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Expand My Gaming “Tastes” in 2026

CLW

CLW

Member
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying Expedition 33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
 
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CLW said:
1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)
Click to expand...

Get the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. I just finished going through both and it's fantastic, also these games basically drew the template for the JRPG that's still followed more or less today. The remakes smooth over a lot of the archaic elements and reduce frustration, DQ2 especially feels like a proper modern game with great characters and voice acting. And they look fantastic. DQ1 took me 20 hours, DQ2 took me 30.
 
There re some ways to mitigate motion sickness on FPS games, especially on PC. Such as adjusting the FOV, having a permanent dot in the center, disabling motion blur, adjust lighting in the room, adjust screen distance, etc.
 
I don't care what people here say, but if you're looking for a good JRPG that isn't 100+ hours, you want Expedition 33.

There's a reason that game won every GOTY.

Edit: I think I missed that you already played E33 in 2025. My bad. But in my opinion, it doesn't get much better than that in terms of classic JRPG feel with modern sensibilities and pacing.

But if you want to try a different type of RPG, give Baldur's Gate 3 a shot. It's more of a D&D game, but it's also incredible.
 
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May I suggest a tangent here? If you're really looking into "expaning your gaming taste", Danganronpa. Superficially, it seems like a VN. But it's probably the most mind-bending thing you'll play in a while, and also kinda sorta scratches that JRPG itch. It's very Japanese, at any rate. Just start with the first game. If if doesn't work for you, skip the rest. Should be available on the cheap.
 
vodka-bull said:
Lies of Pi
Click to expand...
No Way Reaction GIF


He should dive into the OGs if he hasn't mastered them yet, Bloodborne is basically its carbon copy

Skip the Pinocchio reskin, grab your PS5, fire up Bloodborne and experience the real deal first
 
1. JRPG - Lost Odyssey, Live a Live, or Octopath Traveler 1. Different style games, but all great. All very different though.

2. FPS - don't play games that make you sick, but if you can hard to say because it depends on if you want pure FPS then I'd go Halo 2 and play with a friend on co-op. It's still one of the GOATs IMO and The Master Chief Collection version looks so great. If you don't mind FPS hybrids like survival horror or FPS with RPG elements, that opens up a whole other group of games like BioShock, Prey, Resident Evil 7 and 8(survival horror FPS).

3. The Witcher 3... easily.

4. Lies of P - but I don't love this genre so someone may be better off recommending.
 
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CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying E33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...
Sea of Stars. Not technically a JRPG, but you won't find much else actually paced correctly without 70 hours of additional padding. This is what you want.
Indiana Jones. Not an FPS but it's 1st person. Very slow, might ease you in. If you can handle it, get Doom Dark Ages
Avowed. If you actually don't play RPGs at all, this might be exactly what you need. More of an action focus, but the RPG depth is there. They streamline some of the inventory stuff you see in Bethesda games as well. I doubt you'd want to play KCD2 honestly. You might try something a bit lighter before Baldur's Gate 3 before you waste your money. Or you could go for Oblivion Remastered.
Lies of P. I'm assuming you are specifically wanting something not FROM. This is the one of the only good ones, along with Nioh

Also since these are all new genres for you, you can play Indiana Jones, Avowed, Oblivion Remastered, Doom Dark Ages, Starfield and Outer Worlds 2 on GP. If you actually tolerate FPS games, there's a lot more there as well.
 
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CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying E33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...
I'm literally just getting into Divinity Original Sin 2 as my first CRPG and it's amazing honestly. Kind of regretting not jumping on the BG3 bandwagon last year. As far as JRPG is concerned, Chained echoes would be another good one if you're looking for something a little lighter.

SoulsBorne games aren't really my thing. Closest I get to those is the Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor games. I can recommend both though if you want something less punishing than a From game.
 
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winjer said:
There re some ways to mitigate motion sickness on FPS games, especially on PC. Such as adjusting the FOV, having a permanent dot in the center, disabling motion blur, adjust lighting in the room, adjust screen distance, etc.
Click to expand...

That's what I've heard and figured my best shot is on PC and doing those "tricks" to see if they help
 
CLW said:
That's what I've heard and figured my best shot is on PC and doing those "tricks" to see if they help
Click to expand...

