What Console Game To Try After 15 Years?
What console game should some one try if they haven't played one in over 15 years?
It's been a long time since you've picked up a controller, and the gaming landscape has transformed dramatically in the past 15 years. Consoles have evolved, graphics have become hyper-realistic, and new genres have emerged, offering a diverse range of experiences. If you're looking to dive back into the world of console gaming after a lengthy hiatus, selecting the right game is crucial. You want something engaging, accessible, and representative of modern gaming's advancements, without being overwhelming. This guide explores some excellent choices for returning gamers, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Re-Entry Point: Games That Bridge the Gap
If you're feeling nostalgic and want a gentle re-entry into gaming, consider titles that blend familiar mechanics with modern enhancements. These games often provide a sense of comfort while showcasing the advancements in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. Consider titles such as the latest installments in established franchises like Mario, Zelda, or Final Fantasy. These games retain their core appeal while incorporating contemporary elements, making them an ideal bridge between the past and the present. The goal here is to rediscover the joy of gaming without being immediately bombarded by complex systems or unfamiliar gameplay styles. Think of this as a warm-up lap before tackling more challenging or innovative experiences. Moreover, these franchises often have built-in tutorials and gradual difficulty curves, making them accessible to players of all skill levels. The key is to select a game that feels both familiar and fresh, sparking your enthusiasm for gaming once again. By starting with a title that resonates with your past experiences, you can gradually acclimate to the new features and mechanics of modern console gaming, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the current gaming landscape. Remember, the first game you play after a long break can significantly influence your overall perception of modern gaming, so choose wisely and enjoy the journey of rediscovery.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, are masterpieces that redefine the open-world genre. They offer an incredible sense of freedom and exploration, allowing you to chart your own course through the vast and beautiful land of Hyrule. These games are perfect for returning gamers due to their intuitive controls, engaging gameplay, and captivating story. The world is brimming with secrets, puzzles, and challenges, but the pace is entirely up to you. You can spend hours simply wandering the landscape, discovering hidden shrines, or experimenting with the game's physics-based mechanics. The combat is accessible yet rewarding, and the crafting system adds a layer of depth that encourages experimentation. What makes these games particularly appealing to returning players is their ability to capture the sense of wonder and adventure that many associate with classic gaming experiences. They evoke a feeling of nostalgia while simultaneously showcasing the incredible advancements in game design and technology. Moreover, the non-linear nature of these games allows you to ease back into gaming at your own pace, gradually mastering new skills and mechanics as you progress. The world of Hyrule is so rich and immersive that it's easy to lose yourself in it, making Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom ideal choices for rekindling your love of gaming after a long hiatus.
Super Mario Odyssey
For a dose of pure, unadulterated fun, Super Mario Odyssey is an excellent choice. This vibrant and imaginative platformer takes Mario on a globe-trotting adventure, visiting diverse and whimsical kingdoms. The gameplay is incredibly polished and accessible, with intuitive controls and a constant stream of new challenges and surprises. Odyssey introduces Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to possess enemies and objects, adding a unique twist to the classic Mario formula. This mechanic opens up a wealth of possibilities for exploration and puzzle-solving, making every level feel fresh and exciting. The game's charming aesthetic and infectious energy are sure to put a smile on your face, and its forgiving difficulty curve makes it ideal for players of all skill levels. If you're looking for a game that will instantly remind you of the joy of gaming, Super Mario Odyssey is a perfect fit. Its vibrant world, inventive gameplay, and sheer sense of fun make it an irresistible choice for returning gamers. Furthermore, the game's focus on exploration and discovery encourages you to take your time and savor the experience, gradually reacquainting yourself with the nuances of 3D platforming. With its blend of classic Mario charm and innovative new mechanics, Super Mario Odyssey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will rekindle your passion for gaming.
Story-Driven Experiences: Immersive Narratives
If you're drawn to compelling stories and immersive worlds, consider narrative-driven games that prioritize character development and emotional engagement. These games often blur the lines between gaming and cinema, offering experiences that are both interactive and emotionally resonant. Games like The Last of Us Part I, God of War (2018), and Marvel’s Spider-Man are excellent examples of story-driven games that blend captivating narratives with engaging gameplay. The emphasis here is on the journey, the characters you meet, and the emotional impact of the story. These games often feature mature themes and complex narratives, offering a more cinematic and emotionally satisfying experience. For returning gamers, story-driven games can be particularly appealing because they provide a familiar framework for engagement. The focus on narrative and character development can make it easier to immerse yourself in the game world, even if you're not fully up to speed on the latest gaming trends. Furthermore, many modern story-driven games feature adjustable difficulty settings, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your skill level and focus on the narrative experience. By choosing a game with a compelling story and relatable characters, you can rekindle your love of gaming while enjoying a truly cinematic and emotionally resonant experience.
