It is really hard to pick just 10 things, but I finally managed to do it!

1) Secret of Mana. This is the game that I grew up with, and the first game I ever completed 24 years ago. It is to date still my favorite game I've ever played (Currently have 4 copies of this game on different systems) I know it has it's flaws and definitely shows it's cuts and age but I have such fond memories of it. I enjoy the other mana games as well but it's hard to beat the game you grow up with.

2) Gotta echo void and give Bleach a mention. I was simultaneously recommended it by members of this very forum as well as high school friends and I was hooked. I was even part of the fandom during college and would obsess over things like the musicals and character cd's. (They WORK) I did lament how the series decayed towards the end, you can't top Aizen after all, but I will still watch how they adapt the thousand year blood war.

3) The Wheel of Time Series. Oh boy do you want to get into a series with over 1000 characters who all matter? It is a huge investment to read all the books but again being able to read them as they were written was part of the magic. I actually started to reread them and seeing how much the characters grow throughout the series is so much fun. also gotta respect the fact that there is an entire book without the main character in it and still having it work.

4) Avatar the last Airbender. Something about stuff that came out when I was in high school just sticks with me, especially with spiritual growth. Seeing it explode in popularity now that it's on Netflix is simply heartwarming

5) Kingdom Hearts. I couldn't have a media list without this. Being able to play each game as they came out is part of the magic. Even if the story is a hot mess half of the time. Plus you get to smack around enemies with a key.

6) Final Fantasy VII and X. While I played FFI, IV and VI when I was younger, these two were the first I completed, it was later on that I beat the older games. These are the games which brought me here after all.

7) Super Mario World. But not for the reason most people think. I'm specifically thinking about MariI/O, the AI that learned to play the game. It was one of those profound moments that got me started on the path to learning Computer science and leaving my pure math bubble. Now I'm getting ready to start a second masters focusing on AI and I'm making connections in order to research in the field while I get my degree.

8) Persona 3, 4, and 5. These games have actually helped shape how I interact with my own students. They really force you to look at things from others perspectives and I always keep that in mind when a student comes to me for help or even in my regular lectures. Calculus is pretty dry for most so anything that helps them grasp it is a big win. Also I was going through some heavy things and being able to immerse myself in Persona 3 and 4 really helped my mental state.

9) Mahou Sensei Negima! I got to read this as it was coming out with friends and I have lots of memories talking about it as the story progressed. I got so attached to the characters and it's just a really good series.

10) The Legend of Zelda. I have again simply so many fond memories of these games. I love going back and just having a good time with them.