My Top 10 Favorite Games of All Time That Aren’t Strategy Games

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A Sneak-Peak At My Other Side Of Gaming And My Favorite Games Of All Time

My primary focus in the gaming world is on strategy games, meaning I’ve spent a significant part of my gaming years exploring various strategy titles such as real-time strategy (RTS), turn-based strategy games, wargames, city-builders, management simulations, and more. However, when I manage to take a break from strategizing, you might be surprised by the diverse range of genres I enjoy dabbling in. It’s impossible to predict which non-strategy game would top my list as my all-time favorite.

Inside you’ll discover a variety of my all-time favorite games, ranging from role-playing games (RPG), first-person shooters (FPS), and action-adventure games. You can find them on both PC and consoles. It’s possible we might have some common favorites!

10 – Jet Set Radio

In this write-up, I found it necessary to mention one console game that left an impact on me. There were numerous options available, such as WWE’s Smackdown vs Raw, Killzone for PlayStation, Clockwork Knight, and RoboPit on Sega Saturn – games I played extensively during my youth. These gaming consoles were my initial gateway into the world of video games. Among all these titles, one game stands out as an unforgettable experience: Jet Set Radio. With its innovative cel-shaded graphics, a Tokyo-inspired world that pulsed with energy, and a fantastic acid-jazz soundtrack, it was a game that exuded coolness to my young self when I first played it. Reflecting on those days with the benefit of 20 years’ perspective, I can say that I played this game at a time when I didn’t focus on its performance or mechanics, nor did I understand its themes – instead, it was an exhilarating experience of skating on rails and tagging graffiti. For me, the appeal of Jet Set Radio wasn’t about achieving the highest score or completing the game; it was about exploring the cool moves the game offered. What’s remarkable is that this game continues to be fondly remembered and respected by a significant portion of the gaming community even today.

I’m excited about the upcoming revival of Jet Set Radio, so I have something fun to anticipate. And let me take a moment to praise Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, as it came incredibly close to capturing that raw, unfiltered, carefree pleasure of playing Jet Set Radio.

9 – League of Legends

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Everyone seems to have intricate connections with League of Legends – it’s a game that either captivates you, frustrates you, or does both simultaneously. It has a unique knack for bringing out the best and worst aspects in players. For extended periods, I find myself staying away from League, sometimes for years on end. But, there always seems to be someone – a friend, an acquaintance, a coworker – who encourages me to join a game, making it hard to refuse. As a result, the cycle often starts all over again. Furthermore, I’ve likely invested more time in League than any other game, and it’s full of cherished gaming moments that I hold close to my heart.

In simpler terms, what captivates me about this MOBA is its deep strategic elements and intricate complexity. Yet, it’s the competitive nature and the sense of mastering a fresh champion that continually draws me in. Gone are my days as a dedicated midlaner and jungler; now, I prefer the lighter, more enjoyable role of support. However, I exclusively play this game with friends, and I can’t recall when last I embarked on a solo mission.

8 – Hades

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Rogue-like games might not be for everyone as they have repetitive gameplay and require grinding, which could tire some players out quickly, especially those who prefer strong narratives. On the flip side, I lean more towards valuing mechanical aspects over story in a game. However, when a game offers exceptional combat mechanics along with an emotionally engaging narrative, it’s like striking gold. That’s precisely what Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, brings to the table. This rogue-like dungeon crawler is a shining example of outstanding design, showcasing its roots from games such as Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. In Hades, death isn’t just an end but an opportunity to explore each character’s motivations in depth. Unlike similar games in the genre, death in Hades doesn’t equate to failure; instead, it presents a chance to uncover more of Greek mythology’s intricate tapestry and forge connections with a captivating ensemble of gods, heroes, and monsters. While this isn’t intended as shopping advice, if you’ve yet to try a rogue-lite game, I couldn’t recommend Hades more without reservation.

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2025-09-02 18:45