Factorio and Dyson Sphere Program. At least don't watch people like Nilaus and Dosh Doshington play the game until you've tried to make your own solutions first.

Cultist Simulator is most fun when you really know nothing about the game and you stumble into things.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.

Do not go in knowing anything.

The most I will tell you is that it's an adventure game with some minor tower defense elements. And that it is the best game I've ever played, and no game has ever topped it since.

Rez and Fez. Similar names, very different games.

Some slightly more obscure ones:

• Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
• Planescape: Torment

Also surprised Metal Gear Solid hasn't been mentioned yet.

The real answer will always be Outer Wilds.

But also...

Fez. It definitely inspired Animal Well and Tunic.

Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery. This game is fairly old now (like maybe 15 years) and I’ve only played it once and it took like 4 hours of total playtime, but it remains among the most memorable games I’ve witnessed. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Bokura. This is a bit hard though since the Steam store page kind of spoils it but just get it and think of it as a cool short co-op puzzle platformer.

Pin the tail on the donkey.

Pony island, 0,75 cent on sale right now on steam.

Factorio

Dark souls

The Xenoblade games. Probably Xenogears and Xenosaga, too, but I haven't played those yet.

Another opportunity to shout out my 2024 GOTY, Dread Delusion! I have so much love to gush for it. I wouldn’t say it “blows the mind” per se, but it knows what it is and executes it soundly. Give it a shot if you enjoy the sonder-type experience from a well-crafted storyline

Arco.

A recent and lesser known game - unique turn-based tactical combat, and a heart-wrenching story.