Drogon's Den of Marvellous Treasures

[ddracarys]

While recently browsing some of the more extensive checklists on the forum, I decided I would create one of my own in inspiration. I have always admired these checklists from afar, never really finding much reason to create my own… Until now. This account of mine might have you believe that I only joined the PlayStation and trophy worlds in 2016, dating when the first trophy on this account was earned. In actuality, I have been a part of the PlayStation world since the early 2000s, back on the very first PlayStation console, enjoying games like Metal Gear Solid (1998), the Resident Evil trilogy (1996 to 1999), Crash Bash (2000), Spyro the Dragon (1998), Silent Hill (1999) and Tomb Raider (1996) among other titles with my many siblings. Being the youngest of the bunch, I was raised on a generation that was more watching rather than actually playing, as my siblings would do everything in their power to steal the controller away from me. Of course, it bothered me in my youth, but afterwards (and even to this day) I will sometimes happily watch my siblings play through a game rather than play it myself - I draw the line there though, with siblings and close friends. Beyond that, I cannot see myself enjoying watching others play and as such, have never been into “let’s plays” or the likes of Twitch.

 

ddracarys was my third PlayStation account, and my second PSNP account. I had various reasons for leaving those accounts behind, but in hindsight, I would have loved to continue playing on my original PSN account purely for the more accurate timestamps. This account does, however, have the most platinum count of the three and, of course, the better name. This was my first PSN account, which you will see has a more accurate timestamp of my first trophy (a whopping 12 years ago). Not an impressive account by any means, though a sentimental one nonetheless as it marked the beginning of my (now lapsed) trophy career.

 

What this checklist aims to achieve is more an archival goal, rather than being trophy-oriented. Outside of one’s trophy list (or the more recent “Games” section on the social profiles available on the PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles), there is really no way to track your games: what you have played and want to review, what you have yet to play and aim to tackle next, as well as various other items such as your most anticipated releases, etc. Those are the kinds of contents this thread will cover - the fun stuff that a console social profile simply does not display.

 

Currently Playing

Spoiler

• The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) - This is currently my main game to play, which I am enjoying very much. I am unsure yet how far I am into the main quest as I tend to sidetrack, complete side quests and do offbeat exploring on my own when a game, such as this one, allows me to. I have a feeling I won’t be completely done until around the 70 to 100 hour mark.
• Fortnite (PlayStation 5) - There is a high probability that this pick will be eternally bound to the “currently playing” list, given how incredibly replayable and addicting it is. I only ever sign on to play with my sister, though. This is the kind of game that I imagine to be incredibly boring if played alone.
• Pokemon Legends: Arceus (Nintendo Switch) - Another one that will probably be on the list for a long time, as it has been since it launched in 2022! I am taking an especially long time to play through this new gameplay experience in such an expansive franchise. For one, I am only just now learning to balance my game time between consoles - what was once an awkward preference battle is now equally divided. Namely, the main reason this game will likely take me a long time to complete is due to the always expansive Pokedex system. OCD wins here and demands that I must compile the entirety of this in-game archival system. What’s more, simply catching is no longer enough; with this new entry, the Pokedex now includes several challenges that must be completed to conclude the full archival process.
• Pokemon GO (mobile) - A handy travel companion, but a data killer on-the-go. Again, I feel a strong urge to compile the even more insane catalogued Pokedex, a task taken up by only the most dedicated of users, dedicated (or perhaps crazy?) enough to go through the multi-generational Pokedex on offer. In order to do this, one will have to actually travel in person as various countries have exclusive spawns, relative to that region’s terrain/history.
• UNO (mobile/PlayStation 5/in person) - I feel obligated to include a separate entry for this one, given how competitive my family is with the experience. Another eternal entry, one that is repeatedly played in our household. There is a reigning joke, whenever the cards are drawn, that my hand is thoroughly checked in particular due to… let’s say, a betrayal of traditional rules. Okay fine, I’m a cheater, but I will always cheat respectfully - even if I get away with it, I will let the other players know exactly how I cheated and why I was not caught so that they can be more attentive in that department next time. What this does is allows me to be more creative in how I should cheat next time.

 

Most Anticipated Games

Spoiler

• Silent Hill 2 (PlayStation 5) - Expected at some point in 2024, though not yet officially confirmed. Growing up playing these games with my older sister will always be a heartwarming memory to me. These games, which are nothing short of groundbreaking in their field, revolutionised the survival horror formula. I am understandably nervous for this remake in particular, of it potentially undercutting and discrediting the original game’s vision, with recent trailers only making me increasingly more nervous. Nonetheless, I am excited to replay my favourite game in the series with a fresh coat of paint.
• Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion (PlayStation 5) - Not exactly a “game”, but fits the bill on incredible anticipation! Fromsoftware’s latest outing had my jaw dropped from start to finish (a crusade which took me near 400 hours to accomplish), and has genuinely been the most memorable experience I have had with a game in recent years - so much so that it spawned many “my life before elden ring vs. my life after elden ring” memes within the household. Expected on the 21st of June, 2024, I have a feeling this expansion is going to only further tighten Fromsoftware’s already wide grasp on the gaming industry at the moment. They are the moment.

 

Latest Review (Updated Per Completion)

Spoiler

A Short Hike (PlayStation 5) - A fun, little adventure game that opens you up to a playground of mischief, excitement and cool hats! While you can technically run straight to the end objective, concluding the experience in mere minutes, the heart of the story really comes from the many colourful characters you come across who both guide and misguide you to your end objective. I was granted this game thanks to a PlayStation Stars offering, when I accumulated enough points to redeem the game. I would confidently recommend this game for cozy seekers looking for their next blanket and coffee offering.

 

Top 10 Games Of All Time

Spoiler

Based off an age of gaming, these ten games, in my opinion, are the greatest industry examples of interactive media (in no particular order):

1. Bloodborne (2015)
2. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
5. The Last of Us (2013)
6. BioShock: Infinite (2013)
7. Silent Hill 2 (2001)
8. Grim Fandango (2015)
9. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)
10. Spec Ops: The Line (2012)

 

While these games are not exactly the best of the best, I believe they still warrant honourable mention for, at the very least, being memorable experiences (in no particular order):

1. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
2. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (2014)
3. Life is Strange (2015)
4. Firewatch (2016)
5. Tomb Raider (1996)
6. Pokemon Fire Red (2004)
7. Pokemon Silver (2000)
8. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (1998)
9. Spyro the Dragon (1998)
10. Elden Ring (2022)
11. Crash Bash (2000)
12. Silent Hill 4 (2004)
13. The Wolf Among Us (2013)
14. Control (2019)

 

Thread Updates

Spoiler

13/04/24 - Thread created.

Edited April 12 by ddracarys

[MidnightDragon]

Nice start. I also like the title.  

[ddracarys]

21 hours ago, MidnightDragon said:

Nice start. I also like the title.  

 

Thank you! That's very kind. I was contemplating a few titles, but I liked this one. I cannot imagine this checklist is going to do much in the trending department, I know some checklists in this subthread in particular have a large following. This is really more for me than anybody else, so that I can keep track of what I am playing and how I feel about those games.

Edited April 16 by ddracarys

[MidnightDragon]

I don’t have the largest following, but I enjoy keeping up with mine.