The fact that this man plays so many video games and he's still able to put out so much writing every year is absolutely insane. I'm not fully convinced Brandon actually sleeps.

1:25 “Really don’t need to see that many head explosions.” Mistborn: Vin head butts some guy so hard his head literally explodes!!!

"Morrowind being my favorite." I never read any of his books but I already know he knows what's up.

I'm here for the Civ part of the list,

Halo 2 has my favorite dialogue of all time “Sir permission to leave the station” “For what reason, Master Chief?” “To give the covenant back their bomb” *heavy metal guitar intensifies*

*Obviously* Brandon added rules to his top 10, what did you expected? Lol

I'm glad I live in a world where Brandon has played and liked Undertale.

I like this Brandon Sanderson game reviewer. I wish him well in his youtube career. Oddly enough, he also looks like a writer of some sort. Anyway.

Brandon:writes 10 books at the time Also Brandon: full time gamer xD Srsly this channel is AMAZING!

Why can’t I have an Uncle like Brandon’s

Brandon using mods to tone down gore is so wholesome and exactly what I would’ve expected.

Disco Elysium might be nice for you, it is more of an interactive novel than a game. But still excellently told story, and it had me in tears at several time, both from laughing and crying.

Brandon. You would absolutely fall in love with Hollow Knight.

“[Halo 2] is the only one I’ve beaten on legendary” is hilarious to me because that’s the hardest to beat on legendary imo Also hit the nail on the head. Devs have said that halo 2 and 3 WERE one game but they had some serious development trouble and were only able to finish half of it

I know it’s kind of obvious, but I love how Sanderson talks like he writes. Sure, maybe he’s reading off a script, but his voice and style of talking make me want to listen to him.

Branden Sanderson is literally my hero. He is such a brilliant, talented, and positive person. Everything he does, from his writing, his teaching, to his video game list is well thought out, balanced, and high quality.

"You have to construct the story like an archaeologist, using dialogue and lore... The series tells stories in a way a book never could." Anybody who agrees with this statement should give Outer Wilds (Different from The Outer Worlds!) a look. It's on the indie side of things, but the gameplay is about figuring things out, and is the best I've seen that done (though it doesn't have anything in the way of action because of that.) Also maybe Hollow Knight. Most non-Dark Souls Dark Souls game.

Branderson: "...i make sure to have a few mods to tone done the graphic content...(for)...fallout..." Also Branderson: describes how steel inquisitors are made, making sure to emphasize the incredible amounts of blood

He should definitely play Outer Wilds. Fantastic.

I feel like Brandon would absolutely love Disco Elysium. Amazing writing, worldbuilding, and ambiance.

Wait a moment, previously Brandon said that he rewrote the stories of his favorite games to better suit his tastes and improve the narrative structure... is there a Brandon game(*fan*)fiction archive somewhere?

You should try Hades. It has a really unique dynamic story 'system' of sorts, which allows it to be a roguelike WITH a story.

I guessed Brandon would have played a lot of games, You can see a lot of his magic systems, especially in Stormlight have mild inspirations from video game ideas like the health bar, mana bar etc. He also balances his systems similar to video games like how windrunners can fly faster than voidbringers but voidbringers can maneuver better so you have an asymmetrical game balance.

Civ in a nutshell: "Just one more turn, I swear."

In an alternate timeline, where you had more free time and were so inclined, I would happily watch you stream any of these as you rambled.

"That still happens and has happened for every game in the series" Why is Brandon still finding himself in other dudes dorm rooms in the morning?

11:42 "...and I can still remember the feeling of the birds chirping outside, realizing I'd been playing all night..." I'm glad everyone that really plays Civ has experienced this phenomena! Much love Brandon, love your work. Currently reading Words of Radiance!

Though it can be dark at times, I also think Dragon Age Origins has some really comedic moments (especially team banter dialogue once Zevran’s on haha) and great characters. I’d recommend giving it a try!

The more I watch his channel the more I freaking love Brandon Sanderson.

Not used to see you reading from a script, Brandon

Brandon Sanderson has shockingly good taste, and I have no idea when he has the time to play these games.

This was fantastic. Great choices and thank you for taking the time to write this out. Gaming is important to me as well and I love seeing fellow writers think about gaming in this way. So much respect for you and what you do. Thank you

I absolutely love his preface to this video and the fact that he included his rules. He's seriously such an intelligent and thoughtful person. I would just rattle off the first several games that come to mind and then keep adding them so you ended up with a list of 50 to 60 of my top 10 favorite games.

