Games (especially modern ones) are a difficult topic, in my eyes. And they have so much more potential than just "teaching us perseverance". But also don't forget when saying "games are just games", that games have never been "just games". They always were used to influence players in some way, be it by making them happy or have fun, by providing an opportunity for social contact, or simply by allowing us to focus on one single thing in a world as difficult and busy as ours.

Seiken Densetsu 2 (Secret of Mana)

I know many people will disagree, but, honestly, I really enjoyed the story of SC and SCII. Especially how they implemented the character development in SCII.

I have to admit I haven't really played any of their current games, but I loved their earlier ones (e.g. the Heroes of... and Secret of ... series)!

Path of Exile

(and some SCII and from time to time GTA V)