Have you ever completed a video game so profound that it left a permanent mark on you? As we grow older, we often find ourselves looking back on titles played in our formative years with rose-tinted glasses. The sad truth is that a game rarely hits quite as hard on a repeat playthrough as it did during the first experience.
Whether it’s because you have preemptive knowledge about plot twists, no longer need to piece together strategies for new encounters, or simply have grown too familiar with its music and set pieces, games can lose their luster the more they’re played. This is even more true for trophy hunters since completion requirements frequently highlight gameplay problems.
For that reason, it takes a very special game to leave completionists wanting more. Below, I break down 11 games with memorable platinum trophies that I’d personally love to dive back into a second time. This article is full of my opinions and experiences, so be prepared for me to rave about the games on this list!
Table of Contents
11. The Legend of Dragoon
When he was just a child, Dart’s hometown was decimated by the Black Monster. His home, his parents, and everyone he knew had been destroyed. Through his pain, he vowed to get revenge by any means possible. However, tragedy strikes again when another village is attacked and his childhood best friend Shana is taken captive. Now an adult, Dart goes on an adventure across the world to learn the truth about what happened all those years ago and to finally set things right.
Now nearly 25 years old, The Legend of Dragoon still delivers a gut-wrenching narrative with a unique twist on turn-based battles. I’ll never forget the music and detailed backgrounds that unequivocally brought the game to life. The depth of emotion that the developers managed to impart through the polygonal character designs is still incredibly impressive to me.
Given such a glowing review, it probably doesn’t surprise readers that I have a history with this game. The Legend of Dragoon was a big part of my childhood. I have very fond memories of playing it with my siblings, the oldest of which would read the dialogue aloud in a range of tones and pitches. Although we never did manage to complete the game due to disc-reading errors that didn’t stop us from restarting and playing through the first few acts many times over.
That’s why I knew I had to earn its platinum trophy the moment it was released on modern consoles. I wrote about my experience with trophy hunting in The Legend of Dragoon here if you’d like to read more. In short, all these years later, it still held up incredibly well and I enjoyed finally seeing the ending. If I could erase my memory (and trophy list), I would love to jump in and complete it all over again. But for now, it’s earned its place on my list of memorable platinum trophies.
10. Titanfall 2
Man and machine come together to defeat adversaries neither could have overcome alone. In Titanfall 2, you play as a Pilot of a Titan, a large mech with a mind of its own. Respawn Entertainment’s debut series was an incredible leap forward for first-person shooters in the mid-2010’s.
While the story punches above its weight class, the game shines in its gameplay. Many of the gravity-defying platforming tricks Apex Legends is now known for originated in Titanfall 2. Jumping to avoid hazards and gunning down enemies never felt quite as smooth as it did in the Titanfall series. The game also came packed with an online multiplayer mode that reveled in the chaotic blend of sci-fi mech battles and grappling platforming action. I mean that literally, by the way; players without a Titan could use a grapple to reach others’ cockpits and unceremoniously dethrone them!
A casual playthrough of Titanfall 2 is well worth experiencing for anyone who enjoys shooters. Further, the trophy hunting experience for it is incredibly satisfying. I’d argue that it is one of the better FPS games for trophy hunters to tackle. It requires a decent (but not insane) level of skill, doesn’t call for extensive grinding, and has very simple online trophies that can be completed in just a couple of minutes.
Most players balk at the trophy, “…Becomes the Master,” in which you must complete a training course under a strict time limit of approximately 34 seconds. You need to run a tight circuit as quickly as possible, defeating all the enemies along the way. It requires a lot of practice to get perfectly, and although many might find it frustrating, I actually enjoyed watching my time tick down with each subsequent attempt. The best advice I can give is to be patient and keep trying; My successful run looked practically identical to the ones where I failed, so you’re always closer than you think.
If given the opportunity, I’d love to revisit Titanfall 2 and earn its trophies again. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see a rerelease of the original Titanfall with trophy support in the future!
9. Crymachina
Thousands of years in the future, humanity is long gone—but not forgotten. Only synthetic beings remain, all united with a shared goal: to bring mankind back. But is that really such a good idea? Grapple with what constitutes humanity, familial bonds, and whether the weight of sworn duty surpasses one’s heartfelt wishes alongside 4 female protagonists.
Crymachina is an enigmatic hack-and-slash RPG that unfortunately flew under many trophy hunters’ radars. Only 200 players out of 700 owners on PSN Profiles earned the PlayStation 5 version’s platinum trophy, which is a shame. Even if you account for other region and version stacks, you’re still looking at only about 1,000 players total.
