Four years ago, the Boss Rush Network writing team got together and curated a list of top 50 video games that are a must-play before you kick that bucket! These titles span across all genres and platforms–so there is something for everyone. This list pays homage to a book called 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by Tony Mott. This amazing read spans decades up until 2013. Today, we’ve returned with the Boss Rush Bucket List, Volume II, which focuses on video games released since 2021 or any older games not previous voted on.

Here is the link to Volume I: CLICK HERE. Titles will be listed below for completeness’s sake but check out the article for more information.

Note: Some of us chose the same game–and if that happened, one person on the team was selected at random to write the piece. Because of this, I want to recognize each and every writer here for their fabulous taste in video games. Also, platform(s) were determined based on availability at time of writing. Release date is determined by initial release.

---

For Those Seeking Action or Adventure: From Exploration to High-Octane Hack and Slash Jaunts

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Publisher: Sony
• Release Date: 6/26/2025
• Platform(s):  PlayStation 5
• Game in three words: More Delivery Simulation
• Why Play it: Okay, it’s way more than just a delivery simulation, and this sequel made great improvements since the first Death Stranding. This time, Sam must trek through Mexico and Australia and restore the Chiral network. Improvements were made to graphics, combat, and other gameplay mechanics. The story also takes an interesting turn, leaving us to question if connecting the world was really a good thing and new characters such as Tomorrow, Rainy, and Neil. Overall, this story is riveting, gameplay is fun, and the graphics and sound design are impeccable. Lastly, it still has that quirky weirdness of a Kojima game that you can’t experience anywhere else.
• Snack Pairing: Don’t cook. Do delivery.

Death’s Door: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Acid Nerve
• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Release Date: 7/20/2021
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch 
• Game in three words: Crow Reaping Souls
• Why Play it: Follow a crow who reaps souls for a living. When a soul is taken from your procession, you must navigate a puzzle-filled world to take on enemies and bosses alike. Armed with a sword you can upgrade as well as other items and weapons, you must traverse the cursed land to get the stolen soul back at all costs. Unravel a dark mystery to unveil the truth behind your purpose.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Seedy Eye Software
• Publisher: Limited Run Games
• Release Date: 2/14/2024
• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, PC, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: CDi But Good
• Why Play it: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is loudly and proudly inspired by the Legend of Zelda games for the Philips CD-i. The game borrows the uncanny animation style and overall art direction from those infamously bad games but makes massive improvements on the actual gameplay, resulting in a delicious little morsel of a game with a surprising amount of charm and heart. Part parody, part earnest improvement, all love letter, this game deserves to be on this list not only because of its connection to an underrepresented moment in gaming history, but also because it demonstrates that a game with strong fundamentals and artistic vision can be just as good as a multi-million-dollar AAA extravaganza.
• Snack Pairing: A nice big plate of cheese and crackers.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: 8/25/2023
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Giant Freaking Robots
• Why Play it: After leaving the series dormant for an entire console generation, FromSoftware returned to its long-running mech franchise with a resounding bang. The insane level of customization options for your mech allows you to pilot anything from a lithe robot samurai to a ponderous, hovering arsenal. The gameplay is as fluid and responsive as it’s ever been in the series, thanks largely to FromSoftware’s experience making action games like Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. But I think Armored Core VI’s crowning achievement is its mastery of scale in both directions. I can think of no other game that lets you feel like you’re piloting a walking skyscraper in one mission, only to make you feel like a fly buzzing around an elephant in the next mission. It really takes the possibility space of the mech game genre and pushes it to its absolute limits.
• Snack Pairing: Cheap beer and an MRE.

Games from Volume I:

• Bayonetta 2
• Concrete Genie
• Ghost of Tsushima
• God of War
• Hades
• Horizon Zero Dawn
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
• Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Metroid: Samus Returns
• Red Dead Redemption II
• Spiderman
• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
• The Last Guardian
• The Last of Us Part II
• The Last of Us Remastered
• Titanfall 2

---

Games to Die For: The Best in Spooks or Thrills

The Evil Within 2: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Tango Gameworks
• Publisher: Bethesda Software
• Release Date: 10/13//2017
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
• Game in three words: Famile Horror Night
• Why Play it: I really enjoy horror shooter games, and this game has a great balance of both. You play as Sebastian, who is given the chance to save his daughter, but to do so you must travel to a horrifying town to bring her back. You can choose the manner in which you travel through the town, whether it be through brute force, trap setting, and/or stealth. The boss’s battles are unforgettable, and the atmosphere will keep your guard up and heart-racing. Will you survive and rescue your child? 

