I'm curious what you guys have to say about this. Are there any games you consider perfect? Can a game even be perfect?
My example of a perfect game is always Portal 1. Portal 2 has more going on, but in 1 there just isn't anything to shave off. From start to end, there is nothing I'd change about the game. It's short, infinitely replayable, great pacing. I like Portal 2 a lot in concept, in concept it should be a perfect sequel, but it just doesn't keep the extreme tightness of the original game.
Outer wilds.
It's the perfect length (8-14 hours), it's not too difficult nor too easy, provides satisfying movement systems that are responsive and just make sense logically/mentally.
The story isn't spoon fed to you but isn't so cryptic that you're lost and its puzzles are incredibly satisfying to solve while depending entirely on your knowledge so they feel fair.
The vibes that the soundtrack, soundspace, and aesthetics all come together to engross you in are just impeccable.
It also just sticks with you for so long, a good game makes you think about it while not playing. OW has you thinking about it for years after being done with it.
I couldn't get into it. Partially my fault, I avoided researching it because I abhor spoilers, but I didn't realize it had a roguelike kind of vibe. I managed to land on a planet, it collapsed, I fell into a black hole and got teleported somewhere, immediately died and started at the beginning of the story erasing my progress. Haven't picked it up since.
I'm sure it's part of an overarching mechanic and story, but it caught me off guard since I typically avoid "run" based games with a couple exceptions. I also felt like I learned nothing about how to not fail like that again from the experience. Maybe just not for me
To be completely honest it's less roguelike and more Majora's Mask. (MM/Zelda is one of their biggest inspirations)
I get it though, it took a few starts and a long break to really have it click for me. When it did click though, it stuck hard.