P.N.03 is worth a half an hour to see if you like it. It was directed by Shinji Mikami and while I don't think everything works in it, there's a lot of interesting ideas in there.

Auto Modellista is also great, it's a cel shaded racing game that looks amazing on a modern display.

Amazing Island is worth a look! It has an absolutely wild take on character-creation that's really creative.

Also One Piece: Grand Adventure is a fun Power Stone-like.

I played Vexx as a kid and absolutely loved it. No one has ever heard of that game these days and I doubt it stands up, but edgy spyro the dragon just worked for me back in 2003

1080 Avalanche is a good one to check out. I have way more nostalgia from playing the N64 one but the Gamecube one is cool since it has more of a focus on racing vs pulling off tricks.

MegaMan X Command Mission is a turn based rpg, I won't make any claims for it's quality but it was a solid rental. There's a party member named Spider who throws playing cards like Gambit! Pretty sure even the MegaMan fans forgot about this one

2 kinda hard to find game recs:
Go Go Hypergrind - weird energy, but kinda fun. You’re a stuntman on a skateboard crashing for points. It doesn’t control well and you’ll probably hate it but I’m curious of your thoughts.

Doshin The Giant - this one I think both you and Stephen should play. Leans Katamari. You might have a spiritual response to it, or you might hate it. The music is great though.

I remember Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc being a blast! Nothing particularly innovative but worth checking out perhaps.

I remember Spyro Enter the Dragonfly was solid - could be worth checking out as well

are u gonna get the donkey konga bongos