No, I’m Not a Human: Nominated by Lauren C and written by Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Trioskaz
• Publisher: Critical Reflex
• Release Date: 9/15/2025
• Platform(s): PC
• Game in three words: Don’t Trust Neighbors
• Why Play it: This was an indie sleeper hit that took horror fans by storm (It sits at “Overwhelmingly Positive” on Steam as of this writing). It drip-feeds you blood curdling dread in a first-person visual novel style. Due to some form of solar catastrophe, people adapted to sleeping during the day and staying awake at night; however, that’s not the only danger. There are hostile creatures known as Visitors, and you must be able to discern them from the throngs of people that knock at your door seeking refuge. Who can you trust? Disturbing visuals have you second guessing yourself from beginning to end. In fact, are you human yourself?
• Snack Pairing: Crack open a cheap can of beer. If you’re a non-drinker, how about some iced tea to cool off from the sun’s overbearing heat? Then, pop some popcorn and do some detective work!

Silent Hill 2 (remake): By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Bloober Team
• Publisher: Konami
• Release Date: 10/08/2024
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Fear Beyond Fog
• Why Play it: The original Silent Hill 2 is a legend in its own right, and the Bloober Team modernized it for old and new fans alike. This remake was well made with impressive graphics and voice acting. Although its combat is still not the best (typical of the Silent Hill franchise), it’s a must play for any survival horror fan or lover of dark, twisted stories. I thoroughly enjoyed braving decrepit old apartment buildings, sticking my arms in things I shouldn’t be, and confronting the iconic Pyramid Head.
• Snack Pairing: Red wine (or grape juice) and cheese. Snack on some decadence while you uncover the not-so-shiny truth behind James’ Sunderland.

Alan Wake 2: By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Remedy Entertainment
• Publisher: Epic Games
• Release Date: 10/27/2023
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Champion of Light
• Why Play it: I found Alan Wake 2 to be superior to the already cult classic hit, Alan Wake. This sequel takes an even darker, more survival-horror turn where you take turns playing as FBI agent Saga Anderson and Alan Wake himself. The levels are all genuinely scary and unsettling with impressive art direction and sound design. Explore Bright Falls, understand the Cult of the Tree, and locate the titular author that is trapped in this never-ending circle…or is it a spiral?
• Snack Pairing: Have a nice Shirley Temple or Lime Rickey paired with eggs and hash browns and pretend you’re at Oh Dear Diner.

Still Wakes the Deep: By David Lasby

• Developer: The Chinese Room
• Publisher: Secret Mode
• Release Date: 6/18/2024
• Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC
• Game in three words: Lovecraftian Sea Horror
• Why Play it: This indie game remains one of the most moving and beautiful games I have played. It’s technically survival horror, but feels very much a walking simulator at times, with deep story notes about family, betrayal, forgiveness, and loyalty. Players control Cameron “Caz” McLeary, a father and husband who’s drinking and temper have gotten him on the wrong side of the law, putting his family’s future at risk. To keep out of trouble until his legal situation works out, Caz flees to the North Sea to work on an oil rig. The 1970s visuals feel right out of Alien and pair well with the cosmic-horror, creature-from-the deep theme. It’s Alien: Isolation meets The Thing, and you won’t put the controller down until you’ve finished the story, probably with tears streaming down your cheeks.
• Snack Pairing: I’m not a seafood guy myself, but if I were, I’d say fried calamari and a stout beer ought to do the trick!

Slay the Princess: By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Black Tabby Games
• Publisher: Black Tabby Games
• Release Date: 10/23/2022
• Platform(s):  PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Visual Novel Greatness
• Why Play it: Slay the Princess is an indie visual novel, famed for its hand-drawn graphics and sense of storytelling. The title itself contradicts everything that we know about princesses in any novel or movie: that they are to be saved…or well, at least not be killed! The visuals are stunning, and the numerous branching pathways will have you coming back for more.
• Snack Pairing: Chips and hummus for a quick and easy bite because this game will have you coming back for more.