Lot's of comments here are going to be about the list itself, but I just want to say that the part I appreciate most is that you admit that such art is subjective, and that just because something didn't make your list doesn't mean it shouldn't make someone else's. I'll never forget being in your class a couple years back and calling out Mistborn's magic system for being one (of a couple) reasons I couldn't get through it. I said that it lacked wonder (in a room overfilled with SanderFans-I got lots of glares and gasps out of people). You said almost verbatim what you said at the end of this video, and I've always appreciated that. I've shared this particular anecdote several times now (even on the Worldcasting Podcast [which we'd love to have you on, if you ever read this comment!]) and usually in the light that some people ought to learn to love what they love. Both as a consumer and a creator, you should seek out or create the things that make you happy. If nobody has told you that, random reader/writer/artist/etc., just know that it's okay to love something different from the masses-and caela knows, you're probably not alone in that love!

Wait Brando wrote the infinity blade book?!?! Today I accidentally learned that I read a Sanderson book earlier than I realized. I was a big InfinityBlade fan back in the day. I played all the games as soon as they came out and read the book when it released too. I got into Sanderson only a few years ago but apparently I read his stuff over 10 YEARS AGO

Based on this list, I think Brandon would like Portal 2 for the very reason of world building and the fact that there is a very subtle plot.

The first time I re-read Elantris after playing Dark Souls I was certain the Miyazaki must have read Elantris. There's so many story points and lore points that feel inspired. I wonder if that is the case.

Just listening to Brandon, enjoying myself, and then suddenly I’m confronted with ‘Nam flashbacks of desperately trying to beat Halo 2 on legendary with my friend. Doing it alone? That just doesn’t sound fun. Legendary on 2 was brutal, man!

His sentence structure even when he talks is like we are in a book. I love it.

You mentioned you disliked stealth games, but I’m interested to see what you think of the Dishonored series. Their aesthetics, story and world. After recently reading Mistborn, they kinda give me similar feelings. Aesthetics wise and the use of specific, limited magic.

Brandon: I'm a fan of hard games, but only if it's hard but fair Also Brandon: the only Halo game I beat on Legendary was Halo 2

Love to see a writer who appreciates games that tell their story in a uniquely video game way rather than just copying the methods of film and literature like the majority do. Trying to understand dark souls lore feels like archaeology.

Great job. Appreciate the honesty at the end there

What an awesome video, thanks!

When it comes to story telling, I don't think I've ever been as engrossed in a game story like I was for the Soul Reaver (Legacy of Kain) games.

Recommendation Dragon Age: Origins

I love how he had a "next 10" and extras section for his list. The way he answers questions in Q&A's is also great

I adore every aspect of this guy. Big fan here, both of the stories you tell and the person you are.

Would love to see more opinions about certain games, your stories about playing them, etc! Good job on the video and your list is great

I completely understand Brandon's point on media being too dark, it's a viewpoint that gets written off by others too often (that being said I highly recommend God of War 2018 because the tone is entirely different from the original series)

you are such a man of culture, this list is full of gems

I love to hear you chat about board games! Mistborn and Reckoners are really fun; I haven’t gotten Stormlight to the table yet, but I’d love to hear you talk about your games as well as games you love! Thanks for all the entertainment!

I’m loving what Brandon is doing with his channel. Such great content!

It’s interesting how he talks differently in this video. I think I prefer the other way, though.

This was an interesting and well articulated list. I'm currently reading and enjoying it.

Excellent taste. Your list aligns closely with my own.

"Chromo Trigger" THE PAIN, IT HURST MY SOUL at least he tried it lol also, if only he liked stealth games... MGS would definitely have to be there

As a lover of Halo as well, I have to strongly recommend that you play Titanfall 2. I got into it late but it is a masterpiece of world-building, and the weapons and controls are so satisfying. The single-player campaign is short but so, so sweet. Please give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

That was unexpectedly fascinating. How come I've only just come across this channel? Think I'll hit that subscribe button.

so glad you put katamari on the list. it was one of the first games i played and the soundtrack and gameplay is so inviting and fun. really fun to take turns playing it with friends and family

This was the most pleasant "Top 10 list..." I've watched. It may not have been as deep or insightful as Noah Caldwell-Gervais (It's 17.5 minutes, I don't expect it to be!), but it was pleasant to listen to, and that's worth mentioning. Thanks Brandon.

Final Fantasy has been the series I grew up with and FFX is by far my favorite and the one I stockpiled countless hours of play on. As you said the full voice over switch was massive, the storyline immersive and very bittersweet. Also it had THE BEST minigame ever in Blitzball! I probably have more hours playing blitzball than 90% of any other game I have ever played. IX is my second favorite which could be an unpopular opinion and yes, I am a bit biased since it is my entry point in the franchise, but the cartoon style mixed with very deep characters facing growth, belonging, purpose has struck me very deeply. Love to know you are a fan too. And here I thought I could not be more of a fan of you and your work.

A series I've always thought has good storytelling and strong characters that sadly do not get the kind of attention it deserves is Legacy of Kain(Blood Omen 1 & 2, Soul Reaver 1 & 2 and lastly Defiance). The main writer has after all gone on to write games like Uncharted and The Last of Us. Great voice acting as well. And I would dearly love to get a friggin' conclusion to it as well.

Ys was a surprise to see on the runners-up. Always nice to see people into that series, it's a great 'episodic' sort of game and still the series is going strong.

