Final Fantasy VII

2000, Age 18

This game was lent to me by a high school friend who discovered, in horror, that I'd never played any Final Fantasy games before. I distinctly remember the moment I fell in love. I had been somewhat disappointed by the gritty, steampunkish setting of the game, as a good portion of the beginning is played there, and I assumed that's just what the setting of the game was all
about.

But then came the point when I got out onto the world map, and I was blown away. There was so much more content to see, I was surprised and delighted by the scope. Since this was really my first final fantasy game, I was not expected the amount of content I was given. The
experience was intoxicating.

Breath of Fire III

1999, Age 17

Another game with a dragon as the main character (by now I'm sure you've noticed a theme). I really loved the story of this game. The characters and conflicts were thorough and believable, and you really cared about what was going on in the world.

Unfortunately, this game has a sadly disappointing ending. When you beat it, you get a vague bit of dialog and a very short cutscene that offer no closure whatsoever.

Thus, occasionally I am inspired to play through this game again for the fantastic story, but it's always with a bit of sadness that I know I'm going to be let down in the end.

Shining Force

1994, Age 12

I loved this RPG for its vast array of playable characters. You had your warriors and wizards, and your humans and elves, but you also got to play centaur knights and bird people and werewolves and a steampunk armadillo. It certainly sparked my imagination.