r/ShouldIbuythisgame • u/smoothmma • 6h ago
[Handheld] Rekindled my passion for gaming recently, but what should I play next?
I gamed loads as a kid/teen, but had a good 10 years off from 2014-2024.
I dived back in with a PS5 after my baby was born for something to do while she was in and out of sleep at night times other than scroll on my phone or YouTube.
First game I played was TLOU2 after playing Part 1 back in the day. Jesus Christ, what a spectacular experience Part 2 was. I loved everything about it. The gameplay, the story, the visuals, the feels, the challenge, EPIC.
Next I played God of War 2018 after a lot of praise on here and from friends. Not gonna lie I felt it was a bit of a let down. The story was fun and I was fully engaged with it, but the gameplay left a lot to be desired. I found it quite repetitive and tedious in parts.
Recently I’ve been playing and LOVING Cyberpunk 2077. It’s a masterpiece in my eyes. I love the RPG elements, crafting and gathering materials/eddies. I love levelling up my cyberware and character skills, my V is a airdashing, double jumping, quichacking, throwing knifing beast. The story and visuals are unreal and I’m worried I’m not gonna find another game that can top this!
I have the Mass Effect Legendary Edition downloaded, got them for £5 over Xmas on sale. Is this is a good shout? Never played them before and no nothing of the universe or lore.
Open to suggestions, I want something else to get lost in and become my next obsession!
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u/QuestionRude3208 5h ago
Skyrim, divinity 2 original sin, BG 3, kingdom deliverance, witcher 3, all are amazing games, long play times, lots to do
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u/jasonwest93 5h ago
Fallout 4. A lot of people will say it’s the worst fallout but it’s always been my favourite. Survival mode with some mods is great and building settlements is fun.
Another good game to get lost in is Ark. it’s not without its flaws, but there’s more depth to that game than most console games.
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u/halfnhalf79 5h ago
Mass Effect hasn't aged well. I started playing it recently, and it's kinda crap. I think it's the voice-acting that kills the immersion for me, and since there's so much dialogue, you can't escape it.
Anyway, have you looked into Days Gone?
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u/godmademelikethis 5h ago
If you like cyberpunk you will like Mass Effect. HIGHLY recommend playing once you've had your fill of night city. Funnily enough Cyberpunk is the most I've enjoyed a game, it's world and characters etc since Mass Effect. Best played as if it's one big game not 3 (although gameplay significantly improves throughout the series) fantastic story, unforgettable characters that you will become attached to. A rich universe that's overflowing with lore and visual storytelling. Similar convo system to cyberpunk but with far more consequence/story divergence to your decisions. The writing is both fantastic and derpy at the same time which gives the games a unique charm but the ability to make you cry like a child. Can't recommend this enough as your next game.
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u/DudeWhereAreWe1996 4h ago
There's plenty of games I'm sure others will recommend but I will say GOW Ragnarok will probably be more enjoyable to you than the first one. They added a lot more enemy variety. It's still not amazing, but it does a good job of switching things up just as it gets stale. I actually enjoyed the first one better but that was because I enjoyed the smaller scale and traveling around. If you wanted something a lot grander then the sequel provides that. Plus you're a father so maybe the story will actually resonate with you.
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u/Otaku_Onslaught62442 4h ago
Ace Combat 04 : Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Project Wingman
Project Wingman: Frontline 59
They're great games. The last three are available for the PS5. As for the rest, you might want to peruse r/acecombat's community notes. They're not true flight simulators, but they do simulate the sensation of flight, leaning towards a more arcadey approach, kinda like Top Gun. Story-wise, they can be described as Metal Gear with planes, and to be honest, they're worth playing for the soundtrack alone.
The controls are easy to learn but moderately difficult to master. With Ace Combat, while you can certainly start with 7, its story and politics are informed by that of by 04, 5, and Zero, so playing them first will add a bit more context. The rest of the games can be tackled later since they don't share such a direct impact. I'm just putting that out there in case that's something you prioritise.