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for me. Super Metroid takes a close second. Breath of the Wild is also really great.

When I'm an author I'm definitely gonna want to be as connected to my community as you are Brandon

Very very solid list 🙌🏼

Curse of Monkey Island is one of my all time favorites! I was excited to see this on your list.

Now that the Mass Effect trilogy has a solid remaster, im curious have you played it yet? If so it would be fun to hear your thoughts in a video like this

I recommend the Evoland series. The first game makes you feel like your building the game for yourself while the second is a fun time travel plot. Both go through the history of video games and are a love letter to video games as a whole.

thank you for giving Katamari some love. there is always some room in the top 10 for some odd fun!

This video popped up in my feed shortly after hearing about your comments about how you should have worked on Elden Ring, agreed even before watching this but now agree even more, love to see a writer who takes video games seriously enough to enjoy them and recognize that they are another great way to tell a story

Getting hammered in the comments about the weird script and camera angles. I tend to agree, but I mean it wasn't the worst ever. And who knows maybe that style will be cool once it gets dialed in!

I bet Brandon would LOVE Eternal Darkness on Gamecube.

Civ and Undertale are the only games on this list I wouldn't put on my own, it's not even that I don't like the games. its no wonder your work resonates so much for me, the stories you enjoy seem to be the ones I enjoy as well. Also I love how open you are and how much you try to connect with your audience, it's so refreshing and genuine. Thank you for everything!

Really nice video an and a cool insight, thanks! By the way, love your books :)

After watching this list I feel like Nacho Libre: "You gotta be kidding me... Everything you just said is MY favorite thing to do, EVERY DAY"

I think you'd like God of War (the new one). It's not really too dark, and has a lot of sweet and heartfelt moments since it focuses on the relationship between Kratos and his son. The combat is also quite fun, and the puzzles remind me of Zelda.

This is a very solid list, very respectable, one can tell you're a real fan of this medium, not just dipping in occasionally.

This is amazing.

I'd love to know what Brandon thought of FF7R's battle system, I thought it was a perfect mix of turn based and action.

Brandon giving some love to Dark Souls 2 is the most wholesome thing this week. That game is so underrated!!!! Brandon is such a wonderful person :)

I was going to write a comment with something like "have you played Elden Ring already?", but then I searched KZfaq and you have many videos on the game by now. I've played some 40 hours of the game, but then I've left the Xbox with my dad (he also likes to play games) so I'm waiting maybe next year to buy another one to continue playing lol I play a lot of games, and I'm always going through gaming news even about games I don't play, but there is something magical and grand about Elden Ring that seems to put it in another level. It's like playing on a very beautiful canvas, in a very rich magical world. Great list! Thanks for sharing

Definitely agree with a lot of your list, I've never been a big platform lover either. Just signed up for the newsletter, as I'm surprised I wasn't already subscribed :)

Brandon, I love you as a person almost as much as I love you as an author.

"We all have inexplicable lines that we don't cross, and I try not to judge the lines that others have drawn." Respect.

Great list.

Really appreciate your stance on gamer preference and lines at the end. It's true we all have our own, and it can even change over time.

Katamari really surprised me. Also, I recommend trying bullets of the points you want to make and ad-libbing the message. This is the more popular and preferred style of presentation in a KZfaq video that avoids the narrative tone you have to assume when reading a script and helps add better authenticity to what you're saying, particularly if it's about yourself.

Brandon, you have got to try Outer Wilds (different game from The Outer Worlds). It's a space exploration game that evokes a sense of discovery and wonder more than just about any other game I've played. Breath of the Wild is the only game that does this as well for me. It tells such a beautiful story, but it's all up to the player to decide how and when they want to discover that story.

You mentioned my favorite game of all time, Monkey Island! ♡ I really do miss the good old graphic adventures!

So thrilled to see Braid made it on here!

Well, I just found out that having things in common with one of your favorite authors is a really cool feeling

I like how Brandon acknowledged his books can be too dark for some, while not liking other books/games for being too dark, I myself really don't like dark themes in media but somehow sandersons writing style keeps me enticed and hooked despite the dreary atmospheres they live in

Well said ending and certainly a nice list. Never got into CIV but perhaps I’ll try it out. Thanks for sharing.

Braid is one of my all-time favourite games so I'm glad to see it made the runner-up list! Puzzle games are also my favourite genre so I could never include a "replayability" rule for my top 10 because by their very nature puzzle games are not very replayable. I have replayed some of my favourites including Braid and Portal but it's never the same as playing it fresh the first time.

Legendary halo 2 is no easy feat. It was definitely the hardest of them all

Given that a Mass Effect remaster has been all but confirmed, I can't wait to hear what you think of the series as a whole.

So cool that Brandon is a huge fan to of one of my all-time video games with Super Mario World

This is a great list. I'd love to hear Sanderson's thoughts on Pathologic 2, one of my personal favorites.