Ahmad Rafiq-Contributing Editor

Ahmad Rafiq

October, 2024
5 years of freelance writing experience with a Bachelors in English and a degree in Medicine
Racing, Indie Game, Action RPG
  • 281
    articles
  • 281
    Lists

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.

Industry Focus

I cover video games of all kinds, all genres and on every hardware, even mobile. No discrimination. But my personal favorites are the titles from the 6th and 7th generation of consoles. I'm a sucker for nostalgia and I'll pick a 20 year old banger over a modern, open-world slop every hour of every day.

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

A combined image of gameplay from Mark of the Ninja and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
8 Best Games Where Stealth Is Better Than Combat

These stealth-focused games prove slipping past enemies is smarter, cooler and far more rewarding than open combat.

A combined image of gameplay from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver and V Rising
8 Best Games Where You are a Vampire

From gothic castles to cursed cities, these vampire games let players embrace immortality, bloodlust and dark storytelling.

A combined image of gameplay from Dungeons of Dredmor and Elona+
10 Best Roguelikes that are Difficult to Master

These roguelikes with a steep learning curve punish mistakes but reward persistence with mastery and unforgettable runs.

A combined image of Zues from God of War and Albert Wesker from Resident Evil
9 Most Powerful Video Game Villains

From world-eating beasts to gods of chaos, these are the most powerful villains who reshaped gaming’s greatest stories forever.

A combined image of gameplay from Deadpool and The Incredible Hulk
8 Best Superhero Games on the PS3

The PS3 was home to some of the best superhero games ever, from Arkham City’s grit to LEGO Marvel’s playful charm.

A combined image of two shots from Hollow Knight
8 Things to Try in a Second Playthrough of Hollow Knight

Discover these exciting ways to replay Hollow Knight, from Steel Soul runs to hidden endings, for a fresh challenge in Hallownest.

Hidden Dreams and Lifeblood
Every Hollow Knight Expansion, Ranked

From subtle tweaks to full questlines, here’s every Hollow Knight expansion ranked by how much they changed Hallownest.

A combined image of gameplay from Resident Evil 4 and Shadow of the Colossus
10 Best Games with No Filler Content

These games respect your time, cutting out the fat and delivering only the most essential, impactful moments.

A combined image of gameplay from Company of Heroes and Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War
8 Best Games that Let You Control Massive Armies
RTS

Lead legions, fleets and armies to victory in these strategy epics where commanding massive forces defines the battlefield.

A combined image of gameplay from Manhunt and Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
8 Best Stealth Games that Need a Remake

These classic stealth games deserve a modern remake, bringing back tense sneaking, smarter AI and unforgettable missions.

A combined image of gameplay from Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen and Chivalry 2
8 Best Games Set in Medieval Times

Step into castles, kingdoms and battlefields with these medieval games that bring the Middle Ages to life through epic adventures.

A combined image of gameplay from Madden and Battlefield
7 Video Games Franchises that Need a Break

From Battlefield to Pokemon, these gaming giants are showing signs of fatigue, and a short break might be exactly what they need.

A combined image of gameplay fromKirby and the Forgotten Land and Moving Out
8 Best Co-Op Games to Play with Your Kids

Fun for all ages, these co-op games bring parents and kids together through teamwork, laughter and unforgettable play.

A combined image of gameplay from Secret of Mana and Ultima 7 The Black Gate
8 Retro Games with the Best Storyline

In these classic games, the storytelling shines just as brightly as the gameplay.

A combined image of gameplay from The Walking Dead and Mad Max
9 Best Post-Apocalyptic Games that Aren’t Fallout

Explore these unforgettable post-apocalyptic games beyond Fallout, from emotional journeys to chaotic wastelands and haunting survival tales.

A combined image of gameplay from Ether One and Brothers A Tale of Two Sons
8 Puzzle Games with the Best Storyline

Puzzle games can tell powerful stories. These titles prove that solving puzzles can be as moving as any cutscene.

A combined image of gameplay from Days Gone and Sleeping Dogs
8 Best Games with Motorbikes

From survival rides to neon streets, these games make motorbikes unforgettable.

A combined image of gameplay from Factorio and Civilization 6
10 Best Games to Play Over 100 Hours

These games keep players hooked past 100 hours with endless quests, systems and worlds that reward time and exploration.

A combined image of gameplay from Subnautica and Disco Elysium
10 Best Games You Should Go Into Completely Blind

In these brilliant games, mystery is the magic, and diving in blind makes the journey unforgettable.

A combined image of gameplay from La Mulana and Mega Man
8 Hardest Classic Games of All Time

These classic games pushed players to their limits, from Battletoads’ Turbo Tunnel to Ghosts 'n Goblins’ cruel double playthrough.

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