Games from Volume I:

• Alien Isolation
• Resident Evil 2 (remake)
• SOMA
• The Medium

---

Puzzles, Platforming, or Multi-PLAYER games, Oh My!

Donkey Kong Bananza: Nominated by David Lasby, written by Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release Date: 7/17/2025
• Platform(s): Switch 2
• Game in three words: We’re Breaking Through
• Why Play it: Donkey Kong is back, baby, and this 3D platformer has evolved in astronomical ways since Donkey Kong 64. In this next installment in the franchise, we are tasked to smash our way deep into the Ingot Isle’s core. As you begin your adventure, you pick up an odd, talking rock, only to find out it’s a young Pauline. Each level is bright, brilliantly designed, and fun, leaning hard on the fact you can destroy almost every part of the environment. Donkey Kong Bananza serves a touch of nostalgia, but more importantly, gives us a heaping helping of tight platforming gameplay.
• Snack Pairing: C’mon now. You can’t play a Donkey Kong game without eating…bananas! Of course, you can add it to yogurt, granola, and/or peanut butter to liven it up.

Animal Well: By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Shared Memory
• Publisher: Bigmode
• Release Date: 10/17/2024
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Deep Well Exploration
• Why Play it: Animal Well has been known for its long development with solo developer, Billy Basso. This is the kind of game built in several layers, crafted with love, and chock-full of detail. You play as a blob, exploring a labyrinth. With its foundation as a platformer, Animal Well will have you solving puzzles, meeting friendly and hostile animals, and enjoying eye-catching pixel-art and pleasing sound design. It honestly is challenging to describe Animal Well in a few sentences. It is truly an indie gem that is polished and full of details that will likely keep you playing this game for years to come.
• Snack Pairing: Explore some flavors whilst exploring this well. Try different types of sushi or a savory curry dish!

Astro Bot: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Team Asobi
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: 9/6/2024
• Platform(s): PlayStation 5
• Game in three words: Imaginative Rewarding Robots
• Why Play it: This is a game where robots meet space and bring along all their friends across hundreds of PlayStations’ IPs. This game is highly addictive and well-polished. It brought franchises from all of Sony’s past and present and incorporated it into a platforming experience that was top notch. The vibrant art style, paired with an interactive world to explore and utilize the haptic feedback in the controller, really made this an all-in-one platforming experience for my entire family.

It Takes Two: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Hazelight Studios
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Release Date: 3/26/2021
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch 
• Game in three words: Co-op Therapy Session
• Why Play it: From the developers who brought you games such as Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, AWay Out and 2025’s Split Fiction, comes a Game of the Year award winner, It Takes Two.  This unique platformer puts you in the shoes of May and Cody who are in the middle of a potential break up, their daughter tries to fix it by wishing for it, only for her parents to wake up inside of dolls. Can they work together to return to normal and mend their relationship?

The Last Campfire: By Josh Martinez

• Developer: Hello Games
• Publisher: Hello Games
• Release Date: 8/27/2020
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One
• Game in three words: Existential Puzzle Solving
• Why Play it: It’s always fun to see a video game that has a deeper meaning. The Last Campfire is deeper than most. In this short-but-sweet adventure, players learn what it means to move on while enjoying a deeply atmospheric adventure. Environmental puzzle-solving is the name of the game, though players will get the most out of their adventure if they collect all of the journal entries. This game does not take much time to beat but will stick with you long after the credits roll.
• Snack Pairing: Trail mix and beef jerky. Just like a real campfire but in the beyond.

The Talos Principle (Deluxe Edition): By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Croteam
• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Release Date: 12/11/2014 (10/13/2015 for Deluxe Edition)
• Platform(s): PC, Mobile, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Artificial Intelligence Problem-solving
• Why Play it: Play as a sentient AI being who is tested within a simulation connected by a central hub. The further you go into the simulation, the more complex and insane the puzzles become. For example, you need to move around different tripods to bounce energy around to unlock more secrets to get as far as you can. The only problem is who is controlling the simulation, and what is its purpose? One of the most thought-provoking puzzle games, I have ever experienced. 