I adored the narrative of Crymachina. It posed philosophical questions we’d likely all considered before, but from a different lens. The game strikes an excellent balance between despair and hope that ultimately reaches a satisfying conclusion. The characters are all entertaining in their own ways and have relationships that are easy to become invested in.
Although its gameplay mechanics aren’t fully fleshed out, they didn’t diminish my overall feelings toward the game. I found the combat leaned into button-mashing territory. That didn’t make it easy, though. I was often surprised at how quickly my health depleted during certain boss fights; one moment, everything was great and I had a full health bar, the next, I was on the ground with nothing to my name. Put another way, I needed to learn troublesome bosses’ attack patterns in order to be successful.
I’d love to experience Crymachina and its achievements all over again. It’s the type of game that you go in a second time with a brand-new perspective, and I’d like to see what new details I notice.
8. Persona 4 Golden
The countryside town of Inaba is the set for a series of gruesome murders. You arrive on the scene as a high school transfer student who awakens to a mystifying power, the likes of which are key to solving the mystery. Work together with your newfound friends to uncover the culprit (but don’t forget to enjoy your school life!).
If you’ve explored the Plat Rat Trophy Hunters website, you might have come across a few resources we’ve compiled for the Persona games. I created calendars with daily agendas for more visual-oriented trophy hunters to reference for Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. That includes guides for Persona 3 Portable, Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5, and Persona 5 Royal!
Creating these resources was incredibly time-consuming, but when I came up with the idea, I had to see it through to the end. I jumped at the chance specifically for the reason that it gave me an excuse to return to these games and their memorable platinum trophies yet again. And, if many sleepless nights encourage even one other person to give the series a try, it would be an incredible success in my book.
I’d like to specifically highlight my favorite game from the series: Persona 4 Golden. Most of the time, players tend to hold their first experience with a long-running series in higher regard than the rest. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often cited as the best game in its respective series—frequently by players who began Link’s story with that entry. However, for Persona, that didn’t hold true for me. My first Persona experience was with Persona 5. It sparked my interest in the series, but it wasn’t until I played Persona 4 Golden that the formula really grabbed me.
Persona 4 Golden’s cast fit the scenario naturally and made for the most believable set of friends. I also found several emotional events in the game genuinely distressing. Although some of its humor didn’t age well, overall, it was an incredible experience. Even its most annoying trophy, “Hardcore Risette Fan,” was an effortless jaunt in my playthrough. While some players have reported needing to use spreadsheets and other tools to keep track of their progress toward this trophy, I thankfully earned it without going out of my way to do so.
To be honest, I’d welcome another shot at that trophy if only to see whether my luck would hold. I’d definitely go for the platinum trophy in Persona 4 again should it receive the remake treatment in the future.
7. Omori
In Omori, you explore HEADSPACE, a colorful world filled with friends and enemies alike. You journey across many different regions, solving whimsical problems for locals in nothing short of fairy-tale glamour. Underneath the surface, however, lies a dark secret.
This indie turn-based RPG simply oozes charm. The battle system is unique in that it involves type-matching, but with a twist: emotions! In Omori, sadness overpowers happiness, happiness overpowers anger, and anger overpowers sadness. In addition, you can stack emotions to increase their effect; for example, a character can be angered multiple times to the point that they become “Furious.” It’s an engaging battle mechanic that both innovates and harkens back to what we’re familiar with.
The game also excels in its narrative. I enjoyed every story beat in Omori, especially the tonal shift between the two different routes. The internal struggle between reality and fantasy is one that many people will find familiar in some way or another. The visuals and music also add additional layers of depth, often amplifying the emotion of a given scene.
I would go for Omori’s trophies again if I could. It’s a whimsical experience that gives you space to unplug from real-life problems. To be frank, I originally purchased the title on PC, so I technically already completed it twice by earning Steam Achievements followed by its trophies on PlayStation. Even so, I’d love to go for a third round!
6. Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness
The city of Orth surrounds a monumental pit, known for its rich treasures and gnarly beasts. The town thrived due to the rise of Cave Raiders, brave adventurers who delved into the Abyss to bring back fortunes. They risk life and limb to ensure their countries and families thrive. Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness includes an abbreviated version of the anime’s story and an all-original story following a young Cave Raider that you create.
If you’re familiar with this title, you might be surprised at its inclusion on this list. Picture this: You are a massive Spike Chunsoft fan. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Zero Escape, Danganronpa, and AI: The Somnium Files are all series you’ve thoroughly enjoyed. That’s somewhere between 10-20 games that this developer is responsible for. So, when they announce they’re going to make a video game for a show you’ve enjoyed, what else do you do but go all in?
