Some games are just phases. You play them, enjoy them, and move on. But some? Some games are permanent; they’re part of your life, tied to memories, good times, and even business moves (Check out How Gaming Helped Me Grow as a Person and Entrepreneur).
This list isn’t just “best games ever”, it’s the games that stuck. The ones I’ll always go back to, no matter what.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend games and gear that I personally use.
1. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: This is the greatest action-adventure game of all time. The story, the set pieces, the smoothest gameplay in the series—it’s perfect. Nathan Drake’s final ride? Legendary.
Best Moment: The jeep chase scene where you’re literally dragged through the mud, jump to a truck, beat the hell out of some enemies, and keep going—it feels like playing through a movie in the best way possible.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: The most immersive game world I’ve ever experienced. Every time I pick it up, I find something new—some random side mission, a weird interaction, or just a reason to sit at a campfire and think about life.
Best Moment: That first time realizing you can just go fishing for hours, and somehow, it’s one of the most peaceful experiences in gaming.
3. NBA 2K14 (College Dorm Days Edition)
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: Because this game made me money. Back in college, we were gambling on 2K, running games in the dorm, and somehow, I was actually good at it.
Best Moment: Winning a solid $100+ in a night off of 2K games and feeling like I just pulled off a full-time job in three hours.
4. LEGO Fortnite
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: It’s chill, it’s fun, and it’s a game I get to play with my kids. It’s basically Minecraft meets Fortnite, and I love how creative you can get.
Best Moment: The kids building some completely ridiculous base, and somehow, it actually works better than anything I tried to plan. (Read more on How Gaming Became a Family Tradition in Our House).
5. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: This game is pure fun, and it’s got EVERYTHING. Every era, every movie, and a ridiculous amount of content to unlock.
Best Moment: Trying to 100% complete it, getting sidetracked for hours collecting studs, and realizing I barely made a dent in the game’s completion.
6. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: It’s the best Assassin’s Creed game, fight me. The open-world RPG elements make it feel way deeper than the others, and the combat actually makes you feel like a god.
Best Moment: Kicking enemies off cliffs like a true Spartan and realizing that never gets old.
7. Fortnite
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: The first time I realized a video game could host concerts, brand collabs, and create full-blown digital worlds.
And honestly, that mix of competition + creation still drives how I think about ChannlerG; community first, everything else second. (That’s why I wrote Why Building A Community Beats Going Viral)
Best Moment: Every time I think I’m cracked, only to get absolutely destroyed by some guy who clearly doesn’t have a job and plays 24/7.
8. Crash Bandicoot (The OG)
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: This game is childhood. I grew up on it, and even today, it still feels good to play. The platforming is tight, the music is iconic, and it’s still hard as hell.
Best Moment: Finally beating a level after dying 30+ times, only to fall into another pit and lose my mind immediately.
9. MDK
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: Because no one talks about this game enough. It’s weird, it’s unique, and it was way ahead of its time when it came out.
Best Moment: Just taking in how bizarre the game is, from the sniper helmet to the way you move—it’s still a trip to play.
10. Twisted Metal & NASCAR Rumble (Because Chaos)
Why I’ll Never Stop Playing: These games were just pure mayhem, and I love that. Twisted Metal had insane destruction, and NASCAR Rumble? It turned racing into complete madness.
Best Moment: Hitting the ultimate power-ups in NASCAR Rumble and watching my friends lose their minds as I pulled ahead at the last second.
These Games Just Stick With Me
It’s weird how some games just never get old. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s just the gameplay still holding up, or maybe it’s just the memories tied to them.
Either way, these are the games I’ll always go back to.
These games deserve the best gear. I use the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless and Xbox Elite 2 Controller for the ultimate experience.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But trust me—I only recommend games and gear I’d use.