Hardcore Gamer

Ahmad Rafiq-Contributor

Ahmad Rafiq

October, 2024
4 years of freelance writing experience with a Bachelors in English and an MBBS degree
Racing, Indie Game, Action RPG
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About Ahmad Rafiq

Ahmad is a video game fanatic. He always carries his PSVita with him wherever he goes so he can play Metal Gear Solid on the go, and his socials are filled with gaming news. He also lifts weights regularly, plays different sports, and loves to read classic literature.

Proudest Gaming Achievement

I don't call myself a hardcore gamer (which is ironic since I'm writing for Hardcore Gamer). By saying that, I mean that I mostly play relaxing and casual titles, preferably indie ones, and I'm not a huge fan of games that are too difficult and require mastery of certain game mechanics. So when a friend challenged me to play Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and complete it, I took it upon my ego to complete that challenge. And boy, did I love that game and the fact that it was so challenging. I loved it so much that I played it three times, and on the third time, I ended it by doing a full playthrough without using any prosthetics, only one use of the healing gourd, and by keeping one or two "battle memories of an extraordinary foe" in stock, which meant that I would be weaker than what the game would expect me to be. Coming from a casual gamer to ending Sekiro like this has to be my proudest achievement.

Favorite Games

Metal Gear Solid has to be my favorite gaming franchise. The Series is truly on of a kind, and I'm afraid no words can do it justice in describing it well. I started this series from the beginning, Metal Gear 1 (on MSX) to fully experience it in all its glory. If there was a Box Office for video games, this series would sit right at the top. While no game in this series is short of being a masterpiece, MGS 1 holds a special place in my heart. The characters, the chaos, the betrayals, and even the heart-touching moments are phenomenally executed; that game was way ahead of its time and had no reason to be able to run on a PS1 as well as it did.

Favorite Console

The PS Vita is my favorite console without any competition. Even in 2024, the machine is extremely powerful and can render graphics beautifully (Killzone: Mercenery). But even more than that, I love it for it innovative features like a rear touch pad, its portability, and the fact that it can play all of the PS1 and PSP titles. I wish Sony hadn't abandoned it like they did, and I hope that I can live to see a successor to the Vita.

Latest

Red Hood (Jason Todd) and Harley Quinn from Batman Games
7 Best Playable Characters in Batman Games that Aren’t Batman

These standout Batman game characters prove you don’t need the Dark Knight to steal the show, with unique abilities and stories of their own.

A combined image of gameplay from Costume Quest and Ys The Oath in Felghana
8 Best RPGs to Play if You're Short on Time
RPG

These short yet memorable RPGs deliver rich stories and engaging gameplay without demanding dozens of hours to complete.

Batman Arkham Asylum and Batman Arkham Origins
8 Batman Games with the Best Storyline

These Batman games deliver gripping stories that dive deep into the Dark Knight’s world, blending emotion, mystery and iconic Gotham villains.

A combined image of gameplay from Sword of Mana and Lunar Legend
8 Best RPGs on the Game Boy Advance

These unforgettable RPGs turned the Game Boy Advance into a powerhouse of storytelling, strategy and portable fantasy adventure.

A combined image of cars crashing gameplay from Destruction Derby 2 and Carmageddon Max Damage
8 Best Driving Games with Destruction Mechanics

Speed is fun, but smashing rivals into scrap metal is better. These games prove that chaos, not control, makes driving unforgettable.

A combined image of gameplay from Anachronox and Barotrauma
8 Best Steam Exclusives To Play on the Steam Deck

These Steam exclusives feel right at home on the Steam Deck, turning cult classics and clever experiments into perfect handheld adventures.

A combined image of Fantastic Four on the covers of Marvel Future Fight and Marvel Contest of Champions
7 Best Superhero Games Featuring the Fantastic 4

From mobile brawlers to classic co-op action games, these titles gave Marvel’s First Family the spotlight they’ve long deserved in gaming.

A combined image of gameplay from Guitar Hero 2 and Wii Sports
10 Best Games that Were the Face of the 2000s

These games from 2000s went on to became cultural landmarks, defining entire genres and inspiring generations of players.

A combined image of Superman from Injustice 2 and Lego DC Super-Villains
7 Best Superman Games of All Time

From beat ‘em ups to RPGs, these Superman games prove that even the Man of Steel can shine when developers get his powers and heart just right.

A combined image of gameplay from Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Luigi's Mansion 3
10 Best Mario Games that Aren’t Platformers

Mario may be known for platformers, but his best non-platforming games show just how versatile the Mushroom Kingdom’s mascot can really be.

A combined image of gameplay of shooting guns from Metro Exodus and Insurgency Sandstorm
8 FPS Games with the Best Gunplay
FPS

From tactical realism to high-speed chaos, these FPS games deliver the most satisfying and finely tuned gunplay the genre has to offer.

Flower and Eastshade
10 Best Games to Play When You’re Feeling Sad

Feeling low? These uplifting games offer peace, comfort or quiet reflection, perfect for helping players heal when life gets a little too heavy.

A combined image of gameplay from The Isle and Stone Rage
10 Best Games Set in Prehistoric Times

From club-swinging cavemen to evolution simulators, these games dive deep into prehistory and turn the stone age into a brutal, fascinating playground

A combined image of gameplay from The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and Pokemon HeartGold
9 Most Addictive Nintendo Games

These Nintendo games weren’t just fun, they were impossible to put down. From Tetris to Tears of the Kingdom, they kept players coming back for more.

A combined image of gameplay from Celeste and Cuphead
8 Hardest Platformer Games of All Time

These platformers don’t just test reflexes, they punish hesitation. Precision, patience and pain define these hardest platform games ever released.

A combined image of gameplay from Minoria and Vigil The Longest Night
8 Best 2D Soulslike Games

These 2D Soulslikes trade photorealism for style, but bring the same punishing difficulty, bleak worlds and hard-earned victories as the originals.

Batman Arkham Origins and Batman The Enemy Within
10 Best Batman Games of All Time

From grim detective tales to open-world masterpieces, these are the best Batman games that truly let players become the Dark Knight.

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A combined image of gameplay from Bloodborne and Sekiro Shadows Die Twice
8 Best Games that Never Got a Sequel

One-hit wonders in gaming that deserved more. These legendary titles never got a sequel, but their impact still echoes through the industry.

God of War Ghost of Sparta and Midnight Club LA Remix
10 Most Ambitious PSP Games
PSP

These PSP titles proved that handheld gaming could be every bit as ambitious as the big screen.

A combined image of gameplay from Evolution Worlds and Baten Kaitos Origins
8 Best RPGs on the Nintendo GameCube
RPG

The GameCube didn’t have many RPGs, but the ones it had were unforgettable in style, substance and ambition.

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