Still playing Dysmantle, which I originally started intending it to be my background game that I’d turn on when I had only a short window to play or got bored or frustrated with my “main” game.
~40 hours later I think I’m nearing the end and dreading it because I don’t want to not have Dysmantle in my life. Ever since a played Subnautica a few years back, I’ve been looking for another game that scratches the same survival/crafting itch but with the critical components of an overall objective and calculated progression. Dysmantle is different in almost every way but it does hit those check boxes perfectly.
The gameplay loop is repetitive, but amusing enough on its own to be fun until your next upgrade, which are granted to you at just the right pace and open up new abilities to better dismantle your surroundings.
I think it’s flaws will probably hit harder for some people, but for me it strikes exactly the right chord. Luckily I still have the DLCs, and they have a spiritual sequel coming out next year that looks even more promising.