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part I is a masterpiece of storytelling in video games. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic, it follows the journey of Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity's survival. The game's narrative is emotionally gripping and character-driven, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. The gameplay blends stealth, action, and resource management, creating a tense and immersive experience. The Last of Us Part I is a visually stunning game with a haunting atmosphere and unforgettable characters. Its mature themes and compelling story make it a truly memorable experience for returning gamers. What makes this game particularly compelling is its ability to draw you into its world and invest you in its characters. The relationships between Joel and Ellie, and the other survivors they encounter, are complex and nuanced, adding emotional weight to every decision you make. The gameplay is challenging but fair, requiring you to think strategically and make use of your surroundings. The Last of Us Part I is not just a game; it's an interactive story that will stay with you long after you finish playing. Its powerful narrative, coupled with its engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, make it an ideal choice for returning gamers who appreciate a mature and emotionally resonant experience.
God of War (2018)
A departure from the series' previous entries, God of War (2018) reimagines Kratos, the god of war, as a father figure embarking on a personal journey with his son, Atreus. This game features a compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and a satisfying combat system that blends brutal action with strategic depth. The world is rich with Norse mythology, and the characters are complex and well-developed. God of War is a mature and emotionally resonant experience that is sure to captivate returning gamers. What sets this game apart is its focus on character development and the relationship between Kratos and Atreus. The bond between father and son is central to the story, and their interactions are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The combat is visceral and satisfying, but it also requires you to think strategically and utilize different tactics. The world is vast and beautiful, filled with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome. God of War (2018) is a triumph of game design, seamlessly blending narrative, gameplay, and visual presentation into a truly unforgettable experience. Its mature themes, compelling story, and engaging gameplay make it an excellent choice for returning gamers seeking a deep and rewarding experience.
Open-World Adventures: Freedom and Exploration
If you crave freedom and exploration, open-world games offer vast and immersive environments to discover. These games often feature sprawling landscapes, diverse activities, and a sense of boundless possibility. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are prime examples of open-world adventures that can captivate returning gamers. The appeal here is the ability to chart your own course, explore at your own pace, and create your own stories within the game world. Open-world games often offer a wealth of side quests, collectibles, and hidden secrets, providing hours of gameplay and encouraging exploration. For returning gamers, the freedom and flexibility of open-world games can be particularly appealing. You can choose to focus on the main story, or you can simply wander the landscape, discovering new locations and encountering unique characters. Many open-world games also feature robust crafting and customization systems, allowing you to personalize your character and equipment. By choosing an open-world game, you can immerse yourself in a vast and dynamic world, rediscovering the joy of exploration and creating your own unique gaming experience. The sheer scale and scope of these games can be initially daunting, but the sense of freedom and discovery makes it well worth the investment.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic western adventure set in a vast and detailed open world. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in a dwindling gang, as he navigates a changing America. The game's story is rich and complex, the characters are memorable, and the world is incredibly immersive. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of storytelling and world-building, offering a truly cinematic and unforgettable experience. What makes this game so special is its attention to detail and its commitment to realism. The world feels alive and dynamic, with weather patterns, wildlife, and non-player characters that behave in believable ways. The story is both epic and personal, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the end of an era. The gameplay is a blend of gunfights, exploration, and character interactions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world and create your own stories. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a sprawling and ambitious game that demands your attention, but the rewards are well worth the investment. Its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and immersive world make it an ideal choice for returning gamers seeking a grand and unforgettable adventure.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is a visually stunning open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures. You play as Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she ventures into the Forbidden West to uncover the source of a mysterious blight. The game features a compelling story, a vast and beautiful world to explore, and thrilling combat against massive machines. Horizon Forbidden West is a showcase for the PlayStation 5's graphical capabilities, and its engaging gameplay and intriguing story make it a must-play for returning gamers. What makes this game so captivating is its unique blend of science fiction and prehistoric elements. The world is both beautiful and dangerous, with stunning landscapes and fearsome robotic creatures roaming the wilds. The story is full of mysteries to unravel, and Aloy is a compelling and relatable protagonist. The combat is challenging but rewarding, requiring you to use different weapons and tactics to defeat the machines. Horizon Forbidden West is a visually spectacular and engaging game that will draw you into its world and keep you hooked for hours. Its compelling story, stunning visuals, and thrilling gameplay make it an excellent choice for returning gamers looking for a fresh and exciting open-world adventure.
Conclusion: Welcome Back to Gaming
Returning to console gaming after 15 years can feel like stepping into a new world, but it's a world filled with incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. The games mentioned above are just a starting point, and there are countless other titles that could spark your interest. The key is to choose games that align with your personal preferences and provide a gentle re-entry into the gaming landscape. Whether you're drawn to immersive stories, open-world exploration, or action-packed gameplay, there's a console game out there for you. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new genres, and most importantly, have fun. The world of gaming has evolved, but the core joy of playing remains the same. Welcome back, and enjoy the adventure!