UC esports lab shares ideas from classics to cult favorites

Chris Postell, founder of the University of Cincinnati Esports Club and senior manager, strategic initiatives, oversees the Esports Innovation Lab in the 1819 Innovation Hub.

Postell conducted a non-scientific poll of UC Esports Club members on their favorite video games, many lesser-known but cult favorites. He’s added ideas of his own and included suggestions from browsing popular gaming sites like KeenGamer.

What follows are 10 video games to consider this holiday season. 

1.       Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo Switch)

The newest release from Nintendo and the latest of the Pokemon franchise, this duo of games takes players on a journey to an open world with 400 never-before-seen Pokemon.

2.       God of War: Ragnarock (Playstation)

In this action-adventure game, players follow the lives of Kratos, the God of War, and his son as they search for clues about the Goddess Freya. 

3.       Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC and Xbox)

The newest release from the Call of Duty franchise is faster, deadlier and more strategic than ever before. Players can compete online or follow the story. 

4.       Dwarf Fortress (PC)

In this indie game, players generate a colony or fortress, combating threats like goblin invasions, monster sieges or undead hordes. It’s a “fun colony sim that just got updated and is both confusing and hilarious in its random events,” notes one UC Esports Club member.

5.       Omori (PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and XBox)

“A psych thriller with a super complex story that will stick with you forever” is how one UC gamer describes this role-playing adventure featuring Sunny and his dream world alter-ego, Omori.

6.       Celeste (PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and XBox)

Described as “an incredibly powerful but difficult game” by an Esports Club member, this single-player adventure follows Madeline as she survives her inner demons on the way up Celeste Mountain.

7.       Return of the Obra Dinn (PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and XBox)

“My favorite game I played this year,” enthuses one UC player of this adventure and puzzle video game set in 1807 and involving the mysterious deaths and disappearances of merchant sailors.

8.       Horizon Forbidden West (Playstation)

In this action role-playing game where animal-like machines stalk dark jungles and deep waters, a single woman must navigate unrelenting danger to uncover age-old secrets. 

9.       Harvestella (PC)

In a vibrant and colorful world, players tend their crops, befriend the townsfolk, overcome threats and discover the origins of the world and the truth behind the calamity.

10.    Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion (Playstation)

The latest chapter in the remake of a legend, Final Fantasy 7 is a timeless classic that defined role-playing games for a generation. Play as Cloud and the allies he meets along the way as he works to save the world from an evil corporation.

Featured image at top: Students play esports in UC's Esports Innovation Lab, which is located in the 1819 Innovation Hub. Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand