Can you give me recommendations as a newcomer

For some information I have known about the series for quite some time but due to the stigma against it I felt like I wouldn’t enjoy it so never really got into it. I decided to play origins and I really enjoyed the vibe of it. I want to play some others but it feels like there are so many different variations between the series (XL, empires, normal ones, samurai warriors…) that I don’t know what to play. I would enjoy playing as a created character if I had a choice but it’s not necessary. I’m also into emulation so if there are some gems hidden behind ps2’s or whatever that’s fine too. So can you help be decide on what to play next?