The Top Ten Ways to Quickly Lose Your Social Life

 Sometimes there are games that you pick up, and you just cannot put them down. It doesn't matter if you have midterms the next day, or work that needs to be done, all you can seem to think about is playing that game. Usually you think you can surpass these debilitating urges to game, but the truth of the matter is, this game has got you in its clutches, and you're helpless to resist. Believe me when I say that Player One and I understand your pain. Over the past few weeks, we've gotten ourselves hooked on some pretty outstanding games, and in honoring our lost gaming initiative, we've decided to compile our list of the top ten most addictive games.

Ten Games that Will (Perhaps Literally) Suck Away Your Soul

...in no particular order

1.) Harvest Moon

The hardcore gamer's Farmville, this game fulfills your primeval urge to water crops, feed animals, talk to townspeople, go to bed, and repeat. Although this might sound like the most boring game ever created, there is just something oddly compelling about creating and maintaining your own farm. I mean, do I like doing my chores daily? No. Do I enjoy doing my chores daily on Harvest Moon? Yes. Why is this? I have no idea, but it's an oddly compelling formula that works. If you've always harbored some yearning to be a farmer (or if you're descended from farmers, or if you've been to a farm) you should definitely give Harvest Moon a try.

2.) Minecraft


While we're on this agricultural kick, I think this game deserves a mention. Seriously, you guys, it should have been called Minecrack. You guys... seriously. This is what I find myself playing despite the fact that I have essays to write and Japanese tests breathing down my neck. There is just so much to this game that makes it so unique in its entertainment value. You can build an underwater home, a sky home, a war base, a farm; the possibilities are literally endless. I mean, think about it. You could build a casino, populate it with farm animals, proceed to blow all your hard earned diamonds in said casino, and then get blown up by a creeper. Minecraft equals, without a doubt, times of the sexy variety.

3.) Pokemon

If you were a kid growing up in the 90's and you didn't know what Pokemon was, you were probably living under a rock. I (Player Two) have been addicted to Pokemon ever since I was in first grade. It didn't matter that the only Pokemon I raised up was my starter and that I never actually fully beat the game, I was hooked. Countless hours were spent battling my way through the gyms, beating the snot out of Youngsters, and telling Joey that I didn't give a damn about his Rattata being in the top percentile of Rattata. The Pokemon series still remains addicting to this day. Whenever a new title comes out, you'll usually find me for the next month or so chilling in a corner, contently playing my DS.

4.) Okami


Who knew Japanese mythology could be so much fun? This game had me hooked for the longest time. It was only on my new game plus that I finally was able to put it down long enough to play something else. There really is no other game out there quite like Okami. From its unique battle system to its gorgeous (if a bit trippy) water colored graphics (not to mention the 100+ hours of gameplay), the sheer novelty of this game is enough to keep you entertained for a good six months or so. Yes, its a long game (and the battles can be a little tedious at times) but the hours of fun this game offers far outweighs its shortcomings.

5.) The Legend of Zelda

Okay guys, I (Player Two) love this series. All of the games combine excellent storytelling with great gameplay, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of axing down Ganon again and again and again. Like any series, there are a few duds (I'm looking at you, Four Swords), but overall these games always get me hooked. I never say no to playing Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess had me hooked for a solid three weeks, and Majora's Mask is one of the most compelling games that I've played to date. No matter how many times you have to go rescue yet another incarnation of Zelda, this series never gets old, and I think that is one of it's most enduring qualities. There is always enough variation between the titles that it feels like a fresh experience every time you pick up the controller.

6.) Persona 3


Okay, anyone who has played this game knows that its powers of addiction are rivaled by few. The characters are easy to fall in love with and the plot has just enough twists to leave you guessing without losing you along the way. It's different from most other games and definitely has its quirks but, like most other Shin Megami Tensei games, the overall atmosphere created by this game had me hooked from the start. It's a weird combination of laid back and bad ass with just the right amount of humor thrown in. Despite the fact that even used versions of this game are still relatively expensive, I can assure you that it's well worth the price.

7.) Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts, like most games on this list, has a great storyline and amazing gameplay. Perhaps what is the most standout about this title is the unique combination of Disney characters, anime, and the Final Fantasy series. Before Kingdom Hearts came out, any serious gamer would laugh themselves silly over this seemingly ludicrous formula, but Kingdom Hearts makes it work. The second game in the series is by far the more addicting of the two, and once you start it, it's hard to put the controller down (well, except for those Little Mermaid segments, I think I could have done without those just fine.)

8.) Tales of the Abyss


Oh goodness, I adore this game. The characters are great (especially Jade... mmmmm (and Asch... ohohohohoho! (minus Anise... ew!))) and the storyline is every bit as addicting as the awesome gameplay. It's easy to quickly become invested in the conflicts and the Mystic Artes make you feel like an unrivaled BAMF. I suppose the fact that Player 2 and I have the most ridiculous fanon in the history of gaming helps in making this game doubly entertaining but even if you play alone, you're sure to have a hard time putting the game down for breaks (like for sleeping).

9.) Final Fantasy

The Final Fantasy series are some of the most famous RPGs, and for very good reason. Not only do they all have involving gameplay (even the earlier, turn-based games), but the story is always entertaining to play through. I think one of the best things about playing the Final Fantasy series is the characters. No matter what game you play, there will always be that one character that captures your attention, and forces you to play through all the way to the end, even if in some parts you do so kicking and screaming (I'm looking at you, Midgar.) Final Fantasy VII is definitely a standout in the series, and is the most enjoyable Final Fantasy game that I've played to date. Needless to say, all of the hype about it is certainly well-deserved, and if that won't convince you, just play the game for the climatic last battle. There is nothing quite like the feeling of finally beating Sephiroth.

10.) The Sims

Yeah, admit it. Deep down, you knew this was coming. Who could forget the borderline obsession induced by this game? It kind of makes you want to question humanity, doesn't it? Maybe it's like a high-tech, glorified version of paper dolls and gamers really haven't lost that part of themselves that likes to play pretend. Or maybe it's something much darker. Perhaps this game is the gamer's way of playing god, something I'm sure everyone in the world has desired from time to time. Either way, this game can be pretty dangerous if you go into it with the wrong mindset. Caveat lector.

Do you guys have a top ten list? Be sure to let us know!