Also, try doing more frequent pauses and smaller gaming sessions.
All combined, and you might be able to play FPS games with few problems.
 
1. FF7R is a good choice if turn based is what turns you off.

2. Titanfall 2 - basically the last good FPS campaign.

3. KCD2 - I'm trying this one myself.

4. Lies of P - souls quality but has difficulty levels. Maybe last Kazan.
 
CLW said:
2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time
Click to expand...
This made me feel sick for the first time ever but the game was so damn good i just kept going back until it did not affect me anymore. Keep pushing through and it might go like mine.
 
CLW said:
2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time
Click to expand...


I'm currently playing Botlgun, which is a "boomer shooter" set in the 40k universe. It's incredible, but very fast paced. Not sure it would be suitable if you get motion sickness.

CLW said:
4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on
Click to expand...

Bloodborne is peak.
 
Very cool of you OP.


CLW said:
1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)
Click to expand...
I'd recommend Dragon Quest V on the NDS. You can emulate it on PC.

It's not even 40 hours long, the gameplay is simple but fun and the story is one of my favorites in the genre.

edit: after reading the posts below, Chrono Trigger gets another rec for me. Amazing game, kinda short but very well paced.

CLW said:
2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time
Click to expand...
You could try slow-paced FPSs with not a lot of sudden camera movements. Basically the complete opposite of DOOM Eternal.

Maybe some military shooter? Those have a lot of spectacle to them. If not, why not just try DOOM? there's no vertical aim and, if the graphics don't make you discard it, you'll find that the game is super fun and with some very cool level design. Lots of exploration, not just shooting.

CLW said:
3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre
Click to expand...
Dragon Age: Origins might have the perfect balance between being an "actual RPG" and being easier to get into than other games in the genre. I remember loving it back then and I wasn't an RPG guy.

CLW said:
4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on
Click to expand...
My favorites are Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Sekiro and Bloodborne are amazing as well, but harder than the former.


Whatever you do, have fun man!
 
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JRPG:
If you don't mind old games definitely Chrono Trigger. Fun game, good pacing with short runtime (under 30 hours) and holds up well despite how old it is because of things like no random encounters. If you want something in a "retro" style but with a somewhat more contemporary design I loved Chained Echoes.
For higher budget "3D" stuff franchises like Persona 3-5, Xenoblade 1-3 or Dragon Quest 11 are fun if you don't mind trope heavy anime writing. Though most of them are on the longer side

FPS: Doom 2016 or Titanfall 2 are awesome, though I'd have to see if they make you sick or not. If you want something slower paced and more story heavy maybe the Bioshock games, though those are more on the "immersive sim" side than pure FPS.
Half Life 2 is obviously a classic too, but it's weirdly one of those games I've heard several people say it gives them motion sickness

RPG:
Baludur's Gate 3 does a good job making CRPGs more approachable with a more high budget cinematic presentation while still keeping proper "role playing" and depth.
Stuff like The Witcher 3 or Mass Effect are great too, but they are more like "RPG lite" in regards to their buildcrafting and combat.

Soulsborne: Bloodborne is great if you don't mind the 30fps lock, otherwise maybe Demon Souls Remaster on ps5? Elden Ring is also great and on the easier side, but it's a much bigger game and the open world isn't really representative of what Soulslikes are ususally like
 
CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying Expedition 33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...
1. Chrono Trigger. It's a classic, it's extremely well paced and the best introduction to JRPGs.
2. You should try something slower paced, not a full classic shooter. Maybe Metroid Prime with modded FOV and mouse controls?
3. The Witcher 3. It's both immersive and easy to pick up compared to the others.
4. Just play Dark Souls, no need to play the most recent entries if you never played this.
 
If you want a JRPG that's relatively light on the shounen anime/"power of friendship" stuff then I'd recommend Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Story-wise it's kinda like a mix of Star Wars + Game of Thrones. The music is god tier. The battle system is really unique - you basically program your party members with "if/else" statements and automate them to your exact specifications.

That's definitely my favorite of the post-PS1 Final Fantasy games.
 
CLW said:
FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time
Click to expand...

I suffer from motion sickness from FPS games, what helps is changing the Field Of View option for games that have it. Around 90 is the sweet spot for me, but it depends on each person.
 
