Cyberpunk has gotten so good I can’t put it down. This might be the only game I rarely even think about modding.
I think next year I’ll finally get to this. Was hearing so much about the issues I decided to be in the wait and see until people started really recommending it.
City Skylines 2
Talos Principle 1 + Gehenna (Had it for years in my library collecting dust), finished it to 100% and am currently playing Talos Principle 2. These games are absolute gems and not even expensive for what you get, too. The people at Croteam are genuine masters of their craft.
Quake I, now remastered. I reinstall it frequently and it was one of the first games I tried on Linux, and it works flawlessly even though it came from a Microsoft-owned Bethesda-published Id. There’s something hypnotyzing in how responsive it feels so I don’t get bored nor with originar, nor with pretty new levels. Even boomer shooters don’t scratch it just like this game does.
Finally beat BOTW, so I’ll say that
Sekiro. It ruined other souls like for me. Even DS. Combat felt like dancing, QoL are very good, even better than Lies of P that people kept praising about QoL.
I finally picked up Exanima after years of being put off by the early access, but damn what a unique and engaging experience. Reminds me of the first time I played Oblivion or Demon’s/Dark Souls.
It’s a game where your own experience as a player is your greatest asset. I highly recommend it for anyone into slow dungeon crawling and looking for a challenge unlike anything else.
The Forest and Sons of the forest. Haven’t been happier playing this - unique as hell and gave me similar vibes as Subnautica. :)
BG3 for me. It’s been a while since a game has captured me so much.
Metro Exodus (PC Enhanced Edition).
Pretty easily Hunt Showdown with honorable mention to Remnant II, Northgard, and Age of Wonders 4
From this year: BG3
From before this year: Dwarf Fortress
Roadwarden
A Plague Tale: Requiem.
Resident Evil 4 Remake