Games that inspire? (NiGHTS, etc.) and an introduction...

I think what you're referring to is what I call "Being in the zone." Sometimes it happens randomly, but most of the time it happens when you're so enamored with what's going on that nothing else matters. My list:

Nights-how can anyone not love this game? It was so different from anything else at the time that I just had to sit there and soak it all in.
Any Zelda game-Specifically, Link to the past and Ocarina of Time. Just the beginning of Link to the Past, where its raining, and that doom music is playing in the background. And then the castle music. Gah, I have to stop. I don't need to explain OoT.
Panzer Dragoon series-the weird combo of future technology and fantasy life was pulled off so goddamn well. It really made you feel as if there was a real, living breathing world in the game, especially Panzer Dragoon Saga.
Suikoden 2-it was so, normal, without anything out of the ordinary to separate it from the first one, but it was accomplished so frickin well that you can't help but fall in love with the game. The game will force you to see how it all turns out with all the intriguing scenes that are shown.

Shenmue. I forgot about Shenmue. I am a dumb@$$. Also, I agree that Suikoden/Suikoden 2 do it.

Lordmrw: Yeah, "being in the zone" is a good way of putting it, but what I'm talking about is something beyond mere trance and gameplay ability-- it's the state in which one is "in the zone" + "emotionally moved." The "living, breathing world in Panzer Dragoon," is just what makes it a masterpiece.

*waves to Crafter* Welcome! You've certainly entered TNL with a bang. Nice thread!

I'd split this into two categories: "digital tourism" (shamelessly stealing a Mode7 thread title) and "zen."

Examples of tourism would be Ico, Shenmue (both), Rayman 2, Parasite Eve, SOTN, Vagrant Story, Ecco DOTF, Rez, JGR (haven't played Future yet - shoot me) & MDK2. These games are as much an experience to visit as they are to play, synthetic universes that are magnificent creations.

Zen - these are games that send me into a state of pure reflex, causing me to forget that I'm playing, with no separation between myself and who/what I'm controlling: Burnout, Zero Gunner 2, Strikers 1945, Gyruss, Rez, Intelligent Qube, Devil Dice. Emotions don't play quite as important a role here.

Similar, yet very different sensations. Rez is the only game I've played that fits both categories - it's a major trip.

As for anime, I highly recommend Boogiepop Phantom. Head on over to the anime forums sometime! :)

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Originally posted by BioMechanic
Examples of tourism would be Ico, Shenmue (both), Rayman 2, Parasite Eve, SOTN, Vagrant Story, Ecco DOTF, Rez, JGR (haven't played Future yet - shoot me) & MDK2. These games are as much an experience to visit as they are to play, synthetic universes that are magnificent creations.

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Don't forget:

FFX, Zelda OooT, Gun Valkirye, and one of my personal faves Ecco on DC.

Yep, BioMechanic, I definitely agree: Rayman 2 should be on the list.

The man likes NiGHTS and Rez, I welcome you whole-heartedly to the boards. :D

Anyway, NiGHTS and Rez are definately 2 games that have the effect on me where it's almost too surreal for words. Like being taken to another place beyond the real world. Those are the best kinds of games. Other games that did this for me were Virtual On (the first time I played it in the arcade was mind-bending) and most recently Residetn Evil for Game Cube. I swear turn off all the lights and play it when it's dark out is more like an experience than it is playing a game.

Ico: Simply the most emotional game I have ever played. I would flinch back if I thought that Yora was going to fall, or die. And I would charge into those shadows with mad fury because they dared emss with her! The game is just a masterpiece, best PS2 game yet.

Super Punch Out!!: When I play this game I feel as if I am Lil' Mac, and no one even stands a chance in beating me. I am indestructable.

Can't think of any other games that really transport me to a differant area of my mind, well Rez did, but that was a warped part of my brain that I think I have only seen in dreams. Rez is a whole differant experiance.

My personal favs:

Final Fantasy 3 - For the humanity you could feel in squatty sprites.

Rayman 2 - Like walking through a children's book. None of the new tripe either...I'm talking Witch and the Wardrobe fare.

Guardian Heroes - Arcade beat-em-up + RPG elements + fantasy realms + burning 2D + awesome music + ...

NiGHTS - The first game where I felt like I really was flying

Jet Set Radio - Proves that style will not die in games.

Super Mario Bros. 3 - It felt so much more grand than the first two; almost as if I was right there with Mario for the ride.

Yes, I sound like a nerd. Sue me. ^_^

Yeah you really do get that flight sensation in NiGHTS. Ever try the game through a large projection set? You feel it in your gut, it's crazy.

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Originally posted by Johnny
Yeah you really do get that flight sensation in NiGHTS. Ever try the game through a large projection set? You feel it in your gut, it's crazy.

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well, is a 60-inch TV big enough? ^_^

but yah, it's awesome.