafictional work aimed at fans of mystery and detective novels.

・2003

Armored Core 3: Silent Line

I started playing the Armored Core series with Armored Core 2 after a friend recommended it to me.
The controls are certainly difficult, but it's fun because as you improve, you feel like your skills as a pilot are getting better.
I've only played games released on PS2, but of the ones I've played, I felt this one was the easiest to play.
I haven't played since number 4.

The arena battles where you climb the rankings, and the interactions with top-ranked players on both sides that you encounter in missions, are just some of the many elements that appeal to a gamer's heart, and I feel like I've discovered a new level of enjoyment in this game.
Even if you're not good at action controls, the game is interesting because it's a very forgiving title where you can still overcome challenges by simply overwhelming the enemy with firepower, depending on the offensive capabilities of your mechs.

"Armored Core: Last Raven," while somewhat difficult, is a culmination of the Armored Core series on the PS2 and is also highly recommended.

CROSS†CHANNEL

This game, the first work from the now-defunct adult game developer "Flying Shine," garnered attention for its scenario.
Since it has been ported to various platforms, those interested should purchase it on the platform that is most convenient for them.
However, if you want to fully experience the risqué content of this game, I would recommend the R18 PC version.

I think you'll enjoy this game more if you play it with a completely fresh perspective.

Saya no Uta

This is a suspense horror adventure game from Nitroplus.
If you've read Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix: Resurrection," this work will immediately resonate with you.
If you haven't read the book, I think you'll really enjoy it if you just play it without looking anything up.
Unlike Phoenix, this work takes a darker turn, and I think it has a unique kind of grotesqueness.
It's not a very long game, so its ease of play is another reason I recommend it.

Demonbane, the Great Demon Slayer

This is a grand sci-fi fantasy masterpiece that blends science and magic, combining elements of Cthulhu, super robots, and beautiful girls.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable work with plenty of exciting developments.
The series draws heavily from the Cthulhu Mythos, and its grand scale makes it a good fit for super robots.

・2004

Fate/stay night

It's still going strong, and I'm trembling at the fact that 17 years have passed since then, as is the origin of "Fate".
Like Tsukihime, it follows a classic storyline, but what's impressive is how the meticulous setting gives the battle scenes overwhelming credibility.
From the intriguing revelation of the summoned heroic spirits' true identities to the surprising and completely different developments across the three scenarios, this was a high-quality work in every respect.
The game itself is in the form of a visual novel, but what was unique and interesting was that you could check the status of the heroic spirits like in an RPG, and the actual battle developments were based on those statuses.

The adaptation of "Fate/Zero" in books and anime is fantastic, and I would recommend it to everyone who has played the main game.
I think it's amazing how they perfected the "Holy Grail War" system, which allows for endless drama by changing the Master and Heroic Spirit.

Kouta Hirano's manga "Drifters" has a similar kind of appeal.

Quartett!

This is a game by "Little Witch," a PC game developer that is currently inactive.
The most distinctive feature of this work is its presentation style, called the FFD system, which is essentially a comic strip-like presentation where dialogue progresses through single images and speech bubbles.
Unlike typical visual novels, this manga-style presentation allows you to quickly and easily read through the story with impressive graphics.
However, that would require a massive amount of graphics, and I imagine it must have taken an enormous amount of time and effort.

This work depicts the student life of an apprentice instrument maker who is scouted by a prestigious music academy.
As expected from a work centered around music, the background music used is all wonderful, primarily featuring string instruments, making it a work that appeals to both sight and sound.
(As a side note, I really love the way Satoshi Hosoi, who is in charge of the music, uses strings.)
The original artwork is being handled by Ashito Ooyari, who also worked on the character designs for the Dreamcast game "Kita e."
His delicate character designs, combined with the FFD system, come to life in a charming and lively way.

The same manufacturer's first work, "Shirotsumekusa Monogatari," is also a science fiction work that uses the same FFD system, and I recommend that one as well.

Seraphic Blue

This game will go down in the history of free games.
The length of the scenario parts and the unique use of kanji are often discussed, but I think it's undoubtedly an amazing work.
Overall, the enemies are highly aggressive, and boss battles in particular require careful strategic planning, making the combat difficulty quite high.
I personally feel that my skills as a player have improved since encountering this work.

While the combat itself is undoubtedly fun, I think the heart of this work lies in its story.
The game's highlights include its intricate plot twists, dynamic storyline, grotesque depictions only permissible in a free game, and the unseen masterminds, all contributing to a suspenseful narrative.
The setting is quite detailed, but the information is revealed little by little as the scenario progresses, so I feel that the way information is presented to the player is very careful.

