The story. The characters. The art design. The music. The themes. The voice acting. The speech-based RPG mechanics. The best sidekick in the history of sidekicks. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is not just a game. It's a meaningful life experience. Prepare to pick apart your own philosophy and reconsider your understanding of others. I don't know if I'll ever play a better game.

Loss is a universal experience and an adversary that we all wrestle. Spiritfarer: Farewell edition takes a contemplative approach to breaking and then mending your heart. I'm not ashamed that I cried.

Whether due to earnest but inelegant efforts or cash-grabbing cynicism, imbuing a game with social commentary can often be a heavy-handed affair. That isn't to say that Road 96 isn't a little on-the-nose in it's most soul-bearing moments. The pacing of the pseudo-roguelike approach to narrative is stellar, and the limited time and resources add a delectable hint of urgency.