Some games never get old. We know every corner, every moment, yet we keep coming back. They comfort us, give us hope. Because they’re not just games, they create life-changing moments.
For me, it all started during my PlayStation 1 days with Jackie Chan Stuntmaster. I had just come out of surgery. My dad showed up with three games, and I did what any true gamer would do, I chose that one first, without hesitation. It had bad controls and pixel graphics, but somehow, it captured my heart. If we jump ahead a few years, The Witcher 3 was one of the first games that truly made me feel like a gamer. I finished it on easy mode the first time, but something didn’t feel right. I hadn’t used potions or oils. It felt incomplete. So I gave myself a challenge. I played it again. And again. Three full runs on Death March difficulty. Looking back now, that was one of the moments that changed my life.
Our blog series is taking a new turn this season. The Plus Localization team has always brought great energy, and now we’re welcoming voices from the localization world. First up is Rodrigo Capel, founder of CapeLoc, who has worked on titles like Hearthstone, Diablo Immortal, and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.
Rodrigo’s Picks: Games That Left a Mark
Which game do you think truly changed your life, Rodrigo?
Difficult question. I’m going with two games, for sure. Chrono Trigger, and Life is Strange.
What kind of impact did that game/games leave on you?
Chrono Trigger made me fall in love with English. As I said in a few posts already, I never managed to beat the first dungeon back in the day (even with dictionary in-hand), but I was still obsessed about the game. I just had no idea RPGs could be that fun.
Later on in life, I began playing Life is Strange. Fell in love with the plot and gameplay. It was so different from anything I’ve previously played. I learned to appreciate dialogue and to stop skipping stuff.
What was going on in your life when you played it, and how did it influence you?
Both have the same story. My dad passed away when I was two/three. Mom worked from 6 AM to 9~10 PM. I was all alone the whole day. I did have a few friends, but I was too sad to leave my room. It was easier to play games all day. Definitely not healthy, but it was my escape from reality. When I turned on the console, I could be anyone I wanted. A soldier, a keyblade master, and whatnot.
Gaming helped me cope with my life at the time, and later on inspired me to become who I am today.
Looking back now, what do you think that game gave you?
I wouldn’t be who I am without those games. They gave me purpose.
What if I never got interested in English while playing Chrono? Maybe I would be working with something entirely different.
What if I never played Life Is Strange? That was my first contact with dialogue. I probably wouldn’t be that interested in books. I actually bought my first Harry Potter book shortly after beating Life is Strange for the second time. I can’t imagine my life without books.
Final Thoughts
Huge thanks to Rodrigo Capel for his thoughtful answers. Some games are more than just graphics. Sometimes they reflect who we are as gamers. They speak to us, guide us, and give us a sense of identity. They’re life-changing experiences that shape how we think, feel, and grow.
Now it’s your turn. What game/games changed your life?
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