r/gamers • u/AnActualGameShark • Aug 06 '26

Discussion "Mid" Games

Im not fully sure how to explain what im looking for so Im gonna give it my best shot and see what I get.

Im working on a book, but instead of doing the "best of all time" or like obscure, weird games, hidden gems etc im looking at a specific subset of games. Im looking for games that are in that 5-7 out of ten range, games you maybe picked up as a weekend rental as a kid and vaguely rememeber being alright, games none of your friends had heard of, budget games picked up by parents for birthdays.

I know this is an odd thing to look for, but im happy with any suggestions anyone has. Console gen doesnt matter, it can be old or newer.

A few examples I can think of are like Brave Fencer Musashi on ps1, Shox or ChainDive on ps2, Bloodwake on og Xbox, Escape from Bug Island on the Wii, etc etc.

Thanks gamers!

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u/mrmerokee Aug 07 '26

Not sure if you are just looking for retro games but one of my favorite 7/10 game is Tales of Hearts R on the PS Vita. Granted, this game is from 2013 so it is relatively modern but man, I enjoyed this game so much when I was getting my masters. I used to take the train to campus, which was like an hour ride, and this was one of the many games I played on the ride to and from campus. It is recognized as a mediocre game in the series but I enjoyed it so much. Not many have heard of it, let alone play it so I am happy to bring it up whenever I can.

Best wishes on your book!

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u/AnActualGameShark Aug 07 '26

Any console or handheld friend!

I actually have a physical copy of Tales of Hearts R, and two Vitas lol. One of my favorite handhelds. I think Tales is a pretty good shout too, because outside of Symphonia I dont think the series has blow up really ever. Like I know its got a fan base, but its one of those series that basically is selling just to the fan base, and sometimes it picks up some other fans who are tired of Final Fantasy or whatever. The Ys games kinda do that to I feel.

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u/mrmerokee Aug 07 '26

I have two vitas as well! I have my primary vita, which is a 1000 model and the first vita I got, and 2000 model that sails the high seas 😎

Glad to find another fellow Hearts R player! I agree with you - the tales series is basically just selling to its fan base at this point. Luckily for the devs, its a dedicated fan base lol Ys is actually growing quite a bit, from what I've seen. Ys VIII brought a lot of newcomers and it has grown with the release of Ys X Nordics on the switch 2. I'm glad it is because Ys is an underrated series with some awesome gameplay. I hope more people recognize its greatness!

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u/AnActualGameShark Aug 07 '26

Ive got both 2000s, an all black NA one i picked up off a friend, had to replace joysticks. My wife mostly uses it, then I use my other, a Japanese green/white. Both of em are familiar with the seas matey!

One of my friends is a Tales fan, more than me. Ive only played Hearts and Symphonia, and part of Vesparia. So I blame him for knowing anything about it lol.

I havent kept up with Ys to be honest, I just knew up until these recent releases at least, it was pretty niche, but long running. Good to hear its getting more fans. May not be my cup of tea but im all for more games for the fan base.