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People don't seem to all be reading the OP. I'll help:

1. If you want a tried and true JRPG, Chrono Trigger (PC) is a good representation that respects your time. It's a beloved classic. If you want something along these lines but more modern, Sea of Stars is excellent as well.

2. Halo: Master Chief Collection (PC) for sure. Start with Halo Anniversary. I do NOT recommend any of Valve's games like Half-Life 1 and 2, they seem to trigger people's motion sickness more than others. Halo's movement is slower and in MCC there is no sprinting (except for one ability in Reach you don't need to use).

3. Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Switch) are great RPGs with timed button presses, and a focus on puzzle solving/exploration. Pretty short and sweet.

4. Elden Ring or Demons Souls (PS5) are great places to start. Dark Souls 1 and Bloodborne are great too, but very unforgiving early on if you've struggled with them in the past.
 
Motion sickness isn't great today's fps have good levels, I remember sneaking around over the years usually to avoid that.
 
LavitzSlambert said:
3. Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Switch) are great RPGs with timed button presses, and a focus on puzzle solving/exploration. Pretty short and sweet.
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I'd still lump those into JRPGs.

For traditional RPGs, I'd recommend either Divinity Original Sin 1, or Wasteland 3. Both are still long at around 50 hours if you aren't doing everything single thing. But they are good representations of the genre.

If time isn't a problem, then Divinity Original Sin 2 (long but better than 1 and might be better than BG3), Baldur's Gate 3, WH40K Rogue Trader.

If you haven't played the first person one's then Skyrim and Fallout 4.
 
  1. Star Ocean The Second Story R - remaster of the best game in the series, you can finish in 30-40 hours.
  2. Deus Ex: Human Revolution & Mankind Divided - Technically an RPG, but you can play it like a FPS if you want, is slower paced, and easily run at high frame-rates with adjustable FOV on PC.
  3. Baldur's Gate 3 - still the best example of a deep RPG that still works for a large audience including people outside the genre.
  4. REMNANT II - given you bounced off others, maybe a more range-focused souls-like would work for you.
 
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If you want to expand them even more, have you every seriously tried character action/hard action? Revengence is a great place to start. If that sounds like too much dense and fast paced, Nier:A is more of an action adventure (some would say rpg but my definition is more strict that that) with a hard action-light fighting system that would be a sort of soft introduction.
 
  1. Final Fantasy VII Remake; this story is a keystone in the FF franchise and essentially JRPG-lite without any major systems to master and it's all rendered beautifully. The sequel is already there waiting for you if want more.
  2. Cyberpunk 2077; one of my top five games of all time, and probably the best FPS/A available. An adventure worth having with or without the DLC.
  3. Baldur's Gate 3; I have always hated CRPGs and was never interested in D&D. This game changed my perspective on both. Truly a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay.
  4. Elden Ring; I ignored this until this year. My mistake. A beautiful mashup of the souls and BOTW formulas and a culmination of From's game design philosophy.
 
CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying Expedition 33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...
Standard RPG :
Either Baldurs Gate 3 or elder scrolls oblivion 4 remastered. I'd say BG3.

JRPG: the toughest category to recommend. A vast library of amazing titles but many are retro. Too many modern ones are anime weeb drivel with shit budgets. That all said, go with Nier Automata if you want action combat. You'll need to play through path A, B, then C to see it. Know that path B starts off feeling like a retread then all new story and scenarios happen. C is the conclusion and is all brand new shit.

If you want a modern JRPG and don't mind a very slow start to with trails in the sky first chapter.

If you want retro and like sprites then your best bets are:
Chrono trigger
Xenogears
Suikoden 2

—-

Soulsborne. Demons souls remake. It is the best game ps5 has to offer and the least difficult game in the franchise to onboard you. Not very long either. The absolute best though overall in current affairs is Elden ring until they remaster Bloodborne.

—-

FPS but motion sickness? Go with Doom Eternal. You will bust. Rip and tear until it is done!!!
 
