Eastward - Nintendo Switch, Skybound Games, (Physical), 3392

One of the best indie experiences I've had. It's such a graphically beautiful game with a world and story that, although not perfect, is an emotional experience of its own. Its world is full of charm and small interactions, gameplay is very Zelda-esque, and contains a whole game within a game. Chapter 2 can be a bit of an emotional and slightly controversial one, but the intent was likely about emphasizing what is at stake in the world. The narrative pacing also takes a sort of breather right after New Dam City, but if you're able to relish the experience rather than expect a certain narrative structure, you'll be in the right mental framework. Narratives don't always have to have a neat little bow around them.