While I understand that, I’m kinda sick of game companies trying to sell cheat codes in an already full priced game. It incentives creating a frustrating gameplay loop which can be bypassed for money.

If the game was a live service game, where there is expected updates (and thus development cost/server cost) then it could maybe be okay, but it is walking the line between full priced game and free to play game and I’m still figuring out if I’m okay with that or not.

I think klei may be my favourite studio. They create amazing games that are all truly unique but backed by strong game design concepts.

Mark of the ninja - great 2d stealth game were most games in the genre are 3d.

Invisible Inc - great turn-based Rougelike stealth game.

Don’t starve - probably one of the best survival games out there that relies on clever resource management rather than combat

Oxygen not included - a base building survival game, that is well designed to ramp up difficulty with the long term needs of your base

Griftlands - deck building game with a charming plot and interesting mechanics.

Each game they output is truly unique and interesting experience with some really clever design choices, but I think the point they became my favourite studio is when I read their article on Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic rewards to appreciate how well thought out their games were.

I’d recommend “in stars and time”. It is a turn-based RPG with loveable characters. I think it is best played blind so I’m hesitant to tell you more, but if you like games like undertale then I think you would like it.