Hi-Fi Rush: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Tango Gameworks
• Publisher: Krafton
• Release Date: 1/25/2023
• Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5
• Game in three words: Rhythm and Bruise
• Why Play it: In an era that has graced us with such satisfying and stylish character action games as Devil May Cry 5 and Final Fantasy XVI, it can be hard to make a game that stands out within the genre. But with Hi-Fi Rush, Tango Gameworks absolutely knocked it out of the park. The rhythm-based gameplay simultaneously breathes new life into the combo-heavy combat of the genre while also making it more intuitive and approachable for newcomers. Add to that a dazzlingly vibrant art style, gorgeous animation in both gameplay and cutscenes, and an endearingly cartoony sense of humor, and you get a game that is a must-play for anyone and everyone.
• Snack Pairing: Your energy drink of choice and the most colorful, least healthy food in your kitchen.

Pizza Tower: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Tour De Pizza
• Publisher: Tour De Pizza
• Release Date: 1/26/2023
• Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Playable Punk Rock
• Why Play it: In case it isn’t clear by now, I put a lot of value in a game’s art direction. As such, it should be no surprise that Pizza Tower would appear on this list. Nothing, and I mean nothing, looks anything like Pizza Tower. It channels the anarchic DIY sensibility of old Newgrounds flash games while still delivering an incredibly tightly designed and challenging platforming experience. The game’s progression system will occasionally force you to go back to earlier levels to find more collectibles or earn a better grade, but even without that direction I often found myself going back and replaying levels because the movement was just so satisfying. Eat your heart out, Sonic the Hedgehog – there’s a new speed demon on the platforming scene, and he’s got the meat sweats something fierce.
• Snack Pairing: I think you know the answer.

Chants of Sennaar: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Rundisc
• Publisher: Focus Entertainment
• Release Date: 9/5/2023
• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Mobile
• Game in three words: Genius Language Puzzles
• Why Play it: Chants of Sennaar is one of my favorite kinds of puzzle games, the kind that asks the player to use logic and deductive reasoning to unravel its mysteries. The puzzles in this game are all centered around language – each layer of the tower that you’re exploring has its own culture with its own distinct language, and you are tasked with learning these languages using nothing but context clues and pattern recognition. It’s pretty daunting at first, but it gets easier as the game progresses and you learn what clues and signifiers to look for. No other game will make you feel as smart as this one – you essentially start the game illiterate and end it fluent in five different languages. What other game can give you that experience?
• Snack Pairing: Alphabet soup made of non-English letters.

Portal: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Valve
• Publisher: Valve
• Release Date: 10/10/2007
• Platform(s):  PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mobile, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Simple and Elegant
• Why Play it: If you’ve ever wondered why the phrase “thinking with portals” gets used to describe any kind of unconventional puzzle solving, this game is why. You know a game deserves to be on this list when its core mechanic becomes a common turn of phrase. And it’s such a simple, elegant mechanic – shoot two portals at any two walls and voila, they’re connected. It completely changes the way that you view any space that you enter, and it enables some truly mind-bending puzzles. The icing on the (sigh) cake is the writing. I respect any writing that exercises restraint – not every story needs a lore bible! Keeping the story, setting, and cast simple lets the developers hone GLaDOS’s villainy to razor sharpness. The game may be a bit on the short side, but I think that’s a point in its favor – it’s all killer, no filler.
• Snack Pairing:. A modest-sized slice of cake from your local baker.

Games from Volume I:

• Celeste
• Forza Horizon 4
• Hollow Knight
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
• Mega Man 11
• Ori and the Blind Forest
• Rare Replay
• Shovel Knight
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Streets of Rage
• SUPERHOT
• Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2

---

The All-Consuming RPG*: Take on a Role and Make Your Character Your Own!

*RPG can be a fluid term. Games listed range from a traditional JRPG to a more action-oriented RPG.

Claire Obscure: Expedition 33: By Brendan Bailey

• Developer: Sandfall Interactive
• Publisher: Kepler Interactive
• Release Date: 4/8/2025
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Lovingly Crafted Tragedy
• Why Play it: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been lavished with praise since its release and frankly it is well deserved. Between its emotionally captivating narrative, its unique, inventive combat system, and its enthralling, mysterious world, this experience felt like such a breath of fresh air. Everything positive you’ve heard about this game is true, go play it if you haven’t already; just make sure to have tissues on hand to wipe away the inevitable tears. 
• Snack Pairing: Decadent crème brûlée alongside a full-bodied glass of Bordeaux.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Square Enix Creative Business Unit I
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Release Date: 2/29/2024
• Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PC
• Game in three words: Wacky Maximalist Epic
• Why Play it: Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is one of the most fun games I’ve played this decade. The combat is a perfect blend of twitchy action and tactical forethought, the story spans the whole emotional spectrum from heart-wrenching melodrama to cartoonish absurdity, and don’t even get me started on the multiple side quests and mini games that could easily be spun off into entire games of their own. It’s one of the few video game remakes that I think actually justifies its existence, and the sheer amount of creativity and polish on display easily earns it a spot on this list.
• Snack Pairing: A Chipotle burrito bursting with every add-on available.

