-1- Hearthstone (~750+ Hours)
Like many players at the time, I was skeptical of what long-lasting enjoyment could be found from a free-to-play digital card game, even if it was from esteemed developers of Blizzard. But after winning Game of the Year awards in 2014 and listening to the incredibly catching soundtrack it sported, I decided to give Hearthstone a closer look. What I was astonished to discover was a game with incredible polish in every aspect and loads of personality and charm to be found. Over 4 years now this game continues kicking, and with a continual stream of new cards, adventures, and daily challenges, it's no surprise that this is a game easy to continue picking up and pour more and more hours into. Having started in December, 2014, I've only now just achieved my 500th win with one character class (Priest), unlocking the coveted golden skin for them. Unless Blizzard has other plans, this will surely be a game to be enjoyed for many years still yet to come.
-2- Animal Crossing: New Leaf (395 Hours)
There's nothing quite as relaxing and meditative as the simple joys of strolling around you own personal little town in the world of Animal Crossing. And as the game runs in real time, the series is best suited on the home of a handheld, easily accessible to play when and where the day sees fit. Between managing your town, comparing homes with friends and strangers alike, and the wealth of fun events and holidays, Animal Crossing: New Leaf was the one game in the series where I played every single day for more than a year, and loved every single minute of it. As such, my excitement is through the roof for the potential of the upcoming sequel for Switch; The prospects of enjoying this series in glorious HD on the TV and also the ability to play on the go make this upcoming entry sound like a match made in heaven.
-3- Civilization V (275 Hours)
Perhaps it's due to how long a single game of Civilization V takes, but the compelling nature of just "one more turn" is a testament to just how this game keeps its hooks in you to see each game through, at least until you decide to start a new game because every nation suddenly declares war on you. There is something so wondrous about exploring new lands, discovering new technologies, and watching your nations rise up and unfold. And that narration by William Morgan Sheppard, my goodness is that not just the perfect tone of wisdom and authority. I could listen to these quotes time and time again, and never grow tired of hearing them.
-4- StreetPass Mii Plaza (245 Hours)
Before the Switch killed the 3DS, there was a magical and unmatched delight to be found when that little green light blinked on your 3DS system. The joys of meeting new fellow gamers and exchanging witty remarks and recently played games. The satisfaction of slow and steady progress slaying ghosts, collecting puzzles pieces, tending to gardens and more. The thrills of going to gaming concerts or conventions, and filling your Streetpass plaza with dozens upon dozens of streetpasses. It wasn't just a system that encouraged you to take your 3DS everywhere, but one that built a sense of unity and shared bonding over gaming, even if it was never directly seen. Streetpass is one of my most missed features on the Switch and will be remembered fondly as one of the greatest innovations to be seen in the medium of gaming (by my books at least).
-5- Fire Emblem Awakening (230 Hours)
There are very few instances in which a game demo has convinced me to buy a game I otherwise uncertain to purchase, but Fire Emblem Awakening happens to be one such instance. The stunning art direction and beautiful scores. The engaging, strategic gameplay and compelling narrative. I absolutely needed to play more, and so I dived full in. What followed was one of the most satisfying and compelling adventures to have been enjoyed on the 3DS. Every decision on the battlefield was a considered and thrilling choice, not only to ascertain certain victory, but as a tool to build relationships among comrades and unlock new conversations, allowing deeper looks into every character and building a more personal story unique to your own play-through. When I learned that your matchmaking though led to distinct characters to later be unlocked, my mind was blown at how cool a concept such was and how well it actually worked into the structure of this narrative. After becoming accustomed to the mechanics of this game and beating it on Normal difficulty, I knew I had to dive back in at Hard. I spent hours upon hours outside of the game, researching my ideal team and skills for this second play-through, and the satisfaction of overcoming this greater challenge was the more rewarding. I even dared to try Lunatic difficulty for a time, but that mode is just cruel and meant for masochists. I don't advise such for the sake of anyone's sanity and peace of mind. The point of this long rambling, Fire Emblem Awakening is amazing and I could easily play it for another 100+ hours should the whim arise again.
Honorable Mentions
As many games don't come equipped with easy means of tracking playtime, honorable mentions go out to StarCraft and Diablo II, both of which I know I must have spent countless hours playing among my siblings and friends in my youth. Also an honorable mention to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which pulled in an impressive 150 hours in just one play-through. I know once some more time has passed, its playtime will climb ever higher as I dive back in, perhaps trying out the harder difficulty this time.
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Once again, a great deal of thanks to these wonderful games and the plentiful amounts of bliss they provide. Any particular games you've played that you simply can't get enough of? Be sure to share your thanks of your own giving games in the comments below. And for more thanks in gaming, click here to see my Top 5 Thanks / Deals in games. Remember to share some thanks for the many blessings in your life and have a safe and happy holiday!
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