Well, that was me in 2022. In hindsight, I should have been a bit more cautious given this title’s gameplay was a lot more involved than the previous ones I’d enjoyed. Earning the platinum trophy was painful, between bugs, glitches, and questionable design decisions.
For example, squirrel enemies were coded to begin appearing in increasing numbers within any zone within minutes of entering. This made it frustrating to explore the world in any meaningful capacity. Another example happens in the Great Fault layer. There are large amounts of cave systems steeped in darkness that are labyrinthian in nature. If you’re not prepared, you can go from being fully stacked with resources to wiping out just in this one area, wandering hopelessly in circles.
If all I’m doing is complaining, why would I want to earn this game’s trophies again? Well, there’s a good reason; Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness belongs on a list of memorable platinum trophies because it’s incredibly funny to play. If you go in with a positive mindset and roll with the punches, the various problems with the game become less like grievances and more like hilarious ribs at your expense. I have countless screenshots and clips of my playthrough where silly things occurred.
I’ll share one of my favorites to give you an idea of what to expect. At one point, there was a boss encounter with a hippo enemy in which the game provided you with several NPC companion Cave Raiders that were, presumably, more experienced than the protagonist. They were supposed to help you in what was intended to be a tough fight. Well, my AI partners rushed in at once, only to be caught in an attack where the hippo enemy rolled over on them and immediately defeated them. I watched helplessly as they were dispatched in less than three seconds… A striking result after the dialogue had hyped these characters up.
While I wouldn’t necessarily wish this misfortune on anyone else, I think I’d enjoy playing Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness a second time. I sometimes remember a funny scene and have a chuckle, even several years later.
5. Resident Evil 5
Everyone’s favorite villain Albert Wesker is at it again. But this time, he’s wreaking havoc in Africa. Play as Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as BSAA agents tracking down the source of the Uroboros incidents. And, while you’re handling this international crisis, keep an eye out for Chris’ missing partner, Jill Valentine.
Resident Evil is a series I am still currently making my way through as a trophy hunter. So far, I’ve earned the platinum trophies for Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil 5, (Almost) Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil Revelations 2. Picking a specific title for this list was difficult since I’ve enjoyed all of them for differing reasons. However, the ones with the most replayability for me would be the ones that include co-op multiplayer. So, it would have to be either Resident Evil 5, 6, or Revelations 2.
I settled on Resident Evil 5 because it holds a special place in my heart from my Xbox 360 days. Although Resident Evil 6 ticks a lot of the same boxes, I only recently played it for the first time. The silly action-packed moments in Resident Evil 5 like punching boulders or dodging leaping crocodiles really elevate the experience with friends. I’ll never forget the jump scare moments with the insect-like Reapers that had us all on edge. I also really enjoyed the left-handed representation from Sheva as a southpaw myself.
The DLC achievements were also not too difficult. While the Versus multiplayer stack was tedious, I found the optimization strategies trophy hunters employ to earn the achievements to be a bit funny to participate in. Rush into explosive barrels or brute hammer swings? Count me in!
With all that said, I would never say no to returning to one of these Resident Evil games. They’re always a grand time.
4. Tales of Vesperia
In a fantasy world where magic and technology are intricately connected in the form of Blastia, a power struggle takes place. Classism runs rampant in the Empire, where the elites thrive and the poor barely make ends meet. These injustices come to a head when the Lower Quarter’s Aqua Blastia is stolen, leading to the entire district being flooded. Former knight Yuri Lowell sets off on an adventure to reclaim the stolen Blastia, but ends up getting wrapped up in a much bigger scheme in the process. As it turns out, having an idealistic princess along for the ride turns out to be the least of his worries.
I’ve never been shy about my enjoyment of the Tales series and its memorable platinum trophies. At this time, I’ve completed every single game’s achievements besides Tales of Hearts R (in progress) and Tales of Innocence R (not localized). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single entry in the series and could have included any other title on this list with enthusiasm. In direct contrast to my point in the Persona section, however, I will instead highlight the game that introduced me to this iconic JRPG franchise.
Tales of Vesperia was the first game in the series that I had the pleasure of playing. I still remember scrimping every dollar I could for a few weeks to afford it. My parents were annoyed that we had to purchase it online rather than in a brick-and-mortar store since it was fairly niche. Despite the inconvenience, as it turned out, it ended up being one of the best purchases young Plat Rat could have made.