It's a massive game with over 50 hours of gameplay, but if you're a free gamer who enjoys RPGs, I think it's a title worth playing.

・2005

Berwick Saga

This is a PS2 game by Shozo Kaga, who also worked on the Fire Emblem series.
While it's unusual for a console SRPG to be quite difficult to complete, it incorporates a variety of systems and is an ambitious title.
It features a unique turn-based system where allies and enemies act simultaneously, uses hexagonal tiles instead of squares, a mercenary system, a capture system, and various other elements that encourage deep gameplay.
The early stages are challenging due to having many weak units, but you'll feel a strong sense of growth as your characters level up and you acquire powerful weapons.

Since the difficulty level cannot be adjusted, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't confident in their SRPG skills.
However, since the joy of completing this game is immense, I've included it in this summary.

Let's Create a Professional Baseball Team! 3

This is a simulation game that focuses more on managing a baseball team than on actually controlling the gameplay.
The game features not only real-life players but also many fictional players drafted, so you can enjoy it for a long time.
We will manage the team with the goal of becoming a consistently winning team, replacing aging players with younger ones as needed.
Since you can play for decades, you can aim to break season records and overall records in the end, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the game.

There are many similar games out there, but personally, I don't think there's been a pennant simulation game that surpasses this one yet.

killer7

This is a sophisticated and stylish action-adventure game.
This is a work by Goichi Suda, who also produced "The Silver Case."
You clear episodes by controlling the protagonist(s) whose physical abilities and fighting styles change as they switch personalities.
Since you can choose the difficulty level, even people who are not good at gun shooting games can complete the game.

The story and world setting are not explained in detail, so this work may not be suitable for people who want explanations for everything.
While it certainly has some user-unfriendly aspects as a game, it possesses a unique character that more than compensates for those shortcomings.

・2006

Persona 3

I had never played any games in the Megami Tensei series before; this was my first time playing one.
I later learned that this game is a much more mainstream title compared to the traditional Megami Tensei series.
For that reason, it might have been easier for a newcomer like me to play.

It was fun exploring the extraordinary labyrinth while using a "Persona," similar to a Stand in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
The Press Turn system, which allows you to take consecutive actions by exploiting an enemy's weakness, made combat very fast-paced.
Furthermore, the fact that the battle BGM is a vocal track is innovative, and overall, the BGM, visuals, and everything else about the game is stylish and cool.

I enjoyed the simulation of school life, where I would normally attend school and deepen my relationships with the community through club activities and other activities.
While Persona 4, which came after this, was also very enjoyable, I would recommend Persona 3 first.

・2007

The Demon King's Tale

This game is characterized by its difficulty level, with little explanation of the story or the next destination, and where you can be easily wiped out if you're not careful.
However, it's a game with a strange charm; there's something about it that makes it hard to stop playing.
Because much is left unexplained, players are forced to make various inferences on their own, which might feel unhelpful to players who want step-by-step explanations.

The presentation is rather bland, but there are cut-ins during exciting boss battles and when using certain skills, making for thrilling moments.
While it's primarily a game focused on exploration and combat, the sparse text allows for inferences about various backgrounds and settings, making it quite intriguing.

・2009

Armored Demon Muramasa

This game has the feel of a dark, Japanese-style sci-fi adventure, typical of Nitroplus.
This is a visual novel with a heavy theme that directly depicts the negative aspects of justice.
The battles, both involving giant robots called "Tsurugi" and hand-to-hand combat, are depicted in a way that is as compelling as a chess puzzle, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The game includes various scenarios with different developments, and by playing through them all, hidden facts will be revealed.
A free demo version containing parts one and two is available, so if you're interested, give it a try and experience the shock for yourself.

High School Baseball Simulation 4

This is a high school baseball simulation game that boasts an extremely high level of quality.
We select schools from all over the country, strengthen their teams, and compete according to the actual high school baseball schedule.
In a sense, it could be described as a generational change simulation game.
The ability scores and other stats are set in considerable detail, so the simulation accuracy is likely to be high.

You can play in a style where you give detailed instructions for each and every match, or you can fast-forward through the game for a general overview.
It might seem a little complicated at first, but as you get used to it by playing around with it, I think you'll start to understand how fun it is.

