Video games are more than just entertainment; they’re stories, challenges and memories that stay with us long after we put the controller down. From intense survival adventures to emotional, story-driven journeys, members of our newspaper staff shared the titles that mean

the most to them and why these games continue to stand out. Their responses show that gaming is not just about winning, it’s about connection, identity and unforgettable experiences.

For Cade Lindsey, that connection comes through Life Is Strange. He first played the game when he was the same age as its main characters, which made the experiences feel especially personal. The game follows a teenage girl who discovers she can rewind time, and it explores choices, friendship, and the consequences of actions in a deeply emotional way. The story and emotional depth resonated with him in a way few games have. Even now, he finds himself returning to it, not just out of nostalgia but  the lasting impact it had on him. The game means so much to Lindsey that he hopes to one day get a tattoo inspired by it, a tribute to a story that grew alongside him.

Hayden Hernandez found a similarly powerful experience in Omori. After initially watching others play it, Hernandez recently began experiencing the game firsthand after receiving it as a Christmas gift. Playing it personally created a deeper attachment to the characters, especially Kel, who quickly became a favorite. He appreciates how the game explores grief and the different ways people cope with difficult emotions, including escapism and imagination. Even knowing how the story ends, he expects the final moments to be emotionally impactful when he reaches them himself.

For Jesus Ramirez, gaming has been a journey of self discovery and excitement. Street Fighter IV was the first fighting game he played as a child, sparking a passion for the genre that continues today. Exploring newer titles like Street Fighter 6 has only deepened his appreciation for competitive fighting games. His second favorite, God of War, holds a special place for different reasons. Ramirez was drawn by the story, the hype surrounding the game’s release and its connection to the original trilogy, which he had recently replayed. The game reignited his love for epic action-adventure narratives, and he’s eagerly anticipating the upcoming remake of the trilogy. For Ramirez, God of War (2018) isn’t just a game, it’s a pivotal moment in his gaming journey. Finally, Sonic Unleashed takes him back to childhood fun. While some players criticized the game’s werewolf transformation sections, Ramirez enjoyed them, noting they reminded him of God of War. For him, the game captures the pure joy and excitement of gaming as a kid, fast-paced, fun and memorable.

For Jesse Rodriguez, Mortal Kombat 9 represents both nostalgia and family bonding. It was one of the first games he ever played and became a way to connect with his mom, who loved the game as a kid. He appreciates its fast, addictive gameplay and the satisfaction of mastering combos once the learning curve is overcome. Beyond mechanics, Rodriguez loves the story and characters, especially Noob Saibot and Melina. Even after more than 15 years, Mortal Kombat 9 has held up for him as a timeless favorite. Rodriguez,’s other top picks show his love for variety and engaging gameplay. Devil May Cry HD Collection introduced him to a new style of fast-paced action while delivering a story he wanted to invest in. Marvel vs. Capcom a celebration of arcade-style fighting, featuring music, character designs and the thrill of playing as some of his favorite heroes against other iconic characters. His latest favorite, the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, captivates him with its overarching story and carefully crafted atmosphere. Rodriguez, also reflects on Sonic Unleashed, a game he grew up with and that represents the long-standing influence of Sonic games in his life. He appreciates its storytelling, art style, and graphics which were phenomenal for the time along with immersive, fast-paced gameplay. While it may not have fully withstood the test of time, the game left a lasting impression on his childhood and remains a memorable part of his gaming journey.

Valeria Valdivia shared her own two personal favorites, beginning with Resident Evil 2 Remake. Although she was first introduced to the franchise in 2012 when her uncle played Resident Evil 4, she was too young to fully engage at the time. That changed in 2022 with Resident Evil 2 Remake, which immediately captured her attention. She became deeply immersed in the story, memorized object locations and codes, and even created a 55-slide presentation on the game’s lore. Revisiting the game continues to bring excitement and nostalgia, cementing it as a standout favorite. Her second top pick, Ghost of Tsushima, first caught her eye while watching a friend play. She was immediately drawn to its immersive music and the stunning environment inspired by Feudal, Japan. When she got to play it herself, she fell in love with the story, character development and emotional depth, even shedding tears at the death of Taka. Her experience was so engaging that she earned the platinum trophy on her console, making Ghost of Tsushima an unforgettable favorite of the year.

These selections reflect how video games have evolved into a powerful form of storytelling and personal expression. For many players, games are not simply about competition or entertainment; they are experiences that shape identity, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Whether it is bonding with family over a fighting game, finding comfort in a deeply emotional narrative, exploring beautifully crafted worlds or mastering a game to the point of memorizing every detail, each story shared reveals how interactive media can leave a meaningful impact. As the gaming industry continues to innovate and expand, one thing remains clear: the most important part of any game is not just the graphics, mechanics or hype surrounding its release, it is the personal story each player builds with it. And those stories, much like the games themselves, are worth sharing.