Just like most gamers, we tend to buy more games than we can possibly play. Our backlog…It is the neverending list of “games to be played” that we all gamers have, but hopefully get to scratch some names off of the list.
We’re going to give you some insight into our personal backlogs. We got these games because they looked cool, fun, had good ratings or finally got a decent sale. We’re only listing 3 games each – otherwise this list would be too long.
Let’s dive straight into Patty’s backlogged gamesfirst!
Patty’s Picks: Backlogged but Not Forgotten
Yakuza 0
The game where you can be a gangster in 1980s Japan—Yakuza 0. It’s available on PlayStation, Xbox One, and PC. What made me add this game to my backlog? Honestly, it was the absurdly over-the-top fight sequences. The crazy brawls—where you can swing signs or bikes at enemies—hooked me immediately.
Yes, this action-adventure game blends heavy violence with just the right amount of comedy. Sadly, it’s been sitting in my backlog for a while now because I want to give it the time it deserves. I want to fully dive into its story and experience everything it has to offer.
One wish? That I could play as a female character. I know female yakuza weren’t common back then, but they did exist! Maybe I’ll give Yakuza 5 a try later—it has a playable female character, after all.
Hakuoki – Stories Of The Shinsengumi
This one’s for the visual novel lovers—Hakuoki is an otome game (a dating sim where you play a woman choosing between male love interests), set during the Edo period of Japan. Yes, there are samurai. Yes, probably some ninjas too. And yes, I’m sold.
What I love about visual novels like this is the story depth and replayability. You get to make decisions that affect the outcome and uncover different sides of the characters depending on your choices. This one’s been in my backlog for a long time—I actually bought it on the PS3! Honestly, I might need to re-buy it on a portable console to finally start playing it.
Tears to Tiara II: Heir Of The Overlord
This one caught my eye because of its cover art—and I stand by that. Tears to Tiara II is a tactical RPG with visual novel elements, much like Fire Emblem Awakening. You play as a male protagonist, following a classic tale of resistance and rebellion.
It’s been praised as a hidden gem by fans of the genre. Sure, the story might not be the most original, but the storytelling style and execution seem to be what really makes it shine.
I picked it up for PS3 ages ago, but it got sidelined by other games. Still, I haven’t forgotten it—especially since ATLUS, the studio behind Persona, was involved. Considering how much I loved Persona 3 and Fire Emblem Awakening, I have high hopes for this one once I finally get to it.
Michael’s Backlog
Civilization VII
Some of you may be surprised to see Civilization VII on a backlog already. The game came out fairly recently and to a mixed reception to say the least (just look at that gap between user and critic reviews). While that may be true, I have always been a casual Civ fan at best. I like the game for its strategy elements and general turn-by-turn gameplay flow. Patty and I have spent several evenings losing track of time going for world domination together. When it was announced that Civ 7 would have crossplay I knew I wanted this game, and once we got a glimpse of it running on Switch 2 I knew I needed it for that console.
Since those early trailers I decided to get this game used since that would be far cheaper than buying it brand new on Switch 2, even if it means paying another 10€ for the upgrade. So far I am still in my first campaign…and boy did they change the formula. At this early stage, I’m not sure if for better or worse – what I can say is that the moment-to-moment gameplay is still just as entertaining as before. Even if the removal of asynchronous ages is a strange design choice. Definitely looking forward to playing this some more on Switch 2!
Disco Elysium
So yeah, I kinda cheated with Civ 7 since I already started playing it. Disco Elysium on the other hand is a true backlog game. I got this gem of an RPG last year for my birthday, and to my shame I haven’t touched it yet as I have been too preoccupied with other games.
So why is it at the top of my backlog? Because no matter what “must play games” list or video I see, the comments are always full of people bemoaning the lack of Disco Elysium or praising its mention. The open endedness of this game reminds me of something like Heavy Rain and other crime dramas that give the player a lot of agency. My only fear: making a choice that will end my run early or not solving the main story properly.
Hotel Dusk: Room 215
This game came out in the earlier Nintendo DS days, where developers played around a fair bit with how to use the dual screen mechanic. Remember, there was a time where having two screens was ludicrous. In the case of this game, the game is played holding the system sideways, like a book.
The premise of the game is not too dissimilar to games like the Ace Attorney series. It’s a mystery point-and-click adventure that has the player solve riddles to find the protagonist’s missing friend. Together with games like Another Code this is one of those games that was criminally overlooked during the early days of the Nintendo DS. Since a remake/re-release does not seem to be on the list of Nintendo’s priorities I figured now is as good a time as any to boot this game up.
So there you have it—our digital pile of shame! 🎮
We’ll get to them… eventually. Maybe. Hopefully. Probably?
What’s lurking in your backlog? Drop us a comment—we’re always looking for new games to add to the list (even if we shouldn’t).
