4. Assassin’s Creed: Ezio Collection (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Assassin’s Creed has changed a lot over the years and while Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has perfected the new formula, Assassin’s Creed: Ezio Collection is the definitive version of the original formula. For the longest time Assassin’s Creed 2 and its expansions were hailed as the best Creed title in the franchise and many fans of the series still consider it the best. While these games are more action-based and easier to master than Origins or Odyssey, it’s gameplay that changed the industry for the better and created a style that’s still being used in games today. The story of the Ezio Collection is one of the most definitive narratives from last-gen consoles and the updated visuals ensure that it will age well going into the next generation of consoles. While it’s not the best looking title on current-gen tech, it has been visually improved to the point where anyone who has played the original will recognize a difference. Whether you’ve completed this collection before or are finally checking out Ezio’s story for the first time, this collection will keep you entertained with gory, assassinating fun.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
Animal Crossing has always been a relaxing experience since it originally released in Japan on the N64 and later on the GameCube in the west. Animal Crossing: New Horizons couldn’t have released at a better time with the global pandemic shutting things down as time goes on. Since launch, I’ve noticed that real life has gotten progressively more difficult while in-game life has gotten progressively easier. This contrast combined with the relaxing tone of the game is what I consider a cheap anti-depressant. No matter what stresses there are around me, I can pick up my Nintendo Switch and simulate a less chaotic world. Animal Crossing: New Horizons follows my real-time clock but things couldn’t be more different as I unlock Nook Miles by collecting bugs and selling weeds. Due to the limitless customization options in this game and how completely relaxed it makes me, I can’t help but think it’ll help anyone through hard times no matter how long it takes.
2. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, VR, Xbox 360, PS3)
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was the Elder Scrolls title that really broke through to the mainstream audience and Bethesda has been coasting on it ever since. The studio has released it on nearly every console, with mobile devices receiving the less impressive Elder Scrolls Blades for filler content. While I first got involved with Elder Scrolls with Morrowind and spent dozens of hours in Oblivion, Skyrim truly captivated me. Gamers can put a hundred hours into Skyrim and still be uncovering easter eggs, diving deep into dark caves, fighting ice breathing dragons, trying various builds and so much more. If you’ve never tried an Elder Scrolls game but enjoy RPG’s, I can safely recommend it as one of the best western RPG’s ever made. There’s a reason this title has remained relevant for as long as it has because people are still playing it and it will provide a quality experience no matter how long the quarantine.
1. World of Warcraft (PC, Mac)
Many times when I ask people if they have played the hit MMO World of Warcraft, I’m met with the response “I never played it because I have a life.” While this is a lazy excuse that can be applied to any form of entertainment, I can also attest to how time consuming the experience is. While there’s an “end-game” there’s no true end to the game and with enough creativity, you will never get sick of this game. Today’s version of the infamous MMORPG includes two versions: the live version of Battle for Azeroth, as well as the original experience known as Classic WoW. One will provide you an action-based thrill ride with a streamlined questing experience and an end-game that appeals to all skill levels and the other will provide significant challenge in grinding out levels before a significantly more rewarding end-game experience. Although I prefer Classic WoW, I’m willing to admit that it’s more finite than the live version of the game due to the ability to reach a point where you’ve seen and done basically everything. Although BFA is a bit of a let down, gamers who check out the live version can still go through content from previous expansions such as Legion and Warlords of Draenor.
