Hmm… I think it's definitely a spectrum. Even arcade games have stories. It's not what drives them, but they still do.

When you start considering something like Bandersnatch, the spectrum gets even wider.

I try them often, but haven't had much luck finding a favorite other than Crimzon Clover. Nex Machina and Furi got close, but not quite.

Some experiences were nice, but not replayable, which ruled them out as a favorite for me, like Hyper Light Drifter.

Some I had some fun with, but took issue with some of the design choices, like Dead Cells and Hollow Knight.

Some I outright did not enjoy at all like Hades or Stardew Valley.

Most recent indie game that got close for me was Kill Knight.

What are some of your favorite indies?

Oh, absolutely. It probably has a lot to do with falling out of favor with current design and monetization trends, I agree.

Some of the games I've been playing for years: Guilty Gear, Under Night In-Birth, Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101, Crimzon Clover, Smash TV, and Catherine.

Which games do you keep going back to?

I love that you're having a different experience! This is exactly why I posted about this: I have found that my taste in almost everything else has become broader as I aged, so I was wondering what's the deal with my uncharacteristically narrow taste in video games.

Sadly, I tried most of the games on your list, and found out they're not for me. I'll try the rest though! Thank you for taking the time to list them.

Ah, man, I feel the same. I like some indie titles, but haven't run into anything I could add to my favorites except Crimzon Clover World EXplosion. Nex Machina and Furi got really close too.

What are some of your favorites?