Gaming can be so much more than a simple hobby to pass the time with. It can allow us to explore fantastical worlds and experience things we could never enjoy in our own realities. But with an ever-expanding library of options to try out, it can get harder to decide what to play. 

While we may not be limited in terms of gaming options, time tends to be a much more rare commodity. So, rather than sifting through all of the available games, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites in different categories to make this easier for you.

Online Slots

We’re starting this all off with a cornerstone of the casino sector, both in the physical and digital world: slots. For those who’ve never had the chance to play such games, this category is best suited for people who are looking for something fast-paced and simple.

After all, the only thing you need to do is press a button, watch the reels spin, and see if a winning combo is triggered. But just because the premise of these games is quite similar doesn’t mean they’re one-dimensional.

In fact, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of options you can play online, be it from your phone or PC. These come with a variety of different features and themes, ensuring a constant stream of fun. Moreover, further innovation was introduced when players became able to play crypto slots. This allowed them to enjoy all the same options, plus some new games, whenever they made a cryptocurrency deposit. 

Crypto slots aren’t any different in essence from regular slots, but they are even more accessible to all kinds of players because they let you choose your currency! Crypto has plenty of advantages, from faster transaction times to better security, and many casinos offer crypto players additional bonuses for opting for this kind of currency. For that reason, crypto slots have certainly gained popularity in recent years.

But let’s get into our first recommendation, Top Star Fruits. This option is based on the beloved fruit machine-esque style, merging nostalgia and modernity. 

Currently, it’s one of the most popular slots, and for good reason. Between the free spins and the multipliers that reach up to 1500x, we can’t blame anyone for reaching for this option first. 

But if you’re craving something a tad more thematic, then Way to Olympus might suit you better. As the name suggests, this slot features Ancient Greek mythology motifs, and has the soundtrack to match it.

When it comes to features, it’s no slouch either, as you can win free spins here too, once you land three or more scatters. But there are other things to look out for, such as sticky wilds and a booster symbol that supercharges all visible multipliers. 

Regardless of whether you try the first or second game, or something else entirely, we’re certain that this genre of games will have plenty of fun options for any kind of player.

JRPGs

Next up, we have something that is also ideal for those who want something a bit more fast-paced: JRPGs. These are more complex with a typically steeper learning curve, perfect for players who have plenty of time to game away.

For those who haven’t played any games in this genre, to put it simply, they are Japanese role-playing games. They usually focus more on storytelling than gameplay, making for an immersive experience that will move you emotionally. When it comes to combat mechanics, they typically lean more toward turn-based rather than real-time play.

And when it comes to JRPGs, few franchises have fared as well as the Final Fantasy franchise. But we specifically want to discuss Final Fantasy VII, our personal favorite, which is quite a feat with so many amazing titles being part of it. Plus, you can opt to either play the original release or the remaster, depending on the vibe you’re going for.

Even if you’ve never played it before, you most likely will still recognize some of its most epic characters like Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. Not only does it have a memorable plot and well-crafted world, but beyond this, it easily has one of the best boss fights in gaming history, against the one and only Sephiroth.

For our second suggestion, we have Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the 16th release in the Fire Emblem series. While the game may not be quite as polished as the aforementioned one, it has some exceptional customization options. Even though some fights seem a tad repetitive, it is still a great JRPG overall.

Farming Sims

For those in the mood for something a bit more chill, we have farming sims. These are games where you’re transported to more rural areas, where you get to live out all of your homesteading needs.

Here, we have to highlight what wasn’t quite the first game in the series, but certainly the one that often claims the title of blasting the cozy game genre to incredible heights. We’re obviously talking about Stardew Valley, created by Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe.

This adorable pixelated game may be more relaxing at face value, thanks to you taking over your grandpa’s old farm. But Stardew Valley holds many charms, and it’s far more complex than other games in the genre, especially when you get further into the game, fighting the monsters in the dungeon-like Skull Cavern.

To round off the last epic game in our list, we have Fields of Mistria. While some have stated that it’s too similar to Stardew Valley, we actually have to strongly disagree.

Obviously, its core elements are the same, as they’re part of the farming sim genre, but it takes a unique spin with the addition of magical elements. Plus, while both are pixelated, Fields of Mistria has a more pastel, Sailor Moon-esque quality that makes it stand out amongst the rest in this category.

Conclusion

From classic slots to action-packed RPGs to cozy farming sims, it’s undeniable that players have plenty to pick from. These are our top favorites, and we’re certain that at least one of the aforementioned options should have tickled your fancy.