Set in a technologically advanced near future, Norco is a hauntingly beautiful pixel art depiction of Norco, Louisiana; a town run through by the oil industry, robotics, and mother nature. And while I did like a lot of the humor and general craziness of the game, it's ultimately the somber moments that really stand out, offering some of the best bits of writing in any game this year.

I do think the game probably could have used some reworking to better drive home its themes and ideas, but I also kinda don't care. Because those few sobering moments of inevitability will always stand out to me. And whenever I think about Norco, I will see those oil refineries burning a hole through the night sky. I will hear those synths and horns crying out for a better day that won't come. And I will immediately be brought back. And to me, that's more important than worrying about all the details.