・2010

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

The first thing I thought when I played it was that it's similar to "Ace Attorney."
However, I felt that various elements had been added to the game, establishing it as a similar yet distinct work.
With its steadily decreasing number of main characters and the unraveling truth behind the death game, this suspenseful adventure was full of mysteries from beginning to end, making it a thrilling and refreshing work.
I've played up to the third game in the series, and the tricks used have become increasingly daring, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

STEINS;GATE

This work has been adapted into an anime and has become known to many people.
This is a deeply moving film with a thrilling storyline centered around time travel.
In the game, each time you see the ending of a character's route, the next route is unlocked, so there's no feeling of replaying; you can progress through it smoothly without stress, as if you were on a single path.
You might find the frequent use of internet slang and the protagonist's chuunibyou-esque behavior off-putting, but even taking those into account, I think it's still worth playing.

・2011

Venus & Braves ~The Witch, the Goddess, and the Prophecy of Destruction~

This is a generational change simulation game where you fight through 100 years to avert a "great catastrophe."
The story follows Brad, an immortal yet still very human protagonist, as he manages and maintains the Knights' Order.
As members become closer, they may get married and have children, so it's important to create a strong unit for the next generation.
The unique rotation battle system, where multiple units fight against a single enemy, creates a tense and exciting atmosphere reminiscent of a chess puzzle.
Furthermore, in terms of the story, it's a masterpiece with many scenes that deeply stir the emotions, such as meeting new friends and saying goodbye to aging companions.

The PSP version is currently the latest and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
There's also a free game called "Hanyou 9" that's based on this work, so if you're even slightly interested, I highly recommend you give it a try.

・2015

Graymerca

This is a free SRPG featuring an epic story spanning three generations.
The story, characters, dialogue, and game system are all superb, making this a game I would recommend to anyone who loves SRPGs.
It's a massive game with a lot of content, but the story keeps you wanting to know what happens next, and I was completely engrossed in it when I played it.
For those who aren't good at SRPGs and just want to follow the story, an official invincibility patch is also available.

The Kanbayashi Family Murder Case

This is a mystery adventure game made with RPG Maker.
There are plenty of things that will make mystery fans grin, and the mechanisms incorporated into the game itself were also shocking.
It's not a very long game, so I would definitely recommend it to people who don't usually play mystery games.

・2018

New Theory Magical Girl

This is a feature-length game created by TS using SRPG Studio.
Unusually for an SRPG, it features a modern-day sci-fi setting and boasts meticulously detailed character development.
The story progresses in a logical and convincing manner, without any contrived or convenient plot developments.
Because it vividly depicts the real emotions of boys and girls who are caught up in an extraordinary world, it's not all pleasant stories; there are many developments that will tear your heart out.

The game offers a substantial challenge, and players unfamiliar with SRPGs might find even the normal difficulty level difficult.
I would also highly recommend "Heartium," by the same author, which is set in a fantasy world.

・2020

Death Moon Youka ~April 8th~

This is a visual novel game with an enormous amount of content, nearly 80 hours to complete, and includes elements of supernatural horror, mystery, and suspense.
You might be intimidated by the sheer volume of content, but once you start playing, you'll find it's very enjoyable to read through and not at all tedious.
I was surprised to find a visual novel game that was so meticulously designed, with scenes divided into smaller sections to make it easy to take breaks in gameplay, text color-coded by speaker, and even a display showing the remaining word count for each scene.

As you progress through the game, you'll encounter surprises and twists that are sure to amaze you.

Iris's Game

This is a roguelike-style RPG where you explore dungeons and enjoy challenging battles that require meticulous strategy and tactics.
This game is fun because you can think about all sorts of things, like how to assemble your party and what skills to use.
The combat system is refreshingly straightforward, with a clearly defined turn order, no resource consumption from skill use, and skill cooldowns.
I used to think I wasn't good at challenging RPGs, but with this game, the challenge didn't feel like a chore at all, and I became completely engrossed in it.
The joy of defeating a formidable opponent is an irreplaceable feeling.

You can optionally view the backstories of the characters who join your party.
The complex relationships between the characters are one of the highlights of this game, and as you progress through the game, their pasts are revealed, which kept me highly motivated.

In conclusion

Looking at it this way, I was reminded of the evolution of the games I've been hooked on, and it brought back nostalgic feelings.
As I get older, the number of games I play decreases, which I think is because I don't play as many games as I used to, my tastes and preferences have become more fixed, and my sensibilities have dulled.

Being able to feel emotionally moved and think, "This game is amazing!" is a very exciting experience, so I hope to continue finding games like that in the future.