Baldur’s Gate III: By Lev Working

• Developer: Larion Studios
• Publisher: Larion Studios
• Release Date: 8/3/2023
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Dungeons and Dragons
• Why Play it: Baldur’s Gate III earned its Game of the Year award handily. To date, it’s the best video game adaptation of the Dungeons and Dragons franchise. The story is gripping, the combat strategic and faithful, and the characters are easy to get invested in. With around 100 hours or more of content, it’s one of the few modern AAA games worth the price tag. 
• Snack Pairing: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. Comfort food to ease the pain from that tadpole in your forehead.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana: By Josh Martinez

• Developer: Nihon Falcom
• Publisher: Nis America
• Release Date: 7/21/2016
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation Vita
• Game in three words:  Lost Meets Anime
• Why Play it: The Ys series is often overlooked in the grand scheme of RPGs despite its longevity. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana served as the breakthrough title that the series needed. Its story thrives largely because of its unique setting of a mysterious island that holds a lot of secrets for its shipped wrecked survivors to discover. It has all the charm of an anime, all the mystery of the TV show Lost, and all the gameplay of some of the best action RPGs on the market.
• Snack Pairing: Dino Chicken Nuggets. Add in some Secret Sauce for a bit of added intrigue.

Unicorn Overlord: By Brendan Bailey

• Developer: Vanillaware
• Publisher: Atlus/ SEGA
• Release Date: 3/8/2024
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words:  Autonomous Waifu Warfare
• Why Play it: Vanillaware’s commitment to their hand-drawn 2D art style never ceases to amaze me and the meticulously crafted combat system that borrows heavily from Ogre Battle and Final Fantasy XII alike is an absolute treat to unravel and micromanage. While the story is largely forgettable, the relentlessly addicting gameplay more than makes up for it; I have been hopelessly searching for similar experiences to Unicorn Overlord since completing it and have yet to find any worthy adversaries outside of its aforementioned inspirations. Fingers crossed for a sequel. 
• Snack Pairing: Strawberry shortcake and a comforting cup of chamomile tea.

Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition: By Josh Martinez

• Developer: Square Enix
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Release Date: 9/27/2019
• Platform(s):   Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
• Game in three words: Redemption for All
• Why Play it: Admittedly, the Dragon Quest series isn’t for everyone. Those who enjoy this type of JRPG will absolutely love this game while others may be mild to it. What made this game so enjoyable was the second act that featured a fallen world akin to Ocarina of Time. Add to that a hefty post-game that is actually just the third act and you have a fantastic modern JRPG that doesn’t lose its roots.
• Snack Pairing: Twice-baked potatoes. If you have the patience, make it a thrice-baked potato.

Scarlet Nexus: BY Josh Martinez

• Developer: Bandai Namco
• Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Release Date: 6/24/2021
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC
• Game in three words: Time Travel Tomfoolery
• Why Play it: Scarlet Nexus had the luxury of being the lead-in to Tales of Arise in Bandai Namco’s lineup so it often gets forgotten. That still doesn’t change its status as one of the most underrated JRPGs of the decade and one that deserves to be revisited soon. It features a unique story with fast-paced combat. This game will appeal to fans of Shonen anime as well as futuristic dystopian fiction. While not perfect, it is still a breath of fresh air that few games have been able to match.
• Snack Pairing: Moon Pies and Red Vines. Just maybe not at the same time.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance: By Brendan Bailey

• Developer: Atlus
• Publisher: SEGA
• Release Date: 6/14/2024
• Platform(s):  PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Joyous Demonic Ascension
• Why Play it: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance feels fantastic to play; it has what I consider to be the most expressive and rewarding turn-based combat in the medium, the exploration is immersive and consistently rewarding, the amount of freedom provided to the player during party building is astounding, and the experience as a whole is brimming with a distinct sense of atmosphere and personality. Plus, it’s full of loveable demons, ranging from the absolutely adorable to the morbidly grotesque. 
• Snack Pairing: A piping hot bowl of tonkotsu ramen and a tall draft of Kirin beer.