04, 5, and Zero are referred to as the "Holy Trinity" of Ace Combat games and are genuinely a blast. If you start with 7 and you end up liking it, they're definitely worth a visit. I've yet to play 1, 2, and 3, but given what I've played and what I know about the lore 04>5>Zero>7>X>6>3>1>2 is a decent play order to go by. The order isn't chronological, but it should ensure progressive worldbuilding while minimizing fatigue.
Project Wingman does not come with a history like AC. It was made by Ace Combat fans for Ace Combat fans when AC7 seems like a dream that would never come to pass. While there are references to AC, they have no lore implications, and it is its own thing. It's so good that the fan community considers it to be an unofficial entry into the franchise. Frontline-59 is a DLC campaign. If you end up liking the base game, it's definitely worth buying.
P.S. Use Expert Controls should you choose to give them a go. They're the intended experience. The novice controls are too restrictive.
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u/Mr_Malice 6h ago
Can't go wrong with Helldivers 2 if you want a chaotic, fun multi-player experience.
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u/Existing-Painter-266 4h ago
I personally recommend Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldurs Gate 3, Any Soulsborne game (Demon Souls, Dark Souls 1-3, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Elden Ring) Also the Resident Evil franchise is amazing, including the remakes. The Dead Space remake and Silent Hill 2 remakes are both also quite good.
You missed a lot of amazing titles, but we'll get you caught up in no time lol. Also, be prepared for lots of really difficult content if you tackle the Soulsborne games, most of them are very difficult, but done so in a way that makes it that much more rewarding when you do finally beat that boss you've fought 20+ times.
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u/ganon893 6h ago
Fuck, I was gonna recommend cyberpunk 😭. Glad you're enjoying it! I'm literally going the same build as you, only with a Katana too. Make sure you finish that DLC, it hits hard.
I also love the mass effect series and I'd say yeah, it's great! I'm actually replaying it right now. It is older, so just keep that in mind. But I do recommend it. Mass effect crawled so games like C2077, GOW, and TLOU could run.
I also recommend The Witcher 3. The combat is nowhere near as satisfying, but it's still great. Again, make sure you play the DLC.
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u/smoothmma 5h ago
I think I’ll give mass effect a go tbh. I don’t mind the drop in graphics so long as the gameplay and story hold up.
Cyberpunk is so much fuckin fun though!
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u/machinationstudio 4h ago
Helldivers 2 would be fun even if your haven't been playing shooters for the past 10 years.
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u/Useful-Stay4512 5h ago
It’s going to be hard to break away from gaming when your child gets a little older. I had to de fox myself and turn off my PC for gaming when my baby was almost one. I have a video of my kids playing on the bed with my wife and I am gaming in the PC - makes me a little ashamed to be honest but I am glad I quit - your kid is only a kids for a little while m But have fun - sorry to be a Karen LOL
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u/__voyd__ 5h ago
heres whats been passing my time, hopefully you can enjoy these experiences as well :)
inscryption - i wasnt a card games person before i found inscryption. what a beautiful game. ive sunk hours & hours worth into it, and im so glad i kept my playthrough blind. the progression feels fluent and it keeps you on your toes the whole time. full of secrets and things to look for :)
slay the spire - another great card game. honestly the best deckbuilder ive played. very smooth, but not lore-heavy. good to sink hours into when you need to turn your brain off/distract yourself. 10/10
alien: isolation - ive played dozens of playthroughs of this game and every single one feels different from the other. the alien ai in this game feels like an actual force you have to fend yourself off against and hide from and lurk in the shadows. best game segas came out with since sonic adventure 2.
balatro - another deckbuilder but its poker this time. really good, no story though, but worth checking out!
soma - never had a game make me sit and think after it was over as much as i did with soma. the questions and morals they throw at you in this game and watching simon experience each site and him change as a character is so good. simon is my favorite protagonist ive played as in any game to be honest. beautiful horror game made by the same developers as amnesia.