Soulsborne - Everyone always prefers the ways they got into the series, but I feel my order was still the best
- DS3
- DS1
- ER
- Armored Core 6
- Sekiro (if you're willing to put in the time to learn)

Non-Fromsoft essentials
- Lies of P
- Lords of the Fallen - IDC what anyone says it's great and the sequel looks even better

FPS
- Stalker 2 - I didn't even finish this one but the shooting is excellent
- F.E.A.R. - go back to it if you can. (I didn't care for it, but a lot of people also like the more modern Trepang 2)

Roleplay
- Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
 
CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying Expedition 33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...

Play Trails In The Sky First Chapter Remake
 
NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt said:
Play Trails In The Sky First Chapter Remake
Click to expand...
No way should this be his first jrpg.

It's slow as molasses I mean nothing happens in the prologue and it's 8 hours long on its own ffs.

Then you take into account the cornball dialogue and anime weeb tropes out the gate… and yeah you're basically trying to cast him into an automatic "fuck this genre" pit.

Persona 5R is anime too but it is taking itself seriously right from the jump with better pacing and amazing ost to help.

I think nier automata is also a better idea for a better story and some action combat.

Jrpg is the hardest thing to recommend in his list. Any could easily turn him off if it isn't a good onboarding game.
 
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May I also suggest that you enter into VR gaming with PSVR2. There are allot of cool and enjoyable games on psvr2 right now and 2026 will be even bigger especially with games like Aces of thunder, Bootstrap, Automa, MSFS2024. Old VR games like Alien, Behemoth, RE, and GT7 are also fun and very immersive and innovative in VR. VR adds more innovation and immersion to gaming.
 
CLW said:
So in the goals for 2026 thread I wanted to expand my gaming palate into genres I normally never touch after enjoying Expedition 33 and Arc Raiders in 2025.

I'm going to play at least 1 game a 1/4 from one of these genres. Looking for suggestions in the following genres:

1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)

2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time

3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre

4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on

Platforms - PS5 PC Switch 2
Click to expand...
did you play Journey?
 
CLW said:
1 - JRPG - just never really even tried one to be honest (would prefer one on the "shorter" side 40-50 hours is more than enough for me for ANY single game)
Click to expand...

Persona 5 Royal should be your next game. It's the only one that is as amazing as C33. Also good for people new to the genre.
CLW said:
2 - FPS - this one will be the hardest because I suffer from "simulation sickness" ever since one random day playing 007 on n64 after 10 mins puke time
Click to expand...

I used to get sick after playing Wolf3D. You'll be fine with modern shooter especially if they have fov sliders. I'm sure you already know the best ones out there.
CLW said:
3 - RPG - not a "Sony" rpg light but a good full example of the genre
Click to expand...

best way to ease you in the genre: Divinity Original Sin 2 -> Baldurs Gate 3 -> Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous -> and then every other quality crpg if youre still into them.
CLW said:
4 - SoulsBorne - I've bought and barely touched a couple but for whatever reason just didn't continue on
Click to expand...

Including From Soft games? If yes, then you can safely start with Elden Ring as it pretty much captures all Dark Souls games into one big map. Also easier to get into and handle. If you meant outside of From, then Wukong -> Lies of P -> Nioh 2
 
I suggested Sea of Stars for JRPG.

My backup suggestion is I Am Setsuna. A game capping around 30 hours with combat like Chrono Trigger but 30 years newer and literally one of the best OST ever made. 99% of it is just solo piano. A game basically omitted from existence by JRPG fans.





Basically never listen to JRPG fans. They will tell you to buy a 100 hour game after your OP said not to and smile.
 
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Arsic said:
No way should this be his first jrpg.

It's slow as molasses I mean nothing happens in the prologue and it's 8 hours long on its own ffs.

Then you take into account the cornball dialogue and anime weeb tropes out the gate… and yeah you're basically trying to cast him into an automatic "fuck this genre" pit.

Persona 5R is anime too but it is taking itself seriously right from the jump with better pacing and amazing ost to help.

I think nier automata is also a better idea for a better story and some action combat.

Jrpg is the hardest thing to recommend in his list. Any could easily turn him off if it isn't a good onboarding game.
Click to expand...

That's the best part though 👀
 
Here are the correct options OP

JRPG - FF7 Remake, it's the most accessible, and if you like it, the seqel is right there
FPS - Half-Life and then Half-Life 2, just play the classic
RPG - Wasteland 3
SoulsBorne - Demons Souls on PS5, go back to the original game with modern graphics
 
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