Dad And Daughter Pop Culture Reviews –  Top Five Video Games  

Welcome back to one of my favorite series here at The Art of Fatherhood. My oldest daughter, Lily and I take a look at a topic in the world of Pop Culture and share our thoughts on it. If you missed the series you can check out one where we talk about our favorite sneakers. You can read the article here! This week we are sharing our thoughts on our five favorite video games. Feel free to share your favorite video games in the comment section below. 

Lily’s Top Five Video Games 

1 – Tears of the Kingdom

This breathtaking video game is the sequel I never expected, and never knew I needed. The graphics are insanely amazing, and like Breath of the Wild, the game allows you to explore Hyrule, even without completing main quests-for treasure chests, weapons, and towns. The storyline is thoroughly planned out and exciting, and has better upgrades than what Breath of the Wild gave us. This game, is truly a work of art. 

2 – Hogwarts Legacy

I grew up reading the Harry Potter books, watching the movies, and going to the Harry Potter world at Universal. When I knew this game came out, I was excited, because I was finally going to Hogwarts (in some form, at least)! The game didn’t disappoint, and what I love is that it is set in a different time period, so we can explore an earlier side of wizarding history, way before we get to see the Boy Who Lived. The game lets you choose your house (I chose Slytherin, because I was curious as to what it would be like-in reality I’m a Hufflepuff), learn spells, and explore the whole castle as well as what’s outside Hogwarts. This game was the gateway into the Harry Potter world, which makes it my second favorite video game.

3 – Breath of the Wild

This game is wonderful, in the fact that you can explore the wilds of Hyrule, find towns, and solve different puzzles. I fell in love with the game instantly, because the concept was marvelous and well-planned out. While it is not as good as Tears of the Kingdom, it still has a place on this list as third. It’s storyline and beautiful soundtrack make this game unforgettable. 

4 – Mario Kart 8

This one is pretty self-explanatory; the race tracks are cool and unique (we all certainly have favorites-mine are Rainbow Road and the Twisted Mansion). I love playing against family and friends, as this game, while it is simple, is full of competitiveness. The characters are fun as well, some from previous Mario games, others from other Nintendo games (I always play as Daisy). Overall, this game is super fun and timeless, making this one of my top five favorites. Comment down below your favorite Mario Kart character and favorite race track.

5 – Nintendo Switch Sports

This game is also fun to play with family and friends, and is also very competitive. I love how you can win prizes and new sports equipment as well as outfits, which makes the simple game more fun. My family and I play the golf courses as well as volleyball and bowling. This game is fun and sometimes challenging which makes it a favorite. 

Art’s Top Five Video Games 

1 – Mortal Kombat II

When I was in high school, Mortal Kombat II came out. I was a big fan of Mortal Kombat when it came out when I was in middle school, but MK II took it to another level. There were more fighters, more fatalities and other hidden gems in the game. I loved hitting up the arcade and challenging other people. Scorpion and Raiden are my two favorite characters to play. Since MK II there has been a lot of new Mortal Kombat games, but hands down for me MK II will always hold a special place for me in this franchise. That is why it is in my top five video games of all time.

2 – Star Wars Battlefront I 

There are a lot of Star Wars games out there. I enjoy a lot of them, but Star Wars Battlefront I is a game that I still play on my PS4. There was not that much to do if you are playing in single mode, but when you play people online, the game is so much fun. There are different planets, games modes and challenges in the multiplayer mode. My favorite place to play is on Bespin. You can customize your character for each, Rebel and Empire characters. I am sad to see a lot of people not playing online as they used to, but there are some people out there like me that still love playing this game. 

3 – Batman: Arkham Asylum 

Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the best games out there that makes you feel like you are Batman. Batman is voiced by the iconic voice actor, Kevin Conroy and the Joker is voiced by the very talented, Mark Hamill. The storyline is fantastic. You fight Batman’s rogues gallery of enemies. You get to enhance your gadgets along the way. Just like MK II and Battlefront I, I still play this video game today, even though new Batman games come out. Arkham Asylum is like a Batman comic book coming to life in a video game. If you are looking for a great and challenging super-hero game, I would suggest playing this one!

4 – Tecmo Bowl 

I’m takin’ it back to the old school, cause I’m an old fool who’s so cool. Well, the last part is up for debate, but Tecmo Bowl is so much fun to play. Of course having, Bo Jackson in the game make that game so much better, but this game for me brings back so many memories for me and I still play the game with my friends from time to time. 

5 – NBA Jam 

Speaking of old school, NBA Jam is another game that is an arcade hero! It is a two on two basketball game with players from the NBA. There are high flying dunks, you can push people out of your way and if you get three buckets in a row, YOU ARE ON FIRE! It is a ridiculous take on the game of basketball, but it is so much fun to play. NBA Jam’s successors have been NBA Jam Tournament Edition and NBA Hang Time which are just as fun to play, but the original will always be my favorite in this series.