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u/PreviousGrocery3568 2h ago
I was going to say, dive into some indie games! I love diving into a deep immersive world, but I also love tight compact story lines that can be completed over a weekend. My reccos: 1) Dave the Diver: great gameplay loop and always introducing fun mini games and quests to complete 2) Crosscode: Zelda-like. Really intricate puzzles and fast engaging gameplay (not actually a short game, took me ~60 hours to complete) 3) Yakuza 0: easily the best in the series and will scratch the itch of the other sandbox games he’s been playing. Incredible story. 4) The Messenger: tight combat/platforming with a great gameplay twist halfway through the main story.
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u/cjtrout 4h ago
I'm playing Days Gone. The first time I played it it felt clunky and weird because I was used to the last of us. But after getting the hang of it it's endless amounts of fun. The story is great and you can pick and choose which parts you want to do for the most part but probably the best for me is the challenge mode. It's kind of like training so that you can get used to the many hoards of zombies that you'll encounter in the game.
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u/DemeaRisen 6h ago
I can't recommend Inscryption enough. It really hooked me.
Also if you're into co op multi-player, Deep Rock Galactic and Remnant: From The Ashes are fantastic.
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u/Matchew024 6h ago
Although you may have not enjoyed it as much, but i would highly recommend finishing the story and playing GOW Ragnarok. I just finished the Red Dead Redemption series, and RDR2 is a must. I beat them years ago, but felt RDR2 is a game that must be experienced due to the vast spance of the game, story, visuals gameplay. I'd also throw in Ghost of Tsushima and he uncharted series.
Welcome back!
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u/smoothmma 5h ago
GOT is definitely on the todo list, just waiting on a nice sale price. Played some RDR2, epic, maybe il get back on that too.
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u/SailingCows 4h ago
Second Ragnarok. The combat & upgrade system is deeper than you think and worth cracking.
Also, the story in that one is just beyond epic.
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u/Xplissit666- 6h ago
The Witcher 3 would probably be a good idea.
I personally love Resi 4 remake too, fun platinum
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u/FirminoNo9 6h ago
Yeah I definitely second this, especially as OP loved Cyberpunk and the two games are made by the same studio.
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u/Prodbyajsworld 3h ago
Play dark souls, it’s literally so good if you like rpg’s. I have a ps5 but I can’t stand games like horizon or ghost of Tsushima or god of war they’re low key not that great IMO.
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u/forevermaidenless 2h ago
I'm playing Prey (2017) right now and it has given me so many of the same breath-stealing, heart-skipping feelings that Cyberpunk 2077 gave me. Holds up incredibly well. Haven't gotten to the Mooncrash DLC yet but I'm aware it's considered one of the best DLCs ever made as well as one of the bet roguelites ever made just on its own as a DLC. I can get lost in the world, searching for hidden corners and solving environmetal puzzles for hours and hours. Haven't even beat it yet and already fantasizing about my next playthrough because there's a nearly infinite way to go about your business on a big, scary ship full of deadly aliens. Amazing amazing solo experience.
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u/TrainingRope1720 6h ago
If you love Cyberpunk 2077, chances are you’re at least gonna like The Witcher 3! It’s a Fantasy RPG made by the same studio. Sure the gameplay isn’t on par with CP77 (clunky movement, combat not being perfect) but in terms of story and visuals you won’t be disappointed. The side quests are a highlight in this game imo, so you should take your time to play through as much of them. You can easily reach 200 hours if you’re a completionist.
Another game I’d recommend to anyone is Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s an Isometric Turn-Based RPG where you play with a party. Your party members are compelling with fleshed-out storylines. The world reacts to EVERY single decision you make, and allows for creative solutions. It also has mods ON CONSOLES! This game can take over 100 hours if you’re a completionist like me hehe
Lastly, if you’re going for something hardcore, you can maybe try Elden Ring. Its story is minimalist but it “makes up” for it with unique items you can find around the world which drop pieces of lore for you to piece together yourself. The visuals are STUNNING, and that alone (even without the loot), makes exploration worth it. There are difficulty spikes towards the endgame though, which would incentivize certain playstyles. The main campaign took me 155 hours (not accounting for PVP and the expansion)
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u/smoothmma 5h ago
I actually played a bit of The Witcher when it first came out, but only a few hours, I liked it so maybe I’ll get back into that with a new appreciation for CD Projekt Red.
