10 Video Games You Can Never Admit You Haven't Played

It's actually painful to talk to people that haven't owned these.

We've all been there, safe in the collective nerd-aura of a good bunch of gamers, reeling off details of particularly arduous boss fights, game mechanics that can get in the way of something or even the admittance that someone doesn't like a popular title.

However, nothing sticks out quite like having to admit you've not played a certain landmark release. That sort of thing derails the conversation-train like Godzilla necking an entire carriage for an afternoon snack, and once the damage is done there's no turning back - especially when what's admitted is someone not playing an illustrious fanbase-establisher like Half-Life.

Oof, that hurts doesn't it?

Suddenly there's that mash of reactionary statements clouding your mind, and in your heart you know whoever you're talking to is missing out on a truly special experience. It's the same in the film world - try saying you've not seen Rocky or Fight Club around anyone who knows their film reel sizes from their digital projection colour-balance - there are always those titles that over time become revered nostalgically across an entire culture or generation, and gaming is no different.

Eventually, if you're going to take any particular medium seriously it's your duty to track this stuff down and check it out - leading to quite the outpouring of fist-clenched rage mixed with overwhelming pity towards anyone who's otherwise 'into' something like games dropping a clanger when it's revealed they don't know who Ganondorf is.

Time to remedy that and challenge those who already think they've played it all. You've got 10 points up for grabs depending on how many you've clocked, so let us know in the comments how you do...

Game on.

Gaming Editor
Gaming Editor

WhatCulture's Head of Gaming.