Chained Echoes: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Matthias Linda
• Publisher: Deck 13 Spotlight
• Release Date: 12/8/2022
• Platform(s):  PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch 
• Game in three words: Fantasy Mech-suit Journey
• Why Play it: This 16-bit style RPG was another amazing game that has much to offer. The combination of a fantasy world with dragons and other entities mixed with huge piloted mech-suits really creates some fantastic battle opportunities. One of the most unique turn based battles I experienced involved you fighting a boss on a moving platform that you had to control the direction in which you traversed the cave, but had to do so as part of your turn so you had to strategize wisely.

Sea of Stars: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Sabotage Studio
• Publisher: Sabotage Studio
• Release Date: 8/29/2023
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch 
• Game in three words: Magical Solstice Combat
• Why Play it: I have played a lot of RPGs, especially during the 16-Bit era, and Sea of Stars can stand with the best of them. The game follows a main party of friends who must stop the Fleshmancer from destroying their world. This well polished, turn-based game uses old school foundational staples of RPGs and combines modern elements to keep it fresh and engaging. The edition of new free DLC is also a welcome experience.  Can you navigate the Sea of Stars?

Kingdom Come Deliverance II: By Stephanie Klimov

• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Release Date: 2/4/2025
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
• Game in three words: Historical Fiction Simulator
• Why Play it: Kingdom Come Deliverance II is an outstanding sequel that is just as worthy as its original title. It excels in its open-world action RPG gameplay, engrossing you in 1403 Bohemia as Henry of Skalitz, who leads a resistance against the usurper King Sigismund of Luxembourg. This game is of high quality and lots of fun.
• Snack Pairing: How about something deeply comforting and satisfying for the long haul, like shepherd’s pie?

Games from Volume I:

• Bloodborne
• Bravely Default II
• Dragon Age: Inquisition
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Fire Emblem: Three Houses
• Monster Hunter Stories
• The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
• Xenoblade Chronicles X

Stand Out Stories, Simulators, and/or Themes: These Games Scream Unique and Memorable!

Balatro: By Lev Working

• Developer: LocalThunk
• Publisher: Playstack
• Release Date: 8/12/2024
• Platform(s): PC
• Game in three words: Let’s Go Gambling!
• Why Play it: I booted up Balatro for the first time around 2 P.M. one Thursday afternoon, intending to try it out for 20 minutes. When I awoke from my gambling coma, five hours had passed, and my mother was calling me, I hadn’t eaten anything, and I was late for a class. Only all those factors combined were enough to free me from this game. It will consume you. Balatro is all the dopaminergic bliss of gambling without the financial ruin. No downsides!
• Snack Pairing: One banana, a hardboiled egg, popcorn, and ramen.

Nova Drift: By Lev Working

• Developer: Chimeric
• Publisher: Pixeljam
• Release Date: 3/20/2024
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo, Mobile
• Game in three words: Asteroids on Steroids
• Why Play it: Nova Drift takes the concept of Asteroids and escalates it into the full roguelike bullet hell experience. The game has dozens of viable upgrade paths and strategy that transform your ship. I’ve especially enjoyed missile boat, railgun, and carrier ship builds. 
• Snack Pairing: Rock Candy

Undertale: By Jordan Davis

• Developer: Toby Fox
• Publisher: Toby Fox
• Release Date: 9/15/2015
• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Playstation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
• Game in three words: Uproarious Yet Poignant
• Why Play it: There are many video games that have explored the medium’s penchant for violence and the concept of player agency, but none of them have tackled these topics in quite the same way that Undertale does. It makes it clear from the start that nonviolent conflict resolution is not only possible, but preferable. The game’s pacifist route, with its charming characters, challenging boss battles, and immaculate sense of humor, would be enough to get Undertale on this list all on its own, but the addition of the violent route elevates it to “game of the decade” status. You go through the game slaughtering all these colorful characters who don’t really want to hurt you, all for the final boss to call you out for “wanting to see what would happen.” It’s the only game I’ve played that makes you, the player, feel like a bad person for choosing the evil route.
• Snack Pairing: Cinnamon butterscotch pie and cold spaghetti.