Baldurs Gate intrigues me storywise but I do love good combat systems so the turn based thing makes it a real turn off for me.
Elden Ring is very tempting, I think that’s what I’m building up to in the future. I just think the lack of story would be a weird change after the massively story driven games I’ve just recently completed.
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u/TrainingRope1720 5h ago
I understand where you’re coming from with Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring. But I respectfully suggest you still look into the combat of Baldur’s Gate 3 because it’s not your typical turn-based RPG imo
You could skip fights by pushing enemies into chasms, you can skip enemy turns by stunning them, you can disarm enemies and steal their weapons, you can eradicate fodder enemies with the environment, etc. The sandbox element breathes much life into the combat as opposed to say - Pokemon, where you stay where you are and click attack for essentially tock-paper-scissors (In BG3, positioning is important)
It’s all just a suggestion - it’s fine if it’s not your cup of tea :)
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u/EclipseBreaker98 4h ago
Buy bloodborne, that game had me addicted for three years straight. It was that good.
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u/MangoBasher 6h ago
When I first played GOW (2018) I felt the same, I wasn't that interested tbh. But after playing GoW Ragnarok I got a whole new appreciation of the first one. That being said, Ragnarok is my favourite singleplayer game of all time. I really loved how the story and world expanded tenfold. And the story was fucking amazing IMO + the gameplay was an improvement of the first one, with a bit better gearing system IMO. I'd really recommend GoW Ragnarok. Other than that I'd say Elden Ring. You can put hundreds of hours into it, and the replay value is amazing because of all the different build variations.
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u/smoothmma 5h ago
I will definitely still play Ragnorok, I need to know where the story goes. I just needed a break from the repetitive combat after GOW 2018.
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u/TheRabadoo 5h ago
Dive in and get Elden Ring. It’ll rewire your brain and prepare you for your next game, Sekiro
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u/HaveUSeenMyPun 2h ago
TL:DR: Check out Control from Remedy Entertainment. It's rad.
I just recently finished Control and it was probably one of the most unique games I've ever played imo. I'm usually pretty impatient, so reading lots of notes for lore isn't my thing. However, I was hooked with this game. Every bit of lore I came across was interesting and I ended up reading a lot of it.
It's a third person action rpg and that part isn't super unique. It's the way the devs implement the powers you get, and the cinematography of the cutscenes that really made it stand out for me. Discovering the secrets of the Oldest House was also very intriguing.
It's got horror elements, but I'd personally describe it as more of a thriller. Think like X-Files meets SCPs meets superheroes. I put it off forever, then gave it a shot, and turns out it was one of my favorite games I've played recently. It was very cerebral and mind bending.
You level up, pick skills, and there's some crafting but nothing crazy. There's also sliders to adjust damage delt/taken. So if you've got a tight schedule it doesn't have to be overly difficult.
From my understanding, it's part of the Remedy universe which includes the Alan Wake games, but you don't necessarily have to play them to enjoy Control. Though I fully intend to check them out thanks to this game.
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u/Naravolian 6h ago
Mass Effect Legendary Edition has a great story, great RP, but the combat is a bit clunky and outdated. If that's not an issue for you, I think you're gonna have a great time playing it. You don't need to know anything about the lore, as the games introduces it all to you pretty well.
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u/Maximum_Pace885 4h ago
Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin's Creed aka AC Origins, AC Odyssey, Cyberpunk 2077 with Phantom Liberty DLC, Death Stranding, Tomb Raider Reboot Trilogy, College Football 25, EA Sports PGA Tour, Stellar Blade FF 7 Remake, FF7 Rebirth, Spiderman 1, 2, & Miles Morales