Today’s Entry is a bit different from my usual writing. Today I’m going to dive into some of my all-time favorite video games that bring me loads of joy, relaxation, and endless entertainment! If you’re looking for a personal piece that gives you insight into someone else’s interests - maybe some you will care nothing about - this is the post for you!

I've been gaming since I was about five years old. One of my earliest memories is playing a PC game with Ariel’s daughter, Melody, from The Little Mermaid 2. As a kid, I was obsessed with online games like Webkinz, Poptropica, and Animal Crossing. And let's not forget my absolute favorite, The Sims 2, which still holds a special place in my heart to this day. As I got older, I branched out into more mature games like the Grand Theft Auto series, Saints Row 2, and a bunch of horror games.

Gaming has always been a huge love of mine, especially as a kid, because it lets you escape into entirely new worlds where you're the main character. The possibilities are endless with video games, especially now with the advanced AI and gaming engines creating such lifelike scenes and characters. It’s an amazing way to get lost in a fun and exciting escape!

As a kid, I always saw my dad playing games in his spare time. It's a hobby he's still into, and it's something we can bond over together. I have this vivid memory of sitting next to him in our small apartment, an orange in one hand and a plastic straw in the other. I was always trying to drink from the orange with the straw—never worked, by the way—but it was fun! I'd watch him play Resident Evil 4 and just loved the spooky atmosphere, the challenge, and spending that time with him.

That’s when I knew I wanted to try my own games. I had quite a collection at a young age across various platforms. The Nintendo GameCube was a favorite, with games like Animal Crossing, Spyro, and Mario Kart keeping me entertained for hours. It was such a blast exploring different worlds and characters, and it all started with those cozy moments watching my dad navigate through the eerie settings of Resident Evil 4.

One day, I was over at a friend’s house, and she showed me this really cool game where you could build and decorate homes. It was The Sims. We spent hours designing houses, creating characters, and just immersing ourselves in the virtual world. I was instantly hooked! The creativity and freedom that The Sims offered were unlike anything I had played before, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite games.

That Christmas, my aunt surprised me with my own copy of The Sims—the complete series! I was over the moon and played it every chance I got. I'd build my dream house, decorating it with all the pinks and purples my childhood self adored. And of course, I'd adopt as many cats and dogs as the game allowed. It was so much fun getting to play pretend as an adult, creating these little worlds where anything was possible.

About a year later, my dad and I were doing our usual weekly shopping at Walmart. As always, I wandered into the electronics section, and that’s when I spotted it—a magnificent discovery: The Sims 2! A second version of my favorite game that looked more lifelike and had even more possibilities?! I couldn't contain my excitement. I grabbed it and ran to my dad, and to my delight, he agreed to buy it for me. The moment we got home, I spent the next hour installing the game. From that day on, I dedicated countless hours to The Sims 2, building and creating with a sense of joy and passion that has lasted to this day.

The Sims 2 holds a very special and nostalgic place in my heart, yes it’s just a game, but it’s a game I had spent years playing. Some of those years in my early childhood and teenhood were difficult, but I was able to escape it all and build a life away from reality. The Sims gave me a way to escape the harsh reality of life and figure out what kind of future I wanted, it showed me possibilities. I still play The Sims 2 to this day and it still holds it’s spot as #1.

Anyone who knows me, or has read some of this blog, knows I have a deep love and appreciation for Japan and Japanese culture. I consume a lot of Japanese media, read about Japanese history, and study modern Japanese culture and the language. To say the least, I love Japan. With that being said, I also really enjoy the cyberpunk, neon, futuristic aesthetic. Plus, I have a penchant for horror games from time to time.

You can imagine my excitement when Ghostwire: Tokyo was announced. It encompasses all of my favorite things into one game rich with storytelling, folklore, and culture. It's an absolutely beautiful game with so much detail and has a lot of interesting information about Japanese life, folklore, and tradition. This game takes you on a touching, exciting, and spooky journey through the streets of Tokyo at night. As you play, you uncover bits and pieces of the characters' backstories, slowly piecing them together. As you make your way through the city, you'll have to battle evil spirits that have taken over the neon city of Shibuya, in order to save the city from a greater evil.

Playing this game transports me right to the heart of Tokyo, where I'm fighting to save the city with just KK and the cats and dogs of Shibuya by my side.

Honorable Mentions

As you can tell by the shortlist, I'm not an avid or necessarily skilled gamer, I just have a handful of games that I'm passionate about playing. Most of the time, I prefer to watch other gamers play while I sit back and enjoy the show. YouTubers and streamers like GabSmolders, Markiplier, PewDiePie, Insym, and Syd Mack are some of my favorites.

Gaming is a pleasant and easy way to transport yourself to a different world and get lost in the fantasy. Depending on your tastes, games can be fun, challenging, scary, or relaxing. Some people might even prefer to watch others play rather than being the one in control. This approach takes the pressure off having to perform well and allows you to just fully relax and immerse yourself in the game's world. Whether you're playing or watching, gaming offers a unique escape and a chance to experience stories, adventures, and challenges in a way that's both engaging and enjoyable.

There are so many different types of games out there, and there's truly one for everyone. Gaming transcends stereotypes and offers something for people of all ages and interests. Whether you enjoy the adrenaline rush of action games, the strategic thinking required in puzzle games, the immersive storytelling of RPGs, or the relaxing pace of simulation games, there's a game that can match your preferences. Gaming is for everyone, not confined to a specific stereotype, and it provides a unique form of entertainment and engagement that everyone can enjoy. I encourage all of my readers to explore the world of gaming and YouTube playthroughs to find a game that speaks to you! I would highly encourage you to check out the games I've mentioned in this Entry—they've brought me immense joy, and I'm sure they'll have something special to offer you as well.

Happy gaming! 👾 🎮