Anthology of the Killer: By Brendan Bailey

• Developer: thecatmites
• Publisher: thecatmites
• Release Date: 5/28/2024
• Platform(s): PC
• Game in three words: Bizarre Comedic Theater
• Why Play it: Overflowing with creativity, Anthology of the Killer manages to achieve a near perfect balance of poignant commentary and eccentric humor while also providing some breathtakingly surreal and disorientating visuals that are further accentuated by an outstandingly eclectic soundscape. This is the new golden standard for the surreal walking simulator; anyone who is even vaguely interested in this genre owes it to themselves to dive headfirst into this well of fresh ideas.
• Snack Pairing: Modestly buttered popcorn and a large cherry slushie.

Boku no Natsuyasumi 2: By Brendan Bailey

• Developer: Millennium Kitchen
• Publisher: Sony
• Release Date: 7/11/2002
• Platform(s): PlayStation 2
• Game in three words: Nostalgic Summer Getaway
• Why Play it: Boku no Natsuyasumi 2 is a profoundly earnest and delightful time capsule that perfectly encompasses the feeling of childhood wonder. Throughout a 31-day summer vacation, set in 1975 coastal Japan, the game manages to romanticize every moment, whether it be a small discussion between characters, a minute spent sitting together in silence while the dissonant melody of a record coats the playground, an afternoon spent catching bugs while running through the sun, or a loving mealtime spent laughing with family. These fleeting moments are all shown to be significant and impactful despite their brevity, culminating into a truly special and memorable experience.
• Snack Pairing: A ripe watermelon and a bottle of chilled green tea.

Dave the Diver: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Mint Rocket
• Publisher: Mint Rocket
• Release Date: 6/28/2023
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series, PC, Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 
• Game in three words: Restaurant Diver Simulator
• Why Play it: Playing Dave the Diver brings about many thoughts, especially with such a mash up of genres that work together to give the player an experience that I have not felt before. It is a story-driven diving, farming, restaurant simulation with mermaids, boss battles, and cook offs. It has RPG elements, a full phone with apps, and even sea horse racing. It is something that you’re better off experiencing it for yourself than me trying to describe it in words!

Firewatch: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: Campo Santo
• Publisher: Panic Inc.
• Release Date: 2/9/2016
• Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch
• Game in three words: Radio Reflection Retreat
• Why Play it: This game, along with Life is Strange, are two of the reasons I enjoy story-driven walking sims. The story alone for me relates the stages of dementia with the byproduct of fire. Being alone, being confused, and waiting for a flare up. The art is beautiful and serene, and I enjoy the voice actors bantering as you go through your problems and try to unravel a mystery while watching for potential forest fires.

Life is Strange: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Release Date: 10/20/2015
• Platform(s): PlayStation 3 & 4, Xbox 360 & One, PC, mobile
• Game in three words: Memorable Emotional Timelapse
• Why Play it: When I bought Life is Strange, I did not realize the impact that this game could have on me. This game from beginning to end creates such a connection with the player in a short amount of time. It has one of the most unexpected endings and then makes you choose an outcome. From time travel, to missing people, and one of the best relaxing soundtracks that you can get in a game, I wish I could play this one over blind again to experience it all over.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage: By Shane Kelley

• Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Publisher: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Release Date: 2/18/2025
• Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC
• Game in three words: Mysterious Nostalgic Tapes
• Why Play it: DONTNOD, I feel, have a knack for making story-driven games that are shrouded in mystery that provides a ton of nostalgia for many gamers and creates a fun environment to explore and unlock easter eggs. This game centers around a group of girls who have a coming-of-age story with all the twists and turns and the game focuses on two different times within their lives to rediscover the mysterious and events that shaped them. What really happened that summer?

Games from Volume I:

• A Short Hike
• Coffee Talk
• Detroit: Become Human
• Gris
• Neo Cab
• One Night Stand
• Stardew Valley
• We Should Talk

---

Thank you for checking out our list. We will return next year for Volume III. Until then, please share a game your personally think is a must-play in the comments below, on our Boss Rush Facebook Group, or our Boss Rush Discord. Cheers!

---

---

Featured Image Source: PlayStation