The game does an excellent job of introducing you to its unique world without making you feel like an amnesiac or outsider. The premise is simple but evolves meaningfully with each story development and character introduced. The plot twists surprised me, and even on repeat playthroughs I often find new thought-provoking details to dissect. Although its combat lacks the flair of newer entries in the series, there is still fun to be had. Not to mention all the quirky aspects, like the Poker or dog-sledding minigames.
Tales of Vesperia is a game I’d be down to play anytime. Although its trophies are rather cumbersome for completionists, they’re worth it to me.
3. Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake is still trapped in the Dark Place. Saga Anderson, an FBI agent, is dispatched to Bright Falls to investigate a series of murders that seem to be connected to the missing writer. Across two different worlds, these characters must find a way to change the outcome of the story to protect their loved ones.
Alan Wake 2 is the most recent title to be released on this list. However, it’s not one to be trifled with. It is an incredibly immersive and experimental title that deserves a space next to the big horror genre juggernauts. The balance between its unnerving and humorous tone, iconic musical numbers, and incredible sound design all lend to a fantastic gaming experience. This title truly shines with a surround sound set-up. The gun gameplay is also very satisfying, a clear improvement over the first entry in the series.
As far as its trophies go, I didn’t struggle with any in particular. The collectible trophies were a slight pain, but they gave me an excuse to have another pass through the game’s world. I also greatly enjoyed the DLC episodes, although sadly obtaining all their achievements can be accomplished in just a night or two. It certainly left me wanting for more!
2. Borderlands 2
A new Borderlands game, a new set of Vault Hunters. Set 5 years after the events of the first game, Borderlands 2 begins with the iconic transit scene where you can select your character. Their employer, Handsome Jack, has rigged the train and intends to leave them for dead in the wastelands. Obviously, your Vault Hunter doesn’t intend to let that slide. It doesn’t help matters that he plans to use whatever’s inside the Vault for his own ends, either.
Like many Resident Evil games, Borderlands is a series that is best experienced with others. The blend of RPG and looter-shooter gameplay is uniquely addictive, especially when you compare gear drops and character builds among friends. I personally ran the Mechromancer class in my playthrough, while my co-op partner preferred the Siren. Their more supportive playstyle went well with my aggressive build and we made a great team.
Although I’d be happy to play any mainline Borderlands game again, this one takes the cake for me. Its story is very engaging, the gameplay classes are varied and fun, and its extensive DLC stacks are all enjoyable. The first Borderlands game unfortunately fails in the “good DLC” category, given its tedious Underdome and Claptrap Revolution trophies.
Regardless, I’d love to experience Borderlands 2 again. Although the trophies do require you to use the various class abilities a certain number of times, it’s not a substitute for a full playthrough. I’d enjoy going through the entire game with a different class.
1. Final Fantasy XV
Prince Noctis and his friends are on their way to a nearby country for his wedding. Along the way, they learn that their home has been attacked and the King is dead. They must now travel across the world to collect the Royal Arms in order for Noctis to drive out the usurpers and reclaim his rightful spot on the throne. However, grand plans often have a way of going awry…
Final Fantasy XV is a divisive entry for many longtime Final Fantasy fans. I can see why it wasn’t received spectacularly well upon its initial release, given that so much important story content was released later on in DLC packs. I didn’t start playing until the Royal Edition had already been released with all the content included, so I thankfully got the best experience right out of the gate. Waiting paid off, since it became a sleeper hit in my house.
I strongly resonated with Noctis’ struggles throughout the story. I also felt that several plot events were bold choices for the writing team that ultimately paid off. The way that each DLC pack focused on a different companion added an extra layer of depth to what otherwise were fairly straightforward archetypes. I greatly enjoyed the main cast’s relationships, and only wish we saw more of Noctis and his bride Lunafreya’s relationship.
I will say that the combat took some getting used to since it was quite different from other entries in the series. I often found magic to be more tedious to prepare than it was worth, however, I did discover some benefits near the end of my playthrough that I’d love to explore more in a future run. The trophies were all reasonable and didn’t require much heartache, so I wouldn’t be too worried about going through them again. Well, besides the Comrades DLC stack that requires rolling back the version of your game to access. More on that here, if you’re interested.
Conclusion
These titles are all highlights on my trophy list, but they are far from the only ones. I’d love to earn any one of these memorable platinum trophies all over again given the chance. What games would you like to complete a second time?
If you enjoyed this article, read our article about video game series that all trophy hunters should respect next. You might just find a new favorite!
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