Some of the best games do more than provide entertainment—they leave lasting impressions on the players who experience them. SAJITOTO These games go beyond mechanics or graphics; they touch on emotional, philosophical, and even societal themes that challenge our thinking. In doing so, they become more than just games; they become experiences that people carry with them for years.
A strong example of this is Life is Strange, a game that explores topics like mental health, identity, and the impact of choices. It’s a title that resonates deeply with many players, thanks to its grounded storytelling and emotional weight. Similarly, The Last of Us franchise is often considered among the best games of all time, not just for its gameplay but for its emotionally devastating narrative and exploration of love, loss, and survival. These games stay with us not because they’re easy to play, but because they make us feel something profound.
Even games with less emphasis on storytelling can be deeply impactful. Journey, with its minimalist design and wordless multiplayer, managed to evoke deep emotional responses through movement and music alone. What defines the best games in this space is their ability to connect with players on a human level, regardless of genre or length. Whether you’re laughing through chaos in It Takes Two or contemplating life after Spiritfarer, games now compete with books and films in how deeply they can influence emotions and personal reflection.
The emotional and psychological influence of the best games is now studied academically and discussed in mental health and education circles. Developers increasingly understand that games can be tools for empathy, education, and self-discovery. As the medium matures, more games will continue to push boundaries—not just of graphics or gameplay, but of the human experience itself.